Diary of James Caldwell (1759-1838) of Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire, England.
The following is a transcription from the diary of James Caldwell. This volume covers the period 1829-1833 (195 pages). For transcriptions of other diaries and notes please click here (Index of notes and diaries of James Caldwell).
Page 1. 1829 August
Friday 14. Engaged all morning searching out & copying Cash Acct. with the Trent & Mersey Canal Company from the year 1826 to July 1829 both inclusive with Statement of any Invoices to & attendances in London during that period. Received Letter from [Miss] [Alex] Reid & Co Anderton relative to their being allowed a Quarterly Account of Tonnages. Received Letter also from Arthur Marsh with intelligence of the unfortunate result of the Proceedings before the Lord Chancellor in the Case with the Assizes under his Fathers Bankruptcy & affecting the Indemnities under Anns Marriage Settlement.
Saturday 15. Wrote to Reid & Co in reply to their Letter. Engaged on papers preparatory to seeing Stamford, who afterwards brought for my perusal the Draft of the Consolidation Bill, in which he had made considerable progress, & with whom considered various Clauses which it might be expedient to introduce. Received Letter from Mr. Williamson of Newcastle requesting my support to an application which he intended to make for the situation of Distribution of Stamps for Newcastle & the neighbourhood, when I informed him by the Post of my having already signed a Memorial, as [Banker] of the Borough, in favour of Miss J. E. Phillips. Stamford dined, but returned home in the evening. Rain all day.
Sunday 16. Service as usual. Received a present of a Brace of Grouse from the Revd. Mr. Carter.
Monday 17. Received Minutes of the Select Committee on the later Survey of the Caldon & Lock Canals, & copied the same afresh for entry in the Book. Wrote to Mr. Balgary of Derby, urging again his sending his Account on Harrisons Affairs, & copied & sent him a Statement of the Rents that have occurred since his last Account delivered in 1825.
Tuesday 18. At home all day. Mrs. [Poynton] with Copy of the will of her Father for my Opinion & advice. Engaged on the Farm & sundry matters. Miss Stamford returned from Nantwich.
Wednesday 19. Samuel Wakefield relative to the . . . of William Aston . . .in the Tunnel, & whose Widow he had married. But who was now dead. Mr. Kinnersley to request that a young man who had been appointed Clerk to the Macclesfield Canal Company might be shown the manner which the Trent & Mersey Canal Books were left, to which I told him that I saw no objection, but referred him to Mr. Vaughan. Began cutting wheat in Barley Swallow Moor. Turned three feeding cows into the piece of Land bought from Miss Hatchells. Received Letter from Mr. Davenport informing me that he had a been
Page 2. 1829 August
Wednesday 19. prevented answering my Letter sooner owing to the illness of Mrs. Davenport at Baginlow] Hall & where it was impossible for him to leave her for several weeks to come.
Thursday 20. In consequence of the Letter received from Mr. Davenport, wrote to Mr. Egerton proposing to see him at Tatton Park any morning that would be the most convenient to himself. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Williamson & conferred with him on the Parish Notes Appeals, & the Consall Forge business. Called upon Mr. Ward when he promised to enquire the lowest price that would be taken for the Stoney fields property, & Alma [house]. Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Wolstanton. On our return met Mrs. [Moreton], Mrs. & Miss [Pearson] who had been calling at Linley Wood, & who now engaged to dine with us on Tuesday next. Busy cutting Wheat.
Friday21. In the night the weather again changed to Rain. Perused & considered Papers relating to River Weaver. Stopped cutting Wheat from the [unfavourableness] of the weather.
Saturday 23. Reorganized & copied upon my Accounts with the Navigation & Co. Received Letter from Mr. Egerton appointing Monday next for my seeing him at Tatton Park, with invitation to dine & stay all night. Engaged again on River Weaver papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Egerton. Rain almost the whole of the day.
Sunday 23. At home . Service. At noon the most violent & heavy shower of Rain I had ever seen since we came to Linley Wood. One Flash of Lightning & one clap of Thunder but not any wind or any . . . the fall of the Rain.
Monday 24. Went to Tatton Park agreeably to Mr. Egerton's appointment, when I arrived a little before 12 & had conference with him relative to a Canal communication between the River Weaver & the T.& M. Canal & then I showed him a Plan which Wm. Faram had some time ago made of a communication at [Water] Bridge. Mr. Egerton said he had taken little part in the affairs of the Weaver, but that he would make inquiry & I should hear from him. I told him, that all that I had been authorized to say was , that of a communication was withheld by the Trustees of the Weaver & the Public the Committee would pay consideral attention to any application
Page 3. 1829 August
to them, on the subject & I thought the Proprietors could not object to making the communication on fair & reasonable terms. Mr. W. Egerton thought obligation sufficient on our part for the present. Mr. Egerton pressed me very much to dine & stay all night, & on calling at the Hollands on my return I found that on the expectation of this he had invited Mr. Holland to meet us. The Three Miss Pilkingtons of Bolton came to dinner from Ashcombe. Stamford also dined & staid all night.
Tuesday 25. Looked upon the part of the Draft of the intended Consolidation Bill which Stamford had brought for my consideration. Afterwards engaged on the Farm. Began again cutting wheat, the day proving dry. Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd on Navigation business, particularly the proposed improvements of the Coventry Canal about which difficulty appeared from some of the Propositions. [Mrs. Martin], Miss Pearson who were to have dined here today, were prevented coming by the death of Mrs. Dibbs. In the evening some [Music].
Wednesday 26. The weather again changed to heavy Rain which was combined with high wind. Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers, Plans etc. The Ladies left us between one & two o'clock on their return to Ashcombe, the Horses taking them to Hanley. Stamford dined & returned home in the evening.
Thursday 27. Very stormy night. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Wm. Faram called & with whom engaged a long time relative to the proposed communication with the River Weaver, making Calculations of imperative Tonnages, Freights & advantages as relative to the Communications [Anderton] etc. etc. Wm. Brittain informed me Mr. Eardley was cutting through the fault which separates Mr. Shaw's Coals from mine, & that the whole of their water was thrown through my Drains upon my Land. He said it might be necessary to sink a Pit to prevent their getting my coals, & on this case he advised me to get Coals for my own family use & which he said might be done at a very trifling expense. In the afternoon heavy Rain.
Friday 28. The morning being fair we resumed cutting the Wheat. Mr. Benjamin Eardley called his purpose from Mr. Shaw that the Question about the Water from the colliery might be left to Reference. I told Mr. Eardley that as a leaving of the matter to Reference might be deemed an admission of some doubt or question on my part, I could not consent to it, there being as I apprehended neither doubt or question about it. That I was very nearly
Page 4. 1829 August
to try the matter fairly at Law, of Mr. Shaw where to desire me to the necessity of bringing an action, or that I was ready to take into consideration any proposition that he might make for an amicable adjustment, but that I could not,& would not greatly submit to the injury doing to my property. Finished Cutting the Wheat.
Saturday 29. Began cutting Oats in the further part of the Land purchased from Mr. Jenks. Called upon Mr. Sneyd of Bradwall. Received by Post Letters from Mr. Vaughan & from Mr. Ward of Newcastle. Stamford called in the evening.
Sunday 30. At home. Service. "The significance of a Word, well known and understood by those who first made use of it is very insensibly varied, by passing through many mouths, and by being taken and given by multitudes in common discourse, till it often comes to stand for a complication of notions, as distant from the original intention of it, may as contradicting to it as darkness is to light". Handley
Monday 31. Sent Letter to Mr. Ward in reply to the one received from him on Saturday last relative to the purchase of Stoney fields property, & which I declined, the lowest price being paid at £5750. In the morning heavy Fog, but which dispersed so much about noon, that we again began cutting oats. Engaged on Navigation papers, & completing Accounts & Statement of Parliamentary & other extra Attendances. Received Letter from Mr. Egerton relative to proposed Communication with the River Weaver. Mr. Wickstead & Miss Eliza Tollet called.
September
Tuesday1. Received Letter from Mr. Pritchard requesting to see me, when I appointed Saturday morning next between 9 & 10. Engaged on sundry matters previous to setting off to Nantwich this morning with Eliza & where we propose staying till Friday next. Busy cutting oats, & sent hands to work, the weather appearing dubious. Arrived in Dysart Buildings to dinner.
Wednesday 2. At Nantwich. Viewed the Aqueduct of the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal, & the Wharf of the . . .& Chester Canal. Dined at Mr. Skerratt's with Mr. Richardson. The Revd. Mr. [Gaston] was prevented coming by being unwell. In the evening
Page 5. 1829 September
Mrs. Clarkson, Mrs. Richardson, & Miss [Mainwaring] came to Tea.
Thursday 3. Walked with Mr. Skerratt & looked at Mr. [Botts] new House at [Straw] Bridge. The situation somewhat being an entire seclusion from every object, but near Plantations. The stones which I understood, to be brought from some quarry near Mucklestone were beautiful & appeared to be hard & good. Mr. Skerratt dined with us in Dysart Buildings.
Friday 4. Called with Mr. Skerratt upon Mr. [Gaston]. Found the Revd. Mr Hawkes & Mr. Thos. Garnett on return to Dysart Buildings. Left Nantwich about one, & arrived at Linley Wood to dinner, having passed our time at Nantwich very pleasantly & agreeably. Mr. & Mrs. & Miss Richardson had called at Linley Wood yesterday. Found Letter from Mr. [Palin] an Attorney at Birmingham with a demand of the Balance stated to remain due to Mr. Wm. Evans from the Navigation Company.
Saturday 5. Mr. Pritchard came agreeably to appointment bringing with him a Plan & Report upon Mr. Williamson's Coals to be left for the production of the Tunnel, & with whom engaged all morning on this business, when he finally recommended that before anything further was done, we should request Mr. Williamson to furnish us with his own Plan of the Coals & specify how & when he proposed to work the Mines. Mr. . . .called to show me a Drawing which he had made of Linley Wood, very well done in Hard Lead pencil. I told him that I should be glad to have a Drawing made, but that the one he had done was not from the proper point of view. Called at Rode Hall with Eliza. Saw Mrs. & Miss Wilbraham, the former of whom promised to dine with us next week, to meet the Kinnersley's.
Sunday 6. At home. Service. Stamford came to dinner & with whom afterwards engaged on Draft of the Consolidation Bill. Mr. Rob. Heath who I thought it necessary to see previous to going to Stone, came in the afternoon & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Mr. Williamson's land at Harecastle Tunnel & Mr. Pritchard's Plan & Report thereon, whom Mr. Heath repeated what he had before advised & the leaving 30 years as necessary for the support of the Tunnel, & the prosperity of the Mines, & which he said he should himself do, if they were both his own. He concurred with Mr. Pritchard & myself that Mr. Williamson should in the first place be requested to furnish a Plan of his Mines, & specify how & when he intended to work them. Sent Noted to Mr. Randle Wilbraham & Mr. Chas. Wilbraham requesting there Company at dinner on the 17.
Page 6. 1829 September
Monday 7. Went to Knypersley Reservoir meeting Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood on survey of the Reservoir. Mr. Sneyd of Ashcombe & Mr. Mayer attended in consequence of an Escape of Water being again observed at the discharging pipes. From Knypersley to Stone where engaged all evening on business, particularly the Draft of the intended Consolidation Acts Bill, which J. S. Clark before us.
Tuesday 8. Engaged closely all morning on Committee. Dined at Stone, & returned home in the evening. Received whilst the Committee was sitting an Account from Mr. H. Williamson of Leakage of the Reservoir though the part at first faulty but which was afterwards repaired by John Trubshaw.
Wednesday 9. Wrote to [Miss] [Alex] Reid & Co. Anderton. Called at Trentham, but Lord & Lady Stafford were in Shropshire. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.
Thursday 10. Perused the Acts of Parliament with the Opinions formerly given by Mr. [Bower] & Mr. Harrison as to the liability to make compensation for Coals under the Canal, & made Minutes for a further Case & Opinion of demand necessary. Still Rain, & at night very heavy.
Friday 11. Between 7 & 8 o'clock this morning Mr. Cooper of the Lawton Arms came to inform me of a melancholy Accident which had happened to the Birmingham & Liverpool Mail by the breaking down of the Bridge near Mr. Poyntons just as the Coach was passing over at 3 o'clock this morning, whereby two out of three, inside Passengers, were drowned, the other having by [extensive] effort saved himself by getting out of the Window, & jumping off the Coach Wheel to the Land. The Coach with one of the Horses & the two passengers were still under Water, no appearance of them being [discovered] I immediately gave him a written [note]to James . . .to go himself, & take all the Canal People that could be of any use, with the [Drags] & other Apparatus for finding & getting of the Coach, & B. . & meet as soon as possible at the place myself to answer & stimulate their utmost exertions & rendering service in my power. I arrived there between 8 & 9 &
Page 7. 1829 September
found Faram & a great number of the Company's People actively engaged. It was not however till between 11 & 12 that the Coach was got up with one of the Passengers, & the Horse. Immediately on my arrival on the spot, I sent for the Constable of the Township John Beresford, & dispatched two Messengers to get surgical assistance, in order that a . . .arrived might be had when the Bodies were found & we also provided from the [Lawton] houses Blankets etc. On one of the Bodies being found, I had it conveyed to the first House, & had got it undressed, where Mr. Holland of Sandbach arrived, & to whose care I committed it, I took an Account of & delivered to the Constable the money & other articles in the pockets, & about the person of the deceased, who from the observation upon a Note, I found to be a Mr. [Bennett], but as there was no place of abode mentioned, I could not tell his residence. The Guard, who had himself had a most providential escape, having been carried by the violence of the current through the Crash of the Bridge, & a considerable way down the Stream but fortunately got hold of some Alder Bushes said the two passengers had taken the Coach from Birmingham & that one was from Liverpool & the other from Manchester but he could not tell which was which. The name of the other Gentleman lost was [Trueman]. After leaving Mr. [Bennetts] body I went again to the Bridge, & not long after returned to the House to see how things were going on, where I met Mr. Holland who said that after having been so many hours under water, all attempts to restore . . .were entirely useless. Life having been long expired but if I wished it he would use all the proper means. I desired him not to lose a moment in doing this, as however fruitless, it might still seem to afford the greatest consolation to the [Friends] of the deceased, by satisfying them that human endeavour & assistance had been afforded. He then assured me that he would continue his efforts, & performed the proper [Observation] & he also gave me his assurance that he would wait till the other Body was found & [resume] the same cause, & that he would report to me. Having
Page 8. 1829 September
given directions to the People to continue their efforts to find the other body, & having been nearly three Hours standing on the wet ground. I thought it prudent to return home & direct the Constable to come to me, in the evening bringing the papers, which we had found in the pocket of the deceased together with any further information that he could obtain relative to him & his unfortunate companion, & that I would then write accordingly to their Friends. A more distressing & miserable morning I scarcely encompassed. Revd. Mr. Mainwaring, Mr. Morris etc. came sometime after upon the Spot. In the evening John Beresford came & informed me that notwithstanding every endeavour had been used the other body was not yet found. He brought the papers which upon more careful examination led me to conclude that Mr. Bennett was from Liverpool. John B. said Mr. Cooper had written both to Birmingham & Liverpool directing enquiry to be made about the unfortunate persons, but I desired him to call upon Mr. Cooper on his return with my recommendation that he would immediately go himself to Liverpool & Manchester to find out who they were & communicate the intelligence . . .& properly to their Friends. I also directed John B. to keep watch himself, or direct some proper person to watch till the Body was found to take care of it in what way found about the person etc. & go as early as he could to [Knutsford] tomorrow morning to give Notice to the Coroner (Mr. Hollins) of what had happened. Received by the Post Letter from [Alex] Reid & Co.
Saturday 12. Went again to the Bridge & on my way met the Father in Law & another relation of Mr. Trueman, whose body had not long before been found after a considerable time below the bridge. I did not speak to the older person, not knowing who he was, but the other following was a short distance with Mr. Cooper, addressed me & expressed in the strongest terms there thankfulness for my attention & the service I had rendered & also for the great exertions made by James Faram & all the Men employed under him. I thought it right to call at the Cottage where the Bodies lay.
Page 9. 1829 September
which I when looked at, found that they were very neatly & properly laid out for the inspection of the Coroner & the Jury. Happened that Mr. Trueman was a Tradesman (a Draper) from Walsall, about 45 years of age & had left a wife & 5 children. On my return I called again at Mr. Coopers to enquire whether I could render any further Service to the Friends of the deceased, when the Father in Law came out & again expressed in the strongest terms their gratitude for what I had done & said it was their greatest consolation to feel so assured as they did, that nothing had been omitted. He said the deceased was a smart worthy & respectable man, & would be an unspeakable Loss to his Family. I now learnt from Mr. Cooper that the Son of Mr. Bennett had just before arrived, & that I must have met him as he was gone down to the body of his Father. He said he had not yet learnt any particulars respecting Mr. Bennett. I desired him to make the same offer to this Gentleman of any further service in my power as I had desired him to do in the case of the . . .and so echoed my share in this melancholy business. In the evening received from Mr. Landor the Draft of the Appeal agreement the Burslem considered Poor Rate, with observations made by Sir George Chetwynd, & a request that I would peruse & settle the Draft.
Sunday 13. On sending down to John Beresford this morning I was informed that the Coroners Inquest had sat last night, & that the bodies had been taken home this morning by the respected friends. Service. In the evening James Faram ( to whom I was just sending) called to report to me the structure of the temporary wooden Bridge which had been thereon . . .the [Brookhurst Lynbank] which being by no means satisfactory. I desired him to look at it again carefully tomorrow morning as early as possible & afterwards call upon me, when I would if necessary communicate with
Page 10. 1829 September
Mr. Wilbraham upon the subject. He said Mr. [Sherwin] the Surveyor of the Road speaking of the old Bridge acknowledged that he had no knowledge of the construction of Bridges, however competent he might be to make Roads. Faram said the second Body had not fallen out of the Coach when they were raising it. Mr. Bennett was found sitting on the Bottom of the Coach with his [feet] to the door. He did not think much effort could have been made by the other Passengers to extricate the Sufferers, there being no time for it, & did I myself understand this from what he said to me.
Monday 14. James Faram came early bringing a Plan of the temporary Bridge which appeared to me to be so insufficient that I desired him to call upon Mr. Willbraham to whom I wrote a Letter, with this Plan & another showing how the bridge ought to be constructed. Afterwards engaged perusing & considering the Draft of the Consall Forge & Case for my perusal & consideration. Closely engaged on Navigation business almost the whole of the day. James Faram sent me word that Mr. Wilbraham had directed everything to be done for the security of the Bridge as recommended.
Tuesday 15. Wrote to Mr. [Landor] with the Draft of the Notice of the Appeal which I returned by the Mail. Received Letter from Mr. Williamson with large plan of his Mines in Harecastle Tunnel for my inspection, & wrote to him acknowledging the receipt of the same. Mr. Brody for my opinion upon the Will of Stamford dined. Received Letter from John Trubshaw with Statement relative to Knypersley Reservoir.
Page 11. 1829 September
Wednesday 16. Perused Consall Forge Case. Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Lawton called. Engaged on sundry matters. Fine day & promise of better weather.
Thursday 17. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Called at Coopers, who informed me that the temporary Bridge had been made from property in use under the direction of James Faram by order of Mr. Wilbraham. Saw Wm. Faram at the Red Bull, where I also called, who informed me that Reid & Co were making great efforts to drain the [Trade] off the Canal via Anderton. Called also at Red Bull Wharf. Mr. Randle, Mrs. Wilbraham & Miss [Sybill], Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersley & Dr. Johnstone of Birmingham (who was on a visit to Mr. Kinnersley), Mrs. Chas. Lawton, Revd. Mr. Mainwaring & Stamford dined. Weather again changed to Rain in the evening.
Friday 18. Rain in the night. Perused again the Consall Forge Case, & wrote to John Trubshaw for further information relative to the Flint Mines. "Men are proud and not unreasonably, of an illustrious Ancestry, but to those who have achieved their own admonishment in the face of such disadvantages as many have had to struggle with the obscenity of their origin is their most honourable distinction; nor can anything be weaker or more absurd than the vanity which has laid some distinguished Men of humble birth to conceal their real extraction from the world." Men. . .. Pursuit of Knowledge. Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan with further satisfactory Accounts of Knypersley Reservoir. Considered again the Provision in the Acts of Parliament relative to Coal Mines preparatory to seeing again Mr. R. Heath respecting Mr. Williamson's Harecastle Mines. Eliza called upon the Ladies at Rode Heath.
Saturday 19. At home. Made further observations in writing relative to the Mines in Harecastle old Tunnel. Fair day, but the Oats not sufficiently dry to be carried.
Sunday 20. Service. Received by the Post Letters from Mr. [Blount], relative to the proposed Canal Communication with the Navigation Services at Caldon Lowe, from Mr. Wedgwood relative to Knypersley Reservoir & from Mr. Randle Wilbraham relative to Badgers on the Brereton Green Road which, in consequence of the late accident, I surrendered being examined. In the morning Rain again. It was good advice that M. . . .gave in one of his Letters to a Friend : " Fear God, and think of yourself every day as about to die."
Page 12. 1829 September
Monday 21. Wrote to Mr. [Blount] in reply to his Letter: also to Mr. Randle Wilbraham. In consequence of Mr. Wedgwood's' Letter, wrote to John Trubshaw requesting to see him here. Complaint in one of my Eyes. Viewed again with Saml. Beardmore. Daniel on the injury done water from the Colliery, when Daniel said he understood that Mr. & Mrs. Eardley had settled the matter with me, but that not being so, he would immediately speak to him again about it. Turned the three feeding Cows onto the Land on the other side the Turnpike Road.
Tuesday 22. My Eyes so troublesome accompanied with pain in the heart, so to make reading & writing equally inconvenient. Rain again, which prevented any thing being done with the Oats.
Wednesday 23. Eyes & head still painful. John Trubshaw came early, & with whom closely engaged the greatest part of the Morning, relative to Knypersley Reservoir, Consall Forge Case & the proposed Tunnel Communication with the Limestone Quarries at Caldon Lowe. Wrote to Mr. James Trubshaw requesting him to inspect the Reservoir, & inviting him to come afterwards to Linley Wood. The day fine, but on examining the Oats found they were not quite dry enough to carry.
Thursday 24. Considered again Mr. Blount's Letter relative to the Limestone Communication, & wrote to John Trubshaw for sundry further particulars. Perused & Copied afresh for insertion in the Book. The Minutes of the proceedings of the Sel. Comm. & Committee at their last Meetings. The day proving fine, busy carrying Oats, after much the most wet & unkindly harvest that I can remember.
Friday 25. Went to [Kidison] to confer with Mr. Rob. Heath on the subject of Mr. Williamson's Newcastle Mines, but he being from home I left a Message desiring to see him when it was convenient. Saw Wm. Faram to enquire from him the price of Tunnelling through Rock such as that at Caldon Lowe, & which, having consulted Mr. Pritchard, he afterwards started at £8 or £10 per yard forwards for a Tunnel of 9 feet by 9 being the dimension of that proposed by [Mr. Blount]. Finished carrying the Oats. When at [Kidison], saw Mr. Williams who again informed me that every thing was in such . . .in the Lawton business, & that they should certainly go to Parliament the next Session, & complete my Title & that he would state the particulars as to the completion of my Title. Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood, Eliza Wedgwood & Stamford dined.
Page 13. 1829 September
Saturday 26. Mr. Vaughan came, & with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation Business. Returned to him the Copy of the Minutes of the last Select & General Comm. Meeting previously in the Book. Weather which had been fair the last 3 or 4 days again changed to Rain. The Wedgwood's went; the Carriage taking them to Newcastle, & Stamford went to Macclesfield. Rain again.
Sunday 27. Service. Showery & constant.
Monday 28. Perused Settlement made over the Marriage of Mrs. Hudson & other Deeds relating to her property at Audley, & advising her thereon. Considered the Plan delivered by Mr. Williamson of his Mines in Harecastle Hills preparatory to conferring with Mr. Rob. Heath. Weather the same as yesterday, & the ground quite saturated with wet. Stamford brought for my perusal the Copy of so much of the Acts Consolidation Bill as was ready, & conferred with him thereon. He staid to dinner, & returned home in the evening. Examined Mr. Kinnersley's Cash Book from January 1829 to this day, & found the same correct.
Tuesday 29. Received invitation from the Mayor of Newcastle to dine with him on Tuesday the 6. Oct., & which I accepted. Perused the Copy of the Acts Consolidation Bill left with me recently by Stamford. An astonishing work of Art the difference between muse rarity & intrinsic worth cannot be too strongly marked, or frequently repeated as the want of this discrimination . . .their progress, by helping us too intent upon nominal & . . .in value & too regardless of those real . . .which should alone engage the attention of Men of Taste. Dined Lawton Hall with a large Party, Mr. & Mrs. John Crewe of Manchester, Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersley, Mr. & Mrs. Tipping, Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Wood, Mrs. Simpson, Mr. Mainwaring & J. Caldwell. We had some Singers (Weavers from Nottingham, who from the want of work were travelling about the country) who after dinner interested & indeed gratified us much by their singing served . . .or Glees in so good tune, & their voices so well harmonized as to produce the effect of wind instruments. They reminded me of the Tyrolean Singers where a year or two ago attracted much attention: I thought by no means equal to them in power or execution, yet I thought full as pleasing & agreeable. The Hunting Chorus from . . .was sung particularly well. The Tenors & Bass very good.
Wednesday 30. Went to Newcastle with Eliza. Called & conferred with Mr. Williamson relative to the Burslem Appeal & other matters. On my return received by the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd on Navigation business. Fine day, but night frosty.
October
Thursday 1. Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson, in consequence of Sir George 's Letter relative to the Burslem Appeal. Engaged on the Farm. Remarkably fine Autumnal day, but the Leaves falling fast.
Page 14. 1829 October
Friday2. Perused & considered again several parts of the Draft Consolidation Bill. Eyes again troublesome. Received by Post Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw accepting my invitation to dine here after his survey of Knypersley Reservoir on Monday next. Weather again changed to Rain.
Saturday 3. Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson to enquire the result of the Meeting held at Stone yesterday, relative to the Burslem Poor Rate previous to writing to Sir George Chetwynd. Sent the Letter by Samuel Jones, & on receiving Mr. Wilkinson's Reply wrote to Sir George. Eyes still troublesome. Rain.
Sunday 4. Service.
Monday 5. Eyes still very troublesome. Engaged all morning selecting & assaying various papers. Mr. James Trubshaw came early in the afternoon, & with whom engaged closely on Navigation business, particularly Knypersley Reservoir, the proposed Tunnel at Caldon Lowe, improvement of the present Railway etc. He staid to dinner, but went in the evening being engaged to attend some experiments intended to be made by Mr. Stevenson of his Locomotive Steam Engine tomorrow morning at Rainhill, upon the Manchester & Liverpool Railway.
Tuesday 6. Wrote & sent the Letter by Saml. Jones to Mr. [Grant] of Leek at the Bulls Head, Congleton, informing him that Stamford would be at home the latter end of this week. Dined with the late Mayor of Newcastle & a large Party, on his going out of office, at the Castle Inn, & where I heard of the sudden death by Apoplexy of Mr. Spode of Stoke this morning about 12 o'clock. Mr. Ward who was one of the party at dinner offered me the Stoney fields property at £5500. On my arrival at home in the evening found Miss Stamford who had returned from her sad excursion. Rain. Mr. . . .said he attributed the [super inequality] of the Caldon Lowe Limestone for the smelting of iron, to its being pure from & without any [insurrector] other mixture or infragnation.
Wednesday 7. Mr. Wm. Faram came, & with whom considered the making of a short deviation of the Turnpike Road from the Lawton Arms to the Canal Bridge on Rode Heath, in order to do away with the obstruction arising from the Aqueduct at [Chells] Hill so heavily & justly complained of, but which does not admit of being altered. Heavy Rain. Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Wilkinson with Copy of Mr. [MacMahons] opinion on the Burslem Appeal Case for my perusal & Consideration, & mentioning that Sir George thought the matter of so great importance as to render a Meeting of the Select committee experiment.
Page 15. 1829 October
Thursday 8. Perused & considered Mr. MacMahon's opinion sent me by Mr. Wilkinson with the other Letters & papers relating to the Burslem Appeal Case. Received invitation from Mr. Twemlow of Betley Court to dine there on Wednesday next. Mr. Wilkinson soon after came, bringing with him a printed Copy of the Notice of Appeal, with a Letter from Mr. Landor, requesting him to consult me on the expediency of abandoning the present Appeal, entering a fresh Appeal against the next Rate, & which, finding that there was no probability of our being able to pressure the necessary evidence in time for the ensuing Sessions, I agreed with Mr. Wilkinson in thinking would be the best course, in case the Burslem People would not agree to despite the fresh Appeal, & for which purpose Mr. W. said he would again apply to them.
Friday 9. Mr. Vaughan came to consult me on several matters, particularly as to an Application being made to the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Company, for a Revaluation of the Tonnage upon Caldon Lowe Limestone going to the Iron works in the South of Staffordshire, & whom I undertook to write to Mr. [Littleton] upon the subject, & sketched out a Letter which Mr. Vaughan approved. In the evening Wm. Faram came, relating to his attending the experiments with the Locomotive Engines at Rainhill tomorrow morning, which I desired him to do, & to report thereon. Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd relative to the Coventry Canal, Burslem Appeal etc. etc. expressing a hope not to be called to attend on Select Committee Meeting till after the 28 instant.
Saturday 10. Perused & considered various Navigation Papers & Minutes & thinking it an early Meeting of the Sel. Committee proper not withstanding Sir George's Letter, wrote to Mr. Vaughan & requested him to write to Mr. Wedgwood & propose his Meeting at Stone on Friday next the 16th or Saturday the 17th, as most convenient to himself. Wrote also to Mr.James Trubshaw & Mr. John Trubshaw desiring to be furnished with their Reports on Knypersley Reservoir & the Tunnel at Caldon Lowe, with more times. Wrote also to Mr. Rob. Heath being anxious to consult him further relative to Mr. Williamson's Mines, & when he appointed to come to Linley Wood on Monday next at 10 o'clock.
Sunday 11. Eyes still very troublesome with considerable pain in the head & from which I had been suffering several days past. Service.
Monday 12. Mr. Robt. Heath came pursuant to Appointment relative to Mr. Williamsons Mines & after a . . .journey he took the plan delivered by Mr. Williamson, in order to make the necessary Calculations, & which he promised to bring to Linley Wood on Thursday morning next. Went to Newcastle to speak to Mr. Williamson again relative to the Burslem Appeal, & other matters. Mr. F. Twemlow joined us, & with whom & Mr. M. Long conferred upon the subject & the proceedings sent to propose for obtaining a . . .of the . . . On speaking afterwards on the general Affairs of the Canal, Mr. F. Twemlow, after a violent Tirade against the late Mr. Lister, said it had
Page 16. 1829 October
no evidence of the concern being conducted upon high [Gentleman] would be liberal Principles & Systems. He professed & approved only the good old [Missive] of Trade. Look after yourselves. Indignant as I felt at their . . .sordid failing, this acknowledged yet wishing to [avail] invitation I sent reply that I thought the Proprietors had no reason to complain of their interests not being duly looked after, that he did not think the Canal Company were considered by the Country as at all deficient in taking care of their . . .but had . . . of the contrary. The rift of F. Twemlow which I have long suspected, his conduct, this morning, fully revealed most truly can I say that my own object throughout has been, that the [Course] might be conducted in a manner equally just and liberal towards the Public & honourable, wise, and judicious as relevant to the Company that with . . .case, where any other system is adopted!!! Saw Mr. Booth & requested him to give his opinion of the balance of the Stoney fields property, which he promised to furnish me with. Called upon Mr. Ward, & told him that I had wanted a valuation to be made, & as soon as I received it, I would I would give him a prediction of how the highest price that I would give. Returned to dinner, Eliza having accompanied me in the Carriage, & called upon Mrs. Sparrow & Mrs. Wilkinson.
Tuesday 13. Received Letter from John Trubshaw appointing to come to Linley Wood on Thursday Morning not with his Report relative to the proposed Caldon Lowe Tunnel, & of which he said he had received in Section from Mr. Blount. Received also Letter from Mr. Vaughan, in consequence of which, Letters to him. Mr. Wedgwood, & Mr. Wilkinson, appointing Friday next for a Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone. Engaged on various Navigation Papers preparatory to such Meeting.
Wednesday 14. Revised & completed Minutes of Business for Friday next. Received Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw relative to Knypersley Reservoir etc. & one from John Trubshaw appointing to come here tomorrow, also Letter from Sir George C. relative to Coventry Delegation etc. Dined at Betley Court. Sir Thos. & Lady & Miss Boughey, Mr. & Mrs. Twemlow of Peats Wood, Mr. Wickstead & the Revd. Wm. [Clive]. Returned in the evening though I had engaged to stay all night, in consequence of my engagement tomorrow Morning with Mr, Robt. Heath & John Trubshaw.
Thursday 15. John Trubshaw came bringing his Report on the propose Caldon Lowe Tunnel etc. & with whom engaged on this & other matters. Mr. Robt.
Page 17. 1829 October
Heath also came bringing his Valuation of Mr. Williamson's Coals necessary to be left for the production of the two Tunnels through Harecastle Hill. Engaged with Mr. Trubshaw & Mr. Heath the whole of the morning. Revd. & Mrs. John, Mrs. & Miss Lawton. Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Carter, Revd. Mr. Mainwaring & Stamford dined.
Friday 16. Went to Stone, taking Mr. Wilkinson with me in the Carriage from Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood & with whom engaged all day on Select Committee. Returned home in the evening with Mr. Wilkinson.
Saturday 17. Wrote to Sir George stating to him what was done yesterday at the Meeting. Wm. Faram came, & who gave me an account of the Experiments with Locomotive Engines made last week at Rainhill, & which I had requested him to attend. His Report agreed with that made by Mr. James Trubshaw by Letter. Mr. Booth came bringing with him his Valuation of the Stoney fields property. Afterwards rode with him over the Farm, & Lands in my own holding, to consult him about proposed Draining & the improvements, discussing also the Turnpike Gate at the Hollins. Eliza received by the Post a Letter from Dr. Holland with the heart breaking intelligence of the Malady of our poor Emma!
Sunday 18. Unwell. Service. Another & worse Account from Dr. Holland of my dear, my heart dear Emma. Oh what a Cloud threatens to involve in the deepest gloom all that remains to me of life!!!
Monday 19. The same. Perused & considered again the Clauses in the Act of Parliament relative to the satisfaction to be made to . . . Stamford dined, & received from Mr. Wilkinson the Brief in the Burslem Appeal Case & which I spoke to Stamford upon.
Tuesday 20. The same, which joined to the present distressed state of Mind prevented my attending Newcastle Sessions. Corrected & Copied afresh the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting for entry in the Book. A more favourable Account received by the Post of our poor Emma. Weather again turned to Rain, which prevented working in the Fallow.
Wednesday 21. Selected & assigned sundry Navigation Papers, Letters etc. Rain almost the whole of the day. Another Letter from Dr. Holland confirming his last Account, but offering Little eventual hope or Comfort as to the primary Malady, & expressing our poor Girl's wish to see her mother as soon as she got home from Putney where she has been some time.
Page 18. 1829 October
Thursday 22. Received Letter from John Trubshaw relative to Knypersley Reservoir etc. & proposing some further Alterations for my consideration. Wrote to Mr. Balgary informing him that I should be at Derby on Friday the 30 instant, in order to settle Harrisons Case & business. Weather rather more favourable. No further Account from London. Wm. Faram sent me the Model of the Double Locks now working on the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Friday 23. Wm. Faram came & with whom inspected the Model & engaged a considerable time on Canal matters. Suggested to his consideration whether any means of practicability the spur of Boats upon Canals without Steam as by some application of Paddles etc. worked by a Wheel or Crank. Busy sowing wheat
Saturday 24. Wm. Faram came again to settle & discharge the Account for Stone had by Mr. Pritchard for the Companys part of the Macclesfield Canal. Considered with him again the subject of yesterday, when he said he would see me again in a few days. It appeared to us both that something useful might be done, possibly by wheels as the Stern of the Boat, worked by a crank etc. Fine day, & busy again sowing Wheat.
Sunday 25. Service. Letter from Dr. Holland to Eliza with much the same account as the last of my poor Emma.
Monday 26. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Wilkinson relative to the payment of the Lawton purchase Money for Land taken for the company's part of the Macclesfield Canal, Burslem Appeal, & saw Mr. Booth & made arrangements with him relative to attendance at the Meeting of the Trustees of the Newcastle Road on Thursday next respecting the Gates at the Hollins, payment of money for him & [Trespass] etc. Mr. Booth again sent that he could not advise me to give more for Stoney fields than £5000, which he thought was as much as it was worth. Called at Mr. Wards to have spoken to him upon the subject, but he was in London. Returned to Dinner. Found Stamford, who dined & staid all night.
Tuesday 27. At home. Considered again the Clauses in the Acts of Parliament, & made further observations relative to the satisfaction to . . . Received by the Post invitation from Mr. Littleton to dine & sleep at . . .tomorrow, to meet Sir Geo. Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood, & wrote to him declining my acceptance of it, I could not indeed go, being obliged to attend the Meeting of the Trustees
Page 19. 1829 October
of the Newcastle Turnpike Road on Thursday Morning.
Wednesday 28. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan with the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee. Called at Lawton Hall, but Mr. C.L. was out. Still busy in the Fallow for Wheat, ploughing what was left . . .,getting up Potatoes etc. Selected & arranged Papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Trustees of Newcastle Road tomorrow, & also the Papers in Harrison's business previous to going to Derby on Friday. Fine day, inclining to Frost.
Thursday 29. Went to Newcastle attending with Mr. Booth Meeting of the Trustees of the Road when an order was made for payment of the Money for the Land taken from me, & for a Chain being substituted in place of the present Gate & Paling between the Toll House & the White Lion etc. etc. etc. On my arrival at home found Letters from Sir George Chetwynd, Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Landor, the latter to inform me that he & Mr. Wilkinson would come to Linley Wood tomorrow to confer with me respecting Parliamentary Notices being given for the starting of the Canal at [Stockley]. Being engaged to go to Derby tomorrow I sent Saml. Jones with a Letter to Mr. Wilkinson to say that I could see him & Mr. Landor as I passed through Newcastle.
Friday 30. Set off on Journey to Derby on Harrison's Affairs. Met Mr. Landor by appointment at Newcastle & had a long conference with him & Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Parliamentary Notices proposed to be given of the Shortening of the Canal between Woodend & Shrewsbury Lock. Arrived at Derby about 5. Finding no Letter or Message from Mr. Balgary, sent to Mr. [Benbow],who came up in the evening, & with whom I had a long & not very satisfactory conversation relative to Mr. Balgary's Account.
Saturday 31. Thinking it indispensably necessary to see Mr. Balgary. Wrote a note & sent it by a Messenger early this morning requesting to see him without fail. Mr. Barber breakfasted with me, & Mr. Balgary afterwards joined us. After much conversation the Account was drawn out, & entered in a Book, & Mr. Balgary paid me £400 on account of the Rents received by him, & the remainder being left us, his Lands title the Bill of Certs, Payments for Repairs etc. etc. were made & settled, all of which he expectedly assured me should be done by Christmas next & the Balance be then remitted. He made many apologies for his . . . in this business, & promised that it should never occur again, & expressing his help, to be continued in the receipt of the Rent. Sold the . . .& . . .public House in Derby, the present Rent of which is £16 a year to Mr. [Hill] the
Page 20. 1829 October
Tenant for £550, the money to be paid at Christmas next & the Title to be taken without any Guarantee from the Vendors, Mr. Balgary put the Agreement into writing & while Mr. Hill & I afterwards signed. Left Derby about 2, & arrived at Linley Wood to dinner about half past 7. Found Dr. Crompton & Henry, who had arrived today at Noon.
November
Sunday 1. Service. Engaged with the Doctor etc.
Monday 2. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast, & with whom engaged on Navigation business, preparatory to Meeting of the Select Committee at Birmingham. Afterwards engaged on Papers preparatory to seeing Wm. Faram, relative to a projected Branch Railway from the Manchester & Liverpool Railway to Runcorn. Dr. Crompton, Henry & J.S.C. engaged shooting.
Tuesday 3. Wm. Faram came with whom much further conversation relative to some mechanical Means of painstakingly the [spread] of Boats upon Canals, & considered an idea which had occurred to him upon the subject. Considered also the projected Branch Railway from the Manchester & Liverpool Railway to Runcorn by a Tunnel under the River Mersey, & which he had communicated to me by a complicated Letter a few days ago. We were both of opinion that this work if carried as further than Runcorn, a Preston Board, would be highly beneficial to the Trent & Mersey Canal by keeping the London, Liverpool & Manchester Junction upon the present Line of Canals. Looked over papers preparatory to going to Birmingham. The Doctor, Henry & J.S.C. engaged shooting.
Wednesday 4. After Breakfast the Doctor & his Son left us. Again engaged on Papers previous to setting off to Birmingham tomorrow morning. Sold the Chaise to (blank) for 46 cash.
Page 21. 1829 November
Thursday 5. Set off to Birmingham. Took Mr. Vaughan from Stone, & arrived about half past 3. Dr. George & Mr. Wedgwood arrived not long after. In the evening engaged on business.
Friday 6. The Delegates from Coventry, Miss Adams, Richard [Twiss] arrived about 11 o'clock, soon after which the Meeting took place & of which I was again chosen Chairman. Resolution came to be proved the next Session of Parliament with a Bill for making the proposed Shortening of the Canal between Woodland & [Shuthay] Wharf. In the evening saw Mr. John Lawrence, & to whom I fully expressed my Sentiments as to the course pursuant by the Warwick & Napton Canal Company the last Session.
Saturday 7. After breakfast met on Select Committee, & where I was requested to confer with Lord Anson ( through whose Estate it would pass) relative to the proposed Deviation. Returned with Mr. Vaughan & arrived at Linley Wood between 7 & 8 , but found a distressing Account of my poor Emma.
Sunday 8. Sent Letter to Lord Anson by the Post, requesting an appointment for waiting upon his Lordship. Stamford came to dinner, to whom I communicated an invitation from Sir George to bring the Consolidation Bill to Grendon Hall on Tuesday November 17, in order that they might look it over together.
Monday 9. At home. Fatigued & unwell. Looked over & arranged Papers & Minutes relating to the late Meeting at Birmingham. Mr. Davenport came, to see Eliza as she was unwell.
Tuesday 10. Went to Newcastle, taking Miss Stamford in the Carriage & Called upon Mr. Wilkinson relative to the proposed Parliamentary Proceedings, Burslem Poor Rate etc.
Wednesday 11. Wm. Faram came & with whom engaged on Navigation business. Received by Post Letter from Mr. Landor & one from Lord Anson in consequence of which I determined to go to Ranton Abbey, where he now is, tomorrow Morning his Lordship saying that his mind was quite made up not to give his consent to the Deviation.
Page 22. 1829 November
Thursday 12. Went to Ranton Abbey, & had a long interview with Lord Anson, who repeated his decided opposition to the Deviation, but after I had explained & represented to him in the best manner I was able the mature & importance of the proposed improvement be at length very handsomely said, that he certainly would take the matter into further consideration. . . . received by Lord Anson with the greatest courtesy & inhumanity & had a great deal of conversation with him. He appeared to be well acquainted with the interests of his property, to be an intelligent, yet natural and gentleman like man. Finding on my arrival at Stone on Thursday morning that Lord Harrowby was at Sandon. I thought it proper if possible, to see his Lordship & sent a Message by Mr. Vaughan that I would, with his Lordship, permission, call upon him on my return from Lord Anson. Lord H. requested that I should dine at Sandon, but finding that I could not stay all night, he insisted on giving me the Meeting as Stone in the morning, instead of my coming out of my way so far as to Sandon.
Friday 13. Engaged all morning with Mr. Vaughan examining the Cash Book etc. Lord Harrowby came about 12, though suffering under one of the severe headache to which he is liable. I stated to him all that had passed at Birmingham, the Arrangements & Notices for making the proposed shortening of the Canal, & the course which we had [promised] with respect to Lord Anson together with the result of my consultation with him all of which he fully approved, & thought Lord Anson had done all that could at present be expected. Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.
Saturday 14. Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to writing to Sir George Chetwynd by Stamford on his going to Grendon Hall to look over the Consideration Bill with Sir George. Stamford dined. Received Letter from Mr. [Beech] with statement of findings of the Coventry Canal [Proof]
Sunday 15. At home. Service. A Poacher, John Elkin of Golden Hill taken in Swallow Moor Wood.
Page 23. 1829 November
Monday 16. Finished & sent my Letter to Sir George Chetwynd by Stamford. Went to Newcastle, & met Mr. Wedgwood to whom I had written for that purpose, communicating to him the result of my interviews with Lord Anson & Lord Harrowby. Called at Mr. Ward's, but he was not at home. On my return found a Letter from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Landor. Mr. Wedgwood said that he did not understand the Allowance of £42 made to me by the Committee of which he was one, to [converse] then the current business of Chairman, & not extending the Parliamentary business, & that the 10 Gs. A day to the other members of the Select Committee was relative only to the regular attendances.
Tuesday 17. Wrote Letters to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. [Beech]. Received Letter from Wm. Bent with the Conveyances to Baddeley of [Mattheling] etc. part of Newcastle Brewery requesting my perusal of them on behalf of the Parties previous to . . .location of them. Mr. Booth came relative to sundry matters, & informed me that Mr. Smith declined selling me the small piece of Land adjoining Linley Lane, but would sell me this with the Land on the other side of the Lane if I chose to take it. Desired Mr. Booth to see Mr. Smith & inform him that I was willing to purchase the above on fair reasonable terms: but not to be considered as Accommodation Land. Mr. Booth dined.
Wednesday 18. Unwell. Revised Papers & made Minutes of Business for the General Committee & General Assembly. Fine frosty day.
Thursday 19. Revised & Copied afresh Minutes of Select Committee Meeting at Birmingham, for entry in the Book. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan informing me that Mr. Thos. Salt had penned Monday next for meeting me at Stone to settle the Treasury Account. Engaged on the Farm. Mr. Wilbraham issued a . . .against John Elkin, the Witness having attended by appointment of Mr. W. at Sandbach. Fine with Frost.
Friday 20. At home. Perused Deeds relating of Assignment & Conveyance to Mr. Baddeley of Leasehold & Freehold Buildings & Land, part of Newcastle Brewery property, which I had been desired by Mr. W. Bent to consider on behalf of himself & the other partner previous to the same being executed by them. Received Letter from Mr. Corbett of [Davenhall] relative to as Canal communication being made between the River Weaver & the Trent & Mersey Navigation, & looked over Letters & Papers to enable me to reply thereon.
Page 24. 1829 November
Saturday 21. Wrote Letter to Mr. Corbett. Went to Newcastle with the Deeds relating to Baddeley's Purchase, suggested Alterations with the Covenant which Mr. Ward, on looking into Proceedings, found to be correct & adopted. . . .Mr. Ward, to inform the Parties interested that he could get a Purchase of the Stoney field property at £5000, the duty on the purchase money by dividend. Returned home to dinner. Frost going. Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Barker of Birmingham relation to Palmers Accounts, the several Canal Companies who took a part in opposing Mr. Eyre Lee's intended Bill at last Session of Parliament. Received Letter from Mr. [Beck] of Coventry relative to an Equalization of the Rates of Tonnage & Carriage upon the present Laws of Canals.
Sunday 22. At home. Service.
Monday 23. Went to Stone where I arrived about ½ past 10. Met Mr. Thos. Salt with whom & Mr. Vaughan engaged closely till nearly 4 o'clock examining & settling Treasurers Account, & completing with Mr. Vaughan the examination of the Cash Book. Perused likewise the Proceedings of the Committee & Select Committee since the last General Assembly, & met the necessary observations & explanation for the approaching Committee & General Assembly. Arrived at home to dinner between 7 & 8 o'clock.
Tuesday 24. Wrote to Wm. Faram desiring him to furnish me with Reports upon the part of the Macclesfield Canal & the Middlewich Junction for the Committee General Assembly. Received by the Post Letter from Lord Anson signifying his decided objection to the proposed Deviation of the Canal.
Wednesday 25. Wrote to Lord Anson, Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged a long time relative to the proposed Railway from Norton to [Roughwood] the Junction with the River Weaver etc. when I desired him to make such enquiry & Survey as he might judge necessary respecting the [former], & to see me again on Friday or Saturday next. I suggested to him what had seemed to my own mind, that for giving . . .faulty to the . . . between Middlewich & Runcorn, advantage might be to have of this partt of the Canal being about Canal respect of proposing Boats of the 14 foot [Beam] & 30 Tons . . .& the required . . . of Steam Boats, or the application of machinery for expecting other Boats. This
Page 25. 1829 November
must be thought of. Mr. Roscoe & Eliza arrived to dinner. The Latter on her way to London to see our poor Emma.
Thursday 26. Mr. Corbett of [D. . .] called & conferred with me relative to a communication between the River Weaver & the Canals, & communicated to me the [disposition] of the Trustees of the River to cooperate with the Proprietors of the Canal in the measure. Engaged afterwards on Navigation papers & . . .further Minutes for the Committee & General Assembly. Bad account from Dr. Holland of our poor Emma. Confirmed at night by Stamford who left London on Tuesday, & called here this evening.
Friday 27. Wm. Faram came to report to me his Survey of [Chat] Moss, where he found that the Rail Road had great difficulty to encounter owing to the Softness of the Moss etc. Thought the foundation of the Rail Road would not stand being made of Peat laid upon Peat etc. the Embankment being judged & the middle sinking before the Road is got to its proper height. The great [Promoter] of the Cheshire Railway from Newton to [Roughwood] is Mr. Bosson, who is concerned with the Trubshaw [Colliery] [consultant] with Faram the Communication with the Weaver etc. Steam Boats from Middlewich the use of which had occurred to me. Mr. Roscoe & Eliza set off to Birmingham. The Latter on her way to Waterloo Place. Mr. Booth came. Smith's Land, who would not now sell, unless he sold the Talk property along with it. Mr. Chas. Lawton called.
Saturday 28. Wm. Faram came again with whom engaged a long time considering the next means of competing with the proposed Rail Road, should the same be carried into execution. Afterwards engaged with John Trubshaw relative to Knypersley Reservoir, Caldon Low [Limestone] & the [Mermaid] which I had undertaken to pass out relation to an increase of his Salary etc. etc. Fully occupied by the above from 10 o'clock to nearly 3. Stamford came to dinner.
Sunday 29. At home. Service.
Monday 30. Went to Stone where closely engaged all day at the Meeting of the Committee. Lord Harrowby in the Chair.
December
Tuesday 1. Attending Adjourned General Committee. In the Chair. Afterwards General Assembly. In the chair also. Having mentioned to Mr. Salt
Page 26. 1829 December
the compensation received from the Members of the Select Committee for their attendance on [Public] & other extra business during the last 2 or 3 years, & shown him a Statement of the same, he fully approved of my showing it to Mr. F. Twemlow which I willingly did, when he then expressed in the strongest terms their sense of the conjecture that could be done if a compensation were made to me. Mr. F. Twemlow then undertook to bring the matter before the General Assembly which he accordingly did in the absence of the Select Committee, & whom the sum of £500 was voted to me, with a very [necessary] expression of their Sense of the value & importance of my Services & as a testimony of their high opinion of them. Copy at the end of the Book. There being much business to attend to, the Select Committee agreed to stay all night, & meet tomorrow morning.
Wednesday 2. Attending Select Committee, & sat till near 2, after which I returned home, & arrived to dinner. Had the delight to find that a somewhat now favourable Account had been received of our poor Emma. Stamford dined. Found a Letter from Mr. Yates of [Cotton] respecting the injury that would be done to persons engaged in the Iron Trade in this part of the Country.
Thursday 3. Wrote to Mr. Yates, also to John Trubshaw relative to the Bridge at Shelton, at which Mr. Tomlinson had stated several Accidents to have lately happened, & already no alteration to be made. Mr. Hodgkinson & his assistant called relative to the Maps of Cheshire & Staffordshire intended to be published by Mr. [Bagent], when I showed them the Boundaries of the two Counties as the place & furnished them with, & sent further local information as was in my power. I subscribed to the Map of Cheshire, which they said would be published first, & if approved I might then subscribe for that of Staffordshire. We referred to [Greenwoods] Map in which they pointed out various . . . Harecastle Tunnel which is shown by a wavy line instead of a perfectly straight one is a shameful [circumstances]. They told me that on three maps ten different assessors were employed and in a report to [Limit] of my enquiry. [Sidney] Hall is the painful one, & who is . . .worked by his excellent [engraving] of Mountains.
Page 27. 1829 December
Friday 4. Wrote to Mr. Corbett of Davenhall informing him that the Select Committee did not think any further steps expedient, at present, relative to a communication between the River Weaver & the Canal. Wrote also to Mr. Sneyd of Byrkley Lodge in reply to his Letter requesting to be informed of the Proceedings of the General Assembly etc. etc. Made Minutes of sundry matters for the Select Committee at their next Meeting. In the evening Mr. Eardley called relative to the Colliery Water, when after a great deal of idle perusing on his part. I told him again that if he went on with throwing the water upon my Land it would be at his peril, & that I could hold out no expectation that I would not immediately prove by Injunction to stop their work. If any propositions were made I should be ready to take it into consideration, but I neither could or would say more.
Saturday 5. Went to the Red Bull and gave directions to Wm. Faram to go to Chester & take a Copy of the Plan of the Roughwood & Newton intended Railway & of . . .a List of the Landowners. Wrote to Mr. John Caldwell, also to Mr. Sp. . . .also to Mr. Vaughan.
Sunday 6. Service. Suffering again from my Eyes.
Monday 7. At home. Eyes very troublesome so as to render reading or writing painful John . . .relative to the Turnpike & Highways in the Hamlet of Talk, & the liability of the Trustees of the former to repair.
Tuesday 8. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan inclosing copy of the Minutes of the proceedings of the Committee of General Assembly for my Revival. Also Letter from the Mayor of Newcastle requesting my attendance at a public Meeting of the Town & Neighbourhood in the Town Hall relative to the abolition of the use of climbing Boys in cleaning Chimneys.
Wednesday 9. Went to Newcastle & attended the Public Meeting & spoke in support of measures long taken for suppressing the use of climbing Boys. Detained till late in the afternoon. In the evening engaged with Mr. Booth relative to the proceedings which had been taken against Watson of the White Lion by Hodgkinson of Congleton.
Thursday 10. Wm. Faram came with the Copy of the Plan of the projected Railway from Roughwood to Warrington & of the Book of Reference & inserted in the Clerk of the P. . .Officer and Charter, & with whom engaged a considerable time on this & other Navigation Business.
Page 28. 1829 December
Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent my Letter by Wm. Faram. Wrote to Mr. Balgary of Derby, Miss Bennett & Mr. [Denry] of Burton upon Trent, from the latter two of whom I had received Letters on matters relating to some of the [Houses] on late Harrisons. Perused & considered a Case which had been proposed by Mr. . . .Solicitor of Congleton relation to Watson's Business. Mr. [Vaudray] & Mr. Booth afterwards came to dinner. Considered the matter with them, & the steps proposed to be taken.
Friday 11. Engaged on papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan. Wrote to Mr. Barker of Birmingham relative to Palmers Account. Mr. Vaughan came before dinner with whom engaged. Also with Wm. Faram but having much to do with Mr. Vaughan I desired him to come again in the morning.
Saturday 12. Engaged very closely all morning with Mr. Vaughan & who staid all night, & Wm. Faram. Wrote to Mr. Cririe of Manchester relative to the projected Railway from Warrington to Roughwood, & to Mr. Roscoe in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the projected Railway from Liverpool to Birmingham via Runcorn. Mr. Vaughan went about one o'clock. Wrote to Mr. Ward Solicitor of Congleton on Watson's business. Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Wedgwood inclosing a very long one from Mr. Blount relative to Caldon Lane Tunnel etc. Wrote to Mr James Trubshaw requesting him to survey the [Coventry].between Caldon & [Haywood] in order to maintain the predictability of a Rail Road being made between these places. Stamford dined, having been at Swallow Moor Wood & killed a Woodcock & a Pheasant.
Sunday 13. At home. Service.
Monday 14. Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Case to be proposed respecting the Cottages at Caldon Lowe claimed by Lord Harrowby, considered the matter with him, when he proposed to go to Stone to send for Papers etc. & make the necessary [Enquiries] tomorrow.
Page 29. 1829 December
Mr. Booth relative to Watson's Business on a Reference of the matter,. On my return called at Watsons & left an [Authority] to be signed by him, to John Trubshaw to retain possession of the Effects determined by me to the 22 instant. Wrote to Mr. [Vaudray]& sent him a Copy of the Letter I had written to Mr. Ward.
Tuesday 15. At home. Perused & considered various papers on the subject of Railway & their comparative advantages with Canals. Received Letters from Mr. Cririe of Manchester. Hodgkinson of Congleton came to obtain my [approbation] of the matter with Watson being left to Reference. Referred him to Mr. [Vaudray]
Wednesday 16. At home. Desiring a Communication with the Members for the County of Chester proper, relative to the projected Railway from Warrington to Roughwood. Wrote to Mr. Davenport & Mr. Egerton thereon, & offering to attend therewith the the Plan & Book of Reference. Watson called with Samuel Beardmore previous to going to Congleton to arrange with Mr. [Vaudray] relative to the Reference. Received in . . .Liverpool News paper & Railways.
Thursday 17. Went to Sandbach to have made enquiry from Mr. Skerratt as to the sentiments of the Land owners in that neighbourhood respecting the proposed Warrington & Roughwood Rail way, & also to have spoken to him upon the Perlington affairs, but he was from home. Called upon Mr. Williams & Delivered back to him Mr. Telford's Plan of the Roads which he had lent me. Also relative to the fragment of the Navigation Purchase Money for Mr. Lawtons Land. Mr. Williams told me that everything was in readiness for going to Parliament in the next Session with the Lawton Estate Bill for the confirmation of my Title, & that he would in a few days send the necessary Papers to Mr. Tomlinson. On my return found Letter from Mr. Wedgwood inclosing a further one which he Demanded from Mr. Blount, with his answer for my perusal, & which I afterwards forwarded by the Post as desired by Mr. W. Mr. W. also sent me a Letter he had received from A. Marsh, on their Affairs. Received Letter from Mr. Barker of Birmingham relative to their Company joining with the Coventry & the Warwick Company on application to the Landowners in opposition to the proposed . . .Birmingham Canal. In my answer to Mr. Wedgwood's Letter I requested him to meet me at Newcastle tomorrow morning. Letter from Mr. Faram.
Friday 18. In the night heavy snow had fallen. William Fara came, when he communicated to me his [narration] for the application of [Steam] in the . . .of Boats upon Canals, & to which his attention had, at my request, him of late directed I desired him to make sundry enquiries, as to the size, might explain of the necessary Engine etc. etc. & to see me again on Tuesday next week
Page 30. 1829 December
Friday 18. afterwards at Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood at the Roebuck. Showed him Mr. Barkers Letter, & to whom I wrote signifying that this Company could join in the intended Application to the Landowners, but not engage . . .further. Conferred with him on various Navigation Business. We also saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to Lord Harrowby's claim to the Cottages etc. Found on my return an unfavourable Account of our poor Emma.
Saturday 19. Engaged again on Railway Steam Navigation Papers, particularly those which should be relating to the project for the application of Steam in the Navigation of Boats upon Canals. Wrote long Letter to Sir George Chetwynd. Received by the Post Letters from Mr. Davenport, & Mr. Egerton, also from Mr. Lock, requesting information as to the progression of Tonnage on the T. &. M. Canal for the year 1820, to illustrate a Work intended when published on the external & internal . . .of the Country.
Sunday 20. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan, sending also a Copy of Mr. Lock's Letter & desiring him to show it to Mr. Wedgwood. Service. Further unfavourable Account of our poor sufferer in Brook Street, a sad case! Received Letter by Post from Mr. Balgary.
Monday 21. Wrote to Mr. Lock. Engaged on papers preparatory to seeing Wm. Faram, who had appointed to come here tomorrow.
Tuesday 22. Engaged again on papers, but Wm. Faram did not come. Received by the Post Letters from Mr. Wilkinson & Mr.Barker of Birmingham on Navigation Business. From Mr. Ward relative to Watsons Reference which he accepted.
Wednesday 23. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged a long time relative to the Steam Boat invention, application to Landowners in Cheshire etc. Afterwards went to Newcastle to see Mr. Wilkinson & make the necessary arrangements with him. He suggested whether as Mr. [Hostage] was now at Burslem, it might not be proper to enquire from him what the River Weaver Company proposal to the respecting the Warrington & Roughwood Railway, & which I approved. Called at Mr. Wilsons relative to Watsons Reference, but he being from home I left the Case. On my return home found Mr. Skerratt & Bessy. Received by this Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd. Thinking
Page 31. 1829 December
it proper to great against my misapprehension by Mr. [Hostage] of Mr. Wilkinson's application to him. Wrote a Note to Mr. Williamson & desired Samuel Jones to take & deliver it to Mr. Wilkinson early tomorrow morning.
Thursday 24. Mr. Wilson called on his way to Congleton to attend the Reference to himself & Mr. [Galley] of Watsons Business. Mentioned to Mr. Wilson, Mr. Robert Heath as a proper Person to be named as . . .& of whom be highly approved. Engaged on sundry Papers. Received further Letter from Mr. Lock. Stamford came to dinner.
Friday 25. Wm. Faram came again bringing a Letter which he had received from Braithwaite & [Emson] relative to the price, dimensions etc. of their Steam Engines. Considered again with Mr.[Faram the proposed Application of Steam to Boats upon the Canals, when the practicability of the invention appeared more & more feasible, made various Calculations as to saving on expense etc. etc. Appointed Mr. F. to meet me at Mr. Wilkinson's Office tomorrow at 12, in order to make final arrangements Application to the Landowners in Cheshire relative to the Warrington & Roughwood Railway. Received Letter from Mr. Cririe proposing a Meeting with some Gentlemen who had been appointed on the part of the Macclesfield to confer with me relative to the Warrington & Roughwood Railway. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan informing me that he had sent the Tonnage . . .to Mr. Lock. Stamford came.
Saturday 26. Went to Newcastle agreeably to Appointment, but thinking it proper to confer with Mr. Wedgwood on the various matters now requiring consideration promised to them, but found Mr. Wedgwood was at Shrewsbury. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent the Letter by a Messenger from Newcastle relative to the Account sent to Mr. Lock. 2 Stamford.
Sunday 27. At home. Service. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Stamford.
Monday 28. Went to Newcastle, & met Mr. Wedgwood with whom I had a long conference, & when we determined to visit the Macclesfield Canal Depot as had been proposed by them through Mr. Cririe. [Furnish]with Mr. Wilkinson to meet & Mr. Vaughan at his Office on Friday or Saturday next for Revision of the Bye Laws. Stamford went.
Tuesday 29. Wrote to the Revd. Edward. [Stanley] proposing to meet the Macclesfield [Deputation] either on Tuesday or Wednesday next. [Walked] to the White Lion to speak to Watson relative to this Reference. Received from Mr. [Landor] Navigation Reports & other papers relating to the proposed cut at [Fandly] & the exorbitant Terms proposed by Lord Anson. Stamford.
Wednesday 30. Perused & considered [Ni. . .Report, & Papers received from Mr.
Page 32. 1829 December
December 30. Landor & wrote to him returning the Report. Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Brundrett relative to the payment of money under the Will of Mrs. Simms, with a Copy of Mr. Bill's opinion. Also from Mr. Wilkinson appointing Saturday next for my meeting Mr. Vaughan at Newcastle to revive the Trent & Mersey Canal Bye Laws. Stamford went.
Thursday 31. Engaged on papers relating to Mrs. Simms Money, & with Mr. Skerratt thereon, preparatory to Mr. Brundrett's Letter. Eliza Roscoe arrived from London.
1830
January Friday 1. Engaged on papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Vaughan at Newcastle tomorrow. Mr. Skerratt went, the Horses taking him to Sandbach. Stamford came to dinner.
Saturday 2. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Vaughan at Mr. Wilkinson's, & where engaged several hours perusing & revising the Bye Laws of the Navigation Company from the Commencement to the present time, distinguishably in order to their being . . ., all such one had become [useless] & . . .,& making [recommendations] on others, with a view to there being obtained & adopted to present circumstances. Dined at Mr. Wilkinson's & returned home in the evening. Stamford went afterwards having dined at Linley Wood. Found Letters from Mr. [Beck] of Coventry, the Revd. Edward [Stanley] & others on Navigation business.
Sunday 3. Service. Fog & Frost beginning to give way. Thaw commenced.
Monday 4. Wrote to Mr. [Beck] of Coventry & Mr. [Hawksworth] of . . .on Navigation business. Also to Mr. Brundrett on late Mrs. Simms Affairs. Eliza, Miss Stamford & Bessy called at Wolstanton & at the Northens. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd. Perused & considered various papers with a view to observation on Mr. [Fulfords] Prospectus of the projected London & Birmingham Junction Canal.
Page 33. 1830 January
Tuesday 5. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd. Also to Mr. Vaughan with Minutes of General Assembly & Committees. Selected & considered papers preparatory to attending Meeting at Congleton tomorrow, relative to projected Warrington & Roughwood Railway, & the Application proposed to be made to [courses]& [confines] of Lands.
Wednesday 6. Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood with Elizabeth arrived about ½ past 10. Took Mr. Wedgwood with me in the Carriage to Congleton, where we met the Revd. Edward Stanley, who attended on the part of the Macclesfield Canal, & with whom had a conference, whom it was thought proper that application should be made to the Land [courses] now as proposed, & for greater convenience that such application should be made in the parish of Sandbach by the T. & M. Canal Co. The Wedgwood's staid to dinner, but returned at night.
Thursday 7. Wm. Faram came to consult me on sundry matters, & with whom engaged a considerable time. Appointed him to meet Mr. Wilkinson here on Tuesday morning next, & there to proceed on the intended application to Land [Courses] in Cheshire, & afterwards wrote to Mr. Wilkinson accordingly. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Macclesfield tomorrow on Settlement of annual Brewery Accounts. Received Letter from James Landon with the Draft of the Consolidation Bill as settled by Mr.[Alderson], who,to my great satisfaction, says "the Act is extremely well drawn & requires scarcely any Alteration on my part".
Friday 8. Went to Macclesfield, where engaged on Brewery Accounts which we examined & settled. Conversation with Wm. Bent respecting Stoney fields. Told him at last that of the Parties were disposed to . . .from their [Terms] of £5500, I should not mind a £100 or so advance on my Offer of £5000 dividing the Duty on the Purchase, when he said that he would contact his Brothers & let me know. Saw Mr. F. Twemlow.
Saturday 9. Mr. F. Twemlow who called this morning, said Votes of the last General Assembly respecting myself were most cordial & properly [unanimous]. Most of our thoughts, I had only been too [suspicious] & have not in such . . .the Money. Whichever, in any . . .as I might have done without
Page 34. 1830 January
Saturday 9. a word being said. Returned home to dinner. Found Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wilkinson. Unwell, & suffering much from fatigue of mind & Body. Stamford who had dined here yesterday, dined today & returned home in the evening.
Sunday 10. At home. Letter from Mr. Wilkinson. Service.
Monday 11. Went to Newcastle making final arrangements with Mr. Wilkinson previous to his setting off tomorrow morning to Chester to offer Notices of the Bill on the Sessions Door & afterwards to proceed on the Application to the Owners & Occupants of Lands, & left with him the copy of the Book of Reference & 2 of the Plan. Also the copy of the order of the House of Lands since June 1829. Returned home to dinner. When at Newcastle paid sundry Tradesmen's Christmas Bills.
Tuesday 12. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers, selecting & arranging such as might be necessary to take to Town, etc. Received by a Messenger a Letter from Mr. Ward informing me that he had been offered £5650 for Stoney fields property & that he thought he should get £5700 unless I wished to purchase on this . . . . In formed Mr. Ward that I would call upon him tomorrow Morning.
Wednesday 13. Went to Newcastle this morning. Saw Mr. Ward and signed an Agreement with him for the purchase at £5700 of the whole of the Stoney fields property & the money to be paid at . . . . . next on equal Tithe being made etc. when I [came] to enter into receipt of the Rents & profits, I was painfully [indorsed] to this from Stamford having expressed a very strong wish for it.
Thursday 14. Thinking it proper that the Agreement entered into yesterday should put upon the proper stamp, wrote to Mr. Ward, by Samuel Jones to that effect & in the evening received back the Agreement on Stamp & agreed by Mr. Ward & which I then signed myself. Again engaged closely examining & selecting papers to be taken to London.
Friday 15. Engaged again with Navigation Papers. Mr. Davenport came to see Eliza who was very unwell, the effect of a severe cold.
Page 35. 1830 January
Saturday 16. Engaged on Papers & making Minutes of Business & observations for the Meeting of the Select Committee on Monday next. Letter writing, Stamford came to dinner, & staid all night.
Sunday 17. Service. Stamford dined, & went home in the evening.
Monday 18. Went early to Stone where engaged closely all day on Select Committee.
Tuesday 19. Again engaged on Committee. After which came to Newcastle & attended the Sessions. Brought Sir George Chetwynd to Newcastle & sent the Carriage forwards with him from thence to Cobridge appointing to meet again at Newcastle tomorrow morning on Navigation Business.
Wednesday 20. Went again the Newcastle this morning pursuant to appointment. Sir George & Mr. Landor soon after arrived at Mr. Wilkinson's. Sent aforesaid to the Petition for the Consolidation Bill. Letter from Mr. Landor to Mr. Wyatt relative to Lord Ansons Land, sealed & approved, & sundry arrangements made.
Thursday 21. I this day completed the 71st year of my age. It has been past busily, & I hope not unsuccessfully, but I begin to tire of this continual exertion, & sometimes [wish] to withdraw from mature life, however would be so serious a step that I hardly dare take it dear Friends dissuade me from it. I shall therefore continue to go on while Heart & Strength are spared me, at least for the present. My ever dear Eliza who had been suffering from a severe cold for several days past, was this morning so unwell that I immediately & fortunately sent for Mr. Davenport, who on his arrival found her labouring under an attack of the [Liver] which if unattended to upon till tomorrow, might have been found . . .of the most serious consequence.
Friday 22. I had the unspeakable delight to find this morning that the means used by Mr. Davenport has proved successful, my beloved wife being this morning considerably better. Mr. Davenport came to breakfast, & made a satisfactory report. Severe Winter weather as it has been for some time past. Frost & Snow, and this morning the weather again accompanied with a strong wind. In the morning, not being satisfied with what Mr. Davenport
Page 36. 1830 January
Friday 22. again seeing Eliza, sent a Note to him, in consequence of which he came, but found without [doubt] there had been some return of pain that she was getting unfavourably. He said I might depend upon it that he would request Dr. Northen's being called in, if he felt the slightest doubt or an [instant] about the Case. Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Woodward with plans of the proposed improvement of the Coventry Canal.
Saturday 23. Mr. Davenport came again to breakfast. Eliza had a good night & was decidedly better, though still in some pain in consequence of which Leeches were applied again. Engaged on various Navigation Papers, & made Minutes of additional clauses to be introduced into the Consolidation Act. Stamford dined & returned home in the evening. Mr. Davenport came again in the evening & found Eliza going on well. Sent a Letter, received by the last night's Post from Mr. Woodward of Coventry requesting a Special General Meeting to be held of the Proprietors of the T.& M. Canal, to Mr. Landor with a request that he would immediately show it to Sir George Chetwynd. Wrote to Mr. Bent [Macclesfield] & sent him a further call of 10s per share on my ten shares of the Macclesfield Canal standing in his name.
Sunday 24. Mr. Davenport came to breakfast. Found Eliza, who had had a very good night still better, but there being some remains of pain recommended the Leeches again to be applied. Service. Heavy Snow, and everything having the appearance of severe winter. Mr. Davenport came again in the evening & found Eliza going on well. Letter from Mr. Cririe.
Monday 25. Mr. Davenport came to breakfast & found Eliza going on well. In the House all day myself, engaged on Navigation business & Papers. Stamford came to dinner with whom considered additional Clauses to be introduced into Consolidation Bill. He returned at night. Mr. D. again came & found Eliza still improving.
Tuesday 26. Mr. D. came to breakfast, pronounced Eliza quite free from any symptoms of her disorder & going on perfectly well. In the evening she sat up about 2 hours. Engaged again on Navigation papers. Received Letters from Mr. Landor & Mr. James Trubshaw.
Wednesday 27. Mr. D. came again. Eliza continuing to go on well. Received further Letter from Mr. Landor. Engaged on Navigation Papers etc. etc. Heavy Snow.
Page 37. 1830 January
Thursday 28. Wrote to Mr. Landor & to Mr. Vaughan. Wrote also to Mr. Williams of Sandbach relative to the Lawton Bill, & the arrangements necessary to be made previous to my leaving home. Mr. Williams informed me that he would call at Linley Wood . . .& had . . .written to Mr. [Tomlinson]. Mr. Davenport came & found Eliza continuing to go on well. In the evening Miss Priscilla Noble arrived, the carriage fetching her from Red Bull.
Friday 29. Engaged on various Navigation Papers preparatory to going to Town, & seeing Mr. Wilkinson at Newcastle tomorrow. Letter from Mr. Lock.
Saturday 30. Went to Newcastle, delivered the Company's Seal to Mr. Wilkinson to be delivered by him to Mr. Landor in order to its being taken to Town by him & Sir George Chetwynd. Called at Mr. Ward's & delivered to him the Stoney fields Documents etc. in order to an [Advance] of the Title being made. From thence to Cliffe Ville whereby Conference relative to the Lawton Title, & he appointed to meet Mr. Williams at Linley Wood. Stamford dined. Unwell with much gouty feeling & pain.
Sunday 31. Service, but very unwell, Stamford again dined having staid all night, & went home in the evening. Still very unwell, with [decided] Gout.
February
Monday 1. Bad night & very unwell. Engaged on papers previous to seeing Mr. Tomlinson & Mr. Williams here tomorrow.
Tuesday 2. Mr. Williams & Mr. Tomlinson came pursuant to appointment, & with whom engaged closely a long time on the Lawton Business, & the [differences] that had been thereon in the way of the Act of Parliament by the new Settlement, which had been executed, & in which the [Articles] that had been agreed to be settled by the Act, in exchange for the Lands & woods purchased by me had been included. Mr. Williams disclaimed on the part to give any obstruction to the Act of Parliament, bur on the contrary [discharged] that they were all ready to concur in abstaining it in favourably to which had been [commented], and since in part proceeded on, & be promised immediately to obtain the Opinion of Mr. Hughes what would now be the best course to pursue for that purpose. Still very unwell & suffering much from the Attack of Gout.
Page 38. 1830 February
Wednesday 3. Mr. Vaughan came in the Morning & with whom engaged a long time on various Navigation Business. Afterwards Mr. Booth & Mr. James Barker settling Rent Account of Oak Farm etc. etc. Mr. Booth dined & on his departure, I was informed of the heartbreaking intelligence which had been received from Brook Street of the death of my much dear and tenderly beloved Emma.
Thursday 4. Laid up with severe attack of the Goat, and confined upstairs to the evening of Sunday the 14th when I came down for the first time.
Monday 15. Busily engaged all day preparatory to setting off to Derby & London tomorrow Morning.
Tuesday 16. Left Linley Wood and arrived at Derby the same Evening, where I received the purchase Money £ 550 of the Public House sold to (blank)
Wednesday 17. Left Derby & arrived at . W. . .where I slept.
Thursday 18. Arrived in London. From this time to Thursday 8 April when I arrived at Linley Wood late. Perusal . . .in [London] No. 2 (Middle of the Book ) & No. 3 & 4.
April
Thursday 8. Arrived at home. Found my beloved wife much better than when I left, but not looking so well as I had hoped & expected.
Friday 9. At home. Fatigued, and suffering miserably from this sad Malady of my Spirits, which is sometimes almost more than I can support. What a Cloud has it been cast over my life, and how it has [blasted] the great and various blessings which I possessed and which I should otherwise have so fully and gratefully enjoyed! But let me endeavour to submit with patience, and endure without mainly refining at this severe implication.
Saturday 10. Mr. Davenport came & with whom I had a long conversation relative to my most dear wife Eliza, & had the satisfaction to be afterwards told that there was not a vestige left of her late complaint. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood in reply to a Letter carried from him at A. Marsh's Office, & expressing my Resolution not to interfere further. Received Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw
Page 39. 1830 April
relation to the Dam Feeder which I answered by this Post& requested him to attend at Stone on Tuesday next. Mr. & Mrs. Tollet called.
Sunday 11. At home. Service.
Monday 12. At home. Busily engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow to attend Meeting of the Committee.
Tuesday 13. Went early to Stone. Called at Kinnersley's & left Cash Book to be settled. Closely engaged at Stone all day having sat from 11 till near 6 without leaving the Chair. Not being able to consider many matters by requiring the direction of the Select Committee, Mr. Wedgwood & I agreed to meet again tomorrow Morning at 9.
Wednesday 14. Copies of the Report of the Committee of Standing Orders on the Birmingham & London Junction Canal Bill having been printed, in the night from the Birmingham Newspaper. I protested in the strongest terms against the correction of these when the Copies were directed to be . . .,& the proof . . .up. Met Mr. Wedgwood at 9, & with whom engaged till half past one. Returned home to dinner. Found Letter from Mr. [Hostage] inclosing the Draft of a Clause to be entered into the Bill relative to the Dam Feeder.
Thursday 15. At home. Closely engaged all Morning on Navigation Business. Wrote Letters to Sir George Chetwynd, Mr. Bouverie, Mr. Landor & Mr. Hostage. Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Lawton called. Unwell & much fatigued.
Friday 16. Wm. Faram called relative to [Rust] & Co. Rail Road at Anderton. Made a Copy of the order of the Committee & sent it by him to Mr. Wilkinson. Engaged on Navigation papers.
Saturday 17. Wrote urgent Letter to Mr. Williams of Sandbach relative to the completion of the Lawton Title, & the Act of Parliament agreed to be applied for in the present Session. John Trubshaw came & with whom engaged relative to the Dam Feeder etc. Directed him to inform the . . .courses at Congleton of the [undivided] attention & the Trustees of the [Weaver] though Mr. Hostage, Mr. Daintry had been applied to & consented to the getting of the [Stone] in his Ground. Beautiful day with occasional Showers. Sent Mr. Williamson, by his Messenger, the Plan of his coals at Harecastle. Received a [vital] answer
Page 40. 1830 April
from Mr. Williams( by Samuel Jones who I had sent purposely with my Letter) that he was just setting off to Chester, but that I shall hear from him in a day or two.
Sunday 18. At home. Service. Stamford came to dinner.
Monday 19. Engaged again on Navigation papers, London Acct. etc. etc. Received Letter from r. Landor relative to the Clause to be introduced into the Bill respecting Consall Mills with one proposed by Mr. . . .Solicitor for my [consultation]. Also Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing to be here at 8 o'clock tomorrow Morning on various matters. Afterwards revised & considered for insertion in the Book the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee at the Select Committee.
Tuesday 20. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast, & with whom engaged a considerable time on various Navigation matters. He proceeded to Anderton to meet Mr. Wilkinson relative to Reid & Co. Railway & promised to sleep here on his return. Wrote to Mr. Landor in reply to his Letter & appointing John Trubshaw to call upon him. Mr. Vaughan did not come as expected.
Wednesday 21. At home. Engaged considering the Consall Mill Clause contract, the Bill as settled by Mr. Pratt a& Mr. Landor, but which not appearing to me to meet the Case drawn afresh Clause for consideration of the Select Committee. Mr. [Fenton] of Newcastle came on the part of Lord Stafford relative to the Lane End Railway, which appeared upon his statement not to have been completed & that proves that he seemed to extend the same to [Macclesfield] Lane as laid down upon the Plan deposited in the Clerk of the P. . .Office. Mr. F. said he would prepare the Draft of a Clause & send it to me on . . . Yard previous to the 27th inst. Perused also & conferred with Mr. Fenton the Clause relative to Clough Hall Estate & the Mining Clauses with all of which he was satisfied. Wrote John Trubshaw, & desiring to see him tomorrow previous to his going to Rugeley to attend Mr. Landor relative to Consall Mills. Rain all day.
Page 41. 1830 April
Thursday 22. At home. Mr. John Trubshaw came pursuant to appointment & with whom engaged all morning on Consall Mills Clause, Dam Feeder etc. etc. previous to his going to Rugeley to see Mr. Landor. Mr. & Mrs. Northen called. Received by Post Long Letter from Mr. [Wilkinson] relative to Anderton Railway, & inclosing Letters from Mr. Hostage relative to Dam Feeder & from Mr. Williamson relative to Coals in Harecastle Tunnel. Weary & unwell having been kept to the Desk all day on Navigation Papers.
Friday 23. Engaged on Papers & afterwards writing Mr. Williamson & Mr. Hostage by this Mornings Post, in reply to their Letters to Mr. Hostage. Afterwards engaged selecting & packing Papers etc. preparatory to setting off to London tomorrow Morning.
Saturday 24. Set off to London. From that time to Friday the 14th May where I left London on my Return into the Coventry . . .Journal [left] in London.
May
Saturday 15. Arrived at Linley Wood in the evening having dined with Mr. Vaughan at Stone at the Crown Inn. Found Eliza, who had just arrived from Nantwich, & Stamford. The former, to my great delight, looking better than when I parted from her.
Sunday 16. At home. Service as usual. Stamford dined.
Monday 17. At home, but very unwell. Engaged on Accounts & sundry matters Farm etc. etc. Examined the Costings up of the N. Co. Cash Book sent over for that purpose by Mr. Vaughan.
Tuesday 18. Engaged again on Accounts. Also on the Farm. Arranged with the Men who were felling Timber on Mr. Smith's Estate to leave some of the Trees standing till I had communicated with with Mr. Smith. Still suffering miserably. Changed the Cows from the field below the Flower Garden to the Pool Field.
Wednesday 19. At home. Still suffering severely. Engaged on various Navigation Papers. Wm. Faran came, & with whom engaged a long time on various Navigation matters, also relative to his invention for passing Boats upon Canals by Steam & of the success of which be still received [confident]. Made sundry Calculations as
Page 42. 1830 May
comparative expense etc. Desired him to view again the state of the Manchester & Liverpool Rail Road, & speak to me thereon. Also to suggest to Mr. Hostage the propriety of some Notice being taken to the Landowners of the proposed Liverpool & Birmingham Rail Road.
Thursday 20. At home. Some suffering. Selected & arranged Navigation Papers brought from London, & posted up Cash Account.
Friday 21. At home. The same. Wrote Letter to Mr. Williams of Sandbach relative tot he Lawton Business. Looked over various Railway papers with a view to drawing up observations relative to the proposed Liverpool & Birmingham Railway.
Saturday 22. Sent by Samuel Jones Letter to Mr. Williams, but he was from home. Wrote also to Mr. Skerratt proposing to call upon him on Tuesday or Wednesday next on Perlington Affairs, but as he was going immediately to Town, he said he could not see me till his Return. Wrote also to Mr. Landor . Also to Mr. Vaughan, who proposed coming here on Monday next on Navigation business. Appointed also to meet also Mr. Salt at Stone on Wednesday next to examine Treasurers Account. Still suffering much.
Sunday 23. At home. Service. Suffering severely.
Monday 24. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Drew an Observations to the Landowners relative to the projected Liverpool & Birmingham Junction Canal for insertion in the Staffordshire Advertiser. W. Faram came with his Report of the present State of the Manchester & Liverpool Railway which I had desired him to survey, & with whom engaged a long time thereon & also relative to his invention for passing Boats upon Canals by Steam making sundry calculations of comparative expense etc. & whom I finally appointed to an actual expense to be made next week upon the Land near Lawton with one of the Company's [Engines]. He sent me a Message from Mr. Hostage approving of some Notice being taken in the provisional Papers of the Railway scheme & saying that he had proposed some observations which would appear in the Chester Papers. Mr. Vaughan afterwards came to consult me on various matters, & to whom I desired the Cash Book & fixed to meet Mr Thos. Salt
Page 43. 1830 May
at Stone on Wednesday next to examine the Treasurers Accounts. I showed Mr. V. the paper I had drawn up for the [Shropshire] Calculation which he much approved. He staid to dinner, but returned in the evening.
Tuesday 25. At home. Engaged on sundry Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow. Minutes of Business for the Committee etc. etc. Still very unwell.
Wednesday 26 . Went to Stone. Met Mr. Thos. Salt with whom & Mr. Vaughan settled the Treasurers Account. Afterwards examined with Mr. Vaughan the Cash Book comparing the same with the various . . .etc. etc. Copied & sent to Mr. Vaughan to expand the observations relative to the Rail Road from Liverpool & Birmingham for his consideration previous to inserting the same in the Newspaper. Returned home in the Evening. Found that Mr. Broadhurst of [Mansfield] had called in my absence. Eliza being unwell he did not see anybody but left his card.
Thursday 27. Having received back this morning the Papers sent to Mr. Wedgwood yesterday showing altered the same agreeably to his Suggestions. Took it to Newcastle, & showed it to Mr Wilkinson who approved and consented to deliver it to Mr. Wilkinson for insertion in the next Staffordshire Advertiser. Returned to dinner.
Friday 28. At home. Perusing & considering Papers, & drawing Draft of a Report from the Select Committee to the General Assembly of their proceedings when in Town. Still far from well. Samuel Beardmore settling his Rent, & Account during my absence in Town. Rode over the Farm & gave directions respecting various matters. The day fine, & passed without Rain, of which we have of late had, almost daily more or less. The country in consequence most beautiful & verdant, & the Pasture verdant.
Saturday 29. At home. Unwell. Eliza called at John Lawton's & at Rode Heath. Received Letters from Mr. Daniell, Vaughan & Stamford. Miss Stamford arrived in the Evening.
Sunday 30. At home. Service.
Monday 31. At home. Wrote to Mr. Daniell in reply to his Letter. Engaged on various Navigation Papers. Sent Staffordshire Advertiser to Mr. Bouverie. Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson for Copies of the Petition [agreed], the Consolidation Bill. Unwell. Looked over the Farm. Changed the Cows from the Hollins to the House field.
Page 44. 1830 June
Tuesday 1. Referred & reconsidered Draft of intended Report from the Select Committee of the General Assembly, having this morning received from Mr. Wilkinson copies of the Petitions against the Consolidation Bill. Wrote to Wm. Faram & to John Trubshaw. Made sundry alterations in the Draft of the Report.
Wednesday 2. Completed the Report, and made a fair copy for the General Assembly. Eliza again went out in the Carriage. Engaged on various papers & matters, Farm etc. but unwell, & suffering much.
Thursday 3. At home. Heavy & almost incessant Rain all day, which prevented me going to Betley as we had intended.
Friday 4. Thinking it proper to send the Report to send Mr. Wedgwood for his perusal and consideration. Wrote to him therewith & sent the Papers to Etruria by Samuel Jones. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged on various matters preparatory to going to Stone next week. Received back the Report from Mr. Wedgwood which he said was correct & complete, but suggests one or two [immediate] alterations, which I adopted & wrote accordingly.
Saturday 5. At home, prevented going with Eliza & Miss Stamford to Betley as I had intended, by an attack of Lumbago. Mr. Trubshaw came & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the Dam Feeder etc. which he stated to be in great . . ., but not yet entirely completed owing to Floods etc. Afterwards Mr. Morris on sundry Navigation matters,& particularly the Communication with the River Weaver which he again strenuously recommended.
Sunday 6. At home. Service.
Monday7. Went early to Stone, where closely engaged all day on the Committee.
Tuesday 8. At Stone. Engaged on General Assembly, being in the Chair.
Wednesday 9. At Stone. Engaged on Select Committee. Returned home to dinner. Found Stamford who had returned from London.
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Thursday 10. At home. Weary & unwell. Mr. Booth came & with whom engaged a considerable time examining & settling his account up to this time & received the Balance from him. Revd. Mr. Carter called & brought with 8 fine Carp which he had procured from . . .Hall, where the fish is selling, & which we turned into the Farm Yard Pond, & to offer himself in the place of John [Crossley], & agreed with him to come a Month upon Trial. Received Weaver River Cuts, & other Navigation papers from Mr. Wilkinson for my perusal & consideration. Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Newcastle.
Friday 11. Perused & considered River Weaver Acts, & Copy of Case with the opinion of the late Sir Thomas [Plumer] relative to the Transshipment of Goods at Anderton, received from Mr. Wilkinson yesterday. Still unwell. Fine day with light showers.
Saturday 12. At home. Wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson relative to Stoney fields purchase etc. Mr. Skerratt & Bessy came to dinner. Sent the Carriage for them to Nantwich. Rain
Sunday 13. John Trubshaw came to consult me in consequence of the obstruction given to the work at the Dam Feeder by the floods of the River, when on his informing me that the Feeder might be finished within the time limited by the Act of Parliament, though not in the most perfect manner, but which might be done afterwards. I desired him to proceed with the work as expedient as possible. Service. Rain, which at night was very heavy.
Monday 14. At home. Unwell. Enggaed with Mr. Skerratt etc. Received Letter from Mr. Bouverie relative to proposed Reduction of Tonnage from Paddington or . . .to Preston Brook. Stamford dined.
Tuesday 15. Write to Mr. Vaughan with Mr. Bouverie's Letter, which I sent inclosed in my own. Wrote long Letter to Mr.Sneyd of [Byrkley] Lodge, in reply to one received from him requesting an Account of the proceedings of the last General Assembly. Still unwell & in the house all day. Stamford dined & returned in the evening.
Wednesday 16. Wm. Faram came relative to his invention for passing Boats by Steam on Canals, with whom engaged a considerable time, & appointed to witness an experiment of it upon the Canal tomorrow morning. Considered with him the Davenham Church
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Rate and gave him directions to call upon the Revd. H. Tomlinson on this business. Engaged with Mr. Skerratt & on various matters.
Thursday 17. Went pursuant to the appointment to the Canal at [Massage] Bridge at 10 this morning, where I found Wm. Faram with the Boat & Engine, which appeared on the first Trial to promise well, but the Chain which was a very old & improper one, being composed of parts of different thickness, we deferred the further Trials to another day to be found by Mr. Faram as soon as he had procured a proper chain. Mr. Wedgwood & Charlotte came to dinner & returned in the evening. In the course of the day I had ridden over the Farm with Saml. Beardmore & gave directions for further draining etc. etc. Still very unwell.
Friday 18. In the forenoon Mr. Skerratt & Bessy returned home, the carriage taking them. Unwell & in the house almost the whole of the day. Sent to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach by his Clerk, the Probate copy of the Will of the late Mary Perlington & the Letters of C. . .to the late Mr. Perlington granted to Miss Dawson.
Saturday 19. Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast, to consult me on sundry matters, particularly the Notice to be given to the Carriers of the proposed reduction of Tonnages on the thoroughfare Trade, but Mr. Landor having the Case & Opinion taken on this matter I referred Mr. Vaughan to him. Much Rain in the last night. Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Clough Hall & Lawton Hall.
Sunday 20. At home. Service.
Monday 21. Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr Wilkinson relative to the Anderton & Lock with the papers which he had sent me & also the Case with Mr. [Harrison's] Opinion taking on the year 1825 & which I left with Mr. W., with a Letter from Mr. Skerratt tonight. Saw Mr. Ward who promised to forward the completion of the Stoney fields Business, and telling him that the money was in readiness on the Title being approved on my part.
Tuesday 22. At home. The witness of John Stanley ,a person of the name of Harrison, to consult me on the Will of Stanley . . . Went to Mr. Ward
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& appointed Thursday next for Eliza & I going to Newcastle to acknowledge a [Fine] necessary for the completion of the Shrewsbury Brewery Title. Mr. E. Ward Jnr. & Mr. Harding of Burton called to request my support of Mr. Harding who proposed to offer himself for Coroner, as the . . . of the late Mr. Dent who died suddenly in the night of Sunday last at the Bear & Bill Inn at Stone, having gone to bed as well as usual. Promised Mr. Harding my Vote.
Wednesday 23. Perused & considered Case received a short time ago from Mr. Wilson relative to Mrs. Simms Affairs, proposed to be laid before Counsel. Perused also the Will of the late George Hand Esq. of Lichfield, at the request of (blank) Warburton, who considered himself entitled, in right of his hope to a Share of the property owned by Mr. Hand. In the evening Eliza complaining of a numbness of her fingers. Sent to Mr. Davenport, who came & directed Leeches to be applied on the back of the ear, & which was done accordingly. Mr. Faram came to request my attendance on Friday morning next, at a further experiment with the Steam Boat.
Thursday 24. Eliza better, but not being well enough to go to Newcastle. I went after breakfast to inform Mr. Ward, who I saw & appointed Monday next for the business. Fine Sunshine Morning. The first of the . . .we had for a considerable time past. Considered again the papers & received from Mr. Wilson. Eliza Roscoe & her 5 children arrived to dinner.
Friday 25. Went early & met Wm. Faram at the Canal, where during 3 or 4 hours we were engaged reaching repeated experiment & Tariffs on the Steam Boat with a view to ascertaining his favour and Speed, & both of which greatly surpassed my expectation leaving little doubt in my mind that of the applicability of Steam power upon Canals; & that the speed however below that obtained upon the Rail Road, will be amply sufficient for all the real useful purposes of . . .,not at a compensation less expense. The Result of these Trials being minuted down, we shall now proceed to make the necessary Calculations as to power. Speed & Cheapness. At night violent Thunder, Lightning & Rain. Wrote Letter
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this morning to Mr. Wilson to accompany the Case & Papers in Mrs. Simms business.
Saturday 26. Reperused the above Papers, made additional observations & wrote afresh Letter to Mr. Wilson & sent the whole by the Umpire Coach. Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe went to Nantwich & returned in the Evening bringing the Carriage which had been new painted. Received from John Faram the results of the experiments with the Steam Boat, as to weight of loading & speed.
1 Boat weighed 10 Tons, Cargo 17 Tons, total 27 Tons. Speed 4.02 Miles an hour.
2 Boats weighed 20 Tons, Cargo 34 Tons, total 54 Tons. Speed 3.75 Miles per hour.
3 Boats weighed 30 Tons, Cargo 51 Tons, total 81 Tons. Speed 2.89 Miles per hour.
4 Boats weighed 40 Tons, Cargo 68 Tons, total 108 Tons. Speed 2.35 Miles per hour.
BB Apply the above power to Coals, Timber, Iron, Limestone & all other heavy articles, not requiring hard . . .speed. Calculate the comparative expense for Rail Road, or Canal Frost Cash Repair etc. etc.
Sunday 27. At home. Service. The Newspaper brought the Account of the King's death, which took place about a quarter past 3 o'clock on Saturday morning.
Monday 28. Went to Newcastle with Eliza where acknowledging a [Fine] to complete the Title to House etc. etc. in Shrewsbury late the property of R. E. Heathcote Esq. & . . .part of the Brewery property, the legal Estate in which had been contested in our . . . Mr. Ward & Mr. Wilkinson. Spoke to Mr. Ward & also to Mr. Tomlinson desiring that the completeness of the Stoney fields purchase may be expedited & which was promised by both. Eliza called at Wolstanton. Returned to dinner. Rain. Saw Mr. Sneyd of Bradwall. Revd. Mr. Baget, Mr. Wilbraham etc. On my return found John Faram with Calculations as to the power of the Engine used in the late experiments.
Tuesday 29. At home, declining to attend Newcastle Races on account of the death of the King. Engaged on sundry papers & Calculations relative to the Canal Steam Boat preparatory to seeing Mr. Wm. Faram tomorrow.
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Wednesday 30. Mr. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the Steam Boat. He said he had written to Mr. Stephenson to enquire the price of some of his Engines, but I suggested speaking to Mr. Kirk of Etruria as to the expense etc. etc. & which Faram promised to do today. Appointed to meet him at the Aqueduct tomorrow Morning at 10 to make a further experiment. Received from John Trubshaw on account of Dam Feeder where some damage had been done by the violent Flood on Friday night last, also of the Knypersley Reservoir. Wrote to him requesting him to attend at Stone on Monday next. Stamford dined. Fine day without Rain.
July
Thursday 1. Met Wm. Faram at Aqueduct at 10. Reviewed the Trials with the Steam Boat & the results of which were very satisfactory. One Trip average 220 yards & be proposed in 1 Minute 35 seconds with 27 Tons or about 4 3/4 miles per hour. A second in 1 Minute & 30 seconds (moving) at 5 miles per hour. One of the [bellows] of the Engine [faulty]. We postponed further Trials to 2 o'clock & gave time for the necessary repair. I then went again. When we resumed the Trials. The Revd. Mr. Carter being on the Towing path, I asked him to come on Board. The Engine then drew 4 boats, total weight 108 Tons, 220 yards in 2 Minutes & 40 seconds, or very nearly 3 miles an hour. The general Result led me to conclude that the average Speed with a cargo of Goods of 15 or 16 Tons would be about 4 1/2 miles an hour, and this without injury to the sides of the Canal. This Engine would consume about [200 lbs] of Steam in 10 hours. It would appear that Goods from Manchester may be delivered in London in time for the Markets on the 3rd day. Kirk could say nothing positive about the Engines, but proposed going to Manchester to look at Mr. Stephenson's called The Rocket.
Friday 2. Received from Mr. Fenton, a Request from the Mayor of Newcastle to attend the Proclamation of the Accession of His present Majesty, on Monday next at 12, & which I informed Mr. F. that I would do. John Faram came, with further Calculations of expense of taking by the Engine, & of its power etc. etc. and with whom engaged a considerable time examining & considering the same. Determined to try a larger wheel & which he said he would procure for that purpose. Engaged on sundry Navigation papers & making minutes of business for the Select Committee on Monday next. Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe went to Newcastle. Mr. Booth called relative to Watson & settling the Tax [return]Rent due at Michaelmas last.
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Saturday 3. John Faram came again with further Calculations as to expense of Carriage by Steam etc. & with whom engaged examining & considering the same, & making & amending Minutes on the subject. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of my engagement at Newcastle tomorrow, by which my Counsel at Stone would be delayed, & sent him Minute of the business requiring the attention of the Select Committee.
Sunday 4. At home. Service. Stamford dined.
Monday 5. Went to Newcastle & attended the Proclamation of His Majesty's Accession. The Procession (except that there was no Military nor Yeoman Cavalry) was the same or very nearly so as on the last occasion in the year 1820. From Newcastle to Stone where I arrived about ½ past 3 attending Meeting of the Select Committee, & where Mr. F. Twemlow & Mr. Simpson also attended.
Tuesday 6. Returned from Stone. Brought Sir George Chetwynd to Cobridge. From thence came to Newcastle. Saw Mr. Ward relative to Mr. Pearson's Land tax & Repairs respecting which I desired him to which thought reasonable & proper. Stamford dined at Linley Wood. Unwell. Rain. [B.] Delivered to Mr. Vaughan, & left at Stone with the application of the Select Committee a paper parcel containing the Bond from the Treasurers & sending other Documents belonging to the Company.
Wednesday 7. Weary and unwell. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan relative to Drawbacks. Dined with Miss Stamford at Clough Hall. Mr. & Mrs. Swettenham, Mrs. Glegg, Mr. Tollet, Wickstead, Mainwaring, J.C. Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Lawton, Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Carter & a Gentleman who I did not know.
Thursday 8. At home. Very unwell. Drew upon a Minute of circumstances attending the Clause contained in the Consolidation Bill, giving power to reduce the Tolls. Mary Holland & the three interesting Children from Brook Street arrived in the afternoon. Weather rainy & stormy, and such as entirely to prevent beginning with the Hay, which I must do.
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Friday 9. At home. Engaged again on Navigation Papers & completing the Minute. Still very unwell. Rain all day.
Saturday 10. Prevented by the badness of the weather from taking Eliza Roscoe to Betley as we had intended, to call at Betley Hall, B. Court & & on the Twemlows. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan. Also from Wm. Faram informing me that he had been at Manchester with Mr. Kirk examining the Railway Steam Engine & that I should shortly receive an Estimate of one for our additions to the Minute. Still very unwell.
Sunday 11. At home. Service. Received from Mr. Wilkinson the Draft document of a Case relative to Marsh [payment] etc. at Anderton, with a request that I would peruse & consider the same. Much suffering throughout the day.
Monday 12. At home. Very unwell. Engaged perusing the Case sent by Mr. Wilkinson.
Tuesday 13. At home. Unwell. Made sundry Observations on the Case & wrote Letter therewith to Mr. Wilkinson. Received Letter from Mr. [Beck] of Coventry relative to Woodend Shortening. Mrs. & Miss & Miss E. Tollet dined & returned in the evening. Samuel Beardmore brought a brown horse which he had taken in exchange for the Cart Mare.
Wednesday 14. At home, but suffering much. Wm. Faram came with Letter from Mr. Stevenson relative to his Steam Engines, and an estimation of the expense, which appeared to be too great for the purpose of any Steam Boat, we determined to wait till Mr. Kirk of Etruria who had seen Mr. Stevenson's Engines should furnish me with an Estimate, which he had been requested to do. Wrote to Mr. [Beck]. Day perfect one without Rain.
Thursday 15. At home. Mr. Roscoe arrived. Mr. Wickstead & Miss G. Tollet called. In the evening Mr. Smith the owner of the Estate held by Mr. [Done] who said he would let the trees which I wished remain growing upon the Ground.
Friday 16. At home, but suffering much. The Ladies went to Newcastle. Received Letter from Mr. Bent. Engaged with Mr. Roscoe.
Saturday 17. At home. Began mowing, but the weather changing again to rain, stopped in the afternoon. Wrote Letter to Wm. Bent. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with further Statement as to Tonnages, also from the Mayor of Newcastle relative to my attendance at the Sessions on Tuesday next.
Sunday 18. At home. Service.
Monday 19. At home. Resumed Mowing. Engaged on papers etc. etc. preparatory to
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proceedings tomorrow a Survey of northern [district] of Trent & Mersey Canal.
Tuesday 20. Went to Red Bull Wharf. Met Mr. . . .with whom a long conversation relative to Carriage upon the Coast, necessary Reduction of Freights etc. etc. Sir Geo. Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood afterwards arrived then a further Conversation took place. Proceeded to Middlewich where we staid all night.
Wednesday 22. Left Middlewich a little before 5, & arrived at [Runcorn] about 12, from where proceeded on the Steam Packet to Liverpool where we arrived between 2 & 3. Mr. Simpson not long after arrived, but Mr. F. Twemlow did not come.
Thursday 22. Spent the whole of the Morning on Survey of the Rail Road Engines etc. which through the kind attention of Mr. Roscoe we had full opportunity of inspecting. Mr. Lock, Mr. Stevenson's appointed Engineer having met & accompanied us & freely replying to our enquiries. Was certainly a most magnificent instance of what human Toil & Labour can effect where expense is [disregarded] but I cannot help entertaining much doubt of its protected success. The friction appeared to me to be greater than I had expected to find it. The Engine of nice & delicate construction & I should think very little to go out of repair.
Friday 23. Left Liverpool at ½ past nine with Mr. Williamson & arrived at Linley Wood to dinner. Found them busy carrying Hay & finished the upper part of the Meadow.
Saturday 24. At home. Again Showery, but went on mowing. Mrs. F. & Miss Twemlow called with some of the Children from Betley Wood.
Sunday 25. At home. Service. Fine hot day. The first that can properly be called a Summers day through the Season.
Monday 26. Wrote to Mr. Bouverie. Wm.Faram & Mr. Kirk came the latter with his Estimate of an Engine for the projected Steam Boat amounting on the whole to £205, and at which price I gave him an order for one for one having resolved to give the proposed Steam Boat
Page 53. 1830 July
a fair Trial at my own risk and expense. Mr. Kirk spoke highly of the invention, particularly from its simplicity, & said he had no doubt of its success. They continued with me a long time & we fully discussed the matter. Busy carrying the Hay. Mrs. Moreton called. Stamford came to a late dinner. Hot day. NB When I first mentioned the motion in London & the expense of making a Trial Sir G. C. abruptly & strongly said the Co. should not be at one farthing expense.
Tuesday 27. Wrote to Mr. D. Hollinshead thanking him for a Lancashire Chaise which I received from him yesterday. Busy carrying Hay. The day very hot.
Wednesday 28. Busy in the Hay. Went with E. Roscoe to Betley. Called at Betley Hall. Saw Mr. & Mrs. Tollet & the young Ladies. Whilst there Mr. Edward Davenport came in on his return from the political Union Meeting at Birmingham, which he said called a splendid Meeting. 20,000 persons assembled. Said Sir Francis Burndrett & himself met with a most gratifying Reception. The People were he said were loyal & a very good People of kindly nature he might have added, and if not excited & had not been led astray by popular agitators. From Betley went to Betley Court. Saw Mr. & Mrs. F. Twemlow & Miss Fletcher. Called afterwards at the . . .but they were at the [Sea]. Very hot day. Found Letter from Mr. Landor relative to function with the . . .. Also from Mr. A. Wilson with copy of Mr. [Timmings] Opinion on Mrs. Simms affairs.
Thursday 29. Eliza Roscoe & her Children went to Nantwich on their way home. Engaged in the Hay, & which we finished; thus completing one of the finest Hay Harvest I have ever experienced & in less time, having only begun mowing on the 17th. Received Letters from Mr. Landor, Wm. Faram. Mr. Bouverie etc.
Friday 30. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation & other papers but very unwell as I have been for some days past. In the afternoon Thunder with a heavy Shower of Rain.
Saturday 31. Wrote to Mr. Wilson. Very unwell all day with Symptoms of Gout.
August
Sunday 1. Miserable night with much gouty pain in the ankle & top of the right foot. So bad till noon, & unable to go through the usual morning Service, but read prayers at night.
Monday 2. Better night, and still very unwell, and unable to go out of doors. Engaged on sundry Navigation papers, & put down some observations that might be applicable to the Steam Canal Navigation. Newcastle Election closed, [Borrodish] .453, [Mather] 436 [Peel] 319 Dennison 260.
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Tuesday 3. Still very unwell, & much suffering in the course of the day. Revised & copied afresh the observations relative to the Trent & Mersey late Consolidation Bill. Considered further the Steam Boat Navigation.
Wednesday 4. At home. Considered again the Steam Canal Navigation & made a further minute. Better, but still suffering much. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan relative to Mr. Williamson preparatory to my seeing him. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in reply.
Thursday 5. At home. Gout & unwell. Eliza & called at Revd. Mr. Butts. Engaged on papers previous to seeing Wm. Faram relative to Steam Boat, [Connection] with the River Weaver etc. etc. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in reply to a Letter received by this Post & fixed to see him at home on Saturday next.
Friday 6. Wm. Faram came & with whom engaged a considerable time on the above matters & made minutes relative to the proposed [Connection]. He agreed with me in opinion that Anderton would prove the preference over any Commercial made . . .down between the Canal & the River
Saturday 7. Left home at 6 on journey to Stafford where I attended on the [Election] & where Mr. Littleton & Sir John . . .was ( not photographed )opposition. Had a fine conversation with Mr. Littleton relative to the T & W Canal. He said he should give up holding shares, & being upon the Committee, as this [favoured] him in Parliament as to the Canal. Both Mr. L & Sir J W in their speeches disclaimed giving any pledge to support Railway, as they had been called to do Nomination. Mr. F. Twemlow told me afterwards that he had talked to Mr. Littleton very freely on the subject of the Canal and intimated to him that much dissatisfaction subsisted for an item that its interests had not been sufficiently attended to in Parliament, and the consequences of which, if this continued to be the case, might occasion him more Opposition hereafter than he was aware of. On my return home stopped at Stone a considerable time with Mr. Vaughan. Put down in writing my Sentiments relative to the proposed Conference with Delegates of the River Weaver, and a communication from the Canal at [Acton] . . . & which I desired Mr. Vaughan to lose no time in taking to Mr. Landor & requesting him to consult Sir George Chetwynd upon Mr.W. T.
Page 55. 1830 August
Twemlow to whom I had mentioned the matter at Stafford agreed with me, that we had much better defer the Conference till after we had received the opinion of Counsel relative to the right of Transshipment at Anderton. I recommended our being decisive & explicit whenever a Conference took place. Arrived at home to dinner at 5. Found Stamford who dined. Letter from Mr. Landor.
Sunday 8. Service as usual which Stamford attended and staid to dinner. In the evening attended the Funeral at Lawton of the late Mr. Collison, who died when on a visit at his sons at Liverpool on the (blank) instant aged 72. Mr. Collison & his son with Mr. Tunstall & another Person who I did not know, came from Liverpool in a Mourning Coach with the Hearse & were met at Rode Heath by the Revd. John Lawton, Revd. Mr. Carter & by Mr. Morris & myself who were the only attendants. Called upon the Ladies at Rode Heath, & staid half an hour with them previous to the arrival of the Funeral at Rode Heath, which was about ½ past 5.
Monday 9. At home. Engaged on sundry matters. Rode over and inspected Farm.
Tuesday 10. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast, in consequence of his having seen Mr. Landor relative to the proposed Conference with the Trustees of the River Weaver and after much consideration with Mr. Vaughan wrote Letter to Mr. Landor expressing my opinion, that the conference had better be postponed till a Communication had been had with Mr. Bradshaw, or, at any rate, till we were in possession of the Opinion of [Cunard] as to be the right of Transshipment at Anderton. Revd. Mr. & Mrs. [Fenton] & Miss [Fenton] called. Received Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw relative to inspection by the committee of Caldon Railway & Dam Feeder.
Wednesday 11. Wrote Letter to Mr. [Downey] of Burton upon Trent relative to Cash on Payment to be paid for windows put out in one of the Houses at Derby, and also to Mr. Balgery with the Draft of an Agreement which had been sent by Mr. [Downey] for his perusal and consideration. Engaged on sundry Papers & matters. Purchased a Milking Cow from Revd. Mr. Mainwaring. Received long Letter from Mr. Williamson relative to his account with the T. & Mersey Navigation etc. Also Letter from Mr. Landor in reply to mine, & still recommending a Meeting with the Trustees of the Weaver.
Thursday 12. Wrote Letters to Mr. Landor, Mr. Trubshaw, & Mr. Williamson. Considered the claim of the letter to conference for Coals lying under or adjacent to the old Tunnels.
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Friday 13. At home. Engaged on papers relative to Steam Boat & Reservations thereon. Received by Post Letters from Mr. Wedgwood informing me that he would attend the Select Committee at Stone on Monday next. Much Rain with Thunder.
Saturday 14. William Faram came with whom engaged the greatest part of the morning considering & making Reservations relative to a Junction with the River Weaver & preparatory to the Meeting with a Delegation of the Trustees on Thursday next. Afterwards engaged selecting & proposing papers for Select Committee & Survey of Rail Road at Froghall & Dam Feeder. Wrote to Mr. James Trubshaw.
Sunday 15. At home. Service.
Monday 16. Went to Stone where engaged on Select Committee.
Tuesday 17. Set off early on Journey of Caldon& Trent Canals, Consall Mill etc. (where we met Mr. Leigh) & afterwards Surveyed Caldon Railway & Limestone [Services]. Slept at Leek.
Wednesday 18. Proceeded from Leek on Survey of Dam Feeder, new boats etc. etc. Sir George Chetwynd, Mr. Landor & Mr. James Trubshaw afterwards dined and the three farmers staid all night.
Thursday 19. Sir George, Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Landor & I proceeded to Sandbach, meeting Delegates of Trustees of the River Weaver. Sir. [H] Mainwaring, Mr. Leigh of [High Leigh], Mr. Corbett, Mr. [Harper] & Mr. Hostage relative to a Communication between the Canal & the River & which after a long conference [received] for further consideration. Sir George being disappointed of a place in the Coach which passed through [Sandbach] and returned with me to Linley Wood & again staid all night.
Friday 20. Engaged all morning with Sir George who left us at noon taking the Umpire Coach to Liverpool on his way to [Somerset] to join Lady Chetwynd & his Family. During the time Sir George was at Linley Wood, he gave me the most circumstantial & confidential Account of the Affair which had latterly taken place at Grendon, telling me the particulars of all that had
Page 57. 1830 August
passed upon the occasion both with respect to Mr. Ellison & his Daughter. Sir George reported being . . . that upon the most recollection & consideration there was not a single thing that he had done or said that he could blame himself for or with otherwise. Afterwards engaged on the Farm etc. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.
Saturday 21. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Also to Mr. F. Tomlinson appointing him to meet me on Monday at Newcastle on Stoney field Business. Received Letters from Mr. Field on Simms Affairs.
Sunday 22. At home. Service.
Monday 23. Went to Newcastle and met Mr. Frederick Tomlinson by appointment relative to the completion of the Stoney fields Title which we settled that he should arrange with Mr. Ward, and also relative to the Lawton Title, when Mr. F. T. undertook to write again to Mr. Williamson on the subject urging the completion of the Title pursuant to the Covenant in the Deeds and expressing our Sentiments on this extraordinary business and the . . .I had expressed. Eliza accompanied me to Newcastle. Returned to Dinner. Weather again changing to Rain. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood proposing the 15 September for perusal & consideration of Consolidation Bill, which Sir George C. & I had thought a convenient time for the purpose.
Tuesday 24. At home. Engaged on sundry matters. Farm etc. Tired & unfit for business so gave up a good part of the day to reading [Morris] Lord Byron, which I found lively and entertaining. What an "unethical" Being! To apply his Lordships own word to himself! The splendid Genius bursting triumphant through the dark and stormy Clouds of headstrong passions, and unpropitious Fortune!
Wednesday 25. Corrected the Minutes of the Select Committee on their last Survey. In the evening Mr. Booth. Note from Mr. Wedgwood.
Thursday 26. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers, Accounts etc. Charles [Cowell] & his wife on Perlington Affairs. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Accident on the Farm by the Dog lately bought there, biting a poor Irishman. Ordered him to be disposed of.
Friday 27. Engaged on the Perlington Papers previous to seeing Mr. Skerratt. Made a fresh Copy of the corrected Minutes of the Select Committee to be sent to Mr. Vaughan. Unwell.
Saturday 28. Went to Sandbach to have conferred with Mr. J. Skerratt on the Perlington Affairs, but he was gone to Nantwich. Eliza accompanied me. Returned to Dinner.
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Sunday 29. At home. Service. "When did such a sublime thought spring upon the soul, that melancholy was not to be found, however latent, in its neighbourhood?" Moore. Received Letter from Mr. Littleton confirming me of what he had maintained at Stafford, the relinquishment & transfer of his shares of the T & Mersey Canal, & [entering] from the Committee.
Monday 30. Wrote to Mr. Littleton in reply to his Letter. Began cutting wheat in Flat Swallows Moor. People busy laying down new carpet on the stairs etc. Received Letter from Mr. Landor. Stamford came to dinner on his return from Buxton.
Tuesday 31. Engaged perusing & considering Point of Consolidation Bill, & making Notes thereon. Busy in the corn
September
Wednesday 1. Engaged again on Consolidation Bill. Stamford came to dinner on his way home from Stafford.
Thursday 2. Called at Trentham. Saw Lord Stafford, who was very friendly & with whom I sat a short time. Afterwards called at the Butts, & saw Mr. & Mrs. Butt. Returned to dinner. Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here on Saturday next. Wrote to him in reply & desiring him to dine & stay all night. Eclipse of the Moon, but not very fine the night being cloudy.
Friday 3. At home. Engaged on Accounts etc. Revd. Mr. Carter & Stamford dined after [shortening]. They might . . . half of Bills. In the course of the evening the subject of the Swallow Moor Titles etc. being mentioned, I expressed my [nerve] of the ill usage that there was with, & the opinion that would be mentioned of the Lawtons where this business seems to be make public, and of which Mr. Carter seemed to be fully aware, but [supported] Mr. John Lawton on the ground of his not being aware of the wrong that was done me. Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd from [Seacombe] & fixing to come here on Monday the 19 to dinner, & afterwards to proceed together to Stone.
Saturday 4. At home. The following Observation as I fear but too [just] "If the Minister of darkness were permitted to establish an [Engine] in our world, he would find more than one daily and weekly . . .in
Page 59. 1830 September
London ready to support him, provided they would be likely to augment their circulating". Monthly Review January 1829. Young's Narration. Engaged on papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan, who came to dinner, but went home in the evening, after conferring over sundry Navigation matters. Eliza & called today at Clough Hall on the Miss Kinnersleys.
Sunday 5. At home. Service.
Monday 6. At home. Eliza & Miss Stamford prevented going to Maer by the Rain, which was this morning heavy. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd in reply to his Letter.
Tuesday 7. At home. Closely engaged the whole of the morning on selecting & considering papers relating to the various matters proposed to be submitted to the Committee at the General Assembly on the 14th inst. Making Minutes etc. Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Maer & returned to dinner.
Wednesday 8. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged a long time on Navigation Business, projected improvement of the River Weaver, Canal Steam Boat etc. He mentioned Mr. Pickford being favourably disposed towards the latter, & offering to render any assistance in his power in making the further experiments. I explained my view of the cause to be pursued by the Company, in order to meet the [200] projects on agitation, namely first to endeavour to come to a suitable arrangement & co-operation with Mr. [Bradshaw]. If this failed to resume the Carrying Business, & have River Boats of our own. To carry the Pottery Goods through, from the Potteries to Liverpool. All the goods from Middlewich or Preston Brook to Liverpool & Manchester. The transshipment might be at either of the these places: but Preston Brook could be the most eligible, as the Company have already a . . .[supplied] Wharf Room there. River Book cash about £1000each, about 10 might be sufficient to start with. Revd. Mr. & Mrs Butt, Miss S. Edwards, Mrs Jos. Wedgwood, Elizabeth, Charlotte, Jos. Wedgwood, Dr. Northen & Stamford dined. Stamford mentioned the very kind invitation he had received to dine at Trentham Hall on Friday next. Having called there on Monday, Lord & Lady Stafford invited him to dinner on Wednesday, & then on Thursday, but being engaged on both those days, they afterwards sent a Note to dine
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Wednesday 8. at Whitmore, inviting him for Friday.
Thursday 9. Engaged all morning with our Friends, who left us about one o'clock. Rain all day. Engaged again on Navigation Papers.
Friday 10. Engaged again on Navigation Papers, Minutes etc. Mr. Morris called with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Carriage of Salt, Coals etc. upon the Canal. He highly approved of the . . .. . of River Boats by the Company, for Preston Brook to Liverpool in case a satisfactory arrangement was not made by Mr. [Bradshaw]. Eliza & Mrs. S called at Lawton Hall & Rode Hall. The day proving fine busy cutting Oats. Letter from Mr. Vaughan.
Saturday 11. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Mr. F. Twemlow called with whom much conversation on Navigation Business, Mr. Littleton etc. Stamford dined on his return from Trentham Hall.
Sunday 12. Attended J.T.C. Service this morning at Audley Church, on occasion of Sermon preached by the Bishop of the Diocese of Lichfield & Coventry in aid of the Audley Sunday School. Stamford afterwards dined at Linlet Wood.
Monday 13. Engaged on papers previous to going to Stone. Sir. George arrived by the . . .up Coach. Mr. Chetwynd was with him but couldn't stay to dinner, as I most pressed him to do. Sir George dined & we proceeded to Stone in the evening.
Tuesday 14. Engaged closely all day on Committee and General Assembly.
Wednesday 15. Engaged closely all day on Select Committee considering Consolidation Bill & settling various Clause & Provision. Mr. F. Twemlow who had looked over the Bill attending, staid 2 or 3 hours with us. Received in the evening, a Rumour of a dreadful accident which had befallen Mr. Harrison on the Manchester & Liverpool Railway.
Thursday 16. Engaged again on Select Committee & various Matters requiring our consideration. Certain Intelligence received of the death of Mr. Harrison in consequence of one of the Steam Carriages passing over him as he was . . . taking his place in the one in which he travelled and from which he had alighted. Returned home to dinner.
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Friday 17. At home; but fatigued and unwell. Arranged Papers having left the Letter received from Mr, [Littleton] relative to his retirement from the committee at [Stone] by desire of Sir George & Mr. Wedgwood.
Saturday 18. At home. Wrote to Mr. Derek Hollinshead in reply to a Letter which I had received from him at Stone. Wrote also to Mr. Landor, expressing a doubt which I had received to my Mind as to the sufficiency of the Notice for our Consolidation Bill & relative to reduction of the Tolls & requesting his further consideration of the point. Wrote also & returned to Mr. A. Bryant who is engaged on the new Map of Cheshire etc. at Knutsford, the Plate of the late Mr. James Brindley, which he had offered to sell for £10, and also, sent back an impression of the Plate of which he had required my acceptance.
Sunday 19. At home. Service.
Monday 20. Went to Sandbach & conferred with Mr. Jatmes Skerratt relative to the Perlington Affairs, when we finally arranged that Letters of . . .with the Will annexed of the late Mr. Ralph Audley should be taken out by Mr. & Mrs [Cowell]. Afterwards attended Meeting of Trustees of Linley Lane Turnpike Road.
Tuesday 21. Received Letter from Wm. Faram relative to improvement of the River Weaver & wrote to him. Considered again Clauses in the Acts of Parliament relative to revaluation of Tolls & particularly as to [costing] it. Mr. Berks called to give Notice of his intention to give up the possession of Stoney fields Land, when I told him that the Title & conveyance not being yet completed, I would not interfere respecting it. Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Newcastle. Mr. Berks said that he was present when the accident happened to Mr. Harrison, that the carriage ran over him & fractured both the leg & thigh. He spoke of the great danger arising from the atrocity of the Carriages: & said that it was with great difficulty some of his own parts got out of the way. This is the danger that I have always anticipated, & particularly from the line of the Railway crossing Turnpike Road, Highways etc. It is like crossing the path of Race Horses, on a course when they are at full speed, and from what I remember, when a Boy, once having a very narrow escape. The eye is deceived by the apparent time which is passed over in less time than is supposed possible, sufficient allowance not being made for the velocity.
Wednesday 22. At home. Mr. Hales of Milton came with Letter from the Revd. Edward Whieldon, & Plan of a proposed alteration of the Road through their Land at Fenton & a part of the Company Clay Wharf, which he explained & left with me for the consideration of the Select Committee. Received Letter from Mr. Landor, with Copy of one which he had had from Mr. Donnington of the House of Commons recommending the adoption of the . . .of the Notice relative to the reduction Tolls which I had suggested and on which Mr. Landor had consulted Mr. D. The alteration was after the words "to reduce" to add and, . . .again. Received Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw relative to [Hazlehurst] Locks Dam.
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Received Letter from Mr. Faram relative to proposed improvement of the River Weaver at the Paper Mill etc. Dr. Holland with Mary & Bessy Holland and the Children arrived to dinner, to our great gratification, but the Doctor was not looking so well as we could wish. Visitors Journey had been to Peterborough of which he gave us a very amusing & [interesting] Account. The Public Buildings are in a state of greatness & far exceeding any thing in this country or perhaps any other. The country . . .& . . .being to travel through. The Government a pure [making] . . .
Thursday 23. Wrote to the Revd. Edward Whieldon. Engaged with Dr. Holland, with whom I had much satisfactory conversation relative to our proposed application of Steam to Canals. Showed him the model of the Boat, & made the explanation. He expressed his entire approbation of the invention ,what he said was quite new, and his perfect confidence as to success, from its great simplicity and easy operations. He strongly recommended that no time should be lost on getting the Engine completed, and a Patent obtained. He said he would bet 99 to 1 that it would succeed. Passed a very agreeable day having much & various conversation with him. On the subject of Rail Roads, his views and sentiments perfectly credited, particularly that full time should be allowed say four or five years for making a trial of them, before their general adoption, and that in any case the Manchester & Liverpool Railway afforded no just criticism, this being, in all the important circumstances, a singular instance.
Friday 24. Mr. Davenport came to breakfast & had afterwards a conversation with Dr. Holland relative to Eliza. Wrote to Mr. James Trubshaw. Engaged with Dr. Holland who said that he again considered carefully the Steam Boat invention, & the more he thought of it, the more he was satisfied that it would mean that he could not find out an objection to it. He considered it a matter of great national importance. I afterwards mentioned and explained to the Doctor what had passed relative to the Road where Clause in the Consolidation Bill, & read to him my explanatory observations, of which he strongly expressed his appreciation. I also mentioned what I had heard of Mr. Locks disparaging expression relative to the Select Committee; and ,on the Doctors saying that he was much [displeased] with him, & would mention the subject to him, I said that I wished Mr. Lock to know, that I was much hurt by his conduct. Thinking this sufficient for the present, & leaving further explanation to him. In the evening, accompanied the Doctor in the Carriage to the White Lion, from where he proceeded to Town in the Umpire Coach.
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Saturday 25. Wm. Faram came, & with whom engaged relative to the River Weaver, and afterwards on the Steam Boat, when I urged that no time should be lost in getting the Engine & Chain completed, & the experiment made. He promised to call upon Kirk & I had afterwards a Note from Mr. F. saying that the Engine would be ready in about a month. Engaged on papers preparatory to making observations relative to the invention etc. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here on Monday next on Navigation business. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing to see me at Linley Wood on Monday next.
Sunday 26. At home. Service.
Monday 27. Mr. Vaughan came and with whom engaged considering, & finally settling the . . .& warehousing Rates Clause for the Consolidation Bill, in consequence of a Letter which he had received from Mr. Landor. After Mr. Vaughan had breakfasted & was gone, considered& consulted various other Clauses particularly those relating to the Bridgewater Canal, which appeared to me to be erroneous and imperfect. Busy carrying Wheat the weather having changed for the better.
Tuesday 28. At home. Engaged on Navigation papers etc. preparatory to going to Birmingham tomorrow to attend Meeting of Delegates from the Coventry Canal.
Wednesday 29. Went to Birmingham. Met at Stone Miss Wilbraham on her return home from abroad & Mr. Charles Wilbraham who I prevailed upon to make use of the Carriage & Horses to carry them to Rode Hall. Took Mr. Vaughan from Stone to Birmingham, where we arrived & met Sir George C. & Mr. Landor at the Royal Hotel about ½ past 5. At Walsall met Mrs . . .Holland & her two Daughters on their way to Maer.
Thursday 30. Mr. H. C. Adams & Mr. Sharpe attended Meeting till this morning still as Delegates from the Coventry Canal, when they candidly disclosed their hopelessness of the Coventry Canal Company making the proposed shortening and improvements. A long conference however took place the Delegates expressing strongly their disapprobation of the conduct of the Company & their opinion that the improvements ought to be made. The idea was started of this being done by a new company; and which the Delegates . . .would be due to the Public, however injurious it might prove to the Coventry, as it would only receive a saving of 12 miles on his time, but a correspondent Saving of Tonnage. It was also stated that the project if made . . .would certainly be adopted by some Party or other, & in which case it would be entirely taken out of the hands of the Coventry Company. After the meeting broke up we visited Mr. Thomasons Room in which we saw many beautiful articles of the Birmingham Manufactory; & more particularly pleased with a set
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of Models. Ministrations of Scripture [History] the object being taken from the Bible, & executed under the immediate direct of Mr. Thomason. We then looked at the exhibition of . . ., & at [Wortwells Collection of Animals at the Birmingham Fair called the [Onion] Fair, & the Supply of which articles was immense. We afterwards dined together at the Hotel & had the Company of Mr. Stamper a Gentleman of some name at Birmingham.
October
Friday 1. Select Committee met. Further considered the proposed Shortening improvements of the Coventry Canal, & proposed a Resolution to be transmitted to the Coventry & Oxford Canal Company explaining further the importance & necessity of the proposed experiments, and that it would be received upon the Trent & Mersey Canal Co., to give all the facility and support on that power to a near Company, in case the improvements were abandoned by the Coventry & Oxford Canal Companies. Mr. Wedgwood & I afterwards came to Stone together, where we parted & I arrived at Linley Wood to a late dinner. Found Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, Mrs. J. Holland, Miss L. Holland & Eliza Wedgwood.
Saturday 2. At home. Engaged on Birmingham Papers. Wrote to Lord Granville requesting that the Proof might allow the honour of his Lordship's support upon the Committee, as agreed upon at Birmingham. Wrote to the Mayor of Newcastle accepting his invitation for Tuesday next. Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood & Mrs. J. Holland & their Party went after breakfast this morning.
Sunday 3. At home. Service. Mr. Holland of Knutsford & Mr. [Arthur] Holland came to dinner, & with whom engaged. Received Letter from Mr. Landor requesting me to meet him at Newcastle on Wednesday next on the Consolidation Bill.
Monday 4. Mr. H. & his son left us after breakfast. Engaged on Perlington papers in consequence of a Letter received from Mr. Brundrett & wrote a long Letter to him. Mrs. J. Holland & her two daughters came to dinner. Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw relative to Dam Feeder, [Hazlehurst] Locks etc. etc.
Tuesday 5. Engaged on Navigation papers, & particularly the Consolidation Bill preparatory to meeting Mr. Landor on Wednesday next. Dined at Newcastle at Mr. George Halls the late Mayor with a very numerous party, . . . Co. & whereon were much hospitality & handsomely [regaled].
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Wednesday 6. Went to Newcastle, & met Mr. Landor at Mr. Wilkinson's office at ten o'clock pursuant to appointment to peruse & consider further the Consolidation Bill, to which we immediately sat down, and did not rise from it till after 4, having been closely engaged 6 hours. Returned home to dinner. Found Mr. Arthur Holland. When at Newcastle appointed Mr. Trubshaw first, & Mr. Faram to come to Linley Woood on Saturday next with Plan of T.&.M.Canal.
Thursday 7. Engaged with Mr. A. Holland. Rode with him to Harecastle Tunnel. He afterwards returned home. Mrs. J. Holland & her Daughters left us, the Horses taking her to Maer.
Friday 8. At home. Made reading further observations on Consolidation Bill. Men busy in the Fallow which I inspected, also the hay etc. NB. Revd. Mr. Garratt & Mr. Booth of Audley called relative to Subscription of the motion of a new school at Audley, & promised to send me a list of the subscribers which I desired to see.
Saturday 9. Wm. Faram & Trubshaw (son of John Trubshaw) came pursuant to appointment & with whom examined the proposed additions to be made in the Plate of the Canal, previous to . . .being struck off. Afterwards engaged with Mr. Faram relative to Steam Boat etc. etc. & considering with him sundry points of the Consolidation Bill, particularly as to the space taken on the first Lock in Cheshire & the first Lock in Staffordshire, the breadth of the Canal & its [Turning] path etc. Miss Hollands & the children went to Mare, the Carriage taking them to Newcastle.
Sunday 10. At home. Service. Fine autumnal day giving promise of good weather. Received by Post Letter from Granville declining the appointment upon the T. & M. Canal General Committee.
Monday 11. At home. Engaged closely from 9 till 2 o'clock on Consolidation Bill, and several points seeming to me as requiring the most attentive consideration. Wrote afterwards to Mr. Landor proposing to meet him at Stone to confer upon the same, any day that he would appoint, & when I would request Mr. Wedgwood to accompany me. Fine day.
Tuesday 12. Miss Stamford set off to Southport. Engaged again on Consolidation Bill. Mary Holland & the Children returned from Maer, the Carriage fetching them all the way.
Wednesday 13. Engaged all morning arranging various Papers etc. Stamford came to dinner. Received Letter from Mr. Landor appointing Monday next for meeting me at Stone to consider further the Consolidation Bill.
Thursday 14. At home. Very unwell. Wrote to Mr. Landor, and also to Mr. Wedgwood requesting him to meet Mr. Landor & me on Monday next. Made sundry further minutes on Consolidation Bill.
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Friday 15. Engaged again on Consolidation Bill, & drawing observations respecting the Rate being required to be equal throughout the Navigation.. Still unwell. Samuel Beardmore settling Account of the Mere Lake . . .Money & paying the same. Mary Holland and the Children left us about 2 o'clock, the Carriage taking them to Nantwich, from whence, after a stay of a couple of days, they intend to proceed to Town.
Saturday 16. At home. Very unwell. Engaged on Papers & Consolidation Bill preparatory to meeting Mr. Landor & Mr. Wedgwood at Stone on Monday next.
Sunday 17. At home. Service.
Monday 18. Went early to Stone arrived at half past ten, sat down to Business, and was joined some time after by Mr. Landor & Mr. Wedgwood, with whom went through & considered the various Minutes & observations which I had made upon the Bill, since meeting Mr. Landor at Newcastle, & which kept us closely engaged and without any interruption till 5 o'clock. Mr. Wedgwood went home to dinner, & I staid & partook of a Beef Steak with Mr. Landor, it being too late to go home to dinner, but got to Linley Wood about 9 o'clock. Found Note from Mrs. Tollet with invitation to dine on Wednesday & stay 2 nights. Mr. Wm. [South], the late [man] for [Norwich] being there, but which I was obliged to decline.
Tuesday 19. Wrote Note to Mrs. Tollet. Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast, & with whom engaged on Navigation Business. Afterwards went to Newcastle to attend the Sessions. Called upon the Mayor (Mr. Edwards) & attended him to the Town Hall, where business commenced soon after eleven, & which occupied us till after 6, there being, besides a Larceny Case, one for an Assault upon one of the Constables, when in the execution of his Office & which took up much time being of so serious a nature, & many witnesses examined. The Jury not being able to agree upon their verdict returned to consider of it between 4 & 5 o'clock, & after waiting till after 6, the interval being filled up with other business. The Court was adjourned to the Castle Inn, where at ½ past 8 the Jury arrived & delivered their verdict finding two of the parties guilty, & acquitting two, one of the two being a son of Mr. [Timmis] the . . . Thinking it better that Sentence should be passed in the Town Hall, and time there to consult one of the prisoners, the Court was adjourned accordingly to Thursday morning next.
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at ten o'clock and when I promised to attend. Got home about ½ past ten but much fatigued. NB At the Sessions qualified again in consequence of the accession of the present King, taking the usual & others of Allegiance etc. but did not sign the Declaration under the [Defamation] Act Mr. Fenton signifying me that this was not necessary.
Wednesday 20. When riding out this morning, saw and complained to James [Walker] of his unfair treatment of the [Iron Ladys] Estate in using his manure for his corn . . . instead of laying it on the Meadow Land. Mr. Kinnersley & Mr. Robert Heath called relative to a Reduction of Tonnage on Coals going from Harecastle to Winsford & the [leaving] when after conferring some time I requested to him a Statement in writing of what was proposed by Mr. K. & which it was finally arranged that Mr. Heath should call upon me on Monday Morning next. Received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Clause on the Consolidation Bill, improving Punctuation on Boatmen
Thursday 21. Went to Newcastle Eliza accompanying me in the Carriage. Attended the Mayor at his House at ten pursuant to appointment but the Town Clerk Mr. Fenton did not arrive till dinner having been detained by [uncompleted] business. [Presented] to the Town Hall,& I passed some time upon the two Prisoners. Conversed with John Myatt who had been found guilty of assaulting Davies, one of the Constables when on the execution of his Office. Sentences, which we had fully considered and which I proposed with on sentencing him to 6 months imprisonment in Stafford Gaol and to be brought to hard Labour. Detained a considerable time afterwards on other business. Messages of condolence, and of congratulation to His Majesty on his accession having been again suggested by me, and, and approved a Public Meeting was appointed to be here on Thursday next to consider the same, and I was requested to propose an Address in the meantime. Returned home with Eliza to dinner.
Friday 22. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood in reply to his Letter relative to the Consolidation Bill. Considered and drew Draught of an Address to the King as requested at Newcastle. Rode out with Mr. [Whistons] Fox Hounds which came to Swallow Moor Wood between 12 & 1 o'clock & found in th e . . .Wood having battled one Fox which they found at Bradwell. Saw Me. Tollet, Mr. Wickstead, Revd. J. Tomkinson etc. Beautiful day. Spoke again to J.Walker complaining of his having used all his Manure upon his Fallows whilst the Meadow Land was suffering from want of it.
Saturday 23. Selected & Considered sundry papers & Letters relative to Mr. Williamson's Coals under and near to Harecastle Tunnel. Corrected Draft of the proposed Address to the King & made a fair copy to send to Mr. Fenton for his proposal of it which I had requested. Stamford came to dinner.
Sunday 24. Service. Stamford who had staid all night, dined. In the afternoon we all attended Service at Talk Chapel, the duty being performed by [young] Mr. Hill who had a week or two ago been appointed by his Grandfather. He said the prayers well, but gave us a strange Sermon on [Conversion] or Regeneration, which I suspect must have some sort of the Stock of . . .Hill.
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Monday 25. Mr. Robert Heath came pursuant to Appointment, with a Statement in writing relative to Mr. Kinnersley's application for a Reduction of Tonnage on Staffordshire Coals going to Winsford & its vicinity ,& which, after a long discussion on the subject, he took back in order to make some alterations and additions which appeared to be necessary, & appointed to come here again on Saturday Morning next. Received Letter from Mr. Holland of Knutsford relative to Canals & Railways & various [shares] now and agitation for converting the former into the latter. Very wet day.
Tuesday 26. Wrote to Mr. Holland in reply to his Letter. Wrote also to Mr. Fenton with Copy of the proposed Address & which I left at the Office at Newcastle, on my way with Eliza, to Etruria, where we afterwards called. Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood were not at home. We however saw Mr. Wedgwood when we returned.
Wednesday 27. At home. Received from Mr. Fenton the Copy of the Address which he partly approved. Considered the course of proceedings to be adopted at the Meeting tomorrow, & making Minutes of the Resolution that it might prefer to come to. Revised again Observations relative to the Consolidation Bill, & made further Minutes.
Thursday 28. Went to Newcastle. Attended Meeting in the Town Hall, though very unfit for it, having Symptoms of a violent Cold. The speech with which I [moved] the address, & the address itself appeared to give much satisfaction. Address ordered to be required by the Mayor on behalf of the Meeting, & to be transmitted by him to Sir Robert Peel for presentation. Motion for the Address seconded by the Revd. C. Leigh. On my return from very unwell, my cold having turned very violent, attended with much fever.
Friday 29. So unwell as to be kept in bed till noon, and suffering so much through the day, as to prevent my attending to any business.
Saturday 30. Though very unwell, ease in time to attend Mr. Robert Heath at 10, who came accordingly, & with whom engaged a long time, reconsidering the Case of Mr. Kinnersleys Coals, & Mr. Heaths additional Observations, together with my own Minutes & Calculations & finally
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completed the Statement for consideration of the Select Committee. Stamford came to dinner, but returned home in the Evening. Very unwell through the day with pain of the Chest, but the Feverish Symptoms abated.
Sunday 31. Very indifferent & restless night, but managed to go through the Service. Stamford came again in the morning, dined & returned in the Evening.
November
Monday 1. Restless night, but better this morning. Sketched out a Letter to be addressed to Mr. Lawton & his Brothers, relative to the completion of the Title to Swallow Moor Woods, & informing them of my intention to file a Bill in Chancery for a performance of the Agreement. Very unwell all day, & unable to attend to business.
Tuesday 2. Another restless and feverish night. Looked at the Lawton Papers. Considered again the Observations relative to the Reduction of Rates Clause in the Consolidation Bill, with a view to reducing the whole into as short a Statement as possible for perusal. Mr. Booth came, after having looked over the Foxholes Estate which I had requested him to do, in consequence of what had passed between Jas. Walker & myself, when he agreed with me in condemning Walkers conduct, and on finding that the Rent he paid was less than he (Mr. Booth) had that day returned the Estate at attaining a full benefit & profit to the Tenant, he said that instead of some very strong language he might have gone down upon his knees, and thanked me for my kindness & intelligence, there being scarcely any Farm on which a Tenant could now make a Living. Mr. Booth dined.
Wednesday 3. Engaged on sundry papers & matters previous to setting off to Nantwich. Went there with Eliza, & arrived between 2 & 3. Mr. Skerratt, who we called upon & took in the Carriage to Dysant Buildings, dined with us there. Still unwell.
Thursday 4. After breakfast went to Mr. Skerratts showed him the Letter & informed him of what I had done relative to Mrs. Simms Affairs, & the £500 given by the Will of Mr. George Skerratt, & which he fully approved. We all dined at Mr. Skerratts with the Revd. Mr. Gratton & Mr. Edleston. On speaking to Mr. E. relative to the proposed Liverpool to Birmingham Rail Road he authorized me to say, that Sir John Broughton would oppose it with all his power, and would also subscribe to an opposition. Mrs. Clarkson, Miss Wetherall & the Revd. C. Clarkson came to tea.
Friday 5. Restless night Unwell. Authorized Mr. Skerratt to let the piece of Land now held by him & Mr. [Egton] the Banker for 1 year. Rent proposed by Mr. S. £14 a year. Mr. S. dined at Dysant Buildings.
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Saturday 6. Another restless night & very unwell. Returned to Linley Wood to dinner, the Horses fetching us. Violent Rain almost the whole of the way.
Sunday 7. Still unwell. Stamford came to dinner. In the afternoon he and Eliza went to Talk Chapel.
Monday 8. Wrote & sent Note to Mr. Rob. Heath requesting the further information which he had promised to furnish me with, relative to Mr. Williamson's Harecastle Mines. Looked over sundry papers, & made Minutes of Business for Meeting of Select Committee on Monday next. Still unwell and my eyes again so much affected as to render reading or writing very troublesome.
Tuesday 9. Still unwell. Received Note from Mr. Rob. Heath saying that he would call upon me with his Calculations relative to Mr. Williamson's Coals. Arranged & put up Papers for Select Committee Meeting tomorrow.
Wednesday 10. Went to Stone where I arrived between 10 & 11. Found Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Landor. Engaged on Select Committee with Mr. Wedgwood & having got through the business by 4 o'clock. Returned home to dinner, but fatigued and unwell.
Thursday 11. Wrote long Letter to Sir George Chetwynd. Wrote also to Mr. Landor in reply to his Letter, & to Mr. Vaughan. Sent Mr. Landor's Letter by Samuel Jones to Mr. Williamson, that he might consider further Mr. Landor's Observations relative to Consall Mill.
Friday 12. Still unwell. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan including a Circular from the Rochdale Canal Company suggesting on Union of Canal Companies in opposing the projected Railways, and a Meeting of Deputations for that purpose. Mr. [Stock] of Audley called, with whom & Samuel Beardmore looked at Stonecliffe. Went to ascertain the Boundaries of the Manor of Audley, the same being introduced to be walked by Sir Thos. Boughey next week. Miss Stamford returned from Southport. Received a Barrel of Oysters from Mr. Salt. Samuel Beardmore called again in the Evening to inform of Watson's intention to leave the White Lion, in consequence of which I requested him to see Mr. Booth tomorrow.
Saturday 13. At home. Wrote to Mr. Salt. Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson and one
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from Mr. Wedgwood relative to the proposed purchase of the Paper Mill at . . .from Mr. Daintry, in consequence of which I determined to go Newcastle on Monday & speak to Mr. Wilkinson. Mr. Booth junior came in the evening relative to Watson's business, his father being from home, but deferred doing anything till I had seen the latter. Received a Barrel of Oysters from Mr. Derek Hollinshead.
Sunday 14. At home. Unwell still. Service as usual. In the afternoon Eliza & Mrs. S. went to Talk Chapel.
Monday 15. Wrote to Mr. Derek Hollinshead. Went to Newcastle & had a long Conference with Mr. Wilkinson in consequence of the Letter received from Mr. Wedgwood & who I found had since appointed to meet Mr. Wilkinson at Leek on the proposed communication with Mr. [Cruso],relative to the Paper Mill, & which. I agreed in opinion, that in case we could get satisfactory agreement for the Mill [remaining] permanently fixed at its present height, we had better not purchase the Mill. Considered also some alterations in the Consall Mill Clause as proposed by Mr. Wedgwood, & proposed a stationary Shortening of them which Mr. Wilkinson approved. That by accident Mr. Williamson at Mr. W. office & with whom I had a conversation relative to the Coals at Harecastle, for which he required compensation, when he said that he would make some proposition & communicate it to me with a view to an amicable arrangement of the matter. Saw Mr. Booth who said he would send to Watson & desire him to come to Keele, to say what he proposed to do relative to the payment of his Arrears of Rent. Returned to dinner.
Tuesday 16. At home. Unwell. Received Letter from Mr. Tomlinson relative to Plan of New Turnpike Road in the division of Copy hold Land in the Manor of Audley. Ready [assigned] & Copy of presentment proposed to be made to the [Homage].
Wednesday 17. Still unwell. Engaged on various matters & papers preparatory to seeing Sir Thomas Boughey in perambulation of the Manor of Audley tomorrow. Mrs Stamford & Eliza went to Newcastle.
Thursday 18. At home. Expecting to see Mr. F. Twemlow arranged Minutes relative to Consolidation Bill. Boundaries of the Manor being this day perambulated Mr. F. Tomlinson, Mr. Wedgwood, Revd. Mr. Garnett, Mr. Booth of Audley, called & took lunch. A great number of the Persons who attended but refreshed in the Servants Hall. Neither Sir Thomas Boughey nor Mr. F. Twemlow attended. Mr. F. Tomlinson said so far they had met with no difficulty in ascertaining the Boundaries, very little change appearing to have taken place , it was the same the last
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perambulation 20 years ago (1810) except what had been occasioned by the making of the Macclesfield Canal.
Friday 19. At home. Received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood requesting me to write to Sir George Chetwynd relative to the Reduction Clause & inclosing a Draft of a Clause relative to the Paper Mill Weir. Received also Letter from Mr. Wilkinson informing me of Assessment made with Mr. [Cruso] for the Weir remaining permanently fixed at its present height & being left in repair by the [Company].
Saturday 20. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd expressing my opinion that as there seemed to be no probability of further power of Reduction of Rates being allowed than that contained in the Ellesmere & Chester Canal Act, it might be best to adopt the same Clause at once, & particularly as Lord Clive had been told that we should be satisfied with this being done. Considered the Clause received from Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Paper Mill Weir, but which not appearing to me to be perfectly explicit. Wrote to him saying that I preferred calling upon Mr. Wilkinson on Friday morning next, & when I should be glad if he would meet me. NB By mistake three Letters were dated 19 November instead of 20! Wm Faram called. He said that if water taken out of the Canal was returned into the Turnpike [Pound] as proposed by the Bill, this would be sufficient. Long & satisfactory conversation with him relative to the Steam Boat invention, & made various Minutes explaining its advantages etc. Wrote to Mr. [Sanders] of Derby.
Sunday 21. At home. Service. Unwell, as I have been several days past.
Monday 22. Considered Draft of Clause relating to Paper Mill Weir, but the same not appearing to me to be sufficiently explicit drew a fresh Clause for consideration of Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Wilkinson. Selected & arranged Papers to take to Newcastle tomorrow.
Tuesday 23. Went to Newcastle, met Mr. Wedgwood with whom considered various matters & particularly Paper Mill Clause which I had proposed & which he approved. Went afterwards to Mr. Wilkinson's office, who also approved the Clause considered further the Consall Mill Clauses & other matters. Returned to Dinner. Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd.
Wednesday 24. At home. Unwell. Much pain in my head.
Thursday 25. The same. Looked at the Derby Papers & wrote to Mr. Balgery, informing him of the Letter I had received from Mr. Landor & asking his opinion
Page 73. 1830 November
of the value of the which Mr. J. wished to purchase. In the evening severe pain of the head, & from which I have been suffering much for some time past.
Friday 26. At home. Unwell. Received by Post a Print of the Consolidation Bill as amended. Weather severely cold.
Saturday 27. Perused and considered the Print of the Consolidation Bill received yesterday & made observations thereon. Wm. Faram came, with whom engaged, particularly relative to the Steam Boat, & making further observations on writing explanatory of its advantages. Weather still severely cold.
Sunday 28. At home. Service.
Monday 29. Conclude cursory perusal & consideration of Consolidation Bill & observations thereon. Mrs. Milner & Mrs. Lawton called.
Tuesday 30. Went to Stone, taking Mr. Wilkinson with me in the Carriage from Newcastle, and closely engaged all day on the Select Committee. Returned at night, having adjourned the Select Committee to Monday next, there not being time to go through the whole business, & some necessary Documents not being ready.
December
Wednesday 1. Commenced a more complete and accurate perusal of the Consolidation Bill, and made various observations & corrections, closely engaged almost the whole of the day on this business.
Thursday 2. Engaged closely again on Consolidation Bill and on other papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood at Mr. Wilkinson's Office tomorrow pursuant to adjournment made at Stone.
Friday 3. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood at Mr. Wilkinson's Office, where engaged again on Select Committee. Returned late to dinner.
Saturday 4. At home. Engaged on various Navigation papers preparatory to General Committee & General Assembly on Monday & Tuesday next. Mr. Kirk came & with whom engaged some time relative to the Steam Boat Engine. He again confessed his entire confidence in the success of the Invention. Afterwards John Trubshaw with whom engaged long time relative to his Report of the Supplies of . . .into the
Page 74. 1830 December
and which I assisted him in putting into a clear and proper form. Mrs. Morton called.
Sunday 5. At home. Service.
Monday 6. Went early to Stone, where engaged closely all day on General Committee, being in the chair.
Tuesday 7. At Stone. Engaged closely all day in General Committee & General Assembly being in the Chair. Returned late at night.
Wednesday 8. Engaged on Papers & Minutes of the Proceedings of the General Assembly held yesterday. Wrote Letter to Mr. Bouverie relative to opinion being opposed for propelling Boats upon Canals, & communicating his appointment upon the General Committee. Wm. Faram came, & with whom considered the enquiries . . . contained in the Consolidation Bill, preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone on Saturday next on this subject. Fatigued & Unwell.
Thursday 9. Again engaged on the Bill. Very unwell. Men Servants went to Audley & were sworn in Special Constables, as were persons in the neighbourhood as a precautionary Measure in consequence of some Symptoms of disturbance from a mob of disorderly People having gone to Mr. Kinnersley's Collieries some days ago & given interruption to the Men who were at work.
Friday 10. Made some minutes & observations on the Bill particularly the Engineering & Tonnage Clauses for consideration tomorrow. Called at Bradwall & sat an hour with Mr. Sneyd, who had lately had an attack of Palsy, but for which he was much recovered.
Saturday 11. Went to Stone. Met Mr. Wedgwood, who arrived some time after me & sat down to business at 11, & did not rise till nearly 6 o'clock, being closely engaged upon the Bill, particularly the Tonnage & Engineering Clauses, with Mr. Vaughan , Mr. Landor, Mr. Faram & John Trubsahaw. Had a hasty Beef Steak with Mr. Landor, & afterwards returned home.
Sunday 12. At home. Service. Unwell.. Heavy Snow had fallen in the night.
Monday 13. Sharp Frost. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd with account of proceedings on Saturday last. Arranged Papers & considered the Minutes. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan. Wm. Faram called & with whom conferred again relative to various Clauses in the Bill particularly the regulating Locks on
Page 75. 1830 December
the part of the Macclesfield Canal & all of which he assessed all were now correct. Samuel Wood came with application for relief in consequence of injury he had sustained by a falling of earth whilst at work in the making of the attributed Harecastle Tunnel, & took Minutes of his Case for consideration of the Committee.
Tuesday 14. At home. Frost & Snow almost gone. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Reperused Copy of Minutes of General Committee held on the 6th, & considered what was necessary to be done on pursuance of them. Mr. Davenport came.
Wednesday 15. Reperused Minutes of meeting of Mr. Wedgwood & myself at Stone on Saturday last & made Copy for entry in the Books. Happening that an Adjournment of the House of Commons would not take place so early as the 14, as was expected, & as the delay might afford the Rail Roaders an opportunity of presenting this Petition, & getting through the the Standing Order previous to the Messages. Wrote to Mr. Landor desiring him to see & consult Sir George Chetwynd as to some immediate attendance in Town on the part of the Company. Rain all day.
Thursday 16. Mr. F. Twemlow with whom a long Conversation relative to the Consolidation Bill & various Navigation matters, particularly with respect to the Opposition by Landowners to the projected Birmingham & Liverpool & Manchester & [Madeley] Railway. Mentioned to him my intention to propose that the assurance of £500 per assure lately made to me, should be [relieved] to the former Rate of £420, but which he recommended my reconsidering. He expressed surprize that I would subject myself to so much absences from home as was occasioned by the long attendances in London from my being Chairman. He maintained Mr. Wedgwood as a proper Person for Chairman in case I gave it up; & that I would continue one of the Select Committee. As he was sensible that . . .[acknowledge] of the Crown they could not do without me. He said this suggestion my wish & intention of the kind expressed by a single Proprietor. I observed that if I gave up the Chairmanship, I should withdraw myself altogether & take no part whatsoever is the management of the Concern. A good deal of conversation then took place in other Navigation business, & we parted on the most friendly terms, but I begin to think that there is something at work of which I am not yet fully . . . I will do nothing hastily, but what I do shall be decisive. If once this concern becomes conducted on narrow principles, & could end in acrimony it will be shaken to its
Page 76. 1830 December
foundations. Dined afterwards at Dr. Northen's. Revd. Mr. & Miss Basnett, Miss Edwards, Miss Mainwaring, Mrs. R. . ., Mrs. Morton, Mr. & Mrs. [Meek] Rob. Wedgwood, Revd. Mr. Garlick. Received Letter from Mr. Bouverie..
Friday 17. In consequence of which passed with Mr.F. Twemlow yesterday, relative to the intended Meeting of Landowners in opposition to the Railways, & a desire that . . .may be faulty & the . . .[information] should be given them. Went this morning to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson, when he sent Mr. Twemlow, before we parted, the Book of Reference & we arranged that Mr. Wilkinson should call upon Mr. Twemlow with the Plans as soon as they were attained from Charles Trubshaw. Returned to dinner. Wrote to Mr. Bouverie.
Saturday 18. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged a long time on various matters on which he came to consult me. Afterwards Wm. Faram came with whom considered again the water taken out of the Brooks or Streams to be returned out the Canal between the first Lock in Cheshire & the first Lock in Staffordshire. As all these Streams are on the South side of Harecastle Hill, & discharge themselves into the Summit [Pound], any water taken out of those Streams could not be returned into the Canal between the above Locks, that it was on the north side of the Harecastle Hill, 9 feet below the Lock of the Summit [Pound], without passing through the Summit [Pound], or a new course being made through the Hill on a lower level, in order to carry it. The Provision entered in the present . . . could not therefore be completed without incurring a very great & totally useless expense. Stamford came to dinner.
Sunday 19. Service. Stamford,, who had staid all night dined, & returned home in the evening.
Monday 20. Perused & corrected Observations relative to the Clause contained in the old Acts of Parliament requiring the Rates to be equal throughout the Navigation. Mr. Morris came, with whom engaged a long time relative to the proposed attention of the Tonnages of Salt & Coals etc. Unwell.
Tuesday 21. Very unwell. Considered again the above observations & made some additions thereto. Stamford came to a late dinner, & afterwards went home. Unwell.
Wednesday 22. Miserably bad night, & unfit for business.
Thursday 23. Mr. Wilkinson came to inform & consult me on what had passed at a Meeting at Stafford on Tuesday last of the [Solicitors] for the Birmingham & the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Companies & himself relative to the opposition
Page 77. 1830 December
determined to being run by those Companies to the projected Liverpool & Birmingham Railway, & their perspective for a Meeting of the Delegates from these Companies & the Trent & Mersey Canal Company, in order to consider the Measures most proper to be taken for that purpose, particularly as to Survey of the line, Assents & Dissents of Landowners, Sufficiency of Return etc. etc. so as to be proposed for the [connection] on Standing Goods etc. etc. Mr. Wilkinson said that Mr. Landor was gone of this day to consult Sir George upon the business, & from whom I should probably hear by tomorrow's Post. Engaged a long time with Mr. Wilkinson who left with me sundry Papers for my Consideration. Frost & Snow.
Friday 24. Considered the Papers left with me yesterday by Mr. Wilkinson. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the proposed improvement of the River Weaver & communication, by a Lock, with the [Wardle] Canal, also relative to Tonnages of Coal to Winsford etc. Received Letter from Mr. Landor & Mr. Vaughan. The first with Account of his interview with Sir George Chetwynd relative to the opposition to the Birmingham & Liverpool Railway. Wrote in consequence of such Letter to Mr. Wedgwood requesting him to meet me at Newcastle on Monday Morning next. Sharp Frost.
Saturday 25. Mr. Skerratt & Bessy came to dinner. Stamford also came to dinner.
Sunday 26. At home. Service.
Monday 27. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood with whom & Mr. Wilkinson had a long conference as to the course most papers to be perused with respect to the opposition prepared to be given to the projected Birmingham & Liverpool & Birmingham & Manchester Railways, when we finally concluded to call a Special Meeting of the General Committee on Friday next, and gave the necessary directions accordingly. Stamford who had been at Linley Wood since Saturday went with me in the Carriage to Newcastle on his way to Peats Wood.
Tuesday 28. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Also to Mr. Wilson . . . by direction of Mr. Skerratt inclosing Letter of Attorney from him to Mr. John Field to sell 7346.3 [consols] given by the Will of George Skerratt deceased, & to be delivered to Mr. Field in case Mr. Wilson was satisfied that the Money to [arise] there from might safely be applied for the benefit of the late Mrs. Simms Creditors. Received from Wm. Faram Statement relative to Lancashire Coals coming by the River Weaver to Winsford, which considered.
Wednesday 29. At home. Engaged on Christmas Accounts. Received Letter from Mr. Ward with papers at that had been made by Mr. Hobson of Liverpool for taking the Newcastle Brewery & other matters relating to these concerns & on which I determined to go to Newcastle & confer with Mr. Ward tomorrow. Stamford dined & went home in the Evening.
Page 78. 1830 December
Thursday 30. Went to Newcastle. Saw Mr. Ward & Mr. Fred Tomlinson, when it was arranged that the letter should immediately obtain at my expense the Opinion of Counsel upon the pains in the . . .in which some doubt had arisen etc. Saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the business of the Committee tomorrow at Stone. Appointed to call upon & take him with me in the Carriage tomorrow Morning. Letter from Mr. Bouverie.
Friday 31. Went to Stone taking Mr. Wilkinson with me, & engaged on General Committee. Returned home at night.
Thus ends the year 1830
Page 79. 1831 January
Saturday 1. At home. Wrote Letter to Mr. Bouverie in reply to the one received from him on the 30 December. Wrote Letters to Mr. Ward & to Mr. Fred Tomlinson relative to the completion of the Stoney fields purchase. Stamford came to dinner.
Sunday 2. At home. Service. Received Letters from Mr. Simpson of Lichfield, Mr. F. Twemlow, & Mr. Landor & a Copy of one from Mr. . . .to Mr. Vaughan appointing Thursday next for a Meeting at Stafford of Delegates from the Staffordshire & Worcestershire & the Trent & Mersey Canal. Stamford went home in the Evening. Unwell all day.
Monday 3. Bad night & very unwell. Perused papers & wrote to Mr. Simpson & Mr. F. Twemlow. Perused & Considered Dr. of Indemnity from the then Miss Bent of Sutton to the . . .of the late Mr. Bent, which also Mr. Bent of Macclesfield had sent requesting my opinion thereon.
Tuesday 4. Engaged on sundry papers. Revd. John Lawton, Bagot, Hill, Mainwaring, Carter & Jos. Wedgwood dined. Mr. Bagot, Hill & Wedgwood staid all night.
Wednesday 5. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to going to Stafford tomorrow to meet a Delegation from the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal.
Thursday 6. Went to Stafford. Arrived there at 12. Met the Delegates. Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Landor also attended, when arrangements were made relative to the Surveys, & Estimates necessary to be obtained for opposing the Birmingham & Liverpool projected Railway, & also the opposition to Landowners. Returned home late to dinner.
Friday 7. Wrote Letter to Mr. Wilson relative to Sale of Stock [under] Mr. George Skerratt's Will, which Mr. Skerratt approved & desired me to send. Mr. Skerratt left us on his return home the Carriage taking him to Sandbach. Received by Post from Mr. Landor relative to a Communication with Lord Anson on the subject of the Liverpool & Birmingham Railway.
Saturday 8. Wrote Letter to Lord Anson, but deeming it proper to know Mr. Wedgwood's sentiments. Sent the Letter with the one received from Mr. Landor to attend & which Mr. Wedgwood returned with his approbation. Wrote Letter to Mr. Tomlinson on the Lawton Business, & with a Draft of a Letter which I proposed to write to Mr. Lawton for his
Page 80. 1831 January
perusal & consideration. Wrote Letter to Mr. Landor informing him of what I had done with respect to Lord Anson. Stamford came to dinner, & went home in the evening.
Sunday 9. Service. Unwell, & suffering much throughout the day.
Monday 10. Still unwell. Received by this Mornings Post Letter from Mr. Thomas Bent informing me of the dangerous State of his Brother William from a violent attack of inflammation of the Bowels. Received Letter from Mr. Tomlinson appointing Thursday next for my seeing him at Mr. F. Tomlinson at Cliffe Ville in the Lawton business.
Tuesday 11. Made further observations relative to Reduction Clause previous to furnishing Mr. Landor with a Copy of the [bill] which he had particularly requested. Looked over & selected Lawton papers preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville on Thursday next. Viewed with Samuel Beardmore the part of Swallows Moor Wood adjoining the Cottages, intended to be drained & converted into the Meadow, & gave directions for commencing this improvement.
Wednesday 12. Wrote to Mr. Thomas Bent on occasion of the illness of his Brother. Engaged again on Navigation & other papers. Received Letter from Mr. Hollinshead informing me that he could not attend the General Assembly on Monday next.
Thursday 13. Went to Cliffe Ville on the Lawton business when Mr. Tomlinson highly approved of the course which I proposed, namely my anxiety addressing a Letter which I had written, to each of the Mr. Lawton's & to be delivered by Mr. F. Tomlinson. Saw Mr. F. Tomlinson in consequence of whose minute of the application to Landowners in the . . .of the proposed Birmingham & Liverpool Railway I afterwards called at Mr. Wilkinson's but he was set off to Wolverhampton. Received Letter from Mr. Thomas Bent with news of the death of poor William who died in the night (about 2 o'clock) of Monday last. He was a person of great merit & for whom I entertained a very sincere regard and esteem.
Page 81. 1831 January
Friday 14. Wrote to Mr. Thos. Bent. Looked over & arranged Navigation Papers & made Minutes preparatory to adjourned General Assembly on Monday next. Re-perused & corrected proposed Letter to the Lawtons. Inspected with Samuel Beardmore the work along in Swallow Moor Wood.
Saturday 15. At home. Engaged on sundry Papers, Navigation Minutes etc. Considered some recommendations of the Consolidation Bill suggested by Mr. Tomlinson, marked in the margin of his Print, & which he had left to me on Tuesday last.
Sunday 16. Mr. Foster of Liverpool called to arrange a Bankruptcy business, & staid so long as not to have time for Service.
Monday 17. Set off to Stone between 8 & 9. Took Mr. Wilkinson from Newcastle the weather being very cold and foggy. Engaged closely all day on adjourned General Assembly. Received Letter from Lord Anson in reply to the one written & his Lordship on the 8 inst. Miss Stamford had this morning fell upon the steps owing to the Ice.
Tuesday18. Engaged all morning on the Select Committee. Returned home to dinner. Found Letter from Roland Bent, desiring me to find a day for examination of the Macclesfield Brewery Concerns. Wrote to him, & sent my Letter by a special Messenger, who was to set off early tomorrow morning.
Wednesday 19. Mr. Robert Heath came with Application from Mr. Kinnersley to the Navigation Company for a small plot of Ground at Kid. . .which he wished to purchase. Further consulted with Mr. Heath the proposed reduction of the Tonnage of Coals for the supply of the Salt also at Winsford etc. Looked over Christmas Bills, & drew . . . upon Kinnersley's for the several amounts. Remarkably fine mild day. Received Letter from Mr. Bent appointing Saturday next for my going to Marsh field.
Thursday 20. Engaged on various matters. Wrote Letters to the three Mr. Lawton's, but afterwards learnt that Mr. Chas. Lawton was not expected at Lawtons till next week, till which time I therefore delayed the delivery of them. Received by Post Letter from Mr. Wilkinson informing me that the Meeting with the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Delegates would be held at Wolsley Bridge on Monday next.
Friday 21. Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson & to Mr. Vaughan. I this day completed the 72 year of my age. Looked out papers preparatory to going to Macclesfield tomorrow.
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Saturday 22. Went to Macclesfield where I met Thomas & James Bent. Surprized & shocked beyond measure at the Statement which they have made out of the affairs from which it appeared that there was an actual deficiency of nearly £4000, though from the annual Statement made out by Wm. Bent ,& signed by him, there appeared every year to have been Balance in favour of the Concern. It was finally arranged that the Business should be carried on till Midsummer and under the direction of James Bent, with the assistance of his Brothers: Mr. Thomas Bent expressing a strong opinion that from the present to Change which had taken place with respect to Breweries,& the general state of Trade it might be still made to answer & redeem the loss that had been sustained & particularly as Mr. . . .& himself could be the means of [receiving] the quantity of business done, & rendering those services, which he promised should be done. Under all circumstances the course proposed appeared to me to be the best, & indeed the only one, as it would be [desirous]to back up the Concern all at once. Both T. & J. Bent expressed their extreme surprize & Concern as their Brothers conduct which is indeed incomprehensible. This additional & unexpected loss and disappointment I cannot but feel heavily, particularly as my mind & Spirits have been for some time past greatly oppressed by other vexations & anxieties, which advancing old age under one less able to struggle against.
Sunday 23. Service. Snow & mild Frost.
Monday 24. Set off early to Wolsley Bridge where engaged attending Meeting of the Delegates from Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal. Mr. . . .on the part of the Birmingham Canal, Sir George Chetwynd, Mr. Wedgwood & self. Mr. Landor & Mr. Wilkinson relative to Opposition to Birmingham & Liverpool Railway. Took a Postchaise from Newcastle to Stone Mr. [Wilkinson] accompanying me, & from which place we proceeded, Mr. Wedgwood accompanying us. Dined at Wolsley Bridge & returned home at night. Arranged that the Line from Basford to . . . should stand on the same footing as the Line from Basford to Birmingham.
Tuesday 25. At home. Wrote to Mr. Balgary on Derby Affairs. Engaged on sundry Papers, but tired and unwell. Received Letter from James Bent on Macclesfield Brewery & with [order] on the Banker to pay Drafts to him
Page 83. 1831 January
the Balance of their Account not to exceed £3000.
Wednesday 26. Examined Tradesmen's Accounts at Newcastle & sent John Davies with order on Kinnersley's Coal to discharge the same. Considered Clause on the Bill & other papers relative to Mr. Williamson's Claim for Coals, preparatory to seeing Mr. Robert Heath. Received Letter from John Trubshaw relative to Dam Feeder Works. Offer from Mr. Booth of Tunstall of 54/- for the Chaise, which I declined.
Thursday 27. Wrote to Mr. Jas. Bent with order to Miss [Daintry] & Co to pay his Drafts on Account of he Macclesfield Brewery but not to exceed including their present . . . £3000. Wrote to Wm. Faram desiring to see him. Bessy left us, the Carriage taking her to Nantwich. Snow. Received note from Mr. Rob Heath appointing Saturday next for seeing me.
Friday 28. Wm. Faram came early , as I had requested by Letter, and with whom engaged a long time on Clauses in Consolidation Bill relative to the part of the Macclesfield Canal & the regulating Stop Locks, in consequence of a Letter received by Mr. Landor from Mr. Cririe, when I noted observations in writing for Mr. Faram's consideration & the result of which he promised to communicate to me tomorrow or the next day. Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Simpson of Lichfield.
Saturday 29. Mr. Robert Heath came, & with whom engaged relative to the compensation desired by Mr. Rob Williamson for the Coals in Harecastle Tunnel, which Mr. H. considered as most extravagant & out of all Question, but expect to meet Mr. [Hanbury] with a view to ascertain with him, their fair actual value. Afterwards wrote to Sir George Chetwynd in reply to his Letter, & informing him of what had passed with Mr. Heath. Wrote also to Mr. Simpson. Samuel Boardman sold the Chaise to Mr. Booth, of Tunstall at 55/- Received from James Bent a copy of the miserable Statement of the Macclesfield Brewery Concern, which it is quite shocking to look at or to think of.
Sunday 30. Service. Mr. Wilkinson came in the afternoon to consult me relative to the proceedings in Cheshire for opposing the Railway from Runcorn to Basford, when after much conversation on the subject we agreed that Mr. Wedgwood should be requested to meet us at Runcorn there on Thursday next, to confer upon the subject & for which purpose Mr. Wilkinson desired to send to him.
Page 84. 1831 January
Monday 31. Engaged on papers previous to meeting Mr. Wedgwood tomorrow. Also on private Accounts & affairs making out Statement etc. Mr. Booth came relative to . . . for Rent due from Watson who had been sent to prison for Debt, & it appearing that nothing could be done for the benefit of his wife & Family, thinking various other creditors who would seem upon them understandably. Mr. Booth thought there was no course left but to proceed with the distress. Mr. Booth dined, & then went to Watson's House having taken an inventory this morning. This matter has given me much vexation as Mrs. Watson always appeared to me to a very industrious, active person & who would have done much for her Friends had it not been for her foolish thoughtless Husband.
February
Tuesday 1. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood & with whom & Mr. Wilkinson engaged a long time at Mr. W office, considering & giving further deviations with a view to the most vigorous opposition to the Birmingham & Liverpool Railway, & particularly as to the Surveys & Appreciations to Landowners in Cheshire, & to the line from Liverpool to Chorlton. In the night heavy Snow had fallen with high wind.
Wednesday 2. At home. Wrote to Wm. Faram inclosing Mr. Cririe's Letter relative to the regulating Stop Locks on the Macclesfield Canal & requesting his Report thereon. Engaged completing observations relative to Consolidation Bill. Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson.
Thursday 3. Wm. Faram came bringing his Report, & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Mr. Williamson's Coal, on which business he had come to meet Mr. Hanbury. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.
Friday 4. Engaged on papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Hanbury, who came in the evening, and after much conversation promised to breakfast here tomorrow morning in order that we might more fully discuss and consider the Case of Mr. Williamson's Coals.
Saturday 5. Mr. Hanbury came to Breakfast & with whom afterwards engaged a long time on the subject of Mr. Williamson's Coals, when he understood to prepare & furnish Mr. Landor with a Report as to the probable time of their coming into working. Value in
Page 85. 1831 February
present money etc. & to send me a Copy. Afterwards engaged on other Navigation Papers. Wrote to Mr. Landor, & sent him Mr. Faram's Report relative to regulating Stop Locks & Weirs on Macclesfield Reservoir. Letter from Mr. Wilkinson relative to proceedings for opposing the Liverpool & Chorlton Railway.
Sunday 6. James Bent came bringing a still more wretched account of the Macclesfield Brewery Affairs, & with the advice of his Brothers, that it be immediately given up. After much conversation with him, I appointed to go to Macclesfield on Tuesday next to meet Mr. Thomas Bent. Read Prayers but not well enough to go through the whole Service. Stamford arrived in the Evening.
Monday 7. Miserable night, in consequence of anxiety & distress of my Mind being occasioned by this disastrous and most unasked for misfortune at Macclesfield. Thaw. Mr. Booth came relative to proceeding under the Distress against Watson, which, as he had failed to procure any Security for the Money, & the postponement of the Distress would only be a useless Sacrifice of the Rent due to me to other creditors & then appearing to be seem unfair advantage intended by Watson's intention to take the benefit of the Insolvency Debtors Act. Mr. Booth h thought it hard to proceed to a Sale.
Tuesday 8. Went tot Macclesfield. Met Mr. Thomas Bent when we made the hard arrangement in favour for putting an end to their business, by which I expect to sustain a loss of not less than £2000. Spoke to Mr. Parrot Solicitors of Macclesfield & engaged his proficient Assistance. Returned home at night & found Stamford, who on this miserable occasion has behaved in the handsomest manner, & carried the greatest fullest affection & attention.
Wednesday 9. Engaged on Navigation Papers making Minutes etc. preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood at Newcastle tomorrow, but sadly fatigued in body & disposed in Spirits. Stamford left us in the evening on his return to Leamington.
Thursday 10. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood at Mr. Wilkinson's office. Engaged in Select Committee on various impartial matters. Showed Mr. Wedgwood the observations which I had drawn up relative to the Reduction of Rates Clauses of which he expressed his great approbation & said he considered of a very valuable Paper. Returned to dinner. In thee evening Mrs. Watson came, but having no sufficient [Reasoning] to offer for the Rent, she seemed satisfied that a Sale should be made under Distress & at her request I wrote a Note to Mr. Booth that she understood to send requesting him to come over tomorrow morning.
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Friday 11. In the night my ever dear Eliza had an attack which on Mr. Davenport's arrival this morning be found to be Paralysis. He applied the Cupping Glass with good effect, and in the evening found her better. The state of mind and feeling in which I passed this miserable day is not to be described. When I sat down to my solitary meal, it seemed as if this world & all that attached me to it, are passing from under my feet, and that I was on the brink of that Despair which would overwhelm me.
Saturday 12. Eliza had a very good night, came down to breakfast, & appeared not as well as usual, but soon after the Numbness of the right hand which she has felt for some time past returned. Mr. Vaughan came with whom engaged on Navigation business, though in a state of mind rendering me little fit for it. Owing to the constraint I was under he did not stay to dinner. Mr. Robert Heath came with whom a further conference relative to Mr. Williamson's Coals. Mr. & Mrs. Henry Wedgwood also called to see Eliza, who in the evening appeared to be much better. A . . .applied. Mr. Davenport came in the morning & again at night.
Sunday 13. Eliza had a bad & restless night & appeared this morning to be worse but came down to Breakfast. Mr. Davenport came to breakfast. Passed another miserable day, almost wholly in the room with my beloved wife. Mr. Davenport came again between 4 & 5 o'clock, & recommended Leeches to be again applied, which was immediately done & apparently to the good effect as she was afterwards better. In the course of the day I had written a Letter to Stamford requesting him to return home, but this Eliza would on no account allow to me to send, and I did not want to run the wish of the worry of his appearance against her wishes, nor would she hear of Dr. Northen being called in, declaring her entire confidence in Mr. Davenport & of whom Dr. Holland had spoken in the strongest terms in a Letter which she had received from him only a few days ago. Having an equally high opinion of him myself, and knowing that from his various considerations & consultation with Dr. Holland he was in perfect possession of the Doctors Sentiments as to the preferred mode of Treatment in case of any attack at the present I felt satisfied that the best course was to leave her entirely in Mr. Davenport's hands, or at least till he received an answer to the Letter whether he had written to Dr. Holland on Saturday last. At [ten] Eliza was seized with a violent sickness and vomiting which alarmed me much, but proved beneficial as Mr. Davenport on seeing her in the evening pronounced her better.
Page 87. 1831 February
Monday 14. Eliza had a tolerable night. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow in case I could leave Eliza, who notwithstanding from attack in the course of the day continued to improve. Mr. Davenport saw her twice in the course of the day, as he had done since her attack & in the evening pronounced her going on well.
Tuesday 15. Sent Messenger with a Letter to Bessy requesting her to come to Linley Wood. Mr. Davenport came to Breakfast, & from whose Report of Eliza I ascertained to go to Stone, where engaged on General Committee, but returned to a late dinner, leaving Stone the moment the business was concluded. Had the delight to find Eliza going on well.
Wednesday 16. Eliza not quite so well. Mr. Kinnersly & Mr. Heath came relative to the Mining Clauses in the Bill & lent Mr. K the Copy which I had received from Mr. Landor with the Clauses [filled] up. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan. Received Letter from Mr. Landor. Depressed & sadly wearied in Mind & Body.
Thursday 17. Mr. Davenport on coming this morning again recommended Leeches which were applied accordingly. Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood & Elizabeth called & saw Eliza. They brought for my perusal a copy of a Letter which Mr. Wedgwood proposed writing to Mr. Landor, & to Mr. Vaughan. Received by the Post Letters from Mr. Landor & Mr. Wilkinson.
Friday 18. Eliza continued better. Much engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to my expected Journey to Town. Received Note from Mr. Wedgwood & appointed to meet him at Stone on Monday next. Letter from Mr. Vaughan with Statement of reduced Tonnages & appointing to come here tomorrow morning as I had requested in order to a full consideration of this subject.
Saturday 19. Eliza still better. Mr. Vaughan came & with whom engaged preparatory to my Journey. Finished arranging & selecting Papers etc. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.
Sunday 20. Mr. Davenport came. Said I might without fear leave Eliza. In the evening went to Stone, but with a heavy and anxious heart. From this time to Monday March 28.
Tuesday 29. Eliza had an indifferent Night, and looked miserably ill when I went into her Room this morning. Mr. Davenport came at 9. Said she was no worse, and [encouraged] less. As I was sitting at her bedside about seven she fell into a
Page 88. 1831 March
comfortable sleep continued an hour or an hour and a half. I watched her all the time., & when she awoke she appeared to me to be changed for the better. She afterwards ate a little pudding with some appetite and seemed to improve through the day, though suffering considerably at times from pain. Mr. Davenport came at night, and to my comparable comfort pronounced her decidedly better. In the course of the day, began a Report for the adjourned General Assembly of the late Proceedings of the Select Committee relative to the Consolidation Bill and the opposition to the B & B & L & C Railways, but my Mind and Spirits were in too harrassed & worried state to allow of my for going on with it.
Wednesday 30. Eliza a moderate night, but much pain this morning. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came at 11. Pronounced her upon the whole not worse. Some change of Treatment agreed upon. Mr. Davenport to write to Dr. Holland. Mr. Wm. Roscoe & Elizabeth arrived. Passed another miserable day on the sad attention of faint hope & deep despair. Mr. Davenport came at night, & gave Eliza a sedative Draught.
Thursday 31. The Draught had the best effect, Eliza having had what she called a beautiful night. But there was a Return of Pain this morning, though not so . . .or long continued as yesterday morning. Mr. Davenport came between 9 & 10. Pronounced her better & was satisfied as to the propriety of Sedatives. Having a little respite from the anxiety & distress of Mind which I had been enduring since my arrival at home, I resumed the Report which I had commenced, & made some progress on it but found great difficulty in commanding & confining my thoughts to the subject. Mr. Wedgwood called. Mr. Davenport came in the evening & gave me some [comparable] hope.
April
Friday 1..Eliza had a good night & was better this morning. Mr. Davenport came about 10, and again in the evening when he made a favourable Report. Engaged again on the Navigation Report, the compassion of which cost me much trouble. Received Letter from Mr. Fenton expressing the particular wish of the Mayor of Newcastle that I would attend the the Sessions on Tuesday next, some difference having arisen thereon relative to the removal of the Saturday Market & that if it should not be convenient to me to attend on Tuesday, they would adjourn the Sessions to any day that I would appoint. Eliza ate a little fish for dinner, but in the evening became rather more languid. Mr. Davenport came
Page 89. 1831 April
in the evening & still gave me comfortable hopes but my anxiety and apprehensions were great.
Saturday 2. (Elizabeth's Room) Wrote today to Mr. Fenton expressing my intimation to attend the Magistrates on Tuesday at Newcastle. Stamford returned in the Evening.
Sunday 3. Eliza had a very good night & to my [impossible] delight appeared better this morning. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport met at eleven & pronounced Eliza to be going on well, & as much so as could be expected. They staid so long as to prevent our accustomed religious Service. Mr. Davenport came again in the evening & to whom I delivered a Letter to him from Dr. Holland which had come in a . . .to me & sent he said to be shown to Dr. Northen tomorrow.
Monday 4. Eliza again a good night. Mr. Davenport came at the usual time & made a favourable Report. Finished the Draught of the Navigation Report. James Potter called with whom much conversation relative to the Oxford Canal Improvements on whic he was now engaged. Mr. Davenport again in the evening.
Tuesday 5. Eliza going on pretty well. Mr. Davenport came in the morning and again in the evening. Attended Newcastle Sessions present by the request of the Magistrates. Order of the Mayor . . . Returned to dinner. Mr. Davenport again at night.
Wednesday 6. Mr. Davenport & Dr. Northen met at eleven when the latter made a comparable Report & encouraged hope. In the course of the day a change took place for the worse there being no action of the Bowels. Mr. Davenport came in the evening when from the state in which he found Eliza recommended D. Northen being immediately sent for & he came about eleven. Found Eliza now worse, but she improved a little on an action of the Bowels taking place. Dr. N. & Mr. Davenport staid all night. Revd. Mr. D. Hill called and I am not sure whether it was today or yesterday.
Thursday 7. Eliza rather better having passed a tolerable night. Called at Lawton Hall but Mr. Lawton was out . Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport met in the evening. Said I might leave Eliza safely tomorrow. Sent Navigation Report by a Messenger to Sir G. Chetwynd at Stone for his perusal & Minutes of Select & General Committee to Mr. Vaughan for noting in the Book.
Friday 8. Went to Stone, after seeing Eliza who had had a pretty good night. Attended General Committee and General Assembly, but returned as soon as the business was over, not staying to Dinner. Report approved by Sir George & Mr. Wedgwood & afterwards read & approved by General Committee & General Assembly. Mr. Davenport in the Evening who pronounced Eliza something better.
Saturday 9. Eliza had a good night. On going into her Room, as usual, the first thing in a Morning she was particularly cheerful and appeared to me that she was much better, repeating with energy the words "I am better. I feel myself better." Her . . . was then brought her, but which she returned from her stomach apparently could be the effect of wind. She however took her breakfast & appeared to be going on well. She called me in her own sweet manner, her "good dear Man", this was her [figment] expression to me. This was when I first saw her this morning.
Page 91.(no page 90) 1831 April
Saturday 9. came between eleven & twelve. Thought her going on as well as he could say & no more could have been expected. Dr. N. said her pulse was perfectly good, beating regularly speedily 72. Went up to her again. Saw her again about 2, she was then going to sleep. Being in good spirits about her, I rode on Horseback to Swallow Moor Wood & Flat Swallow Moor. On returning by the Farm I was met by Samuel Jones who had come in great haste to fetch me. I galloped home, ran upstairs and found her speechless & almost lifeless. She had been cheerful all day at first,but as (blank) was sitting with her she observed her head droop and on going to her found her dying. On my taking her hand I felt the pulse still faintly beating, but life was ebbing fast, and she expired almost immediately without a single sigh, or moan, & without the slightest convulsion or distortion of features & evidently without the slightest pain or suffering. Her two Daughters, Stamford & myself with her, with Margaret [Hales] & Bridgett. The former supporting her head with her arm, & her Right hand locked in mine. The last pulse trembled against my finger & then stopped forever. After I had took her hand the pulse for a few moments slowed. This was between half past three and four o'clock in the afternoon. I can write no more! All earthly happiness seemed closed with me for ever!
Sunday 10. The first sad day of Loneliness! The World seems a Desert to me! Twice visited which was so lately my (blank)
Monday 11. Forced myself to give various directions for the approaching (blank) finally agreed for Monday 18. What a day of wretchedness! Again twice visited her dear Remains.
Tuesday 12. Another day of, if possible, still deeper misery. Again twice saw her.
Wednesday 13. Heavier & heavier my affliction, as Reflection returns. Forced myself to write to Dr. Holland whose [ultimate] kindness, and attention to my beloved Eliza I could not suffer to [remain] longer [unethical]. But what a duty to perform! What is to become of me? Desolation & Despair now await me.
Thursday 14. After disturbed sleep, rose early - walked in the open air - traversed the Terrace which I had last walked with her. Recollections & feelings almost beyond endurance. Visited again with Eliza her dear Remains. Afterwards in the presence of my three kneeling and praying Children placed upon my lost Eliza's fingers one of the two plain Gold Rings which I had given to her on her Marriage & which Eliza had found in her Mother's favourite Drawer, it having occurred to me that there was some in her possession. This I substituted for the Ring which she had worn through life, & which had been taken off & delivered to me since her death. Thus again reunited, I felt a Relief of which those only can judge who have loved and been beloved Eliza one. She
Page 92. 1831 April
looked beautiful almost as in life. The same sweet smile, the same beautiful expression, so far above all other beauty with which her Countenance had ever been perfectly distinguished, & which diffused Comfort and Cheerfulness amongst all around her. After kissing her as I had done every time I saw her a thousand times, we withdrew. All this was between 10 & 11 o'clock. Mr. Davenport came soon afterwards, & after seeing her told me that it was his duty to say that I must see her no more. Change had taken place, & he could not consent to my going to her again. I could not however be withheld but insisted upon one more parting look. He accompanied me upstairs, where in a spite of my Remonstrance I passionately kissed her cold lips & cheek again and again took a last look and parted with her for ever! Oh! who can bear that word and thought for ever! This passed about eleven o'clock or soon afterwards.
Friday 15. ____________Arthur Marsh arrived, & afterwards Wm Roscoe.
Saturday 16. Mr. . . .came again & with whom made the final arrangements for Monday next. He mentioned that Mr. R. Wilbraham junr. had called upon him & expressed his intention to attend on the occasion, as a mark of his respect. Received a kind and sympathizing Letter from my old friend Peake. Mr. Skerratt came to dinner, and there has passed the first week of my new lonely pilgrimage.
Sunday 17. Stamford read prayers.
Monday 18. About a quarter after 12 o'clock the sad procession [moved] & attended the remains of my beloved wife to her last resting place. They were deposited in the Vault in the Chancel in Audley Church at 3 o'clock or something before the coffin being placed next to that of poor Louisa. The Service was performed by the Curate the Revd. Garratt, the Revd. Mr. H. . . attending. The following was the order of the Pall Bearers.
(foot)
Jos. Wedgwood Jnr. Esq.
Thomas Kinnersly Esq.
Fred. Twemlow Esq.
George Tollet Esq.
(head) (drawing of the coffin, inscribed upside down)
(head)
Elizabeth wife of James Caldwell Esquire of Linley Wood.
Died April 9 1831 Aged 76.
(foot) (foot)
Revd. Thos. Butt
Revd. John Lawton
Richard E Heatcote Esq.
Randle Wilbraham Esq.
(head)
Myself & Stamford
Arthur Marsh & William Roscoe
Dr. Crompton, Mr Skerratt & Mr Holland of Knutsford
Randall Wilbraham Jnr. Esq.
Mourning Coach
in carriage
Page 93. 1831 April
Monday 18. I understood afterwards that everything was conducted in the most correct and orderly manner, nor did a single circumstance occur to disturb the solemnity of.
Tuesday 19. I slept [hard]. Rose early, & walked into the air. Waking almost as from a Dream, & feeling intensely the dreary void which now surrounds me! Everything seems changed and to have lost the power to interest me. Wm. Roscoe, Eliza & Dr. Crompton left us after breakfast, the Carriage taking them all to Knutsford. Arthur Marsh afterwards left us on his return home, leaving Anne & Louisa here. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd at No. 8 Palace Yard. Received Letter from Dr. Holland. The Wilbrahams sent tp enquirie after us, the Servant delivering cards all the morning, "Mrs. Wilbraham, the Miss Wilbrahams" on one "Mr. Wilbraham" on the other.
Wednesday 20. After breakfast Mr. Skerratt returned to Nantwich, the Carriage taking him. My Feelings today seemed to be exhausted or to have became insurmountable. A strong kind of stupor or regard lifeless of the past or the present, & the future having come upon me.
Thursday 21. In nearly the same state, but in some measure by occasional bursts of Tears. Received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood, but without a single word of sympathy or even allusion to regret which has taken place. He certainly may be placed at the head of that School of Apathy & Philosophy which he so much affects, & whose side it seems to be stifle on the kindly feelings of the Heart.
Friday 22. The same as yesterday. Received a beautiful Letter full of tenderness, affection, & good sense from my dear Eliza Roscoe. Received also a Letter fro Sir George Chetwynd with a kind condolence, & another nice Letter from Mr. Wedgwood. Letter also from Mr. Landor with a very kind reference to the late afflicting event.
Page 94. 1831 April
Sunday 24. Read prayers myself, but without a sermon, not being able to go through the whole. Attended with the whole of the Family Service at Talk Chapel. When we were in the Chapel word was brought from Mr. Garratt that the service would not begin till 3 o'clock, instead of 2 o'clock the hour that had been . . & given publicly out the preceding Sunday. Went to Mrs. [Bendmans] where we all waited Mr. Garratts arrival.
Monday 25. Wrote to Sir G. Chetwynd, Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Landor, . . .& Mr. Lancaster, Mr. Scott . . .Newcastle & to Mr. Vaughan inclosing a Letter from Mr. [Chippendall] and a Memorial numerously signed from Manchester relative to the time of the Stoppage of the Canals. Mrs. Wedgwood, Miss Wedgwood of Parkfields & Miss Charlotte Wedgwood called. Gave the Letter which I had written to Mr. Wedgwood to Mrs. W. who delivered on her arrival at home, which was expected tomorrow.
Tuesday 26. Wrote to my friend Peake, in reply to the Letter received from him on occasion of my having affliction, & my sense of which now begins to sink deeper & deeper, as I every hour feel more and more the want of that tender and . . .intercourse which has so long formed the great charm of my existence, and given to it all its interest & enjoyment!!! Received Letter from Mr. Blunt. Also from Mr. Vaughan relative to this proposed stoppage of the Canal. But How weary, stale flat and . . .. Seem to me all the sense of this world! One of the young Mr. Wilbrahams called today & left his Fathers Card, I not being in the way.
Wednesday 27. Tried to write to Mr. Blunt , but gave it up. Mr. [Hickin] of Audley sent back the Money(5Gs) which had been demanded & received without my knowledge from Samuel Beardmore for the opening of the Vault in the Chancel of Audley Church, but to which Mr. H. had found on reference to Mr. [Mott] of Lichfield that there was in this case no claim whatever. I informed Mr. H. that I did not believe the Tenant to have required it or to have been approved by him. Another sad & heavy day!
Thursday 28. Walked & wandered about but unable to settle to anything! Mrs. Tollet called. Sent Mrs. Duttons Will, which Mr. Skerratt had left for my consideration on his behalf, to Mr. T with my opinion thereon.
Friday 29. Mr. Vaughan came & with whom engaged some time. But business soon tires & wearies me. Everything is become flat & uninteresting! All seems changed & to have lost the power to excite or occupy me. How long will this half existence, for so I may truly turn it endure?
Saturday 30. Wrote to Revd. J. Blunt. Beautiful Spring day. Walked with Ann & Bessy into Walkers Ground, having first looked at Masons [Whitnings] . . .which are very fine. The prospect from the high ground was very striking, but it imparted no delight to me.
Page 95. 1831 May
Sunday 1. Nothing could equate the beauty of this May Morning. It was I thought the finest I had ever known. But alas! it is not so to me! I thought only how it would have been admired and felt by another! The fine nature of the Earth, the early song of the Birds, Larks, and flowers all bursting into life & beauty - and this !!!! Read Prayers. Arthur Marsh arrived to dinner & Stamford in the evening. Turned the Milking Cows out, the fineness of the Season promising abundance of Grass! Those farming objects, to which I endeavour to turn my attention seem more than any thing close to soothe & tranquillize my mind.
Monday 2. Rose again early & walked about. In the forenoon Mr. Shaw accompanied by James Massey called. The former acknowledged that the turning of their Mine water from the Colliery which he had again opened, into my drains & Ponds was wrong & promised that it should be immediately discontinued. I gave him Notice that I should otherwise undoubtedly bring an [action] against him, & if necessary apply for an injunction to the Court of Chancery. But the same time said that if he had any Plan, or could devise any Plan for discharging the water so as not to be injurious to my property, I would certainly consider it, & should be glad so far to render him accommodation. In the afternoon Mr. & Mrs. Lawton called. In the evening unwell, having had a harassing, in the course of which I had suffered much. My Temper seems to have become more irritable instead of being softened by what I endure. Noise particularly disturbs, and renders me impatient. I must try to correct all this! The Carriage took Bessy to Nantwich, on account of Mr. Skerratt being ill with a slight paralitic attack.
Tuesday 3. Stamford set off to Cambridge in consequence of a Letter from Lord Gower requesting his vote in favour of Mr. Cavendish, & which he determined to do, having voted for Mr. C on a former occasion, & being also desirous to show his support to Lord G. & the Family. Mrs. F. Twemlow & Miss Fletcher called, also Mrs. & Miss Wilbraham.
Wednesday 4. Busied myself in settling Cash Book, & various accounts. Slight attack of Gout & unwell. Occasionally great depression of Spirits.
Thursday 5. The same. Rain & Hail. Early Potatoes.
Friday 6. Unwell. Great sinking of the heart, & dejection of Spirits. I seem to be but just now becoming sensible of the extent of my heavy Affliction. It is indeed severe, and grievous to hear! Cards of Thanks for enquiries sent to Clough Hall, Lawton Hall, Rode Hall, Betley Hall, Betley Court & the Revd. J. Lawton.
Page 96. 1831 May
Saturday 7. This morning Arthur & Anne Marsh & Louisa left us on their return home, after a most affectionate parting & assurance on their part of every comfort & [alleviation] in their power to administer. Low & ill myself. Some return of Gout. Stamford arrived to breakfast on his return from Cambridge where in consequence of a Letter from Lord Gower, he had attended the Election. I voted in favour of Mr. Cavndish. He also voted in favour of Lord Palmerston. Cards sent to Longton Hall, The Butts at Trentham, Dr. Northen & Mrs. Moreton. Stamford went to Lane End on a Banking Meeting & returned to dinner.
Sunday 8. A day of almost the worst suffering since my grievous Calamity. Life seems to have lost all interest, & to have become a heavy marathon! May he who has inflicted , enable me to support the Stroke! Read Prayers! Wandered about & from Room to Room, but all sad, & desolate & silent!!!
Monday 9. Rode on Horseback & walked much in the open air. Indeed I felt it difficult to sit still, finding a sort of relief in moving about. With a view to change of object, purchased Stamford's Gig & horse. Received Note from Mr. R. Wilbraham jnr. Urgently requesting my vote & [support] for the county of Chester in favour of Lord Henry Cholmondeley. Stamford went to Lane End & returned to dinner.
Tuesday 10. The same as yesterday. Received Letters from Mr. Landor & Mr. Vaughan relative to the postponement of the General Assembly appointed to be held on Monday next under the new Act. Wrote to Mr. Randle Wilbraham declining my entering for the present into any promise or engagement supporting Lord Henry Cholmondeley.
Wednesday 11. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood & sent him by a special Messenger the Letters received from Mr. Landor & Mr. Vaughan & offering to meet him at Newcastle either tomorrow or on Friday to confer on the Navigation Business, though I had not yet gone anywhere from home. Looked over the new Act of Parliament & made Minutes of what was necessary to be immediately done in pursuance of it. Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersly called. Mr. K. showed me a number of Letters from Mr. Melbourne, [Lord] Talbot Littleton etc. relative to the present . . .indication amongst the Collieries, & the political Union which they had entered into, [deprecating] in the strongest terms these proceedings & promising serious attention thereto. I was amused at finding Littleton joining in the condemnation of the [Bear] Bill, remembering strongly how at his Election last year, he advocated this Bill in reply to Observations made by Capt. Chetwynd.
Thursday 12. Stamford set off to London. Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood called. The former in consequence of my Letter to him. Conferred on the course proper to be pursued under the new Act, & determined to meet at Stone on Monday Morning next that being the day
Page 97. 1831 May
appointed for holding the past General Assembly, but of which no Notice had been given. Whilst Mr. W. was here received a Letter from Mr. Simpson of Lichfield expressing a wish to see & confer with me on the subject of Rail Roads. Afterwards wrote to him requesting his Meeting me at Stone on Monday. Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan assuring him of . . .Meeting on that day.
Friday 13. Unwell. Mr. F. Twemlow called. Wrote to Mr. Landor informing him of the Meeting at Stone on Monday. Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson not to send out our [Promise] the same not being necessary from the provision contained in the new Act. Passed a melancholy & comfort less Evening. More & more [sensible] of my sad privation! They that behold one little dream, How wide my Spirit soars from them, My constant thought for ever telling - of Her.
Saturday 14. Went to Sandbach to have spoken to Mr. Jas. Skerratt relative to Mr. Wilbrahams Claim to the small inclosure on Rode Heath, reserved though his Solicitor Mr. [Low], but Mr. Skerratt being from home, left Mr. [Low's] Letter & my observations thereon with Mr. S. Clerk. Eliza Roscoe with Mary & the Infant arrived in the evening, the Carriage having met them at Knutsford. Looked over & arranged Navigation Papers preparatory to going to Stone on Monday next.
Sunday 15. Read Prayers.
Monday 16. Went early to Stone, where engaged all day on Select Committee with Mr. Wedgwood, & returned home in the evening. Mr. Edw. Simpson also attended.
Tuesday 17. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd with the Account of yesterdays proceedings, & also to Mr. Vaughan. Afterwards went to Sandbach. Saw Mr. Skerratt & with whom conferred & settled the Answer to be given by him to Mr. [Low's] Letter, relative to the Inclosure on Rode Heath. Drove for the first time the Horse lately purchased from Stamford in the Gig, which went steadily & safe.
Wednesday 18. Suffering much and a deeper Dejection seems growing upon me, all appears involved in one dark uninteresting gloom. They are indeed sad and heavy hours!!! Received Letters from Stamford & from James Bent. Returned the Pattern Rings sent by the Jeweller. Received Letter from Mr. A. Wilson with a copy of Mr. Bells opinion on late Mrs. Simms Will.
Thursday 19. Much the same. Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe went to Maer, & returned to dinner. Received Letter from Mr. Skerratt inclosing one from Mr. . Field late Mrs. Simms business, Farms etc.
Page 98. 1831 May
Friday 20. Perused & considered Letters etc. relative to late Mrs. Simms papers. Concern previous to writing to Mr. Wilson. Mr. Tollet called. Turned the Grey & two Carriage Horses out to Grass. In the evening sadly wearied & am comfortless.
Saturday 21. Wrote to Mr. Wilson, but listless and almost incapable of attending to anything. Turned out the bay horse purchased from Stamford. A wearisome and heavy day.
Sunday 22. Read prayers.
Monday 23. Very unwell & suffering greatly from Dejection, so as to be unfit for anything. Wandered about & tried to read, write etc. but all in vain!
Tuesday 24. The same, passed a miserable day. In the Evening Mr. J. Sneyd of Bradwall called with a copy of a Declaration signed by a great number of Noblemen & Gentlemen of the County of Stafford expressing their Dissent from the dissolution of the Meeting held at Stafford,on the 23 March relative to the Reform Bill. Though approving of a Declaration of this kind, as enabling Parliament to judge of the real Sentiments of the Country, when left to to speak for themselves. Yet not having seen the Resolutions I declined signing the Declaration till I had read & considered them. Received Letter from Sir Thos. Cotton [Shepherd] requesting my & vote & [entered] in his favour in case of another Dissolution of Parliament. Also Letter from Mr. Wedgwood & Ann Marsh. The former on Navigation business.
Wednesday 25. Still suffering much. This [place] is now most beautiful. The hue on the most [exquisite] foliage, the fields in the freshest . . ., the Birds supplying a continual concert, & all nature appearing in . . .mood. But to me how that flat & uninspired!! Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, Elizabeth & Charlotte came to dinner but returned in the Evening.
Thursday 26. Went early to Stone when engaged all Morning with Mr. Wedgwood on Select Committee, but returned to dinner. The Military which had arrived at Newcastle 2 troops 10 Hussars & Yeomanry Corps in motion, & the Magistrates Followed & F. Twemlow in attendance it being intended to take into Custody some of the Ringleaders of the Collieries who have for some time past been in a tumultuous & disorderly state.
Friday 27. Went to Newcastle to speak to Mr. Wilkinson relative to the most convenient day for holding the proposed adjourned General Assembly & desired him to enquire from Mr. Hales, who he was to see relative to the Cockshead Engine, on which day Sir George Chetwynd was engaged to be at Cobridge.. Magistrates & Military in operation this morning, having taken into custody 12 or 13 of the Ringleaders of the disorderly collieries. Mr, Randle Wilbraham called at Linley Wood but I was out. Engaged on the improvement of the Farm Yard, which had been commenced a few days ago
Page 99. 1831 May
Saturday 28. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to the General Assembly on Monday next. Drawing Report of the Select Committee etc. etc. Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe called at Betley Hall, the Horses taking them. Mr. Lock, Mr. Stevensons Partner called upon E. Roscoe early, & before she went to Betley. Received Letter from Miss Pilkington of Bolton. Suffering from Rheumatic Attack in both arms, but now light is such pain when compared with what I otherwise endure!!
Sunday 29. Read prayers.
Monday30. Went early to Stone, where engaged closely all day on the General Assembly, being in the Chair.
Tuesday 31. Engaged on Papers relating to the late James Caldwell of Manchester affairs & the Perlington Affairs. Miss Wedgwood & the Revd. Mr. Mainwaring called, being unwell & suffering seriously.
June
Wednesday 1. Unwell & suffering severely as yesterday. Life almost insupportable.
Thursday 2. The same. Wrote to Miss [Brundreth] & [Spinks] relative to payment of money to the Trustees under the Late Mrs. Simms Marriage Settlement received. Sent Case relative to late James Calwells affairs to Solicitor Peake for his opinion.
Friday 3. Still suffering severely. Dejection seems coming fast upon me. Received Letter from Mr. Tomlinson wit List of Dissents from the Resolution entered into at Stafford relative to the Reform Bill. Finished the improvement of the Pond and Road in the Farm Yard. E. Roscoe being unwell sent for Mr. Davenport in the Evening.
Saturday 4. A day of great suffering. Begun repair & improvement of the small pond in the Farm Garden. Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson, but declining to add my signature to the Paper which he had sent me. NB. Though disapproving greatly of the Reform Bill, yet I thought that my joining in this view of expression of my Sentiments might place me in a disagreeable and inconvenient situation in respect to various private friends & Parties who are friendly to it, & that giving my name to the paper might found some claim upon me to go further with the Parties in whom it originates, then I might approve. Received Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw.
Sunday 5. Miserably ill. Read Prayers.
Monday 6. Rather better night, but still severe suffering. Wrote to Mr. James Trubshaw. Tried to bury & interest myself on various matters, but in vain!
Page 100. 1831 June
Tuesday 7. Again almost insufferably ill. Met Mr. Kirk & Wm. Faram & made experiment with the new Steam Boat Engine, in the presence of Mr. Kinnersly & Mr. Rob. Heath who attended, & were well satisfied with the Result, but the Pulley wanting some trifling alteration. I appointed to view the experiment on Monday next. My Sufferings on my return & through the evening were dreadful. In my absence Miss Moreton & Miss [Anderton] called. Letter from Mr. Jos. Wedgwood relative to possession of Cockshead Engine being given up.
Wednesday 8. Went to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Wilkinson relative to Cockshead Engine & directed him to be sure that the possession of the Engine should be given up, so as to feedback any possible question as to [holding] & which he promised to do. On my return found Mr. Roscoe. In the Evening Stamford called, having arrived at home last night.
Thursday 9. Severe suffering all day. Stamford dined & returned home in the Evening.
Friday 10. The same this morning having passed a miserable night.
Saturday 11. If possible more than ever. Wrote t Mr. Speir B. . .
Sunday 12. Another wretched day, but read Prayers. Mr. Roscoe left us on his return home.
Monday 13. Attended, though in a state of wretched suffering, further Trial of the Canal Steam Boat, which proved highly satisfactory, and afforded great promise of the Invention ultimately answering the purpose intended. Mr. Kirk, Wm. Faram also attended.
Tuesday 14. Suffering still the same, but went to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Wilkinson with whom I conferred on Navigation business particularly to Lord Shrewsbury & Cockshead Engine. On my arrival at home found myself very ill. Settled the Draft of a Will which I intend to execute.
Wednesday 15. Suffering still severe, but went to Sandbach, and executed at Mr. Skerratts Office a Will, which it having been drawn by myself was copied there. On my return a violent storm of Rain, accompanied with I think lightning. Being in the Gig I was completely wet.
Thursday 16. Ill.
Friday 17. Ill. Having received from Mr. Vaughan by Post a Navigation Check for £1000, payable to him & signed by Mr. Wedgwood, & signed & returned the same to Mr. Vaughan by Post as suggested by him. Wrote second Letter by a Messenger to Maer Hall proposing to meet Mr. W. at Newcastle on Monday next.
Saturday 18. Still suffering severely.
Sunday 19. The same, but read Prayers. Received Letter from Mr. [Spier].
Monday 20. Though unfit for it, went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood at Mr. Wilkinson's Office, & where engaged all morning on Select Committee. Mr. Vaughan also attended.
Page 101. 1831 June
Monday 20. Saw Mr. Ward who said that he paid all monies received upon the late Newcastle Brewery Account & from the estate & effects into the hands of Kinnersly to their Account. Said how the Stoneyfields Title rested with Mr. Tomlinson.
Tuesday 21. Suffering still the same. Considered the question to as to the payment to Wm. Caldwell's Daughter under the Will of the late James Caldwell of Manchester previous to writing again to Mr. [Spier], also the Perlington business previous to replying to a Letter received from Miss [Brundreth], & [Spinks], relative to the Debt due from the late George Audley to Mrs. Simms assigned to the Trustees under the Marriage Settlement.
Wednesday 22. Suffering the same. Bessy arrived from Nantwich. John Faram, with results of the last experiments made with Canal Steam Boat, when I desired him to show the Calculations as to the expense of this mode of conveyance to Mr. Vaughan & for which purpose he proceeded to Stone.
Thursday 23. The same. In the evening went to Sandbach to have seen Mr. Skerratt on the Perlington Affairs & to enable me to reply to Miss [Brundreth] & [Spinks]: Letter but found that he was in London. Observed that in one place on the Road, about halfway, they had cut & men carrying Hay.
Friday 24. The same. Wrote to Mr. [Spier} [Birth]. In the evening Stamford called on his return from London.
Saturday 25. Passed a miserable day. E. Roscoe prevented returning home by the coldness & wetness of the day. Stamford dined, & returned in the evening, as he proposed going to Nantwich on Monday. I desired him to mention to Mr. Skerratt my wish & request that he would make the appointment of myself as an Executor & Trustee under his Will.
Sunday 26. The same. Read Prayers.
Monday 27. Though very unfit for it, went to Stone, & attended Meeting of Select Committee. But in a state of extreme suffering all day. Staid there to dinner, & returned in the evening.
Tuesday 28. A dreadful night & rose this Morning in a state of almost insupportable anguish of Mind, and dejection of Spirits. How long can this be endured? But God's will be done! & may he, of his infinite Mercy, enable me patiently to submit to his inflictions. Stamford called in the evening on his return from Newcastle.
Page 102 1831 June
Wednesday 29. The same. My most tenderly & justly beloved E. Roscoe left us this morning on her return home. Her affectionate attention to me in this Season of Calamity & distress, have been unwearied, & have served more than anything she could have done, to sooth the bitter affliction which has fallen upon me. Another anxiety is however added to my present load, from the state of her health, respecting which I could not but feel considerable apprehension. I must hope however for the . . .of Hope & respecting which can ever again enter my heart. At present all is misery and despair!
Thursday 30. Another wretched day! Jos. Wedgwood Jnr. Called, & afterwards Dr. & Mrs. Northen.
July
Friday 1. The same state of suffering. Mr. & Mrs. Hutton of Dublin and two Children with Henry Crompton came to dinner, on their way to London.
Saturday 2. After breakfast the Party left us. My suffering afterwards, increased if possible by the exertions that I had made to pay due attention to our Friends. Stamford came to dinner on his return from Stafford, & to whom I showed my Will & a Statement of my Affairs, thinking this proper in the present state of my health, and uncertainty of my life. The men this morning went on Mowing the Meadow which they had begun yesterday afternoon.
Sunday 3. Still suffering the same. Read Prayers.
Monday 4. Went to Stone early & where closely engaged all day on General Assembly being in the Chair. Delivered to Mr. Vaughan the Plan of the Mines in Harecastle New Tunnel, sent a short time ago by Mr. [Portehand]. Returned at night.
Tuesday 5. Suffering severely all day. Sent Messenger to Stone for the Proceedings of the General Assembly yesterday, being . . .of an Omission. Men busy mowing.
Wednesday 6. Bad night. Went to Newcastle, & met Sir George Chetwynd at Mr. Wilkinson's Office, pursuant to appointment, & where we received a very satisfactory Report from Mr. Wedgwood respecting the Liverpool & Chester & the Birmingham & Basford Railways & [affecting] the prospect of these Bills being withdrawn, at least for the present Session. Appointed to meet Sir George at Wolsley Bridge on Monday the 18 inst. & to proceed from there on the usual Annual Survey of the Canals. On my return from Newcastle wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Very busy in the Hay, the day being remarkably fine for the purpose.
Thursday 7. Still in the same state of suffering. Very busy in the Hay. Received
Page 103. 1831 July
Letter from Mr. Wedgwood informing me of the Railway Bill being put an end to. Wrote to E. Roscoe on occasion of the death of the late Mr. Roscoe, which happened on (blank) last & my receiving yesterday Scarf etc.
Friday 8. Ill all day. Very busy in the Hay, & carried a considerable part of the Meadows. Stamford came in the Evening.
Saturday 9. Went to Sandbach ,& had a long conference with Mr. James Skerrattt on the Perlington Affairs, & instructed him to write to Miss Brundreth & Spinks. Left with him their last Letter to me & also the Copy of Mrs. Simms Marriage Settlement. Wrote Letter to Mr. Balgary urging the indirect payment to Stamford's Bankers in London less costs of my share of the Balance if the Derby Rent remaining in Mr. Balgary hands. Suffered severely all day.
Sunday 10. Ill. Read Prayers. Stamford dined, & having determined to go to Derby, I gave him the Letter from James Bent proposing my meeting him & his Brother at Mansfield on Thursday next, in consequence of which Stamford arranged to attend also. Great suffering through the whole of the day.
Monday 11. Ill
Tuesday 12. The same. Rain with Thunder. Letter from James Bent proposing the Meeting at Mansfield. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged some time.
Wednesday 13. Another wretched day. Wrote to Mr. Parrott of Maccclesfield informing him of the postponement of the Meeting. Rain with much Thunder & Lightning
Thursday 14. The same.
Friday 15. The same.
Saturday 16. The same. Stamford dined.
Sunday 17. The same. Read Prayers.
Monday 18. Set off on Navigation Survey, & arrived at Buxton, where we slept.
Tuesday 19. Proceeded to Shardlow, & returned at night to Buxton.
Wednesday 20. From Buxton returned home, when I arrived about 5 o'clock. Found Letter from Daintry & [Ryle] regarding payment of their Balance of the late monies Macclesfield Brewery, & amounting to £2907.4s.2d.
Thursday 21. Passed a wretched night. The comfort of what little remains to me of life entirely destroyed, & no prospect before me but of [incessant] however
Page 104. 1831 July
unavailing wretchedness, and yet I cannot properly blame myself; the carrying on of so small a concern, being apparently attended with little or no Risk, & as its underated success would have been very convenient. The advance of solid Capital made by Mr. Bent, £2000, seemed to precede any loss by me further than my own share or proportion which was only one Third; & the flourishing state of Macclesfield at the time of the Concern being engaged on . . .as a stray & powerful . . . by affording the most reasonable prospect of success.
Friday 22. The same.
Saturday 23. The same. Arthur Marsh came on his return home from his extended voyage with Sir Hyde Parker, having landed in Scotland. Afterwards Ledward the late [collector] at Macclesfield Brewery came. His Report of the Debt collected etc. unsatisfactory & adding to my present great certainty & distress of mind. After dinner I fully disclosed to Arthur Marsh my situation & loss as in respect to the Macclesfield when he consented to accompany me then to meet the Bents. Received today a present of Fish a Salmon & a Lobster from Dr. Holland.
Sunday 24. Very ill from extreme dejection of Spirits. Read Prayers.
Monday 25. The same, & if possible suffering more severely than ever. Wrote to James Bent & to [Miss] T & R Bent fixing to meet at Macclesfield on Wednesday next. Wrote also to Miss Bent desiring her in case any of her Brothers were there at the [Suthern] Brewery to inform them of it. Wrote to Mr. F. Twemlow to appoint a day for Cockshead Engine Reference. In consequence of a Letter received by the Post from (blank) Ledward and sent Samuel Jones fixing my going there tomorrow.
Tuesday 26. Went to Macclesfield accompanied by A. Marsh. Met Thomas & James Bent. Things worse & worse. Heavy Accounts to the amount of £1100 requiring immediate payment, besides the Balance of £1400 still remaining due to the Banker, & of which they wished the immediate. Saw Mr. Parrott with whom made the best arrangement I could, for getting in the Debts as collected. Returned to dinner but in a state of great wretchedness.
Wednesday 27. A miserable bad night not having had any sleep. Sent to Kinnersleys for Draft to be remitted to the various Maltsers & Hop Merchants whose Accounts received . . .& are now called for & amounting in the whole £1044.4s.3d. Wrote Letters afterwards to the several Parties inclosing such Drafts, but being too late for the Post, deferred sending the Letters till tomorrow. Arthur Marsh left us at noon on his return home. The two young [Iron] workers of Betley Court called with Note for another Talk relative to Cockshead Engine Reference. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood thereon. Also to Mr. Vaughan with Navy Check for £1000 & also sent him the Minutes on our late Survey of the Canal.
Page 105. 1831 July
Thursday 28. Sent by this Post the several Letters written yesterday to the Creditors of the Macclesfield concern, with Bill's for their respective Balances. Wretchedly all day. Ledward came. Left Bunch of Keys & the Bankers Book.
Friday 29. If possible, more [insufferably] ill today than ever. Wrote Notes to Mr. F. Twemlow & Mr. Wilkinson informing them that Mr. Wedgwood ( from whom I have yet to hear) will meet on Monday at Mr. Wilkinson's Office in the Cockshead Engine Reference. Wrote to James Bent, enquiring by whom the £2000 agreed to be advanced by Wm. Bent into the Macclesfield Concern had been advanced to him & was paid into the Concern. Wm. Faram called, & arranged for him to speak to Mr. Wedgwood about the Canal Steam Engine etc.
Saturday 30. Still very ill, indeed more & more miserable. The more I reflect upon my present situation, & the various consequences of the Macclesfield Business.
Sunday 31. The same. Read Prayers.
August
Monday 1. Went to Newcastle pursuant to Appointment. Attended at Mr. Wilkinson's Office, with Mr. Wedgwood as Select Committee. Afterwards with Mr. F. Twemlow on Cockshead Engine References on which Mr. Hales also attended. Returned to dinner ,but dreadfully ill all day.
Tuesday 2. Wrote to [Daintry] Ryle & Co with further Remittance of £1310.9s.2d on account of late Firm of Wm. Bent & Co. Wrote also to Mr. Parrot of Macclesfield, also to Mr. Crawford Paisley on Wm. Caldwell's business. John Trubshaw came in conveyance of the Cockshead Engine having become . . .what be from the bursting of the . . . Considered the matter with him & then wrote to Mr. Wedgwood J.T. Taking my Letter. Recommended the Engine being considerably explained. My Suffering through the day most grievous.
Wednesday 3. Wrote to Ann Marsh inclosing her half years Interest. Mr. Sneyd of Bradwall called. Passed another miserable day. Appetite going fast, & comfortable sleep gone. How long can this be sustained?
Thursday 4. Another wretched day. Heard of the death of the Revd. John Lawton,who expired suddenly last night about ten o'clock, without any previous illness having been that day at Newcastle with some of his Family. Received Letter from Mr. Thomas [Hunt] of Manchester. Also from Stamford.
Page 106. 1831 August
Friday 5. Another miserable day.
Saturday 6. Wrote to Dr. Holland. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Newcastle to see Mr. Ward on Brewery & Stoney fields business on Monday & to Macclesfield on Tuesday. Suffering the same.
Sunday 7. Read Prayers. Same.
Monday 8. Engaged on Macclesfield Papers. Mr. Davenport called to speak to me relative to Revd. Mr. Carter obtaining the Rectory of Lawton & his present situation when I recommended Mr. C. addressing a Letter to Mr. Lawton. Received invitation to attend the Funeral of the late Revd. John Lawton on Thursday Morning next.
Tuesday 9. Went to Macclesfield. Saw Mr. Parrott & Ledward. Received a Dividend to the Brewery from late Mr. Leigh. Mr. Thos. Bent who I had requested to meet me did not come. Mr. Parrott being much engaged on account of the approaching Assizes. Arranged to go to Macclesfield again, some day after the next week. Returned to dinner. Met Mr. R. Wilbraham who appointed to call at Linley Wood tomorrow having some business which he asked to speak to me about.
Wednesday 10. Mr. R. Wilbraham relative to the Inclosure on Rode Heath, when after much conversation he said that he would show me the Deed . . .the whole of the [Manure] in the Wilbraham so far as related to Rode Heath, & I was to enquire whether Parties interested would sell the Cottages. Stamford called in the evening on his return home. Suffering still the same.
Thursday 11. Another miserable night. Attended Funeral of the late Revd. John Lawton. (Drawing of a coffin)
Mr. Davenport Mr. Ward
Revd. J. Richardson Spencer . . .
Mr. Kinnersly 59 J. Caldwell
On the coffin number 59. At the head Chas. Lawton & 3 Boys of . . .
Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan inclosing a Check on Stevenson Salt & Co for £2000, on account of T. Mersey Canal which I signed & sent to the Post Office inclosed to Mr. Vaughan in order that he might get it signed by Mr. Wedgwood. Sent the Macclesfield Brewery Keys to Mr. Bent at Sutton Hall, by a Messenger who was to set off early tomorrow morning.
Friday 12. Went to Newcastle pursuant to appointment with Mr. Ward, & first heard from him the further great loss to which I am become subject from the heavy debt remaining due to Mr. Kinnersly & there being no effects of the late Mr. Bent to make good his misfortune of such debt, [already] the whole will fall upon me. The shock of this intelligence was indeed great, and such as in addition to the Macclesfield Blow has almost overpowered me! My present situation is indeed grievous to be born. All my arrangements for settling my affairs, & passing the close of life in tranquil & confer
Page 107. 1831 August
being by their most unexpected, & almost unenviable recourse of Fortune at once destroyed, and I am left a . . .to disappointment and discomfort however on my part unsuited. Promised to see Mr. Ward again in a few days. Returned home for dinner, but almost broke down with the repeated strokes of misfortune.
Saturday 13. Called upon Mr. Charles Lawton at Lawton Hall pursuant to an appointment made with him & conferred with him relative to the next presentation to the Rectory of Lawton, respecting which he wished to see me. When after much conversation, he said that he would call at Linley Wood on Monday morning next, that I might have time to consider the circumstance he had stated to me in the mean time. Ill all day. Began cutting wheat, the oats in flat Swallow Moor being already cut. Revd. J Anderton called.
Sunday 14. Read Prayers, but so unwell as to prevent any attending the service in Talk, as I had intended.
Monday 15. Miserable night. Bessy returned home. Wrote to Mr. Jos. Wedgwood, F. Twemlow on Navigation business, & to Mr. [Crawford] of [Paisley] on the late Wm. Caldwell. Mr. Lawton came again pursuant to his appointment & with whom conferred a considerable time.
Tuesday 16. Ill as before & in the House almost the whole of the day.
Wednesday 17. The same but went to Newcastle, called upon Mr. Ward & arranged with him the payment of the purchase money of the House upon the Marsh late in the holding of Miss Byerley, & part of the Estate of Wm. Bent & Co. Stamford dined at Linley Wood.
Thursday 18. At Newcastle again, finally settled the above business with Mr. Ward & gave him a check for the money, which is to be applied in part discharge of the Balance remaining due to Kinnersly from Wm. Bent & Co.
Friday 19. A miserable night & symptoms of a bad cold, with Fever. Wm. Faram came relative to obtaining a supply of water from Mr. Kinersley & Mr. . . .Works. In the right . . .here had for some claim, but not sufficient to be of use with a Canal.
Saturday 20. Ill & suffering much from the cold I had taken. Wm. Faram came again having arranged with Mr. Kinersley, but not with Mr. [Har. . . ]. Wrote to Mr. Landor. Rain had fallen last night which Mr. F. thought would supply the Canal 5 or 6 days.
Sunday 21. Ill, but read Prayers. In the evening the feverish Symptoms somewhat abated. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.
Page 108. 1831 August
Monday 22. Though unfit for it went to Newcastle & met Mr. Wedgwood & F. Twemlow at Mr. Wilkinson's Office relative to the [first] taking of Cockshead Engine & water which we deemed it expedient to do. Considered in Select Committee, the supplies of water of the Canal, & gave the necessary directions to John Trubsahw & Wm. Faram who attended relative to obtaining further supplies at those [extend] . . .[Steam]. Returned to dinner.
Tuesday 23. Ill as before. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Hales. Engaged on the Perlington Papers, & considered the Claim heretofore made on the part of Mrs. Margaret Perlington to a debt of £300.
Wednesday 24. Miserable night without rest or sleep & ill all day. Received from Mr. Ward a Statement of Mr. Kinnersleys Account with the late Newcastle Brewery leaving a Balance of £2000 & . . .still due to him, which I greatly fear that I shall be obliged to pay. Wrote to Mr. Ward.
Thursday 25. Great suffering in the night, & rose this morning in a state of great wretchedness of mind & Spirits. Mr. R. Wilbraham called & suggested a part division of the Inclosure on Rode Heath being taken by the [Landowners], which I said that I would consider of on looking at the plan. He showed me a [loose] Memorandum required by Mr. Moreton relative to his . . .of the [Manor], but which did not appear to be sufficient for the . . .of Mr. Wilbraham's Father, nor such as could possibly affect the Rights of the Freeholders, & which I stated to Mr. R. Wilbraham. Wm Faram called to inform me that if another Engine were set up on the Stream of water from Hardings Wood that 25 or 30 [tons] of water might be saved in the summit pound. I told him to do it immediately, & wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.
Friday 26. Great dejection. Men finished carrying corn, & thus completed this years Harvest
Saturday 27. The same. Wrote to Mr. Spier of [Beech]. Mr. Chas. Lawton sent a fine Carp.
Sunday 28. Read Prayers, but suffered much throughout the day.
Monday 29. Wrote to Mr. James Skerratt of Sandbach requesting him to meet me at Rode Heath on the Perlington Affairs, where he fixed Wednesday next. Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson proposing to call upon him on Friday or Saturday next, to consult him further as to any Legacy Duties payable under the Will of the late James Caldwell of Manchester. Mrs. & Miss Tollet called.
Tuesday 30. Engaged on the Perlington Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Skerratt at Rode Heath tomorrow. Mr. Kirk came relative to the Steam Boat Engine of the success of which he spoke with great confidence. Fixed to send him £100 of it next week.
Wednesday 31. Went to Rode Heath. Mr. & Mrs. Skerratt of Sandbach. Miss Wrench happened fortunately to be there. We looked at the Inclosure, when it appearing more
Page 109. 1831 August
than a due proportion of the [Common] I proposed a Division of it which being approved by all Parties. I promised to write to Mr. R. Wilbraham & propose my meeting him upon the Spot. Produced & showed Miss Wrench & Miss Dawson my account & stated the Balance now in Kinnersleys hands. Recommended the payment of the Debts remaining due from Mr. Perlington the Grandfather, which they approved & necessary of me to pay. Stated fully the circumstances relating to Mrs. Margaret Perlington claim for Debt of £300 due from the late Mr. P, but the Ladies did not think this Demand reasonable, so long a time 30 years & upwards having passed without ever having been mentioned, and as if anything were paid, the money would eventually go to the children of Mr. Collinson, from whom a very . . .being stated owing to Miss Mary Perlington's Estate. They said it was quite understood from what Mrs. Perlington had said that she never . . . . .pay this claim . . . Mr. Skerratt said that Mrs. Perlington's demand was completely bound by time & could not be recovered, nor would the Will of Mr. Perlington be of any effect. I said it was entirely a point for [reasonable] consideration, & so left it. It was observed that had Miss. M. Perlington had any idea of this Claim she never would have left Mrs. Perlington & the Collinson Family the Legacies given by her Will, & which had been honourably paid to them, though not [accountable], not being charged by the Will upon the the real Estates & there being no personality. I propose to mention the matter to the Ladies at Rode Heath again, & I shall then have fully discharged my duty.
September
Thursday 1. Looked over the Papers relating to the late James Caldwell of Manchester preparatory to seeing Mr. Fred Tomlinson respecting the Legacy Duties & whether any be payable on account of Jean Caldwells Share. Wrote Note to Mr. R. Wilbraham relative to the Inclosure on Rode Heath & proposing to meet him upon the Spot.
Friday 2. Copied part the Note to Mr. R. Wilbraham & sent it by a Servant.
Saturday 3. Went to Cliffe Villle pursuant to appointment, when upon reference to the Will of the late James Caldwell & other papers to Mr. F. Tomlinson who was clearly of Opinion that no Legacy Duty was chargeable in respect of the late Wm. Caldwell's Share of the Effects of his late Brother James & thus a Receipt of the Common Stamp should be the proper & a sufficient Discharge. Speaking of the Lawton Title he said that the private argument could not affect the Title even if I had had a . . .of it, it having been decided in a great Case which he mentioned & on full argument, that a voluntary Settlement with Notice did not prejudice or affect a Purchase for a valuable consideration. Received Note from Mr. R. Wilbraham appointing Wednesday next for our meeting at Rode Heath on the Inclosure Business. On return home from Cliffe Ville, met not Mr. Rob. Heath, who assured me of every supply of water to the Canal, & Mr. Kinnersly [navigation] being afforded.
Sunday 4. Read Prayers.
Monday 5. On considering the Lawton Title Share appearing to me to be several things necessary to be done
Page 110. 1831 September
for the completion of it as it now stands, & without the Act of Parliament. Wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson proposng to call upon him with the Deeds any day that he would appoint . Received a very pleasing & affectionate Letter from E. Roscoe. In the evening Stamford called & supped.
Tuesday 6. Went again to Rode Heath to make sundry enquiries relative to the Inclosure preparatory to meeting Mr. R. Wilbraham there tomorrow. Received from London the Rings for Miss Stamford, J.S.C. Bessy & Mr. Skerratt, & presented Miss Stamford's to her.
Wednesday 7. Went to Rode Heath. Met Mr. Randle Wilbraham, who was accompanied by Mr. Reece their [Steward] at eleven. After some explanation & discussion I proposed a Division of the Land in dispute correspondent to what was approved when I was at Rode Heath on the 31 August & on which Mr. R. Wilbraham being desirous to consult his Father. I consented to the matter waiting late there was done. Stamford sent a hare & a brace & half of Partridge killed on Foxholes & Oak Farms.
Thursday 8. Rain. Coronation celebrated at Talk on the Hill, a Dinner being given by Subscription to the poor Inhabitants. Stamford dined. Received Letter from Dr. Holland. Lord Lansdowne [doubtful] of the Reform Bill in the Lords.
Friday 9. At home. Letter from Mr. Vaughan. Looked over the papers in the late James Caldwell of Manchester Affairs, & considered Receipt to be given by [Nan] Caldwell, Daughter of the late Wm. Caldwell. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.
Saturday 10. Wrote to Dr. Holland.
Sunday 11. Received intelligence of the death of (blank) Watson the Tenant of the White Lion Public House, who was found dead this morning on his own ground, supposed from apoplexy, he being quite well yesterday.
Monday 12. At home. Engaged on late Newcastle / Macclesfield Brewery Papers, preparatory to calling upon Mr. Ward tomorrow at Newcastle.
Tuesday 13. Went to Newcastle early. Called upon Mr. Ward with whom I had a long conversation & left with him the Balance Sheet for the year 1822 signed by W. Bent, R. Bent & myself & subsequently Further Balance Sheets. Surprized at the tone of Mr. Wards conversation, which indirected a [disposition] to taking advantage that could be obtained by rising legal & [quibbling] . . . , particularly in respect to the Macclesfield Brewery taken by Mr. Bent & myself. Dined afterwards at Betley Hall. Miss Stamford going also, & where we staid all night.
Page 111. 1831 September
Wednesday 14. Breakfasted at Betley Hall. Called at Betley Court & the Revd. Mr. [Turton], & returned home to dinner. Found a Note from Mr. R. Wilbraham informing me that his Father had no objection to the Arranged mark at Rode Heath, so that this troublesome matter may now be considered as finally settled.
Thursday 15. Mr. Booth came, with whom consulted as to the Steps necessary to be taken in consequence of the death of Watson of the White Lion Inn & required a Notice to quit, but on which directed Mr. Booth to consult Mr. Tomlinson. Mr. Booth said he was at Whitchurch the [Brewery] (last Tuesday) when corn stacks etc. in that Neighbourhood had been set fire to by [Incendiaries] & [consumed]. The one farm belonging to Sir Rowland Hill damage had been done to the amount of £2000, at another Farm to the Account of £5 or 600 & to attend to about £3 or 400. A Letter had been found addressed to the Tenant of one of the Farms saying 'if you pay any more Tithe your Corn should be destroyed'. Mr. John Sneyd of Bradwall called. Mr. Davenport came to see the Kitchen Maid who was very ill.
Friday 16. Engaged on Lawton Papers preparatory to calling upon Mr. F. Tomlinson tomorrow. Called with Miss Stamford on Mrs John Lawton, but did not see her, she being at dinner.
Saturday 17. Went to Cliffe Ville on the Lawton Business & had a conversation with Mr. F. Tomlinson which it was arranged that I shall call upon Mr. Williams & require an Estimate of what was proposed to be done for my satisfaction as to the Title. Mr. Davenport came twice, his Patient being very dangerously ill.
Sunday 18. Mr. Davenport who came this morning being apprehensive that his Patient s illness might terminate in some contagious disease it being recommended that the Holland Children who with Mary H. were to dine here tomorrow, should be put off for some days, in consequence of which we sent a Messenger with a Letter to Nantwich. Read Prayers. Mr. Davenport came again in the Evening, & finding his Patient worse strongly urged her being sent in the Morning to the Infirmary.
Monday 19. Mr. Davenport came but the poor Girl so ill that removal of her was quite impossible. At home. Wrote to Dr. Holland.
Tuesday 20. The poor Girl expired this morning between 7 & 8 o'clock. Called at Rode Heath & saw the Ladies relative to the Insurance & the [Farming] of it not. Called at Stamford's but he was from home. Mr. Peake of [Tunstall] called & with whom a long conversation relative to the same Reduction of the Tonnage of . . .allowed on [Slates], & which I promised to bring under the consideration of the Committee. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Also to Mr. Booth relative to Notice to give at Lady Day next being given to James Walker Tenant of Foxholes Estate.
Page 112. 1831 September
Wednesday 21. At home. Ledward came relative to the wretched Macclesfield Brewery Affairs, whom I promised to go to Macclesfield on Monday the 5 October. James Barker, paying his half years Rent due at Lady Day last. Busy sowing Wheat in Banky Swallow Moor. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing to be here on Saturday Morning next at 8 o'clock. Mr. Davenport came & gave directions for fumigating & purifying the Room in consequence of the Poor late circumstances.
Thursday 22. At home. Mr. Booth Junior with fresh Notice to Mrs Watson to quit at Lady Day next, as [altered] by Mr. Tomlinson, & which I signed. Received Letter from Dr. Holland.
Friday 23. Set off to go to Sandbach but Rain coming on turned back. In the evening Wm. Faram came, & with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation business, & appointed him to come here tomorrow morning to meet Mr. Vaughan. Letter from Dr. Holland appointing to come here tomorrow or on Sunday.
Saturday 24. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged on Navigation business all morning preparatory to the Meeting of the Committee on Tuesday next. Wm. Faram also attended.
Sunday 25. Progress. Dr. Holland arrived at L. Wood from Maer Hall, & with whom engaged.
Monday 26. Engaged with D. Holland. Took a ride in the Gig to Rode Heath, Lawton Salt works & Harecastle Tunnel. Much conversation with the Doctor on various subjects, not omitting the Report Bill Cheshire etc. In the evening the Doctor left us on his return to Town, being engaged to meet Sir H. Stafford tomorrow Evening at the Board of Health.
Tuesday 27. Went to Stone early, when closely engaged on Committee.
Wednesday 28. Engaged on Select Committee. Returned home to dinner. In the evening Mary Holland & her Children came. Stamford also called on his return home. Violent Storm of Thunder, Lightning & Rain.
Thursday 29. At home. Mrs. Watson called relative to her continuing Tenant of the White Lion, when I said I could make no promise or engagement without consulting Mr. Booth, & declined received a Quarters Rent which she said she had brought.
Friday 30. Engaged on various Papers, Navigation, late James Caldwell of Manchester etc. etc.
October
Saturday 1. Engaged again on the same Papers & Copied afresh the Minutes of the last General & Select Committee.
Page 113. 1831 October
Sunday 2. Read Prayers & a Sermon in the old form. But with what an aching heart! Such [indeed] as every thing that more particularly recalls the past is ever attended with!
Monday 3. Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson on several orders of the last General & Select Navigation Committees & with whom engaged a considerable time. On my return met Mr. Kinnersly who said he had just been at Linley Wood, and appointed to call again tomorrow morning.
Tuesday 4. Mr. Kinnersly came early , & with whom a long conference relative to a communication between the T. &. M Canal & the River Weaver, its possible effect on increasing the Coal Carriage upon the former, the necessary [Down Marks] of Tonnage etc. Mr. K. strongly recommended the Insurance & I promised to call upon him as soon as the Select Committee received the Report of a proposed conference between Mr. Landor & Mr. Hostage upon the subject. Wrote long Letter to Mr. Spier of [Beech] inclosing Mr. & Mrs. Fultons late [Joan] Caldwells Share of the Estate & Effects of the late James Caldwell of Manchester became payable to them by the death of the late Father Williams & Caldwell. This will close my long & troublesome Executorship.
Wednesday 5. Sent Letter inclosing a Draft for £269.13.6. to Mr. Kinnersly this Mornings Post. Went to the White Lion to have met Mr. Booth relative to Mrs. Watson continuing Tenant but she being confined could not see us & I therefore returned & Mr. Booth afterwards called at L. Wood. Engaged on papers previous to going to Macclesfield tomorrow.
Thursday 6. Went to Macclesfield in the Gig & where I arrived about two. Afterwards engaged with Mr. Parrott & Mr. Ledward relative to this miserable Brewery Concern, & returned home to dinner.
Friday 7. At home. Tired & Unwell. Miss Stamford set off to Southport. Elizabeth & Charlotte Wedgwood came to dinner.
Saturday 8. At home. Mr. Stevens of (blank) near Oswestry, who is engaged on the Grand Survey of the Kingdom [searching] by Government called to obtain information relative to the Boundary Line of the Counties of Stafford & Chester, & other . . . which I provided him with in the best manner I was able & allowed him to take the outline from my Plans of the Alsager & Linley Wood Estate, which he said afforded him much facility. He said the expense of the Map when published would be about 130 Gns. but that it would be printed in a number of Square Sheets any of which might be viewed separate, so that [Inhabitants] might have so much of it as contained on their own [Location]. He said the military part was under the view into . . .of the Duke of Wellington & that there were now 40 officers at work in Ireland. I had a great deal of conversation with Mr. Stevens who staid a considerable time. He appeared to be a quiet, intelligent man, & expressed much obligation for the attention which I had shown him.
Page 114. 1831 October
Sunday 9. At home. Service as last Sunday. The Newspaper brought the important & to gratifying intelligence of the suggestion by the House of Lords of the Reform Bill which was thrown out by a Majority of Forty one.
Monday 10. At home. Engaged on the Navigation Case proposed by Mr. Lawton. In the Evening Stamford called having returned [out] of North Wales.
Tuesday 11. At home. Engaged again on the above Papers. On going out afterwards met Mr. Robert Heath who was coming to Linley Wood to confer with me relative to the suggested communication with the Weaver. Had a long conversation with him & repeated that as soon as I knew the result of Mr. Landors conversation with Mr. Hostage, I would see him or Mr. Kinnersly.
Wednesday 12. Engaged on various papers & matters. Took Mary Holland in the Gig to see the Harecastle Tunnel. Letter from John Trubshaw, & an amusing one from Anne Marsh, giving me an account of their breakfast with Sir . . .Scott at Lady Giffords.
Thursday 13. At home. Wrote to Mr. Balgary for payment of the money which he still retains in his hands. Began letting the water out of the large Pool, with a view to fishing & cleansing it.
Friday. 14. [Laid] nearly dry & finished the large Pool out of which we took a great quantity of small carp, & some of moderate size but some 10 larger. Exhausted. The Revd. Mr. Turner came about noon. Stamford also came to dinner.
Saturday 15. Engaged with Mr. Turner. Wm. Faram came, with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the division of water out of the T & M Canal, in case a communication was made on the River, & the effect on the water of the Canal . . .Preston Brook & Runcorn, with a view to consideration of the Case prepared & delivered to me by Mr. Landor, but not being able finally to decide upon the point. I appointed Mr. Faram to come again on Wednesday Morning next & bring with him the River Weaver Act. Mr. Faram left us at noon on his journey to Knutsford. Received Letter from the Mayor of Newcastle suggesting my attendance at the Sessions on Tuesday next.
Sunday 16. Service as usual.
Page 115. 1831 October
Monday 17. At home. Finished getting up Potatoes. Received a present of Grapes from Mr. Skerratt.
Tuesday 18. Went to Newcastle & attended the Sessions. Two Prisoners only but both of whom were convicted. Mary Holland & the Children left Linley Wood & went to Knutsford.
Wednesday 19. At home. Farm etc.
Thursday 20. Wm. Faram came pursuant to Appointment. & with whom engaged all morning on the Case intended to be laid before Counsel as to the right of the Navigation Company to draw the water out of their Canal for the purpose of a Communication on the River Weaver, in case the same were objected on the part of the Bridgewater Canal. Considered with him also the Supplies of water on the T & M Canal etc.
Friday 21. At home. Engaged on Navigation papers & wrote to Wm. Faram with further Queries. Began [mudding] & cleansing the large Pool.
Saturday 22. At home. Revised & Copied the Case relative tot he proposed communication with the River Dam. Engaged on these & other Navigation Papers from 9 till ½ past 10 o'clock. Afterwards engaged on the Farm.
Sunday 23. The Servants going to Talk Church this Morning, the usual Service here was omitted. Stamford called in the Evening. Prayers as usual
Monday 24. At home. Engaged on Navigation Case etc.
Tuesday 25. Went to Newcastle to have seen Mr. Ward & suggested to him that I could not meet Mr. [Walthall] & Mr. R. Bent at Newcastle on Friday next as proposed, but Mr. Ward being out I left word that I would call again at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. On going down to the Farm met with Daniel Wilshaw in the Meadow with 3 Greyhounds & a Hare in his hand which they had just killed in the [Farewood] after running down the Hollin's Ground, & crossing the Meadows & which John Crosby. On questioning Wilshaw what business he had there upon my Land, he said saucily that he had a right to come here , they had found the Hare on another persons Land, & he had a right to follow it. On asking him for his Certificate he said none but his [Uncle] had, & who was coming up. I said I did not care for his [uncle] or any such fellow who would come upon a Neighbour, or a Gentleman's Land and insult him by killing a hare so done to his House & Garden & that I should take proper notice of what he had done. The elder Wilshaw now appeared at some distance but I had no wish to meet or say anything to him. In the afternoon Mary Hollins & the Children arrived.
Page 116. 1831 October
Wednesday 26. Went again to Newcastle. Saw Mr. Ward to whom I explained my reasons for not meeting Mr. Wilkinson on Friday, merely that I had never had any personal connection with the Executors, when Mr. Ward entirely approved my Resolution, but I said that I should be happy to [review] & attend to any communication made through him & Rowland Bent. Stamford, after shooting, came to dinner & staid all night.
Thursday 27. At home, but very unwell & almost exhausted with the long & painful Sufferings& vexations of the last few months. Wrote to Eliza Roscoe. Engaged afterwards on Navigation Papers. Stamford after shooting, dined & went home in the Evening. Bessy came today about noon.
Friday 28. At home. Very unwell. Engaged again on Navigation Papers preparatory to attending Select Committee at Stone on Monday & Tuesday next.
Saturday 29. At home. Unwell. The Tower on [Moot Farm. . ], & seen from Linley Wood, was erected by Mr. Harrison the Architect, to commemorate the 50 years of the Reign of George the Third.
Sunday 30. Service as usual.
Monday 31. Went early to Stone, where engaged all day on Select Committee. Sir George Chetwynd & myself, Wedgwood being prevented from attending by Indisposition.
November
Tuesday 1. Engaged again all Morning on Select Committee. Returned home to dinner. Miss Stamford arrived in the Evening.
Wednesday 2. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Wrote to Mr. Hall Agent to the Macclesfield Canal Company directing as arranged yesterday at Stone the Invitation to this Committee to attend the opening of the Macclesfield Canal on Wednesday next. Very unwell & [depressed] to [look] with Newcastle & Macclesfield Brewery Affairs.
Thursday 3. Very unwell.
Friday 4. Mary Holland & the Children left us on their return home by way of Darn. . . Wrote to Eliza Roscoe with present of a Christening Cake & 5 Gns.
Saturday 5. Went to Newcastle & had a long conference with Mr. Ward, when he informed me that upon investigation & discussion with Mr. [Willenhall] & Mr. Rowland Bent & a reference to his Books it clearly appeared & was not omitted that the money left to the Newcastle Brewery by Mr. W. & Rowland Bent was afterwards opposed & who with the Consent & [priority] of the Executors & the acquiescence of Rowland Bent as Wm. Bents . . .advance into the new Macclesfield Brewery Concern [contracted] or by him & myself. Called upon Mr. Wilkinson & considered with him the minute amongst my papers.
Page 117. 1831 November
of the Anderton Case which I brought back with the River Weaver the Acts of Parliament, but has request for further consideration previous to the case being called before Council. Miss Stamford being unwell, Mr. Davenport came to see her.
Sunday 6. Service. Miss Stamford continuing unwell sent again to Mr. Davenport who came in the Evening.
Monday 7. Mr. Davenport came again this morning & found Miss Davenport better. Engaged perusing & considering the Draft of the Anderton Case as requested by Mr. Wilkinson. Sketched out some Minutes & Observations for the Report to the next General Assembly. Cold & stormy day with wind & Rain. Suffered a good deal from my Eyes which for some days past have been painful & weak. Wrote to Mr. Fred Tomlinson urging the speedy conclusion of Stoney fields purchase, & to Mr. Ledward appointing to go to Macclesfield on Monday next.
Tuesday 8. At home. Eyes very troublesome. Miss Stamford being worse in the Evening I determined to send to Dr. Northen & sent a Note to him by Samuel Jones requesting him to meet Mr. Davenport here at breakfast tomorrow Morning. Stamford called previous to setting off to London tomorrow.
Wednesday 9. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came to breakfast & found Miss Stamford better. Having received yesterday the Draft which I had [remitted] to Thomas Ward's house but . . .Book & but had omitted to indorse, I now indorsed & returned it to them by this Post. Considered further the Anderton Case.
Thursday 10. Went after Breakfast to Cliffe Ville, & made arrangements with Mr. F. Tomlinson relative tot he completion of the Stoney fields Business, & which he promised to see Mr. Ward for that purpose. From there to Mr. Wilkinson's, conferring again on the [line] on the Anderton Case, the Draft of which I left with him in order that the Case might be laid before Mr. Campbell. Mr. Davenport again. Miss Stamford rather better, but confined to her Bed. In my absence Mr. Reece had called, leaving word that he had set out the division of the Rode Heath Inclosure for my imposition.
Friday 11. At home. Miss Stamford much the same. Changed the Milking Cows to the Hollins Ground. Samuel Beardmore brought my appointment of Survey of the Highways on then the Township of Talk. Mr. Davenport.
Saturday 12. At home. George Beardmore came to whom I gave orders for altering the Cheese Room at the Farm. Subscribed to Teesdales new map of Staffordshire. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport again breakfasted, & found Miss Stamford better. Mr. Lawton sent a Couple of Woodcocks. Stamford after shooting in
Page 118. 1831 November
Swallow Moor Wood, dined
Sunday 13. Service. Miss Stamford somewhat better but still very unwell. Mr. Davenport came at Noon.
Monday 14. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came again to Breakfast & found Miss Stamford going on favourably. Went to Rode Heath & inspected the division of the Inclosure as set out by Mr. Reece. Saw the Ladies, & on my return home wrote to Mr. Reece proposing to meet him at Rode Heath with us on Friday or Saturday Morning to settle what remains tot be done.
Tuesday 15. Went to Macclesfield, where engaged with Mr. Parrot & Mr. Ledward making sundry arrangements on these miserable& various Brewery Affairs, which every time I go appear worse & worse. Returned to a late dinner. In the evening heavy Snow.
Wednesday 16. At home. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came again, the former to breakfast. They found Miss Stamford going on well. Engaged on sundry matters. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. In the house all day being unwell. Snow again. Letter from Wm. Faram informing me of a Notice in the [Master] [Covenant] of an Application to Parliament for a Railway from the Warrington & [Newton] Railway to Birmingham. At night sharp Frost.
Thursday 17. Frost. Mr. Davenport came. Miss Stamford the same. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan. Mr. D. said Miss S. complaint, if she did not keep quiet might end in Tic. . .or something worse.
Friday 18. Wretched, the same. Laid down a new floor in the Room at the Farm, in order to its having been used as a Cheese Room. Mr. D. came again & found Miss Stamford going on well.
Saturday 19. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came to Breakfast. They found Miss Stamford better & going on well. Thaw in the middle of the day & the Snow wall which the Ground has been completely covered since Tuesday last, going fast. Finished the new floor a the Farm. Stamford dined. At night Frost. Wm. Faram came this Morning & with whom engaged a long time on Navigation business, & talking minutes as to further Supplies of water etc. etc. preparatory to drawing up Report for the General Assembly.
Sunday 20. Mr. Davenport came again. Miss Stamford considerably better. Service. In the course of the day & at night Thaw, but very cold.
Monday 21. Snow almost gone. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport again came to Breakfast. Miss Stamford going on well.
Thursday 22. Mr. Vaughan came with whom engaged a long time taking sundry Minutes preparatory to drawing up Report, but not being able to give thought to what be provided to the case, promising to breakfast here tomorrow morning.
Page 119. 1831 November
Wednesday 23. Mr. Vaughan came early to Breakfast & with whom engaged the whole of the Morning examining Minutes of General Assembly, Committee & Select Committee & making the further necessary Minutes & observations for the Report & for the next Meeting of the Committee & General Assembly. Fine mild day. Went to Rode Heath in consequence of my not having heard from Mr. Reece relative tot the completion of the Division of the Inclosure, when Miss Dawson promised to see Mr. Reece. From there called at Lawton Hall, but Mr. L. was gone out. Mrs. J. Wedgwood & Eliza called.
Thursday 24. Closely engaged the whole of the Morning on sundry Navigation Papers completing the Draft of the Report to the General Assembly. Afterwards called at Clough Hall, & to have spoken to Mr. Kinnersly relative to the proposed Communication between the Canal & the River Weaver, & to have informed him how the matter stands, but he was from home. Accidentally met Mr. Rob Heath to whom I mentioned the Subject. He said that Dutton was in his judgement the proper point of the Junction. He said that Dutton was in his judgement the proper point of Junction. Went from Clough Hall to Bradwall to call upon Mr. Sneyd, but he was from home.
Friday 25. Went to Rode Heath & met Mr. Reece, with whom marked out the Division of the Inclosure. He said he would get a Trench cut, but I might look at it again. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with comparative state of Tonnages 1830 & 1831.
Saturday 26. Engaged on Navigation Papers & with Wm. Faram a considerable time this morning on various matters.
Sunday 27. Service as usual.
Monday 28. Engaged again on Navigation Papers previous to meeting Mr. Wedgwood at Newcastle tomorrow. Copied afresh for his perusal the Draft of the intended Report to the General Assembly.
Tuesday 29. Went to Newcastle & met Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Vaughan at Mr. Wilkinson's Office. Read & considered the Report which Mr. Wedgwood much approved. Read & considered the Minutes of the General & the Select Committee since the last General Assembly & made the necessary arrangements for the Meeting on the 7 December. Returned to dinner. Received Letter from John Trubshaw, with long notes . . .Statement suspects the weather & slight fall of Rain in the last Summer . . . . to the Reservoir.
Page 120. 1831 November
Wednesday 30. Engaged closely all morning finally examining & correcting the Draft of the Report ,& afterwards making a copy of it, to be sent to Sir George Chetwynd. Wrote to John Trubshaw requesting to see him at Linley Wood.
December
Thursday 1. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him by a Messenger the Copy of the Report for his revision as to Sums & Dates, & then to be forwarded to Sir George Chetwynd. Received Letter from Mr. Rob. Skerratt complaining of [Illness] & Distress. Miss Lawrence who was to have come to dinner was prevented.
Friday2. John Trubshaw came & with whom engaged almost the whole of the Morning relative to the Supplies of Water from the Reservoir. Brooks, Mines etc. & to whom I read so much of the Report as related to this subject, & which he said was quite correct. Sent the Letter received from Mr. Thomas Skerratt & E. Caldwell, to be communicated to Mr. Skerratt as she might think best, and sent R. Skerratt a £5 note of which I begged his acceptance.
Saturday 3. Closely engaged at the Desk all Morning making sundry Minutes & arranging Papers preparatory to the General Assembly, & made another Copy of the Report with some Additions to be laid before them. Received a Barrel of Oysters from Mr. Salt.
Sunday 4. Service as usual. Stamford came in the afternoon, & staid the Evening.
Monday 5. At home. Engaged on various papers, previous to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 6. Went early to Stone, where engaged all day on General Committee.
Wednesday 7. Engaged closely all day on General Assembly, being in the Chair. Returned at night. It being cold, dark & stormy, I had a very uncomfortable Ride being in the Gig. Found Stamford here & Miss Lawrence gone.
Thursday 8. Engaged on Navigation papers & making Minutes & Observations in consequence of the proceedings of the Committee, the General Assembly, & of the Select Committee. Wrote to Mr. Bouvarie in reply to a Letter received from him at Stone relative to the Opposition to be given to the projected Railway. Wrote also to Mr. Salt & Mr. Vaughan.
Friday 9. Engaged again on Navigation Papers & correcting the Report for printing, pursuant
Page 121. 1831 December
Friday 9. to the Order of the General Assembly. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan making Cheques upon Stevenson Salt & Co. for the several sums of £500, £105 & £52.10 to be sent to John [Tornes] Esq. Mr. R. Chairman of the Warwick & Napton Canals, Fred. Twemlow Esq. & Edward Simpson Esq. as directed by the General Assembly.
Saturday 10. Went to Newcastle to get a Copy of the order of the General Assembly made at Mr. Wilkinson's Office to be sent to John [Tornes] Esq. & to speak to him relative to sundry Navigation matters. Went to Mr. [Hydes] to arrange with him relative to the Printing of the Report. Returned to dinner. Wrote to Mr. [Tornes] sending him the Copy of the Order of the General Assembly, & the Cheque for £500. Wrote also to Mr. F. Twemlow inclosing the Cheque for £105 & to Mr. Edward Simpson with the Cheque for £52.10.
Sunday 11. Being too late for the last Nights Post, sent the Letter to Mr. [Tornes]. Mr. F. Twemlow & Mr. Simpson to the Office by John Davies. Service as usual.
Monday 12. Revising & correcting for the Printer the Copy of the Report received back last night from Mr. Wilkinson, & making sundry abridgements. Engaged on this & other Navigation Business almost the whole of the day.
Tuesday 13. Made an outline fresh copy of the Report, punctuated etc. & sent it by Samuel Jones to Mr. Hyde the Printer.
Wednesday 14. Engaged on sundry papers. Afterwards with Dr. Crompton, who with Henry arrived about one o'clock. In the evening Mr. Ledward to inform me that Miss Ward intended not to [respect] the [possession] of the Boundary at the end of the year.
Thursday 15. Went early to Macclesfield, to confer with Mr. Parrott, who repeated, what he had expressed in a Letter received by [Lord] Ledward his clear and desired opinion that there were no grounds whatever for Miss Ward . . .to consider me as Tenant of the Brewery for the . . .of the time. Returned to dinner.
Friday 16. Thinking it proper to see Mr. Parrott again. Sent Samuel Jones with a Letter to him saying that I would come to Macclesfield again tomorrow. Engaged with Dr. Crompton. In the evening arrived
Page 122. 1831 December.
Letter from Mr. Parrott informing me that he had settled the matter with Mr. Woods, who had abandoned all claim upon me, on the present half years Rent being paid.
Saturday 17. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged almost the whole of the morning on Navigation business. The Doctor & Henry went at noon. Stamford dined at Linley Wood.
Sunday 18. Service as usual.
Monday 19. Unwell, with miserable dejection of Spirits, & great mental suffering. I seem only now becoming fully sensible of my sad privation! Sad and heavy is indeed the house when I can no longer dissipate thoroughly that hours of business in which I have of late been involved.
Tuesday 20. The like. Engaged correcting proof Sheet of Report.
Wednesday 21. Went to Newcastle, with the Proof Sheet & giving directions for sundry correction which I found necessary, previous to meeting Mr. Vaughan tomorrow at Newcastle finally to settle the same.
Thursday 22. Went to Newcastle again. Met Mr. Vaughan with whom I carefully examined the proof Sheet, particularly in respect to [Dates] & [Sums], but all of which he assured me were properly correct. Called upon Mr. Wilkinson relative to the application to Landowners & other matters. Returned to dinner. Found message with a Letter from Bessy, informing me of Mr. Skerratt being very dangerously ill in consequence of a paralytic attack & requesting to see me tomorrow morning.
Friday 23. Went to Nantwich today Stamford along with me. Found Mr. Skerratt in a very dangerous & precarious state. Wrote to Wm. Skerratt to inform him of this. Saw Mr. [Tolleston] who promised every attention to Bessy on occasion of Mr. Skerratts illness. Took an early dinner & returned home, after promising Bessy to go again to Nantwich to honour any change took place, or she wished it & for which purpose I requested that she would send a Message.
Saturday 24. At home. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd with a print of the Report. Wrote also to Mr. Edward Simpson at Cheltenham. No intelligence from Nantwich.
Sunday 25. Christmas Day; but sad & melancholy on the recollecation & sufferings to which it gives rise! Formerly a day of happiness and enjoyment amidst the dear and cheerful circle assembled at Nantwich. Wife, Children, Friends! Alas! How changed the Scenes! Received Note from Bessy, with account of Mr. Skerratt continuing in much the state as when I saw him. Service as usual.
Page 123. 1831 December
Monday 26. At home. The usual Christmas Party dined today, instead of yesterday on account of it being Sunday. Wrote to Dr. Holland, & sent him . . .Boundary Affidavit with Extract from Audley Register of the 300 Mining with E.C. Stamford dined on his return from the Heath House.
Tuesday 27. At home. Looked with Mr. Johnson of the Hollins at the Boundary Lines of the Land purchased from Mr. Robert Rowley, & engaged on sundry other matters.
Wednesday 28. Engaged again with Mr. Samuel Johnson & making Minutes as to the pedigree of Robert Rowley. Mr. Henry Wedgwood called. Received back the Navigation Report from Sir George Chetwynd with his approval of it. Received Letter from James Bent informing me of Wm. Bent having made default in paying the money sent to him by me to pay advances on my share of the Macclesfield Canal, & that he had made a late default in paying the advanced on his own 10 Shares.
Thursday 29. At home. Unwell.
Friday 30. At home. Engaged on Papers & yearly Accounts. Wrote to James Bent. An Elephant passed along the Road on its way to Liverpool, being the one that has been performing in London. The Keeper stopped it at Swallow Moor Gate. It was perfectly quiet & tranquil but seemed an enormous animal as it walked along the Road. It was upwards of [6] feet high, 23 years old, & weighed 4 ½ Tons. He walked at the rate of 4 miles an hour. Samuel Jones who had come part of the way with it from Newcastle said it walked nearly as far as the Greyhorse. If so its speed must have been greater than I have stated. The Keeper called it stop & it seemed quite sensible of its manner & to answer to it.
Saturday 31. At home. Wrote to Mr. Cririe relative to the Macclesfield Canal Shares. Mr. Ledward came to inform me on how things were going on at Macclesfield & said he would stay a week or two longer, as it might be useful in finishing the business. Paid him £70 on account of his Salary. Still unwell with great depression of Mind & Spirits. And thus this melancholy & eventful year has at last come to an end.
Page 124 Blank page.
Page 125. 1832 January
Sunday 1. Service as usual. A remarkably fine, mild day; but at night a slight Frost.
Monday 2. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Vaughan at Newcastle tomorrow Morning. Miss Wedgwood called. Fine mild Frost. Wrote to Ann Marsh & sent her usual Christmas present of red [Buss]. Unwell.
Tuesday 3. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Vaughan at 11, at the Roebuck, & with whom engaged on Select Committee till after one. From then went to the Town Hall, where engaged the remainder of the day at the Sessions. Three Prisoners tried, one found guilty, two acquitted. Returned home to a late Dinner. Mild Frost. Tied up the Cows, for the first time.
Wednesday 4. At home. Mr. Rob Williamson came pursuant to appointment, & with whom conferred relative to a further indulgence being allowed on Coals going by Canal from the Staffordshire Collieries for the use of the Cheshire Saltworks, when after much conversation he said that he would furnish me with a Statement in writing of the grounds & circumstances upon which the Application for such indulgence was founded. Mr. W. said that a case of [Cholera] had just occurred at Burslem of a man who died in not many hours, & which that Mr. Sharp the Surgeon pronounced it to be decidedly the Asiatic Cholera, and so has commenced this dreadful Malady in our part of the Country. This proved afterwards to be all unfounded, no such case of Cholera having occurred. Received a Note from Bessy with a rather more favourable account of Mr. Skerratt. Frost. Busy on the Farm carrying out Manure upon the Meadow.
Thursday 5. At home. Considered again the Case of the Staffordshire Coals, & made Minutes relative thereto. Very severe Frost. Finally corrected the Proof Sheet of the Report & sent it by Samuel Jones to Mr. Hyde for printing. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan, not to send out the Report till after the Select Committee Meeting on Monday next.
Friday 6. At home, severe Frost. Engaged on various matters. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan, & which I answered by this Evening & sent my Letter to the Office. Wrote to E.C. Nantwich by Rigby.
Saturday 7. Thaw. Wrote to E. Roscoe to whom I sent a young pig. Engaged selecting & arranging Papers, & making Minutes preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone on Monday next. Unwell.
Sunday 8. Restless night. Great dejection & suffering much, as I have done for some time past!
Page 126. 1832 January
Monday 9. Went early to Stone, where closely engaged all day on Select Committee.
Tuesday 10. Returned home to dinner. Found Letter from Mr. Cririe, relative to Macclesfield Canal Shares.
Wednesday 11. Engaged arranging Select Committee Minutes & Papers. Fatigued & unwell.
Thursday 12. Wrote to Mr. Parrott. Went to Nantwich to see Mr. Skerratt, who I found in a very languid & declining state, though better than I expected to see him. His recollection of names & places was very exhausting. Dined early at Nantwich & returned in the Evening. Wet uncomfortable on my return the Evening being rainy, & I travelled in the Gig.
Friday 13. At home. Fatigued & very unwell. Depression of Spirits almost insupportable. Stamford came to dinner & staid the evening. Sent packages by Canal to E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh & Dr. Holland.
Saturday 14. In the night Snow. Severe suffering all day - & scarcely able to attend to anything. Miss Stamford called at Etruria, Wolstanton etc.
Sunday 15. Service. Miss Stamford not quite well, but dined as usual. In the evening being satisfied that it was an attack of Paralysis, her right hand & her speech being affected. I immediately sent for Mr. Davenport, who came soon afterwards, & finding it to be what I had considered it, took a small quantity of Blood from the arm & applied a Blister to the back of the neck. Passed a miserable day myself.
Monday 16. Mr. Davenport came, & found Miss Stamford in much the same state as yesterday, & we agreed that Dr. Northen should be called in, if Miss Stamford agreed to it & which as she afterwards did on my proposing it to her. I sent to Dr. Northen who came in the Evening. I then wrote to Eliza Roscoe, with the approbation of Miss S.,& sent the Letter by Wm. Heath. Mr. Davenport came again in the evening, but not till after Dr. Northen was gone, but who had however written a long Letter to Mr. D., & which I delivered to him. Dr. N. did not think it necessary to see Miss S. again till Wednesday next. Very unwell myself.
Tuesday 17. Bad night. Stamford came to Breakfast, & saw his aunt, who continued in nearly the same state as yesterday. Considered, & revised order relative to Tonnage of Bricks & Tiles, sent by Mr. Vaughan. Copied the same as [altered], & wrote to Mr. Vaughan therewith. Mr. [Quain] called relative to sundry articles at the Macclesfield Brewery but referred him to Mr. Parrott & Mr. Ledward. Wrote to Anne Marsh. Mr. Davenport came again. Sat with Miss Stamford at various times through the day. In the evening Eliza Roscoe arrived.
Wednesday 18. At home. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came about 2. Found Miss Stamford
Page 127. 1832 January
somewhat better. Looked over papers preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow in consequence of the intelligence received from Bessy of the death of my old & highly valued Friend Mr. Skerratt, who died at 4o'clock this morning.
Thursday 19. Breakfasted early, & just as I was getting into the Gig, Mr. Vaughan arrived, who breakfasted, & with whom I had a conversation on Navigation business on which he wished to consult me. Proceeded to Nantwich. Considered & settled with Bessy & Mr. Edleston & Mr. Cliffe the necessary arrangements respecting the Funeral of our poor Friend, whose death, notwithstanding his great age was deeply & [un. . .] regretted by all descriptions of people. Returned at night after a severely cold & disagreeable Journey through a thick heavy fog.
Friday 20. At home. Fatigued & unwell. The Kinnerslys sent to enquire after Miss Stamford. Looked over sundry Tradesmens Bills previous to them being discharged. Stamford dined & staid the Evening . Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came in the afternoon. Miss Stamford much the same. Stamford dined & staid the Evening.
Saturday 21. I this day completed the 73rd year of my age. To what a train of Resolutions & Reflexions does it not lead!!! The close of Life sitting fresh in sorrow & adversity! & the [encumbrance] of its former Scenes darkened by the sense of not having for ever lost what
Sunday 22. The [propriety] of of Mr. Skerratt of Newcastle being invited to attend the Funeral at Nantwich, sent Samuel Jones with Letter to Bessy, suggesting this for her consideration & Mr. Edlestons. Service. Miss Stamford much the same as Mr. Davenport pronounced upon seeing her.
Monday 23. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport who found Miss Stamford certainly better. Looked over & selected papers preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow. Stamford called. Another uncommonly fine mild day. The weather is most extraordinary.
Tuesday 24. Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast, just as I was setting off to Nantwich. Had time only for a short conversation with him on Navigation business & then
Page 128. 1832 January
set off, taking Stamford with me in the Carriage from Rode Heath. Engaged with Mr. Edleston etc. Making final arrangements relative to the Funeral which was due to take place tomorrow. In the evening Wm. Skerratt arrived.
Wednesday 25. Attending the Funeral, which took place between 12 & 1.
Mr. [Capper}
Revd. John Garnett
Mr. T. Garnett
Mr. [Liversage] Mr. Richard
Mr. Bayley
Revd. Mr. Robt. [Whitchurch]
Mr. Edleston
Mr. Skerratt Newcastle
J.T. Caldwell
Attendant
J.C. Servant
Mr. Lewis
Other Attendants. Mr. Wm Skerratt
J. Caldwell
Attendant
Mr. Kinnerslys Servant
Revd. Mr. Gratton who performed the Service & the Revd. Mr. Latham & the Procession was preceded by Dr. [Boady] & Mr. Jos. [Kent], then the . . . men & five Alms men in their Gowns. Mr. Skerratt having been many years Treasurer of Sir Edward [Wrights] Charity. The Procession was ceremoniously attended & every care taken of that [serpent] & regard to which my old & highly valued friend was so justly entitled. The whole was conducted in the most orderly & satisfactory manner. Mr. Skerratt would have been 87 had he lived to the 14th April next. By a mistake his age was put 87 on the plate on the Coffin. Wm. Skerratt who had slept at Dysant Buildings & Mr. Skerratt of Newcastle dined. In the Evening engaged with Mr. Edleston, Mr. [Liversage], Wm. Skerratt & J.T. Caldwell, reading over the Will, & making arrangements as to private papers, 5 packages of which were sealed up & left in the Drawers, the keys of which were delivered to Mr. Edleston. William Skerratt, from his first arrival at Nantwich, behaved . . .with the greatest delicacy & propriety & so as to excite my highest approbation & esteem
Thursday 26. Stamford & I returned to Linley Wood, where he dined, & went home in the evening. Had the satisfaction to find Miss Stamford rather better. She had had a [Seton] made today.
Friday 27. Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport came to Breakfast & pronounced Miss Stamford better. Fatigued, dispirited & almost unfit for any thing. Eliza received a Letter from Ann Marsh communicating her present situation & making enquiry as to her coming down immediately to L. Wood.
Saturday 28. On going into Miss Stamford's Room this morning as soon as she was up, I thought that I perceived a change in her countenance & a heaving of the Chest, as if from
Page 129. 1832 January
difficulty of Respiration. Mr. Davenport came soon after ( between 12 & 1 ) & thinking it proper that Dr. Northen should see her & fixed to meet him at five & I sent a Note to Dr. N. accordingly. But soon after Mr. D. & the Message were gone Miss S. appearing to be worse. I sent after Mr. D. desiring him to return which he soon did, & on seeing Miss Stamford he thought so great a change had taken place, all for the worse., that he reminded Dr. Northen co. . .attendance, & whom I sent a Note accordingly, & he got to L. Wood soon after, where Mr. Davenport had remained. They agreed that all hope was nearly over. She continued however to speak cheerfully & was perfectly clear & Mistress of herself. I went to her Bedside, talked a little with her, & quitting her. . . .her & she then said tenderly & affectionately "Thank you for all you kindness to me" & gave me her hand. She continued to get feebler & weaker, & on going up to her again about )i think) nine o'clock I found she had just expired as I waited at her Bedside, tranquilly & without any appearance of pain or suffering. Dr. N. & E. Roscoe were with her at the Moment. Stamford had fortunately come to L. Wood in the course of the day & had seen & spoken to his Aunt.
Page 130. 1832 January
Sunday 29. Service.
Monday 30. Engaged giving various directions relative to the Funeral etc. etc. to George Beardmore, Mr. Smith Minor (who we thought it proper to confer on this occasion Miss Stamford having always dealt with & been a steady Friend to Mrs. Smith the widow of the late Mr. Smith). Samuel Beardmore relative to the vault in Audley Church etc. etc. Stamford called & Bessy afterwards arrived from Nantwich.
Tuesday 31. Eliza mentioned the Addition made by Miss Stamford to her Will. Looked at the Will, & found that the Indemnity Clauses were written. Looked afterwards at the . . .as . . .or Testimony Paper, & saw it in . . .some particulars, but which did not appear to be read as to affect its general liability. Eliza in whose hand writing the Memorandum was said she had strongly urged her Aunt to have it done by a Solicitor, or to mention it to me, but both of which she persistently refused.
February
Wednesday 1. Engaged on sundry matters relative to the Funeral. Very unwell.
Thursday 2. The same, but still suffering much from great dejection & depression of Spirits.
Friday 3. Still suffering greatly. Mr. Arnold came early, & with whom made further arrangements relative to the Funeral. Mr. Wilbraham, Mr. Charles Lawton & the Revd. Mr. Butt being unable to attend, we directed the [facilitation] to be sent to the Revd. Mr. Mainwaring & Henry Wedgwood. Stamford came to dinner, & staid the evening.
Saturday 4. Note received by Mr Arnold informing him that Mr. H. Wedgwood was from home & would not return for a week. Wm. Roscoe came to dinner.
Sunday 5. Service. John Lawrence & Edward Crompton arrived to dinner. Stamford also dined & staid all night.
Monday 6. The Funeral of my late dear & justly valued Friend took place this day, leaving Linley Wood about a quarter before one o'clock. Revd Mr. Drake Curate of Mosely, Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport
Mr. W. Roscoe
Mr. J. Lawrence
Mr. Kinnersly
Mr. Jos. Wedgwood
J.S.Caldwell J.Caldwell Mr. Edward Crompton
Revd. J. Mainwaring
Mr. F. Twemlow
Mr. Tollet
Mr. Wilbrahm, Mr. Lawton, the Revd. Mr. Butt, & Dr. Crompton had been invited as Pall Bearers but were unable to attend, as was the case with Mr. H Wedgwood. My feeling seeing the performance of the Service at the Grave which
Page 131. 1832 February
the objects
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Page 132. 1832 February
Tuesday 7. After breakfast Edward Crompton, Mr. Lawrence, Mr. Roscoe & Stamford left us, the latter going to Macclesfield. Wearied & unwell myself, & feeling more deeply than I had anticipated, the loss which I have sustained.
Wednesday 8. Engaged on the Farm, & sundry matters.
Thursday 9. Went to Sandbach to have seen Mr. Williams relative to the Lawton Business, but he being from home I appointed with his Clerk to go again on Monday next. Received Letters by Post from Mr. Vaughan, Mrs. Hall Nantwich, & Mr. Holland Knutsford.
Friday 10. Engaged in the morning Letter writing. Revd. Mr. [Doake] called.
Saturday 11. Mrs. & Miss Eliza Wedgwood called. Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersly & Mrs Moreton sent.
Sunday 12. In the Morning Service as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended at Talk Chapel, where a Sermon applicable to the late Event was preached by the Revd. Mr. Garnett. On our return, found Ann & Arthur Marsh, with Fanny & Georgina who had arrived during our absence.
Monday 13. Engaged with A. Marsh. Mr. [Mellor] called Barratts Bond to Navigation Company who also looked at the Cheese. Revd. Mr. Garratt called.
Tuesday 14. Went to Sandbach, & saw Mr. Williams, when it was arranged that a further Recovery should be suffered by Mr. Chas. Lawton for the confirmation of the Title to Swallow Moor & the other Lands purchased from the Lawtons, & Mr. Williams undertook to consult Council in Town to which place he was going tomorrow upon business, & get the proper Documents & Deeds proposed. Saw also Mr. Skerratt, with whom I intended to have made arrangements for a Settlement of the Perlington Affairs & the Executorship Accounts, but he being very unwell we postponed the business till he was better. Returned to dinner. The Newspaper brought an Official Account of the Cholera having broken out at [Rotherhide] & Limehouse. In the evening Arthur Marsh left us on his return home. Mrs. F. Twemlow, Miss Fletcher & Miss Wedgwood called this morning.
Wednesday 15. At home. Mr. Lee of Red Brook called. Mr. Booth of [Moat] also called with whom I fixed to let Mrs. Watson continue at the White Lion for another year, to try whether she could make it was now her purpose.
Thursday 16. At home. Wm. Roscoe arrived.
Friday 17. At home. Mr. Vaughan with whom engaged on Navigation Business . In the evening Mr. Winstanley of Liverpool arrived to make a valuation & appraisal of the Effects of the late Miss Stamford.
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Saturday 18. At home. Engaged on various Papers & Letters. Mr. Winstanley engaged all day on his [appraisement] & which he completed. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.
Sunday 19. After breakfast E. Roscoe & Mr. Roscoe left us on their return home, Mr. Winstanley also went. Sent the [Boundaries] [Plans] by Mr. Roscoe to be viewed at Liverpool. Received from him a present of a Medallion of his late Father. Service as usual.
Monday 20. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to attending a Meeting of the Select Committee at Newcastle tomorrow.
Tuesday 21. Went early to Newcastle, where engaged all Morning on Select Committee, with Mr. Wedgwood. Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Wilkinson also attended. Returned home to dinner.
Wednesday 22. Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End came pursuant to an Appointment made by him by a Note received a day or two ago, expressing his wish to consult me on particular business. After a little conversation on other things, he produced his Will made in the year 1825 which he requested me to peruse. This I accordingly did and observing some incorrectness or ambiguity in the Demise of the collieries I pointed it out to him, when after some further correction & there being also some inaccuracy in the name of one of the legatees mentioned in a Codicil, he said he would get the Will made afresh, & I promised to look it over previous to its being executed, [containing] him at the same time not to cancel or destroy the present Will till the new one was duly executed. This he said he should carefully attend to. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & other Letters. Unwell with sad sinking of the heart, that most distressing of all sensations.
Thursday 23. Still unwell. Dr. Northen came to visit Anne Marsh.
Friday 24. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Farm etc. Received Letter from Mr. Ward with Statement of Accounts of Stoney fields purchase Money.
Saturday 25. Wrote to Mr. Ward & Mr. F. Tomlinson relative to the completion of Stoney fields purchase & the various Statement sent by Mr. Wood & sent the Letters by Samuel Jones by whom I received satisfactory answers from both. Mr. & Mrs. Henry Wedgwood.
Sunday 26. Service. Arthur Marsh arrived by the Mail.
Monday 27. At home but very unwell. Corrected & Copied the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee & sent the same by Post to Mr. Vaughan. Revd. Mr. Mainwaring called.
Page 136. 1832 February
Tuesday 28. At home. Engaged with A. Marsh & on sundry matters. Fall from the old Grey Horse in the Meadow.
Wednesday 29. At home. Engaged on Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Ward & Mr. F. Tomlinson at Stoke tomorrow finally to settle the Account of Stoney fields purchase money & pay the balance.
March
Thursday 1. Went to Cliffe Vale, when I had a long conversation with Mr.. Tomlinson relative to agreed Arrangement of Titles when he showed me the Report which he had sent to Mr. Stanley, though Mr. Littleton, & his correspondence with them thereon. He said it was his intention to have come to Linley Wood to obtain my sentiments upon the subject, had he not been presented by the late events. The Plan for accomplishing the object appears to me to be agreed on & likely to be well secured & to work well being of an [inclusive] not a compulsory notion founded mainly upon the pointless of compensation & conversation, with various salutary provisions as to maintain Dilapidations etc. From Cliffe Ville went to Stoke, & met Mr. Ward & Mr. F. Tomlinson, with whom settled & paid to the former the Balance of the purchase remaining due for the Stoney fields, of which I am now therefore become regularly the Proprietor. Returned home to dinner.
Friday 2. At home. Mr. & Mrs. Henry Roscoe came to dinner.
Saturday 3. Rose early. Made observations as to the Will & Testamentary Papers of the late Miss Stamford, to be laid before Mr. Henry Roscoe & on which I had afterwards a Consultation thereon, when he entirely agreed in the view which Testament of their operation. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged on their Journey to Liverpool. Eliza & Mary Wedgwood called.
Sunday 4. Stamford came in the Forenoon, attended the usual Service, dined & staid the evening. Light Rain.
Monday 5. About eleven o'clock this morning, my dear Anne with Arthur Marsh and the two girls Fanny & Georgina left us on their return to Town taking Miss Stamford's Carriage, which E. Roscoe had lent them for their journey. James Faram came relation to a disputed . . with [Keeling] Carpenter which I considered. In the course of the day light showers, but wind cold.
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Page 135. 1832 March
Tuesday 6. At home. Engaged on private Accounts. etc. Unwell.
Wednesday 7. Wm. Faram came with his Report on the Harding wood Mill & other waters attainable for the Canal, which I carefully considered with him & made observations thereon. At home all day, but unwell, still feeling the effects of my late Fall from my horse. Saml. Beardmore brought a dark grey mare for me to look at belonging to the Revd. [Devant] Hill, & which Mr. H. strongly recommended for Safety & [directness].
Thursday 8. Went to Nantwich, taking Bessy in the Carriage, on the affairs of the late Mr. Skerratt & my own concerns. Saw Mr. Edleston & Mr. Liversage. Also Mr. [Cappener] relative to his taking the House, & for which an application had been made by the Revd. Mr. Tomlinson of Dorfold for some friend of his, informed by a Note from Miss Mainwaring.
Friday 9. Fixed with Mr. Edleston the time for the Sale of the Goods & Furniture of the late Mr. S & of the [Cool] Estate. Called upon Mr. [Cappener], who afterwards came & looked over the House, but declining to give the Rent asked, £42 a year clear of [taxes] etc. I afterwards informed Miss Mainwaring that I was now at liberty to wait for it & had left all particulars with Mr. Edleston with whom she or Mr. Tomlinson could communicate. Before I left the Town I received another Message from Mr. [Cappener] by Thomas Reeves, enquiring whether the the house was actually when I desired T. R. to mention to Mr. [Cappener] that the matter was now [circumstanced]. Called at Mr. Edlestons but he was out. Called also upon Mrs. Clarkson. Arrived at home between 7 & 8 having taken an early dinner at Nantwich.
Saturday 10. Wrote to Mr. Edleston to inform him what had passed with Mr. [Cappener], being desirous to prevent any difficult misunderstanding upon the business. Saw Beardmore having taken Mr. Hills mare back. I sent for her again upon Trial. Saml. Beardmore first mentioned to me Mr. Garratts intention to search for coals in the Talk Chapel Land. Wm. Faram came, with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Harding wood Mill & other Waters being taken for the Canal & his Report thereon.
Sunday 11. At home. Service.
Monday 12. At home. Unwell - considered further Wm. Farams Report. Wrote to E. Roscoe requesting her to return to Linley Wood on account of her indisposition.
Tuesday 13. Sent Saml. Jones with £25, to the Revd. [Devener] Hill being the purchase money of the Grey Mare, which I had determined to keep. Engaged on sundry Navigation papers ,& making Minutes preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee on Friday next.
Page 136. 1832 March
Wednesday 14. Engaged in the Garden & other matters about the House, but first Symptoms of Gout which in the evening worsened much.
Thursday 15. Bad night with much pain, but moved with difficulty into the Room late Miss Stamford's being unable to get down stairs.
Friday 16. The Gout became so violent as to confine me entirely to bed, & relinquish going to Stone today to attend the Meeting of the Select Committee. Wrote Letter therefore to Mr. Vaughan desiring him to communicate this to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood & sent it with the necessary Papers by Saml. Jones. In the course of the day Mr. Davenport came.
Saturday 17. Confined to bed.
Sunday18. The same.
Monday 19. The same.
Tuesday 20. The same.
Wednesday 21. The same.
Thursday 22. Better & I sat up 2 or 3 hours. Received Letter from Mr. Edleston by Thomas & to whom I wrote in reply.
Friday 23. Still getting better, but very slowly. Changed my Room & went into the Dressing Room in the afternoon.
Saturday 24. Still improving but unable to bear my foot upon the Ground.
Sunday 25. Not so well, but upon the whole better.
Monday 26. Better.
Tuesday 27. Still gradually improving.
Wednesday 28. So much better as to venture going down stairs. Received Cake from Mr. & Mrs. Charles Langton on occasion of their Marriage. Engaged on sundry Papers & Letters.
Thursday 29. Mr. Ledward came with whom appointed to go to Macclesfield the latter end of the next week, the day to be fixed by Mr. Parrott & of which Mr. Ledward was to inform me. Wrote to Mr. Landor, proposing to meet him at Stone any day that he would appoint in the beginning of the next week, finally to settle the Reduction of Tonnage Case. Unwell all day, with slight Fever, dejection of Spirits & Headache.
Friday 30. Not being able to attend the Turnpike Roads Meeting at Newcastle this Morning for the choice of a Surveyor in the [room] of the late Mr. Thos. Slater. Sent a Note which I had received a short time ago from Mr. [Beech] of the [Brooms] in favour of Mr. Hamilton, & strongly recommending him, to Mr. Fenton the Clerk to the Trustees. Wrote a Note of Congratulations to Mrs. Charles Langton, & another to Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, & sent both by a Messenger to Maer. Settled with Mrs. Hulson the House Accounts which had accrued during my confinement upstairs. Stamford came to dinner on his return home from Leamington. He brought me from Newcastle a Note from Mr. Jos. Wedgwood dated 20 March with the Draft of a proposed Agreement between the Navigation Co. & the Owners of the Limestone quarries at Caldon Low. Walked a little in the Garden.
Saturday 31. Still very unwell, though the Gout had much subsided. Walked out again but for a very short time. Mr. Davenport called & recommended 'Carriage' exercise. Perused & considered the Draft of the Agreement received yesterday from Mr. Wedgwood & made various observations.
Page 137. 1832 April
Sunday 1. Better. Read Prayers.-. Walked in the Garden, but my foot continuing very weak.
Monday 2. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood expressing my wish to see him relative to the Limestone Agreement, some alterations of which appeared to me to be necessary. Wrote also to Mr. Landor, proposing Tuesday 10 April for meeting him at Stone finally to settle the Reduction of Tonnage Case etc. Walked again a little in the Garden but still very feeble.
Tuesday 3. Refreshed & Reconsidered the Draft of the Agreement. Mr. F. Twemlow & his eldest son called. For the first time since my illness got on horseback & rode as far as the Hollins Ground. Received Note from Mr. Wedgwood appointing Friday next for meeting at Newcastle.
Wednesday 4. Mr. Wilkinson came to consult me on Letters which he had received relative to a proposed sale of the Navigation Mortgage, for £10,000 standing in the name of (blank) Philips, when it appeared to me that the matter should be communicated to Mr. Philips of [Heathsome] but as I was to meet Mr. Wedgwood on Friday next, I said that would I first mention the business to him. Mr. Burgess came, with an application from his Father Mr. Burgess of [Cheer] Brook for the House at Nantwich, when I explained to him how it was situated, but that as soon a I heard from the Parties who had the Refusal of it, I would let him know. Afterwards wrote to Mr. Edleston upon the subject, & desiring to know how the matter rested. Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan requesting his attendance at Newcastle on Friday next. Remarkably fine mild day. Rode again on horseback in the Grounds, but my foot still very tender. Took down the Frame in the Green house in which the Plants stood, in order to make more room.
Thursday 5. Still better but unable to bear a shoe. Considered again Papers previous to meeting Mr. Wedgwood & Mr Vaughan tomorrow. Rode on Horseback a short time. Farm etc.
Friday 6. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood at the Roebuck on Select Committee. Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Wilkinson also attended. Engaged closely all morning, but Returned to dinner, not being well enough to dine with the Mayor, as I had been invited to do.
Saturday 7. At home. Put on a leather shoe for the first time since my Gout attack. Engaged on various matters. Rode out again on Horseback.
Sunday 8. Service as usual.
Page 138. 1832 April
Monday 9. No entry.
Tuesday 10. Went to Stone, & met Mr. Landor settling with him & Mr. Vaughan the case for the opinion of Counsel relative to the Reduction of Tonnage Clause etc. Returned to dinner.
Wednesday 11. At home. Busily engaged all day on papers relating to the affairs of the late Miss Stamford, & making a Copy of her Will & Testamentary Papers. Suffering much from my Eyes.
Thursday 12. The same. Wrote to A.C. Marsh.
Friday 13. At home. Engaged again on Papers. Mr. Wickstead called.
Saturday 14. Wrote to E. Roscoe on late Miss Stamford's Affairs. Called upon Mr. Sneyd at Bradwall, who I found had lately lost, suddenly the sight of one of his Eyes. Sat with him some time, & promised to send him the last number of the Quarterly Review. The air much softer & milder than it has been for some time past.
Sunday 15. Sent Mr. Sneyd the Quarterly Review, by Saml. Jones. Service as usual.
Monday 16. Engaged on various matters. Making arrangements of the Plants in the Greenhouse. Wm. Heath & Joseph Hudson busy sinking the Ground in the Centre etc. Called at the Red Bull Wharf making sundry Enquiries. Also at Mr. Johnsons of the Hollins. Stamford called at Linley Wood & engaged to dine here tomorrow. Remarkably fine mild spring day, a little very light Rain in the morning.
Tuesday 17. The weather again showery, there being Frost this morning. Went to Newcastle on sundry matters, taking Bessy with me in the Carriage. Saw Mr. Kinnersly who appointed to call upon me tomorrow Morning relative to the Railway which it is . . .the Navigation Company, shall make between Cobridge & Burslem. After my return home, rode out on Horseback & met Mr. & Mrs. Lawton.
Wednesday 18. Mr. Kinnersly came at 9 this morning agreeably to his appointment & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the proposed Railway, when after hearing what he had to say, I promised to submit the matter to the consideration of the General Committee on Tuesday next, & he said that he should deem it entirely in my hands. Engaged afterwards on various matters. Took an account of the white wines in the House, 5 dozen of pale sherry & 2 dozen also which had arrived from [Carl] and being put up today, also 2 dozen Claret
Page 139. 1832 April
Thursday 19. At home. Some rain had fallen in the night. Mr. Vaughan came pursuant to appointment, & with whom engaged, examining the Minutes of the proceedings of the General & the Select Committee subsequent to the last General Assembly, & making Minutes & observations on various matters preparatory to the Meeting next week. Mr. Vaughan staid to dinner, & proceeded to Middlewich in the evening. Showers.
Friday 20. At home. Saml. Beardmore informed me that Mr. Garratt had told him that he had settled to get the coal in the Chapel Land. Abridged & corrected the Report laid before the last General Assembly, preparatory to its being reconsidered at the next.
Saturday 21. Went to Betley. Called at Betley Hall. Saw Mr. & Mrs. Tollet, who first communicated to me the melancholy intelligence of the death of Mr. Offley, which had taken place on Wednesday last. He had come down last week with Mrs. Offley, in perfect health, intending to pass the Easter Holiday in the Country, was taken ill on Saturday Morning with a Stomach Complaint, but was so much better on Monday, then when Dr. Northen saw him on that Monday, he said he had not thought it necessary to see him again till Wednesday. A Relapse then took place, & Dr. [Cummin] of Chester was sent for, but Mr. Offley died on Wednesday. On mentioning to Mr. Tollet the Talk Chapel Coals, he said he would look for the papers. Called at Betley Court. Saw Mr. Twemlow with whom I had much conversation. Showed him the corrected Report, which he approved.
Sunday 22. Service.
Monday 23. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 24. Went early to Stone where closely engaged all day on General Committee
Wednesday 25. Engaged closely again all day on General Assembly. Returned home at Night. Found Stamford who had dined at Linley Wood.
Thursday 26. At home. Engaged on various matters. Stamford dined & staid the Evening.
Friday 27. Called at Clough Hall, but Mr. Kinnersly was not at home. Afterwards engaged on papers preparatory to going to Macclesfield tomorrow.
Saturday 28. Went to Macclesfield & conferred with Mr. Parrott & Mr. Ledward on Brewery Affairs, not yet able to obtain Mr. Wards. [Determine] which relative to the Farm utensils, but which was promised in a day or two. Very unwell on my return with a severe cold.
Sunday 29. Very unwell, but read Prayers.
Monday 30. Confined to the House all day. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Wrote to Mr.Kinnersly & to the Revd. James [Grattan]. To the former relative to Burton & Cobridge Railway which the General Assembly declined making, & to the other relative to Burton Under Needwood School.
Page 140. 1832 May
Tuesday 1. Still unwell & in the House all day. Received & Copied afresh the Minutes of the proceedings of the last General Committee & General Assembly. Fine Rain.
Wednesday 2. At home. Engaged examining a great number of Papers preparatory to arranging & [carrying] them upstairs. Fine Showers. Wm. Beresford the request of Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End consulting me relative to his application of overseer of the Poor of the Parish of Audley, which it was proper to support etc. in order to the appointment of a standing Surveyor & afterwards Saml. Beardmore. I desired that the matter might be [consigned] to Mr. Tollet & Mr. F. Twemlow the Magistrates who had signed the appointment. Got early Potatoes out of one of the Frames.
Thursday 3. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville tomorrow to give instruction for proving Miss Stamford's Will. Afterwards on various matters. Got early Cabbage.
Friday 4. Went to Cliffe Ville & gave the necessary instructions for Probate of Miss Stamford's Will. Left with Mr. F. Tomlinson the Copy which I had made of the Will & Testamentary Paper. On my return saw Mr. Wilkinson & appointed to go to Newcastle on Monday next to consider with him the intended case for the opinion of Counsel relative to the Company's power of carrying Goods etc. upon their Canal. Turned Milking Cows into the Firewood Field. Received Letter from Mr. Edward. Simpson relative to the London & Birmingham Railway Bill in Parliament.
Saturday 5. At home. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan with the Navigation Minutes of Observation [Rescue] which I sent by the Post. Wrote also to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Simpson of Lichfield relative to the London & Birmingham Railway Bill now before Parliament. Stamford dined.
Sunday 6. At home. Service.
Monday 7. Went to Newcastle & conferred with Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Carrying [Tonnage] Law , when some further Documents appeared to be necessary. & which Mr. W. said he would endeavour to procure from Mr. Vaughan. Found at Mr. W. a Letter from Mr. Wedgwood inclosing one from Mr. Simpson relative to the [land] share of the [exchanges] of opposition to the Liverpool & Birmingham Railway & which I sent to Mr. Landor by Mr. Wilkinson who said that he should see him on Wednesday next. Saw Mr. Kinnersly & had a further conversation with him relative to a further allowance in power of Coals used at the Cheshire Saltworks, whom I said that I would again confer with Mr. Vaughan upon the subject. Mr. K. said that a further Drawback upon Salt might be substituted for the proposed allowance upon Coals.
Tuesday 8. At home. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Engaged on sundry matters previous to going to Nantwich tomorrow. Papers in Mr. Kinnerslys Executor ship affairs etc. Sent to Mr. Sneyd, & received back the last Quarterly Review, which I had lent him, & then sent it to Lawton Hall. Mr. Lawton being desirous to see it.
Page 141. 1832 May
Wednesday 9. Went to Nantwich with Bessy. Dined in Dysant Buildings. Saw Mr. Edleston & Mr. Liversage, & appointed to meet at Mr. Edlestons Offices tomorrow morning. Last night a sharp Frost, which had much injured the early Potatoes.
Thursday 10. Met Mr. Liversage & Mr. Burgess at Mr. E. office. Finally settled the time of letting the House on the Hospital Street to Mr. Burgess for 3 years & according to which an agreement in writing was to be prepared by Mr. E. Made arrangements with him & Mr. L. for the Sale of the [Coole] Estate, & the necessary advertisements. Delivered to Mr. Edleston the Letter which I received from Mrs. Skerratt relative to Money under her settlement. Viewed the House in the Hospital Street with Mr. Burgess. Mr. Edleston & Mr. Liversage, & of which Mr. B. took possession. The Lease to take date, & the Rent to commence fro Lady day last, allowing Mr. Burgess therewith the proportion between Lady day & this day. Agreed to do the necessary Repairs of the Property.
Friday 11. Left Nantwich about 11, leaving Bessy, but who appointed to return to Linley Wood on Tuesday next. Stopped at Sandbach, & saw Mr. Williams, when showed me a [Draft], & which he promised to send me when he had perused & . . .it, if a Deed declaring the uses of a further Recovery agreed to be suffered, & which he said Mr. Hughes the [Counsel] thought advisable, of the wood & other Lands purchased from the Lawtons. Arrived at home to dinner.
Saturday 12. At home. Unwell, with a slight renewed attack of Gout. Wrote to Mary Holland, having on my arrival yesterday found a present of [Medicant] from the Doctor. In my absence, the Alteration which I had directed of taking away the Ivy Fence before the Dining Room had been completed. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.
Sunday 13. A Restless night, but the Gout subsiding. Read Prayers. Sent a Basket of vegetables to Nantwich. Received Letter from E. Roscoe.
Monday 14. Gout appeared to have taken its departure. Called at Beddon Hall, but Mr. Mainwaring was out. Left a Card. Stamford came after dinner & staid the Evening.
Tuesday 15. At home. Mr. Adams called relative to the House at Newcastle taken by his Mother, & to request upon further Repairs which I consented to. Mr. Rob Fenton, Mr. [Cloves] & Mr. Rob. Hill called to request me to propose & move on [Address] to His Majesty at a Meeting of the Inhabitants, & thanking His Majesty for not reporting to the proposed Creation of new [Press]. I objected to attending the Meeting, and declined moving the address, but said that if I was particularly requested by the Mayor to attend, as [Recorder], I would do it. I made a small addition to the address (which nearly followed the words of Notice of the Meeting) being only a General Assurance of a attendant to the King & the Constitution.
Wednesday 16. Went early to Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Fenton, who said that he & the Gentlemen who accompanied him, were satisfied with my reasons for declining to attend the Meeting unless particularly requested by the Mayor, who afterwards saw but who said that he had no particular wish, for attendance. I then
Page 142. 1832 May
that I should not attend, but would remain in the Town during the Meeting & be ready to attend the Mayor in case anything should occur on which he might desire my opinion & advice. Meeting took place & a Counter address moved & carried, not the least to my surprize, though the Gentlemen had yesterday informed me, when I made the enquiry, that they were certain of their address being carried, by a great Majority of not unanimously. I then countered them that if they were not sure of this, they saw the rest of defeating instead of promoting their object. Returned home to dinner having first seen Mr. Ward, & consented to . . . sale of the Boundary, which had been proposed by Mr. John Bent. Saw Mr. Wilkinson.
Tuesday 17. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan requesting to see him here on Saturday next. Mr. Wilkinson to come on that day to consider the Carrying Trade Case.
Friday 18. At home. Engaged again perusing & considering various Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing & considering with Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan tomorrow the Carrying Trade Case.
Saturday 19. Wrote to Mr. Hartley, Settle Yorkshire acknowledging the Receipt of £100 on account of the late Miss Stamford. Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan came about 11, & with whom engaged a long time relative to the Case & previous to Mr. Wilkinson's proposing the same. Delivered to Mr. W. the late Mr. Wedgwood's printed pamphlet respecting the Carrying Trade & Mr. Jos. Wedgwood's Letter to me of the 14 inst. Mr. W. & Mr. V. staid to dinner & returned in the Evening.
Sunday At home. Service.
Monday 21. Changed the Milking Cows from the House Field to the Pool Field. Unwell & suffering from great dejection of Spirits. Stamford dined & staid the Evening.
Tuesday 22. At home. Very unwell. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood proposing Monday next for a Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone in consequence of the Letter received from Mr. Vaughan.
Wednesday 23. Still very unwell, but engaged closely drawing a Case relative to the Carrying Trade in the form in which it appeared to me that it should be laid before Counsel. Received Letters from again from Mr. Vaughan, & one from Mr. Wedgwood.
Thursday 24. Mr. Kinnersly & Mr. Simpson called by appointment on behalf of the Macclesfield Canal Co. relative to Reductions of Tonnages, on Trent & Mersey Canal, when I requested that an Application might be made to the Select Committee. In the course of the conversation, which it was understood was to be deemed a private one, I observed that the T. & M. Co. did not make Reduction of Tonnages, though in some cases they allowed Drain works. Went afterwards to Newcastle. Called at Mr. Wards, but neither (him) nor his son being at home.
Page 143. 1832 May
I desired his Clerk to call upon Mrs. Adams & signify my consent to do the repair proposed in a Letter which I had received from her, & with which she said she was perfectly satisfied. Called upon Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Carrying Trade Co. preparing by him & what he said he would bring to Stone on Monday next when Mr. Wedgwood & I are to meet.
Friday 25. At home: but very unwell, etc. Number of Fish, Perch & Tench which had been brought by the Gamekeeper at Crewe, were turned into the two pools at the Farm. Stamford dined. In the morning closely engaged on the Carrying Trade Case, which I finished.
Saturday 26. Went to Cliffe Ville in consequence of a Letter received yesterday from Mr. F. Tomlinson, relative to the proving of Miss Stamford's Will, the proposed Affidavit which he had sent to me, & in which sundry attentions could be necessary. Returned to dinner but very unwell.
Sunday 27. At home. Stamford came in the morning. Service as usual. Stamford staid (to) dinner.
Monday 28. Went early to Stone, where engaged all day attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Returned home at night.
Tuesday 29. A miserably bad night, & this morning very unwell, & which continued throughout the day.
Wednesday 30. Still very unwell, but went to Newcastle , afterwards engaged on Navigation Papers, relative to lowering the rates of Carriage upon the Canal, & considering the best means of [operating] this consistently with the Act of Parliament. Drew Minutes of an agreement to be entered into with the Carriers upon the Canal.
Thursday 31. At home. Unwell, but engaged closely again on Navigation Papers, & the Draft of an Agreement with the Carriers upon the Canal. John Crossly hurt being struck by one of the Farm horses as he was turning him out to grass in Linley Meadow.
June
Friday 1. Went to Newcastle attending Meeting of the Select Committee at the Roebuck, where engaged all day. Dined with Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan at the Roebuck & returned in the Evening.
Saturday 2. Mr. Vaughan came early to consult me again relative to the order made yesterday respecting the carriage of Goods to . . .Shardlow or . . .& Preston Brook, when I made some corrections of it & which I requested him to show to Mr. Wedgwood, previous to communicating on the Carriers. After Mr. Vaughan was gone Wm. Faram came & with whom engaged a considerable time on various matters relating to the Canal.
Sunday 3. Wrote again to Mr. Vaughan & sent the Letter by a Messenger. Service.
Page 144. 1832 June
Monday 4. Went to Sandbach to have seen Mr. Skerratt on the business of the late Miss Simms in consequence of a Letter received a few days ago from Miss B. . .Spirits & Co., but Mr. Skerratt was in Town, in consequence of which I wrote to Miss B & Co. desiring them to see him. Called upon Mr. Williams & made the arrangement for further Recovery being suffered of the Land purchased from the Lawton Family, when he appointed to come to Linley Wood on Wednesday next in order to inspect the Deeds & make the necessary Extracts thereupon. The Revd. Mr. Garratt called relative to proposed attendance of Talk Chapel. He also mentioned getting the Coals. I said that in this case he must not complain of my defending my own property from injury in the best manner that the Law would allow.
Tuesday 5. At home, but very unwell & in a state of great suffering all day. Fine Rain.
Wednesday 6. At home, but still very unwell. Mr. Williams of Sandbach came, examined & made the necessary Extracts from the Deeds in order to the Recovery having suffered this Farm. Stamford dined.
Thursday 7. Still very unwell. Went to Sandbach & again saw Mr. Williams, & gave him the name of Henry [Roscoe] as my . . .in the Recovery Deed & appointed to meet him & Mr. Charles Lawton at Newcastle on Monday next to execute the Deeds etc. Saw Mr. Wilbraham at Sandbach & had some conversation with him. Light Rain & fine warm growing day.
Friday 8. The same, but engaged closely all morning on the Carrying Trade Case receiving & correcting . Wrote to Mr. Vaughan
Saturday 9. Engaged on various papers. Wrote to Mr. Edleston informing him of the Notice which, I had received on Thursday last from Mr. Jones of the Hough in Mr. Skerratts affairs.
Sunday 10. At home. Service. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan in closing Copy of one from Mr. Hostage.
Monday 11. Miserable night & very unwell. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood proposing to meet him at Stone or Newcastle to consider Mr. Hostages Letter. Went to Newcastle & met Mr. Charles Lawton, Mr. Williams & Mr. [Harding] of Burslem, when Mr. L & I executed the Deeds for suffering a further Recovery of the Lands at Lawton . . .from his late Brother & Mr. Williams & Mr. [Harding] took the acknowledgement for the Recovery. Called at Mr. Wilkinson's who showed Mr. Campbells Opinion relative to the Reduction of Tonnages. Returned home late to dinner.
Page 145. 1832 June
Tuesday 12. At home. Very unwell.
Wednesday 13. Went early to Sandbach, a doubt having seemed to me relative to the [Deed] to make the Tenant to the . . . in her suffering the Recovery, but on referring to the Draft with Mr. Williams ( the Deed having been sent up to Town) we found that it was perfectly correct. Afterwards engaged on Navigation Papers, having received from Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Campbells opinion on the Reduction of Tonnages Case.
Thursday 14. Thinking it proper, immediately to see Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan in consequence of Mr. Campbells Opinion, & other matters, went early to Newcastle. Took Mr. Wilkinson with me to Maer, from where there all three went to Stone, where engaged on Select Committee closely till between 5 & 6. We then dined & I returned home, having been out of my Mind intensely engaged on business 13 hours. Considered the Carrying Trade Case which I had prepared with Mr. Wedgwood & which he fully opposed, & which I delivered to Mr. Wilkinson to be copied & sent to Sir G. C.
Friday 15. Some additions to the Case having seemed to me to be necessary, sent Saml. Jones to Newcastle, who brought it from Mr. Wilkinson, & to whom, after having made the addition. I returned it by Samuel. Mr. Ward of Newcastle called, bringing the Advertisement for Sale of the Brewery, & to propose an alteration in the time of payment of the Rent of Stoney field required to make it payable at Lady day & Michaelmas, instead of Christmas & Midsummer as at present & to which I consented. Explained to him the circumstances of the Macclesfield Canal Shares with respect to the non payment of the latter by the late Wm. Bent.
Saturday 16. Engaged closely on Navigation Papers. Wm. Faram came relative to the purchase of the Land at Acton Quay etc. etc.& with whom engaged a considerable time. Received Letter from Mr. Rob. Heath with Notice that Mr. Kinnersly Mines remaining under Harecastle Tunnel were now in a regular course of working & requesting that the same might be valued & paid for again only to the [Set].
Sunday 17. Unwell & much over hurried & fatigued. Mr. Rob Heath called. Afterwards Read Prayers. Mr. Davenport came in consequence of the Cholera having made its appearance in the neighbourhood.
Monday 18. Wrote long Letter to Sir George Chetwynd. Wrote also to Mr. [Buller] promising him my support as a candidate for the Northern District of the County at the next Election. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Still very unwell. Mr. Tollet called.
Tuesday 19. At home. Sent to Mr. [Kemp], Burslem for Mr. Wood, two Letters which I had received from the latter in the year 1817, relative to the unfortunate business of Mr. Blake. Engaged on Papers relative to Staffordshire Coals passing upon the T. & M. Canal. Mr. Edw. Simpson came, and staid (to) dinner, & with whom much conversation on Navigation Affairs.
Page 146. 1832 June
Wednesday 20. Unwell.
Thursday 21. The same, but rode out a little on Horseback. Received Letter from Mr. Ward with advertisement of Sale of Brewery Buildings etc.
Friday 22. Very unwell, but copied for Insertion in the Book the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Select Committee. Wm. Faram came, with whom a long conversation relative to Tonnage of Coals etc. etc. Appointed Friday 29 inst for Trial of Steam Boat at 12. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here tomorrow.
Saturday 23. Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast, with whom engaged all morning considering Table of Reduction of Tonnages & other Navigation Business. In the Evening, ill.
Sunday 24. A dreadful night. Life almost insupportable. Despondency increasing every hour. How long can Nature sustain those terrible Shadows? Bereft, too, of her who was want to soothe & tranquillize the forces of my Mind. Oh! my beloved Wife, when shall I be laid beside you in rest and peace! Read Prayers, but unable to read a Sermon as usual. May God enable me to support, with patience, and resignation his Will, my present rising & wretchedness!
Monday 25. Went to Newcastle, though very unfit for it, & from thence to Stone. At the former place saw Mr. Ward relative to the apparently Sale of Newcastle Brewery etc. At Stone, met Mr. Wedgwood with whom & Mr. Vaughan engaged all morning on Navigation business, but returned to dinner.
Tuesday 26. A rather less miserable night, but in the forenoon a relapse into the same wretched dejection of Spirits from which I have been so long & terrible suffering. Wrote to Mr. Ward relative to the Sale of Newcastle Brewery.
Wednesday 27. Forced myself tot go to Nantwich, where I saw Mr. Edleston, Mr. Liversage & Mr. Wm. Skerratt, making arrangements relative to the Sale of Coole Estate which was to take place today. Returned to dinner & found Eliza Roscoe her children at Linley Wood.
Thursday 28. Very ill, but went to Newcastle to see & consult with Mr. Ward relative to the Sale of Newcastle Brewery, when he promised to write to Mr. Bent & communicate a proposition which I made respecting the Buildings & the purchasing by Mr. Bent.
Friday 29. A wretched night, & enduring great misery. Mr. J. Wedgwood & Mr. F. Twemlow came at 11 o'clock, pursuant to engagement, & with whom vied a Trial of (blank) Mr. Faram's invitation. The Boat worked extremely well & gave great satisfaction to both Gentlemen, who afterwards dined at Linley Wood, but went home in the evening. The Men began mowing the Meadow this morning.
Page 147. 1832 June
Saturday 30. At home but miserably ill. Mr. [Cockoft] & Mr. John [Corbet] came to Linley Wood relative to the debt owing to the T.& M. Company, when after a long conversation I referred them to Mr. Wilkinson, in consequence of which he came here in the evening, & when we resolved that I should meet Mr. Wedgwood at Newcastle on Monday morning.
July
Sunday 1. Still wretchedly ill. Lay many hours this morning in a state of suffering severely supportable. Read prayers, but unable to read a Sermon.
Monday 2. Another bad night, but went to Newcastle & met Mr. Wedgwood at Mr. Wilkinson's office on Navigation business. Went to Cliffe Ville & spoke to Mr. Tomlinson. Mr. F. Tomlinson being out relative to the proof required of the schedule received to the late Miss Stamford's Will, & left the Draft of the Affidavit with him. Promised to give one vote for the Northern Division of the County to Mr. Walter [Reynold] who had declared himself a Candidate. Returned to Dinner, & on my way met Mr. Bouverie & Mr. [Rickford] with whom had a short conversation on London & Birmingham Railway Bill. Stamford came to dinner. Mr. Davenport came afterwards & recommended my being bled with Leeches, but appointed to see me again tomorrow. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan, expressing his wish to see me & proposing to come to Linley Wood. Mr. Ledward came on the wretched Macclesfield business, & fixed Friday next the 13 for his coming to Linley Wood examining & settling his accounts
Tuesday 3. Still in the same wretched state. At home. Wrote to Mr. Edleston. Also to Mr. Vaughan. Mr. Davenport came, & again recommended the Leeches. But alas! Alas!
Wednesday 4. If possible, worse than ever. My sufferings in the night almost beyond endurance. Mr. Davenport came, but I passed another miserable day. Thunder, with a violent shower of Rain.
Thursday 5. Still the same. Mr. Davenport came & at his urgent request got on horseback, but could not bear to ride further than to Gate entering the Grounds.
Friday 6. Another bad night. Mr. Vaughan came to dinner.
Saturday 7. Ill beyond endurance. Stamford dined on his return from Stafford Sessions.
Sunday 8. The same. Read Prayers.
Monday 9. A wretched night, & more miserably ill, but which so much endured in the course of the day that I could scarcely support myself. Mrs., Miss & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood & Elizabeth called.
Page 148. 1832 July
Tuesday 10. Went to Stone, where engaged all day on General Committee. Returned at night bringing Sir George Chetwynd in the Carriage to Newcastle. In the present state of my health & spirits, the effort which I was obliged to make in going through the business of the day & with it . . . correctness & to appear collected & composed were such as those only can judge of who have experienced similar Trials.
Wednesday 11. Had some heavy sleep the consequence of sheer Exhaustion, but miserable in the extreme on getting up.
Thursday 12. Another miserable night. Went to Newcastle. Met by appointment Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Landor also attending, & with whom engaged several hours on Navigation business. Returned late to dinner.
Friday 13. Ill.
Saturday 14. The same, but went to Cliffe Ville to make the necessary arrangements for proving the Will of the late Miss Stamford when Friday next was fixed at the Roebuck Newcastle. Called on Mr. Ward on my return relative to the Sale of the Newcastle Brewery etc.
Sunday 15. At home. Ill. Read Prayers.
Monday 16. The same. Mr. [Halliday] called as a [Land site]for the Audley School. Referred him to Stamford. Invitation to dine at Clough Hall on Thursday next which I could not accept, being engaged to Maer. But if I were not engaged I would not accept in my present state have accepted the invitation.
Tuesday 17. Having taken the Lettuce Pills had some rest the beginning of the night. Though very unfit for it, went to Nantwich & proved before Mr. Gratton the late Mr. Skerratts Will. Mr. Liversage & I were sworn together. Mr. Edleston having been called away [conceived] to be sworn in the course of the day. Miserably ill on journey my home. When I arrived to dinner, Mr. Liversage gave me a Model of Nantwich Church.
Wednesday18. If possible worse than ever. Life almost unendurable. In the House all day. Mr. Davenport called.
Thursday 19. Another wretched night, but summoned up Resolution enough to go to Maer. With Bessy & Eliza Roscoe went to Maer where we dined & staid all night. Mr. & Mrs. F Wedgwood, Mr. P.Moseley & Dr. Davison of Newcastle were of the Party.
Friday 20. Came from Maer to Newcastle. Met Mr. F. Tomlinson & Revd. Mr. Garratt at the Roebuck & proved the Will of the late Moss Stamford. Returned home to dinner but miserably ill with the exertions I had been obliged to make.
Saturday 21. A miserable Night & did not get up till 12 o'clock. Ill all day. Mr. Davenport called.
Sunday 22. The same. So unwell as to omit the Service, & the Servants went to church.
( Scrap of paper)
Linley Wood July 19 1833
Sir, I understand from my Son who was here a few days ago, that [money] they [already] to your purchase . . . . . .& then Mr. Balgary would understandably said the Draft of the Conveyance . . .for my friends, on my making which that to the Business might be fully completed. The duty
(Scrap of paper)
Hay July 1833
Tuesday 9. Began Mowing the Meadow.
Wednesday 10. [Mining] Draft.
Thursday 11. Finished Mowing the Meadow & mowed the Croft.
Friday12. Busy in the Hay.
Saturday 13. The same.
Monday 15. The same.
Tuesday 16. Began carrying & carried 27 loads out of the Meadow on this side the Foot Road.
Tuesday 17. Carried 5 more load etc.
Wednesday 18. Carried 11 loads from below the Road
Thursday 19 Carried (blank) out of 15 the crop & (blank) out of Swallow Moor Meadow.
Written along the side of this scrap of paper was written From Page 147 of James Caldwell's Diary 30 June 1832.
Page 149. 1832 July
Monday 23. Went to Stone, though very unfit for it. Met Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood with view to proceeding on the usual business of the Northern end of the Canal, but Mr. Wedgwood, being unwell as well as myself we determined to postpone the expedition & we all returned home in the evening. Found Wm. Roscoe & Stamford, who had dined at Linley Wood.
Tuesday 24. Still suffering severely. Finished carrying Hay in the Meadow.
Wednesday 25. Rather better today, having slept more last night, but still suffering severely. Stamford called in the evening on his return from Newcastle.
Thursday 26. The same. Mr. Roscoe & the children went to [Mow Cop]. Finished Hay Harvest but with which, owing to a miserable illness, I have this year had little to do.
Friday 27. The same. Mr. Ledward called & brought his account with the late Macclesfield Brewery, but owing to my being so unwell we postponed the examination of it. Bessy & the two Roscoe Girls went to Nantwich.
Saturday 28. The same. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of a Letter received yesterday from Mr. Rob. Heath respecting the Coals in Mr. Kinnersly's Mines to be left for the [protection] of Harecastle Tunnel.
Sunday 29. The same. Read Prayers, but without the usual Sermon owing to my being so unwell.
Monday 30. Wm. Roscoe left us at Noon on his return home. Mrs. & Miss Northen called.. Mrs. N. left a card for Bessy & myself.
Tuesday. 31. Still very unwell & suffering much. An Irishman was picked up early this morning in the Road who had been attacked with Cholera. He was taken to the Lodging House at Talk & received assistance to the Man by Mr. [Coombes] of Newcastle to the latter of whom Saml. Beardmore being my [driver] went immediately as the Parish [Layman]. Mr. [Coombes] on seeing him pronounced it the actual Cholera now [prevailing] but thought the Man might probably recover. In the evening in consequence of a Letter received from Mr. Wedgwood, & to prevent any mistake, I called upon Mr. Rob Heath & explained to him that Mr. [Harding], who had been appointed to inspect & value the Coals necessary & in less for the [protection] of the Tunnel in Harecastle, had no further authority now we to do more than report to the Select Committee thereon. Having sent Saml. Beardmore this evening to speak to the overseer of Audley Parish relative to a proper place being provided for Cholera Patients. I mentioned this to Mr. Heath who said that it would be highly approved by Mr. Kinnersly.
August
Wednesday 1. Very unwell, but rode to the Red Bull Wharf & to the Red Bull & to the Red Bull to have seen Mr. Faram, but he was not arrived. He called however afterwards at Linley Wood.
Page 150. & to whom I gave the necessary instruction purchase relative to the inspection & valuation of the Mines, & appointed to meet Mr. [Hanbury] tomorrow Morning at the Red Bull. In the evening Stamford called. Eliza Roscoe called this morning on Mrs Northen.
Thursday 2. Went to the Red Bull, where I saw Mr. Hanbury & with whom & Wm. Faram conferred relative to the inspection of the Mines, & fully explained to them the object & intention of the Committee, which Mr. Hanbury said, corresponded with what he understood to be the order of the Committee, namely that he was only to examine & put his own [production] upon the Coals necessary to be left, & report to the Select Committee thereon. Rain had fallen in the night & the night & the day was showery. Still very unwell, but upon the whole better.
Friday 3. At home,but still very unwell. Mr. Vaughan called on his return out of Cheshire, & with whom considered proposed Reduction of Tonnages etc. Engaged on various papers.
Saturday 4. Mr. Hanbury & Wm. Faram called having finished their examination & with whom engaged a considerable time. Mr. H. furnished me his valuation in the course of the next week, & to attend the Meeting of the Select Committee at Cheadle on the 20 inst. if requested so to do.
Sunday 5. Much suffering. Read Prayers.
Monday 6. The same. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood & Hanburys production of Harecastle & proposing his attendance at Cheadle. Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd.
Tuesday 7. Rather better. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.
Wednesday 8. The same, but weary & listless. Everything seems a burden to me & I seem to myself unable to make any exertion.
Thursday 9. The same. Letter from Mr. Wilkinson with Copy of on which he had received from Mr. Hostage.
Friday 10. The same, but went to Newcastle to see Mr. Wilkinson in conveyance of Mr. Hostages Letter, on the part of the Trustees of the River Weaver. Considered the answer to be given, but desired Mr. W. would communicate it to Mr. Wedgwood before sent. Exhibited to Mr. Wilkinson as Clerk to the Company the Will of the late Miss Stamford & which he certified accordingly. Returned home to dinner. Bessy and the two Roscoe Girls arrived from Nantwich in the evening.
Saturday 11. Still very unwell. Wrote & sent remittance to Miss Mary [Parry].
Sunday 12. The same. Read Prayers.
Monday 13. Wrote to Mr. Hanbury & sent by the Post to Mr. Vaughan, to be forwarded. Wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson. Began cutting Wheat in Banky Swallow Moor.
Tuesday 14. E. Roscoe & her Children, after an early breakfast, set off on their return home. Busy cutting Wheat, the day being very fine.
Page 151. 1832 August
Wednesday 15. Stamford dined. Finished cutting Wheat.
Thursday 16. Still very unwell. Wrote to Mr. [Colleston] in consequence of Application from Revd. H. Tomlinson for continuance to him of the Game on the [Cool] Estates, the same having been given to him by the late Mr. Skerratt.
Friday 17. Went to Audley pursuant to Appointment, where I met Mr. F. Tomlinson, & afterwards took the necessary Oath before the Revd. Mr. Garratt for probate of the late Miss Stamford's Will in the [Service] of [York]. Board of Health established, by the Order of Government in the parish of Audley. Cholera making an alarming Appearance, 4 patients having died at Newcastle within the last 3 or 4 days. Stamford came in the evening. Rain. Stamford called.
Saturday 18. Mr. Ledward came & with whom closely engaged all Morning on late Macclesfield Brewery Accounts. Mrs. & Miss Charlotte Wilbraham called to look at the late Miss Stamford's [Shells] with which they appeared to be much amused, being engaged in [conchology].
Sunday 19. Read Prayers. Received present of a Neck of Venison from Mr. & Mrs. Wilbraham of Rode Hall. Received Account of the illness of Dr. Crompton.
Monday 20. Sent a Note of thanks to Rode Hall.. Returned Pattern Rings received from . . .on Saturday last. Went to Cheadle to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. On my arrival at Newcastle found at Mr. Wilkinson's Office a Letter from Mr. Wedgwood inclosed in a Letter from Mr. F. Wedgwood, the latter informing me of the death of his Sister Fanny, which had taken place that Morning although Mr. Wedgwood's Letter though written that morning does not mention her illness, but only some uncertainty whether he should be able to attend. Engaged at Cheadle with Sir George on the Navigation business.
Tuesday 21. Sir George & I went to . . .& inspected the Works there & some improvements proposed to be made by Mr. James Trubshaw. Returned to Cheadle where we took some lunch, & then returned home. Mr. Wilkinson & I travelling together to Newcastle in a Chaise as we had gone from there yesterday. On my arrival found Stamford, who had dined at Linley Wood.
Wednesday 22. At noon Stamford dined with us having invited him to partake of the venison received from Rode Hall. Began cutting Oats in lower [Birston] field.
Thursday 23. Wrote to Mr. Landor suggesting the expediency of proposing Mr. [McHarland's] opinion upon the reduction of Tonnage Case previous to the next General Assembly.
Page 152. 1832 August
Afterwards went to . . .to have communicated to corespond with him upon the . . .the Select Committee relative to the Coals on Harecastle Tunnel, but I could not meet with him.
Friday 24. Busy cutting Oats. Engaged on various papers. Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson with copy of one which he had received from Mr. Hostage relative to the Tonnages.
Saturday 25. Not hearing from Mr. Rob Heath wrote Letter to him. Also to Mr. Wilkinson in reply to the one received from him yesterday. The weather had changed to Rain, which was heavy almost the whole of the day with occasional Thunder & Lightning.
Sunday 26. Read Prayers. Received Letter from E. Roscoe. Rain the greatest part of the day. Unwell. Received Letter from E. Roscoe.
Monday 27. Unwell. Rain almost the whole of the day. Received Note from Mr. Rob Heath.
Tuesday 28. Mr. Fairbanks & James Faram came in consequence of the Lock keeper of the Macclesfield Canal Co. Lock keeper opening the stop Lock Gates & throwing the T. Canal Waters into the T. &. M Canal when on looking into the Macclesfield Canal, I recommended Faram's stopping over Stop Lock Gates, whereby the drainage which was now being by Mr. . . .water could be prevented. This appeared to be a Case of the most wilful mischief as being drawing the paddles of the Macclesfield Canal the water could be discharged in its proper course without injury to any man. Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson on the subject but before my Letter on Fairbanks & Faram sent, a Note came up saying that Mr. Simpson one of the M.C. Committee had given orders for the paddle being immediately drawn. Received Letter from Mr. Landor.
Wednesday 29. Still Rain. Sent Saml. Jones with Enquiry after the Family to Maer. Stamford came after dinner. Unwell with a cold with which I have been affected some days past, & my Eyes very weak & troublesome.
Thursday 30. Still Rain. Eyes painful & troublesome, & so as to interfere much with my writing or reading & from which I found it necessary as far as possible to abstain which is a great in convenience & privation.
Friday 31. Eyes troublesome & painful. This afternoon proving fine, set all hands to work, & [unhooked] & carried the Wheat, a little of which had begun to [sprit]. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan. The Lawton farm help brought from Mr. Lawton a present of a fine carp. Letter from Mr. Vaughan.
September
Saturday 1. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Eyes still rendering writing or Reading painful. Weather still such as to prevent our doing anything in the Corn. [Opened] the Wheat
Sunday 2. Eyes the same, but read Prayers as usual,
Monday 3. The same. Busy in the Corn.
Page 153. 1832 September
Mr. [Burton] of Middlewich called relative tot he Tonnage of Salt from Middlewich, when I desired him to state the Case in writing, & which I would then communicate to the Select Committee.
Tuesday 4. Eyes in the same state. Busy in the corn & commenced carrying wheat. Wrote to Mary Holland. Received Letter from Charles Crompton with his opinion upon the late Miss Stamford's Will.
Wednesday 5. The same. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood at Newcastle tomorrow. Finished carrying wheat.
Thursday 6. At Newcastle. Met Mr. Wedgwood with whom engaged on Select Committee from 11 till 2 o'clock. Mr. Vaughan attended & a Deputation of the Carriers between Shardlow & Preston Brook. Returned home to dinner. Finished Carrying Oats.
Friday 7. At home. Wrote to Charles Crompton. Engaged on Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood again at Newcastle tomorrow.
Saturday 8. Went to Newcastle. Engaged closely with Mr. Wedgwood on Select Committee from 11 till 3. Returned home to dinner. Found Letter from Dr. Holland.
Sunday 9. Eyes painful. Read Prayers.
Monday 10. The same. Received Letter from Mr. Edleston proposing my meeting him at Trentham Inn tomorrow, in consequence of his being in meeting with Dr. Smith of Manchester for Sale of the [Cool] Estate. Wishing to see Mr. Vaughan, wrote to him to meet me at the same time.
Tuesday 11. Went to Trentham Inn & met Mr. Edleston & considered with him the offer of the £9600 made by Dr. Smith of Manchester the price we asked being £10000 & I proposed to divide the difference, if no better [terms] could be obtained but Mr. E. hoped he might get £9900. My opinion was that we should sell, as the Residuary Legatees come in so great want of this Money. Returned to dinner. The cows were today turned into the after grass in the Meadows. At Trentham Inn saw Mr. F. Twemlow, & being desirous to have some conversation with him on Navigation Business. I appointed Friday next right for that purpose, & afterwards to dine at Betley Court. On my return saw Mr. Kinnersly at Newcastle with whom I conferred a considerable (time) relative to the propose Reduction of Coals to ¾ per ton for mile. He pleaded hard for ½, but I told him I did not think this could be acceded to.
Wednesday 12. Wrote to Dr. Holland. Mr. Rob Heath called relative to the compensation to be made for the Coals desired for Harecastle, when we appointed that he & Mr. Hostage should attend the Select Committee at Newcastle on Tuesday next, conferred with him relative to the Reduction of Coal Tonnage to ¾ as I proposed. When he said he thought it was the fair reasonable [price] between the company the Coal Owners & the Public. Revd. Mr. Hutchinson of of Trentham called with a Note from Mr. Butt in favour of
Page 154. 1832 September
a cousin of Mr. Hutchinson's who proposed to offer him as a Candidate for Audley School. Afterwards the Mayor of Newcastle (Mr. Butt) with a Petition to the Land Investment of the County ( had Tabled) & another to the Magistrates for the conviction of a Person at Newcastle, & which I signed as Recorder. Took the Saddle Horses up from Grass.
Thursday 13. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers & drawing up Observations relative to the proposed Reduction & Equalization of Tonnages. Received a present of [Fruit] from [Eton]. Stamford called in the Evening having come from Burslem but returning tomorrow.
Friday 14. Wrote to Dr. Crompton. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan tomorrow.
Saturday 15. Mr. Vaughan came pursuant to appointment & with whom engaged. Showed him the observations which I had drawn up & which he considered & fully approved. Considered various matters preparatory to the General Assembly. Mr. V. dined & returned home in the Evening.
Sunday 16. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 19. Engaged on Papers preparatory to attending meeting of Mr. Wedgwood & myself, Mr. Vaughan, Henbury, Heath & at Newcastle tomorrow.
Tuesday 18. Went early to Newcastle & where engaged on Select Committee from 11 till 2. Mr. Kinnersly being with us almost the whole of the time on account of his Harecastle Coals to be left for the Tunnel, we were prevented doing the whole of the other business. Mr. W. & I agreed to meet again at Newcastle on Saturday morning next, & adjourned accordingly. Returned late to dinner not getting home till 7 o'clock. Left with the Ironmonger at Kinnerslys the Cash Book to be settled.
Wednesday 19. Wrote to [Pudder] & Fleetwood Preston Bank to pay Balance of the late Miss Stamford's account into the needs of Mistress & Co. to my condition the . . .Wrote to Eliza Roscoe & sent her £100 in part of money owing to her from the late Miss S. [materials], & Mr. F. Tomlinson & sent him order on Kinnerslys for £28.6.3 Balance remaining due to Mr. [Wheaton] for Probation of the Will. Afterwards engaged on Navigation Papers. Took Bessy in the Gig to Newcastle. In the Evening Mr. Vaughan came with whom engaged a considerable time on various papers, Settlements & Calculations relative to the proposed Reduction & Equalization of the Tonnage upon the Canal.
Thursday 20. Mr. Vaughan went very early. Engaged on various Navigation papers. Received corrected & Copied afresh the Observations which I had drawn up relative to the Reduction of Tonnages.
Friday 21. Mr. James Trubshaw came to Breakfast on his Return from making his success of the works at Anderton & with whom engaged a considerable time. Afterwards went to
Page 155. 1832 September
Betley Court to dinner, & staid all night. Dr. Northen also dined & staid all night.
Saturday 22. Long Conversation this morning with Mr. F. Twemlow relative tot he Reduction of Tonnages & other Navigation Business. From Betley went to Newcastle & met Mr. Wedgwood, & where engaged on Select Committee. I found the new Steam Carriage to go on Turnpike Road at the [Roebank Door]. Happened on a heavy Cumbersome thing, & being told appearance of being suitable for . . .Expedition, but it was said that it had occasionally gone at the Rate of 20 Miles. The [Grattons] who had the direction of it every probability sent to Mr. Wedgwood & myself with the offer of seats, if we looked to board a few Miles in it, on if one . . .the Marking, but we ever so much engaged as to be obliged to decline both. Returned to Linley Wood to dinner.
Sunday 23. Stamford came in the [Forenoon] & after attending Prayers, staid to dinner but went home in the evening, proposing to return to [Bayton] tomorrow.
Monday 24. Engaged on papers etc. preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 25. Went to Stone early, where engaged closely all day on General Committee being in the Chair.
Wednesday 26. The like on the Special General Assembly, being again in the Chair. Returned home late in the Evening.
Thursday 27. Wrote Letters to Mr. Davenport of Westwood informing him of the Reduction of the Tonnage upon the Canal; to Mr. Edleston relative to accepting Dr. Smiths offer of £9600 for the [Coole] Estate, to the Preston Bank with York Probate of the late Miss Stamford's Will. Holiday.
Friday 28. Unwell. James Barker called relative to his voting for the County of Chester & which he said he wished to do what was most agreeable to me. The Application made to him was in favour of Sir Philip Egerton & advised him to wait till he knew with certainty who were the other Candidates. Received by Post from Mr. M. [Sanderson] Notice of his intention to give Stoney field at Lady day next me less Rent reduced to £80 a year.
Saturday 29. Went to Newcastle to consult the Notice of Reduction of Rates of Tonnage upon the Canal, & engaged a considerable time with Mr. Wilkinson thereon. Mr. Wilkinson told me that he thought Mr. N. [Hatherton] would agree to have Stoney fields, & that he would mention the subject to him, & that I had better therefore wait a few days before I gave an answer to Mr. Anderton].
Sunday 30. Very unwell, having a miserable night, but read Prayers.
Page 156. 1832 October
Monday 1. Unwell. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Began getting up Winter Potatoes on the . . .adjoining the Turnpike Road. Received back from the Preston Bank the York Probate of the late Miss Stamford's Will.
Tuesday 2. Unwell, & suffering much: having had a miserable night. Letter from Mr. Kinnersly relative to Coal Tonnages upon the Canal.
Wednesday 3. In the night some severe, but short Twinges of the Gout in my ankles. Wrote to Mr. Kinnersly & to Mr. Wilkinson, Newcastle.
Thursday 4. Went to Stone, attending Meeting of Select Committee, Mr. Wedgwood & myself. Returned home to dinner. In my absence Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach & Charles [Cowell] had called.
Friday 5. Much Rain. In the afternoon Thunder & Lightning with heavy Rain. Engaged in the morning on papers. Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Reduction of Tonnage Notice having some doubt whether the Macclesfield part of the Canal not been properly mentioned. Wrote to Mr. Ward proposing to see him relative to Stoney field & sent the Letter by Samuel Jones. Mary Holland with the three Children arrived about teatime. Mr. Ledward called on his way to Macclesfield, authorized him to sell the Public House for 2400 if he could get no more.
Saturday 6. Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach came with Charles Cowell, & engaged with the former a considerable time on the Perlington Affairs, & the Discharges necessary to be given for the money due to the Trustees and the Settlement & the Execution of the Will of the late Mrs. Simms, when he said that he would immediately write again to Miss Brundrett & Co to propose the £120 being paid to the Executors, the Trustees being made . . Parties to the Discharge. The Registrar at Chester to be applied to, to ask whether he would grant Admin. of Ralph Audley effects to Charles Cowell done, his . . .being incompetent. Wrote to the Revd. Mr. Turner Newcastle upon Tyne thanking him for his information relative to the Potteries in the North.
Sunday 7. Read Prayers.
Monday 8. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Ward relative to Stoney field & when he informed me that Mr. Anderton would pay the Rent to Midsummer next being under a mistake at the time of Entry when he gave the Notice to quit. I requested Mr. Ward to offer the House etc. at £90 a year, or as Mr. Anderton had . . .Landowners upon the [occasion]. Found that he would take 80 Guineas . Called upon Mr. Wilkinson & pointed out to him the omission on the Navigation Tonnage Notice, in not excepting the cut of 100yds, at the . . . After my arrival at home
Page 157. 1832 October
violent storm of wind & Rain.
Tuesday 9. At home. Eyes so indifferent as to make Reading or Writing very painful.
Wednesday 10. At home. The same.
Thursday 11. At home. The same. Mr. Wicksteads, Foxhounds ran a Dog & Bitch Fox to Earth in the [Storm] Wood after a Run of 52 minutes without a break. Mr. W. & Mr. Charles Ford took Lunch & put up their Horses. I then went with them to the Earth, where some Men were busy digging out the Foxes, & which employed them till 7 or 8 o'clock at night, when the Huntsmen & Mr. Lawtons Gamekeeper Oakes brought the two Foxes up to Linley Wood, where the Huntsmen wished to have taken some of the Hounds all of which had been kept up in the Stable, but this I pressed upon him not to do, & he both Foxes home. Mr. Wickstead & Mr. Ford had gone home in the course of the afternoon. The Horses & Hounds appeared to be much tired with their Run.
Friday 12. After a bad night . . .all day. Pain in the head & Limbs.
Saturday 13. The same with much sickness. Pain in the head.
Sunday 14. Still very unwell. Stamford came & attended Prayers & afterwards dined.
Monday 15. Still unwell. Mr. Davenport called. Wrote to Mr. Ward of Newcastle & to Kinnersly ordering payment of £164.16.4 on account of Balance owing to him from the late Mr. Bent & Co. Newcastle.
Tuesday 16. The same. Dined at Clough Hall. Lady Warburton, Mrs Glegg, Revd. Mr. Mainwaring, Mr. Davenport of Longport, Henry Davenport & Mr. &Mrs. Wm Davenport.
Wednesday 17. At home. But still very unwell.
Thursday 18. Very unwell. Gout in my ankle. Copied afresh the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Select Committee, General Committee & Special General Assembly for entry in the Book.
Friday 19. Gout still plaguing about me, but went to Maer to call upon Mr. & Mrs. Charles Langton, taking Mary Holland & Bessy with me. Met Mrs. Wedgwood & Mrs. Langton on the Road, with whom we stopped a short time & then went on to Maer, where we saw Mr. Langton & Miss Langdon. Eliza & Emma being out. Returned home to dinner.
Page 158. 1832 October
Saturday 20. At home. In the Evening Gout so . . .that I . . .difficulty got upstairs.
Sunday 21. Upstairs.
Monday 22. Mr. Davenport. Gout violent in both feet & the two fore fingers of the left hand. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence of Birmingham came to dinner on their way home from Chester, but I was too ill to see them being confined to Bed.
Tuesday 23. Confined to Bed. Severe Pain. Mary Holland & the Children left us.
Wednesday 24. The same. Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence left us. Revd. Mr. & Mrs. C. Langton called, but unable to see them.
Thursday 25. Severely ill in Bed. Pain almost unbearable.
Friday 26. The same.
Saturday 27. The same. Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Crompton came to dinner bringing Eliza Roscoe with them.
Sunday 28. The same. But had a conversation with Charles relative to Miss Stamford's Will, & on my construction of which he agreed. They afterwards left us on their way to Town.
Monday 29. The same. E. Roscoe went.
Tuesday 30. The same. Mr. Vaughan came & with whom engaged a considerable time though very unfit for it , on Navigation business.
Wednesday 31. Still confined to Bed & unable to get up at all, further than being lifted out of Bed & laid upon the Sofa for a few Minutes at night whilst the Bed was remade.
November
Thursday 1. The same.
Friday 2. The same.
Saturday 3. The same. Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach came with whom engaged some time on the Perlington Affairs.
Sunday 4. The same.
Monday 5. The same.
Tuesday 6. The same. The Revd. Mr. Mainwaring called.
Wednesday 7. The same.
Thursday 8. The same.
Friday 9. The same.
Saturday 10. The same.
Sunday 11. The same.
Monday 12. The same.
Tuesday 13. The same.
Wednesday 14. The same. Mr. F. Twemlow called with Stamford, & came upstairs, & sat half an hour with me.
Thursday 15. The same.
Friday 16. The same.
Saturday 17. The same.
Sunday 18. The same.
Monday 19. The same. Mr. Vaughan came again, & with whom engaged some time.
Page 159. 1832 November
Tuesday 20. Ill & confined to Bed as before, but something better.
Wednesday 21. The same, but still better.
Thursday 22. The same but still confined to Bed. But sat up for a short time.
Friday 23. Got up late & carried on a sofa into the Dressing Room.
Saturday 24. The same.
Sunday 25. The same.
Monday 26. The same.
Tuesday 27. Carried on the sofa into the late Miss Stamford's Room. Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Wilkinson came with whom engaged a considerable time perusing Draft & considering the proposed Bye Laws for the regulation of the Canal.
Wednesday 28. The same.
Thursday 29. In the Evening went downstairs for the first time, but with great difficulty.
Friday 30. Still ill, & scarcely able to move, but again went down stairs.
December
Saturday 1. The same.
Sunday 2. The same.
Monday 3. The same.
Tuesday 4. Though very unfit for it, went in the Carriage to Stone, where engaged all day long on General Committee.
Wednesday 5. At Stone. Engaged in General Assembly. In the Chair both days. Returned in the Evening.
Thursday 6. Fatigued & unwell. Right Foot again considerably swelled. Miss Wedgwood of Camp hill & Eliza Wedgwood called.
Friday 7. Rather better, but still unable to walk without great difficulty & advised by Mr. Davenport not to do it, but to keep my foot up on the Gout Stool or Sofa. Bessy went to Newcastle to call on Mrs. Northen.
Saturday 8. The same & confined to the House.
Sunday 9. The same.
Monday 10. The same.
Tuesday 11. Gradually but slowly mending, & took a short airing in the Gig, the day being very fine.
Wednesday 12. The same. Engaged on Navigation papers. The same.
Thursday 13. The same being still unable to walk, or to get on horseback.
Friday 14. The same. Engaged all morning examining & settling Cash Accounts & Books during the time off my illness. Went out again in the Gig, being still unable to walk out doors. Sad restless & sleepless night.
Page 160. 1832 December
Saturday 15. Gradually growing better, but unable to bear a common shoe. In the house all day & engaged on various business. Saml. Beardmore brought me an account of voters who had expressed their determination to vote as I should do, although proposing application had been made to some of them to give [Plumpers] to Mr. Rupert.
Sunday 16. Read Prayers for the first time that I have been able to do it since my illness.
Monday 17. Went to Newcastle it being the Poll for the Northern Division of the County. Gave my votes for Edward [Baker] Esq. & [Jesse] [Walter] Rupert Esq. asked Saml. Beardmore, John Bayley, Saml. Jones, Thomas Moors, & John Bent all of whom, without any application on my part, sent one word that they should vote as I voted, & in which they continued resolute, although showing application had been made to some of them to vote otherwise. John Lowe from . . .was prevented voting by his vote not having been registered thereon he had decided his intention to vote as I voted. Returned to dinner.
Tuesday 18. At home & in the House all day, being not so well, & some swelling in the right foot. Read part of John Taylors Records of his Life. Amusingly but not very correctly written, & any of the anecdotes recorded being by his own confession of doubtful [writing]. Toll Road at Newcastle . . .& Mr. Barker having a large . . .
Wednesday 19. The same. Examined & Copied afresh & sent to Mr. Vaughan, the Minutes of the last Trent & Mersey Navigation General Assembly: The Minutes of the General Committee had been left with him at Stone.
Thursday 20. The same. Mr. Vaughan came & with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation Business. Wrote to Dr. Holland, & sent him Certificate of his Marriage. Still unable to go out.
Friday 21. Being better today, got on horseback & rode a short time , but I found myself very feeble & in pain, & soon obliged to return. Engaged on sundry papers. Received Notice from Revd. Mr. Anderton of his intention to go to Stoney field on 24 June next.
Saturday 22. In the house all day feeling myself very unwell. Sent to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach in consequence of a Letter from Mr. Field respecting the Money remaining to be paid to the late Mr. . . .Fenton, & afterwards wrote to Mr. Field. Wrote to Mr. Anderton acknowledging the receipt of his Notice.
Sunday 23. The same as I have been for the last few days. Read Prayers.
Monday 24. The same. Engaged examining & settling annual Account.
Tuesday 25. Sad, restless, feverish, & almost sleepless night. If at a trace of Recollections & Feelings does this Season give rise! Stamford dined.
Page 161. 1832 December
Wednesday 28. Bad night. Engaged Letter writing. Mr. Davenport called. Recommended my continuing in the same course as I was now pursuing in regard to my health. One of the Fingers still retaining a portion of the Disorder, be applied in [part] Plaster.
Thursday 27. The same. The weather being mild, went out again in the Gig, being still unable to walk out of doors, or ride on horseback. Wrote to Mr. Roscoe.
Friday 28. Much the same.
Saturday 29. Engaged on sundry papers. Acct. etc. Attacked by Symptoms of a severe cold, with Fever, & much indisposition. Stamford dined.
Sunday 30. Very unwell & in bed all day.
Monday 31. The same & thus ends another disastrous year.
1833 January
Tuesday 1. Rather better, & in the afternoon came down stairs.
Wednesday 2. Still very unwell, after a restless & almost sleepless night. Engaged on papers in the Perlington Affairs, & sent a Letter to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach in consequence of one received from Miss Brundrett & Co. relative to the Money remaining to be paid to the Trustees Executors of Mrs. Simms.
Thursday 3. The same.
Friday 4. Still very unwell. Wrote long Letter in reply to Miss Brundrett after looking over their former Letters & Statements which took up much time.
Saturday 5. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. . Tomlinson at the Roebuck at 11 & with whom engaged several hours on the late Miss Stamford's Will considering Legacy Receipts, Duties, etc. etc. Returned to dinner.
Sunday 6. Still unwell. Read Prayers.
Monday 7. The same. Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.
Tuesday 8. Returned home to dinner, bringing Sir George Chetwynd in the Carriage to Newcastle.
Wednesday 9. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Wrote to Mr. C. . .Loughborough relative to Leicester & Loughborough projected Railways.
Page 162. 1833 January
Thursday 10. At home being still unable to walk out. Frost. Mr. Booth of Keele called & with whom engaged on sundry matters.
Friday 11. The same. Frost very severe.
Saturday 12. Unwell. Wrote to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach & sent him a further Letter from Miss Brundrett . . .& Co relative to Mrs. Simms Money. Engaged on various matters.
Sunday 13. Still unwell, & apprehensive of a Return of Gout. Read Prayers as usual. Frost going.
Monday 14. The same. Mr. Wm. Skerratt of Liverpool came to obtain my consent to the Executors of his late Uncle advancing the Sum of £80 to liberate the Household Goods of himself & his Father from an Execution of the . . of [Harris] Executor of Wilkinson, the Bailiff being in possession. I did not hesitate to give my consent, & wrote to Mr. Edleston accordingly in reply to a Letter from him but upon the express condition, suggested by Mr. Edleston that we should upon no account deviate further from the [discourse] of administration of the late Mr. Skerratt assets. Stamford came to dinner.
Tuesday 15. The same. Sent to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach for the papers sent to him on the [13] & afterwards engaged thereon & writing another long Letter to Miss Brundrett & Co. Stamford again dined.
Wednesday 16. Copied afresh my letter to Miss Brundrett & Co. & sent the same by the Post. Mr. Ledward came relative to the Ground Rent of the . . .House at Macclesfield, & when I gave him £476 being the half year due at [Michaelmas] last to be paid to Mr. Roscoe. Received Papers & Letters from Mr. F. Tomlinson relative to the Legacy Duties under the late Miss Stamford's Will & sundry particulars to be furnished by Mr. Winstanley as to the Effects etc.
Thursday 17. Wrote Letter to H.E. Roscoe to accompany the above papers & requesting Mr. Roscoe to obtain the confirmation which Mr. F. Tomlinson requested. Fine day, & with difficulty rode about an hour on horseback in the Grounds & [hay].
Friday 18. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to attending a Select Committee Meeting of Mr. Wedgwood & myself at Newcastle tomorrow. Looked at the Pit now sinking in the Land bought from John Turnock, to ascertain whether Mr. . . .had got any of the Coal in such Land, as about 5 yards drift found a very thin coal.
Saturday 19. At Newcastle attending Select Committee, & upon which closely engaged with Mr. Wedgwood from 11 till near 4. Executed Conveyance & assignment brought to me by Mr. Ward, of the Newcastle Brewery & which Mr. Ward assured me were perfectly correct & right. Returned home to dinner , bur fatigued & unwell.
Sunday 20. Read Prayers as usual.
Page 163. 1833 January
Monday 21. I this day entered upon the 74 year of my age.( there now follows a statement in Latin, which I cannot read).
Tuesday 22. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan who had appointed to come to Linley Wood tomorrow.
Wednesday 23. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged all morning on Navigation Business particularly as to the price to be charged for Limestone at Froghall, & the [distribution] to be made to Mr. Kinnersly for the Coals left for the . . . of the Tunnels at Harecastle.
Thursday 24. Received a Letter from Edward Crompton of Eton informing me of the death of my old & highly valued friend the Doctor which took place on Tuesday last, after a sudden Return in the night of the attack which he experienced a short time ago, but from which it was hoped that he was recovering.
Friday 25. Wrote to Edward Crompton. Afterwards engaged on Navigation papers.
Saturday 26. Again engaged on Navigation Papers drawing & copying observations relative to the satisfaction to be made for Mr. Kinnerslys coals & the price to be charged for Limestone at Froghall, preparatory to the Meeting of the Committee on Monday next. Engaged closely the whole of the day though unwell & very unfit for so laborious a Task.
Sunday 27. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 28. Went to Stone early, where engaged all day on General Committee.
Tuesday 29. Returned from Stone.
Wednesday 30. Fatigued & unwell. Wrote to Mr. James Trubshaw with copy of the order of the General Committee appointing him promised Survey of the Canal.
Thursday 31. The same. Engaged Letter writing, & on private accounts. Snow & Frost in the Evening.
Page 164. 1833 February
Friday 1. Engaged on accounts, Navigation Papers etc. Unwell.
Saturday 2. Mr. Rob Heath came with whom a long private conversation relative to the [Cooperation] to be made for Mr. Kinnerslys coals under the Tunnel, when he said he would speak to Mr. Kinnersly upon the subject. Very unwell.
Sunday 3. Thinking it necessary to see Mr. Heath again, I went to speak to him, but met him on the Road. He was [satisfied] that Mr. Kinnersly would not accept the sum proposed by Mr. [Fenton] £5500 that he said he would not mention it to him, & he was [reasonably] sure that he would not take £6000. He would deduct Compound Interest on the £7400 for 3 years the terms on which the Coals would he give if paid down immediately. I thought it necessary to see Mr. Heath immediately to prevent any mistake about the suggestion of £6000, [commencing] which I said that I would consult Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood having no authority to. . . proposition myself, but he said Mr. K. would not accept £6000.
Monday 4. A miserable night & very unwell.
Tuesday 5. The same. Wrote to Anne Marsh inclosing the half year matters of £2000 due under her Settlement on . . .Cash. Wrote also to Stamford of Leamington in reply to one from him relative to his Legacies under the Will of his late aunt. Afterwards rode out on horseback, but could not bear it long. On my return met the Revd. Mr. Bagot & Miss . . .who had called at Linley Wood, & now went back with me..
Wednesday 8. Engaged on papers preparatory to meeting Mr. [Hutchinson] Wm. Faram & Mr. Vaughan at Newcastle tomorrow relative to Mr. Kinnersly [Coals] & other business. Copied afresh the Minutes of the last General Committee for insertion in the Book. Rode out on horseback. Eliza Roscoe who we expected to dinner did not arrive.
Thursday 7. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. [Hutchison], Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Vaughan & Wm. Faram at the Roebuck, & with whom closely engaged from 11 till three, considering the rates portion to be offered to Mr. Kinnersly, when Mr. [Hutchison] finally recommended an offer of £6000, but it seemed like the opinion of all present that it would be advisable to give £6500 rather become involved about in Litigation. On my arrival at home to dinner, I had the pleasure to find E. Roscoe. Whilst at the Roebuck the Revd. Mr. Anderton called & mentioned some trifling particulars about of Taxes & Repairs of Stoney field, but gave no intimation f my wish to continue Tenant.
Friday 8. At home. Engaged Settling & copying Accounts in the late Miss Mary Perlington Affairs.
Page 165. 1833 February
Saturday 9. Engaged on papers in late Miss StamfordAffairs. I wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson thereon sending him Mr. . . .& information being left by E. Roscoe. . . .Mr. Edleston Junr. brought me the contract for Sale of the [Coole] Estate & a Letter from his Father on the late Mr. Skerratts affairs, Stamford being made a Party. I wrote to Mr. Edleston informing him that Stamford declined acting in these Affairs, but would execute a Release of the Trust. Mrs. Wilbraham & Lady Edmonston called.
Sunday 10. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 11. Rode on horseback, but unwell.
Tuesday 12. Very unwell, but engaged arranging various Deeds & Papers. Appeared to be a Return of Gout.
Wednesday 13 Bad night Engaged again on various Papers & Letters.
Thursday 14. The same & very unwell.
Friday 15. Still very unwell, but engaged all morning on the Perlington Papers & Acc. previous to going to Sandbach tomorrow pursuant to appointment with Mr. Skerratt to settle with Mr. Chas. Cowell & his wife who had taken out Letter of Admin. with the will [arranged]of the late Ralph [Audley].
Saturday 16. Went to Sandbach, considered the account relative to the late Mrs. Simms a statement of such Account to Mrs. Simms Executors for their approval. On my return called on Mr. Johnson of the Hollins, who, to my surprize informed me that Joshua Rowley made a Will but gave the Land at Butlane to Rob Rowley his eldest son from whom I purchased.
Sunday 17. Very unwell, but read Prayers as usual.
Monday 18. Mr. Rob Heath came pursuant to appointment with whom engaged a long time considering whether any proposition could be made for an amicable settlement of the question between Mr. Kinnersly & the Navigation Co., whom I promised to consult the Select Committee as to their making an offer of £6000. Afterwards called again at the Hollins to speak again to Mr. Johnson relative to the Will of Joshua Rowley when he informed me that the But Lane land etc. were by such Will given absolutely & entirely to Robert Rowley.
Tuesday 19. Mr. F. Tomlinson came pursuant to appointment & with whom engaged settling & arranging Legacy Acct. & various other matters under the Will of the late Miss Stamford.
Wednesday 20. Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Coals in consequence of a further application made by Miss Fenton, when we were of opinion that a Meeting of the Select Committee should be called & I afterwards
Page 166. 1833 February
wrote to Sir George Chetwynd proposing a Meeting of him & myself, Mr. Wedgwood being in Town attending Parliament.
Thursday 21. At home. Engaged on sundry Papers.
Friday 22. Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast, pursuant to appointment, & with whom engaged all morning on Navigation Business. Afterwards engaged on the Perlington papers in consequence of a Letter received from Miss Brundrett Spirits, & . . .inclosing Case & Counsels Opinion to payment of Monies to the Trustees or Executors of the late Miss Simms. Sent Miss Brundrett & Co letter to Mr. Skerratt for his consideration.
Saturday 23. Wrote Letter in reply Miss Brundrett & Co, but sent it to Sandbach for the consideration of Mr. Skerratt. Mr. Ledward came, with whom closely engaged examining his Account with the late Partnership of Wm. Bent & Co. Macclesfield confirming the same with the . . .etc. etc.
Sunday 24. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 25. Closely engaged all day, completing various Accounts Legacy, Receipts & . . .the Will of the late Miss Stamford & paying the Servants Legacies etc. Mrs. [Oldfield] Debts & Legacy & Wm. Heath. Mr. Rob. Heath came about an application for . . .of tonnage or [materials] for making Mr. Kinnerslys Railway from . . .to Northwich. Copied afresh the Letter to Brundrett & Co. At night much fatigued & . . .
Tuesday 26. Engaged again closely on the Executorship papers, Accounts etc. writing various Letters.
Wednesday 27. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Wolsley Bridge tomorrow to attend a Special Meeting of the Select Committee tomorrow relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Coals etc. etc.
Thursday 28. Went to Wolsley taking Mr. Vaughan from Stone & also engaged with Sir George Chetwynd, (Mr. Wedgwood being in London) considering settling the same, to be offered to Mr. Kinnersly in satisfaction for his Coals.
March
Friday 1. Called at Bishton & sat some time with Mrs. & Miss. Sparrow, the former though in her [91] year, apparently as well as when I saw her some time past, lively, & in full possession of her . . . Arrived at home to dinner. Violent Rain & heavy Flood.
Saturday 2. At home but fatigued. Engaged on papers, & writing sundry Letters.
Sunday 3. Prayers as usual.
Monday 4. Engaged on late Miss Stamford's making List of Legacy Duties etc. previous to going to Newcastle tomorrow to settle & pay the same to Mr. Hyde. Walked for the first time since my illness , on the Farm.
Page 167. 1833 March
Tuesday 5. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Wilkinson on the Road who was going to Linley Wood, in consequence of the Communication which Mr. Landor had yesterday had with Mr. Fenton relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Coals. He returned with me to Newcastle, where engaged with him some time on this business Mr. Fenton having refused to accept the Offer of £6400. Mr. Hyde not being at home I returned after writing a card to Linley Wood.
Wednesday 6. Went again to Newcastle & [returning] to Mr. Hyde . . . Legacy Rents etc. under the Will of the late Miss Stamford & settling & paying the Trustees thereon. Returned to dinner. Stamford dined. He & I executed a Transfer to John . . .[Exec.] of the two Grand [Trunk] Shares being mentioned to Stamford by his . . .& which he had sent to Mr. . . . Rode on horseback to & from Newcastle though in [cloth] . . .
Thursday 7. At home. Closely engaged all day on Executorship Papers. Bessy & Eliza Roscoe called at Rode Hall.
Friday 8. After breakfast Eliza Roscoe left us on her return home. Engaged closely perusing & inclosing the printed copies of the London & Birmingham & the Warrington & Birmingham Railway Bill which I had received yesterday.
Saturday 9. Engaged again on these Bills Wm. Faram came & finding that the Warrington & Birmingham Railway would approach [since] to Preston Tunnel. Wrote Letter to Sir George Chetwynd with observation on the extraordinary powers contained in the Bill, & suggesting the necessity of the same protecting Clause being obtained for this Canal, as was contained in the London & Birmingham Bill relative to the Grand Junction & other Canals
Sunday 10. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 11. Engaged on Navigation Business. Sent Letter which I had received from Sir George Chetwynd relative to the business with Mr. Kinnersly & Mr. Wilkinson.
Tuesday 12. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Wilkinson relative to Mr. Kinnersly's business Parochial Rates in [Elton] & Brereton Parishes in Cheshire & Reduction of the Navigation Poor Rate. Left with Mr. Hyde Ann Parkers Legacy Recd. & paid him the duty thereon.
Wednesday 13. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers & perusing & considering again the Railway Bills.
Thursday 14. Wrote Letter to Mr. Wedgwood relative to Warrington & Birmingham Bill, but receiving a Letter by the Post from Sir George Chetwynd desiring me to propose a Clause for the protection of this Canal. I refused sending the Letter. Engaged on late Miss Stamford's papers & selecting & arranging the Title Deeds to several of the [purchases] as made by me for the consideration of Mr. Tomlinson in order to seeing that they were all right.
Friday 15. Engaged drawing Clause to be inserted in the Warrington & Birmingham Bill.
Page 168. 1833 March
Friday 15. Mr. Tomlinson came pursuant to appointment, & with whom engaged on the late Miss Stamford's Affairs. Afterwards inspecting & examining various purchases particularly Linley Wood Farm purchased for Mr. [Ball] from Revd. Rowley. John [Turnock], & Mr. . . .& which he considered right & correct.
Saturday 16. Copied the Clause afresh after having considered& amended it & sent it to Mr. Wilkinson of Newcastle for his perusal previous to sending it to Mr. Wedgwood.
Sunday 17. Prayers as usual. Saml. Beardmore informed me that Mr. Smith was going to sink for Coals.
Monday 18. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Went to Newcastle & finally settled the [Report] with Mr. Wilkinson, & which was to be sent, when copied afresh, to Mr. Wedgwood by the first Post.
Tuesday 19. Wm. Faram came early with his Report relative to the W. & B. Railway, in consequence of my having requested him to inspect the Plan deposited in the Clerk of the [Record] Office at Chester, & with whom engaged the greatest part of the morning. Afterwards engaged considering & making sundry Observations previous to writing again to Mr. Wedgwood & Sir George Chetwynd. First observed the men sinking a coal shaft on Smiths Land.
Wednesday 20. Went to Newcastle to confer again with Mr. Wilkinson, taking with me Letter which I had written to Mr. W. & Sir George. Considered again the intended protective Clause, & wrote in the word "Tunnels" which had been omitted to be inserted, & which Mr. W. would desire Mr. Wedgwood to be in the copy sent to him. Left my Letter to Sir George to be sent from Newcastle with a copy of Farams Report & my Letter to Mr. Wedgwood, & of the proposed Clause. Stamford dined.
Thursday 21. At home. Engaged on papers etc.
Friday 22. The same. Engaged on Executorship Acct.
Saturday 23. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged & improving & correcting the Copy of the proposed Bye Laws of the Navigation. After he was gone, receiving Letters from Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Barker relative to the Clause for the protection of the Canal. I sent to desire that he would call again which he accordingly did, which after much Amendments of the Clause & which occupied till late at night.
Sunday 24. Sent the Letters to Newcastle by Saml, Jones in order that they might go by this days post. Prayers as usual.
Page 169. 1833 March
Monday 25. At home & engaged on various papers. Suffering much from my Eyes, which for the last two days have been very weak & painful.
Tuesday 26. At home. Heavy snow in the morning. Mr. Booth of Audley called with the Resolution of the Meeting held at Audley on the 20 instant relative to Revd. Mr. Garratts required in. . .of the Tithe, when I promised to attend a Meeting of the Committee, of whom I had been appointed me, on the 2nd April at Audley. Received by Post Letter from Mr. Wedgwood informing me that the Railway Gentlemen had refused to accede to my proposal of writing the . . .between the Railway & the Preston Tunnel, or to incur the penalty on interruption of the Canal Committee to meet the day which Mr. Wedgwood would attend.
Wednesday 27. Unwell. Eyes painful & in the House all day. Wm. Farm came again & with whom engaged. Men afterwards engaged the Water of the Gutter which discharged itself in Linley Meadow, in order to ascertain whether & how far the water might be affected by the water might be affected by the work carrying on in Mr. Smiths Land.
Thursday 23. At home.. Eyes still painful & obliged to refrain from much writing. Received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood informing me that the Committee would not alter the line of the Railway, but restrained that it being brought nearer to the Tunnel by any deviation. Suggested a further Survey being made my Mr. James Trubshaw. Received also from Mr. Wedgwood the Bill for the Letter observance of the Lords Day.
Friday 29. Eyes still the same. Wrote to Trubshaw.
Saturday 30. The same. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Wrote also (to) Wm. Faram to meet Mr. Trubshaw, & in the meantime a previous copy of the Section of the Railway. Engaged considering Title Cases preparatory to attending Meeting at [Audley] on the 2 April. Finished sowing oats.
Sunday 31. Prayers as usual.
April
Monday1. Engaged on sundry papers. Wrote to John Lawrence & [Henry] Roscoe. Sent Saml. Jones with Letters to Mr. F. Tomlinson & Mr. Wilkinson, & to the former relative to E. Roscoe & A. Marsh's Legacy [Recd]. to the latter relative to Transfer of T. Shares to Stamford.
Page 170. 1833 April
Tuesday 2. Went to Audley, attended Meeting relative to Revd. Mr. Garratt's claim of Tithes. Mr. Heathcote, F. Twemlow, Mr. Wedgwood (of) Bignall End & myself. Came to a Resolution to wait the Result of the [Correction] Bill intended to be brought before Parliament by Lord [Althorpe] this day. On my return found Mr. Vaughan with whom engaged on Navigation business. He staid (to) dinner & returned home in the Evening. Fine mild day, with light Rain.
Wednesday 3. At home. Unwell.
Thursday 4. The Morning, being very wet prevented my going to Newcastle to call upon Mr. Ward relative to Stoney field house to Mr. Anderton etc. etc.
Friday 5. Went to Newcastle. Saw Mr. Ward, & who referred to the Dr. of the Lease. Repairs necessary o be done by Mr. Anderton to be looked over & the . . .agreed to be taken by the Landlord under the Law, to be enclosed. Acknowledged in writing with Mr. Heathcote to be proposed. Soon after my return about 3 o'clock. Mr. [Smith], accompanied by a person who I did not know, called to request my permission to turn the water from his colliery access Linley Meadow & offering to make any satisfaction or to pay which I might require, but which I entirely refused, explaining to him the injury & consequence his colliery would be to my property.
Saturday 6. At home. Stamford came to dinner.
Sunday 7. Read Prayers as usual. In the evening sent the [Perfect] Copy of Miss Stamford's Will to Arthur Marsh to go per Liverpool Mail tomorrow morning. Sent to Mr. Thomas for John Davies. Received from Mr. Wedgwood on Warrington & Birmingham Railway.
Monday 8. Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow to attend Meeting of the General Committee & General Assembly. Read over & considered the Railway Bill, & made Minutes of the same. Afterwards rode out on horseback. Met Stamford, who returned with me & dined at Linley Wood.
Tuesday 9. The second anniversary of the day of Grief and sorrow !!!! Went to Stone, where engaged all day on General Committee, as Chairman.
Wednesday 10. At Stone, & engaged at General Assembly as Chairman. Returned home in the Evening.
Thursday 11. At home. Tired & unwell.
Friday 12. Revised & corrected the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Genl. Committee & General Assembly & copied the same afresh, for insertion in the Book. Eyes again painful.
Saturday 13. Went to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Ward in consequence of a Letter from him relative to taking proceedings for survey of the money due to late Wm. Bent & Co Newcastle from (blank) Baddeley when I assented to proceedings being carried . . .to directions which had been given by Mr. John Bent. Sent . . .Hudson to the Men at work at Mr. Smith's.
Page 171. 1833 April
Saturday 13. Colliery to give them notice this I could not prevent the water from the work to be thrown onto my Land & that if they proceeded to do it was at their own peril as I showed being in action.
Sunday 14. Read Prayers.
Monday 15. Sent early this morning by Saml. Jones, the Proceedings of the last Genl. Committee & Genl. Assembly to Mr. Fairbanks, to be forwarded by him to Mr. Vaughan. Engaged on late Miss Stamford's completing Transfers of W. & B. Canal Shares to Stamford & Mrs. [Oldfield] at £260 per Share the sum named by Mr. John Lawrence as what might be fairly accounted the . . .price on the 16 March last when they agreed for them. Stamford came to dinner. Mr. Skerratt of Newcastle called to solicit my vote as one of the Executors of the late Mr. Skerratt of Nantwich at the intended appointment of a [Bank keeper] to the salt work concerns at Winsford, when I informed him that the Executors on their land, nor would have any thing to do with their concerns further than discharging the late Mr. Skerratts share of any deficiency at the time of his death, & that I felt assured that both Mr. Edleston & Mr. . . .would remain in my determination not to interfere as it might be construed with a continuance of the Partnership, & to prove any mistake I wrote to Mr. Edleston to this effect by Mr. Skerratt who said that he was going to Nantwich tomorrow. Executed a Transfer to J. Caldwell of six shares of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal dated 16th March being the time when he agreed for the same & the Transfer of one share to Mrs. B. Oldfield.
Tuesday 16. At home. Engaged on various papers & matters. Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson, inclosing one from Mr. [Green] of [Ashby] the . . . .on [Cookhills} business.
Wednesday 17. Mr. Audley came early, & with whom finally arranged new carpet & a cotton [Furniture] for the Breakfast Room, & which he engaged to have completed by the 17 May next. Afterwards went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson on [Cookhills] business, when he promised to write to Mr. [Green] by this Post. Paid Mr. Hyde the Legacy duty on the 2 shares of the T. & M. Canal left to Stamford by his late aunt, & left with Mr. Hyde the Legacy Receipt. Saml. Jones informed me that Mr. Smith was beginning to build on the Land near to the Wood field.
Thursday 18. Engaged on late Miss Stamford's Affairs. Copied afresh the Transfer of 1 share of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal sold to Mr. Robert Parker, the Transfer sent from Birmingham having been accidentally displaced. Went to Talk on the Hill, viewed with Mr. [Shaw] & Saml. Boardman the Stone Quarry, & arranged that Mr. S. & Mr. B. should set out the Boundary of Mr. [Shaws] Land & Mine. I directed a Gate to be set up at the entrance into the Quarry. Afterwards looked at Talk Chapel. Received by the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd with a Copy of the Clause & altered by Mr. . . .for notification of the Tunnel at Preston Brook, but which had been rejected by the Railway Company.
Page 172. 1833 April
Friday 19. Engaged on Navigation Papers in consequence of Letter received from Sir George Chetwynd. Sent note to Etruria to enquire of Mr. Wedgwood was to gone to Town, but finding that he was not but was still I understood to go to Maer tomorrow.
Saturday 20. Went to Maer &had a long conversation with Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Preston Tunnel & the Railway Bill. Returned to dinner. Cold day with heavy showers.
Sunday 21. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Trubshaw. Prayers as usual.
Monday 22. Wrote to Mr. Lawrence with the Probate of Miss Stamford's Will & the Transfer of the shares of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal sold to J.Caldwell, [Bailey] & Oldfield & Mr. Rob. Parker. Engaged examining Mrs. J. Accounts, in consequence of the Bank Of England requiring an acknowledgement from me that I was organized of the Receipt & Application of the two last Dividends on 3000 . . .part of her Estate. First observed the Swallow. Weighed the Chestnut Colt 48 sold to . . .& Co Macclesfield 50/-.
Tuesday 23. Sent the probate etc. to Birmingham. Wrote to Miss [Padder] & Mrs. S. late Barkers at Preston relative to the Cons. Dividends. Went to Sandbach on Perlington Affairs & to see Mr. Skerratt, who promised to come to Linley Wood tomorrow. Left with Mr. Williams the Deed to make a Tenant to the . . .& declining the uses of the Recovery last suffered by Mr. C. Lawton in order there Mr. Wilbraham might get the same executed by Mr. Wickstead. James Faram inspected the . . .into which Mr. Smith is about to throw his Mine Water, & also the water course in my Land the Gauge of which he also examined & found right. Went to Bradwall & called upon Mr. Sneyd, who I found in a very feeble and infirm state, & apparently fast declining.
Wednesday 24. Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach came with whom engaged on Perlington Affairs when he promised to get his Account prepared & that a Meeting of the Executors should be held as early as convenient to settle the Accounts etc. etc. Mr. S. looked at the papers laid by Mr. Smith into his ditch in the Meadow & thought that his [showing] the water into my meadows was a complete . . .& brought to attention. He said that he was sure the Trustees of the Turnpike Road could not permit the pipes to be laid across the Road. That he would consult them upon it & give notice to Mr. Smith accordingly. Heard the cuckoo.
Thursday 25. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd. Mr. Wedgwood having sent me one from Sir George & which he had desired him to send . . .relative to the arrangement which had been made with the Railway Company.
Friday 26. Engaged on sundry matters. Stamford dined.
Saturday 27. The same. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd relative to the Sale of the Navigation Co. Shares in order that the money due to Mr. Kinnersly for his Coals might be further paid.
Sunday 28. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 29. At home. Engaged all morning on late Miss Stamford's Affairs. Wrote to the Accountant General of the Bank of Engalnd, Mr. Lawrence & John [Hartley] Esq. Hail & Rain
Page 173. 1833 April
Tuesday 30 Engaged on sundry matters & Accounts. Called upon Mr. Johnson of the Hollins, who I found in a dying state, by whose bedside I sat sometime, as he seemed much gratified at seeing me. Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd. Cold Rain.
May
Wednesday 1. At home.
Thursday 2. Engaged on various matters. Stamford dined.
Friday 3. Received Tunstall & Great Chell Road Bill from Mr. Wedgwood, respecting which Mr. Wilkinson & Charles Trubshaw came in the Evening, such Bill affecting the Navigation. Long conversation when we determined that Trubshaw should go immediately to London with the Plan etc. Bessy set off this morning to Nantwich. On going to the Hollins intending to call upon my neighbour Mr. Johnson, his son informed me that he died this morning about 10 o'clock.
Saturday 4. Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Afterwards dined at Mr. Northens. The Family from Betley Court except Mr. F.T. who was prevented coming. Mrs. Moreton & Mrs. Balcombe. In consequence of a Note from Mr. Wilkinson went to his office where engaged with him & C. Trubshaw making final arrangements preparatory to the latter setting off this evening to London. Fine mild day.
Sunday 5. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended the re-opening of Talk Chapel, to which considerable additions have been lately made under the direction of the Revd. Mr. Garratt vicar of Audley. A numerous & respectable congregation. A sermon which would have been good & appropriate had it not been spirited by Egotism & personality. After the service, Mr. John Wood of [Brownhills] came down to Linley Wood, & staid with me sometime walking round the [wood] Garden etc. & then taking coffee.
Monday 6. Sent Mr. John Ward some Broccoli ,understanding from what he said it would be very acceptable. Engaged on Miss Stamford's [Dining] out account of J.T.C. Legacy of £2000, Duties etc. preparatory to settling the same with him this afternoon, & having promised to dine here. Sent a Letter received from Miss [Bradbury] & Bagshaw of Macclesfield & Mr. Ledward. Turned out the cows into the House Field.
Tuesday 7. Attended Funeral at Audley Church, Church of my old & much respected neighbour Mr. Johnson of the Hollins who died on Friday last. Took the Revd. Mr. Garratt with me in the Carriage. On my return found Mr. & Mrs. J. Wedgwood & Eliza had called & left cards. Cut asparagus.
Page 174. 1833 May
Wednesday 8. Sent Messenger to Nantwich with some fresh asparagus to Bessy. Wrote to E. Roscoe. Sent with some other things the Legacy . . .for her Share of the Books [Prints] etc. of the late Miss Stamford. Called upon Mr. Johnson of the Hollins & finding him still in a state of great disturbance of mind & spirits invited to come down & work about the Grounds & Gardens at L. Wood. Went afterwards with John [Frost] to Mr. Shaws & settled to their mutual satisfaction a dispute between them relative to the working & getting of the Coal Mines of Mr. Shaws Colliery. Sent to Stamford by his servant requesting him to dine but he could not come. In the Evening Mr. Johnson came down & with whom I walked across , but he has appeared to me to be very ill & engaged his getting medical advice.
Thursday 9. Wrote the Receipt to be given by Mr. Shaw to John Frost & where Mr. Shaw afterwards signed. Engaged settling & paying Frost for work done at the Pit sunk in Saml. Beardmore's Land. In the afternoon Thunder & fine Rain. Received by the Post from E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh, also from J. Lawrence with Warwick & Birmingham Canal Dividends. Called at noon at Mr. Johnsons, but who was in bed, & as they informed me very ill. Davenport had been called in. Wm. Faram came, with whom engaged relative to a . . .which had been exposed by the Weaver Company to co-operate with this company in respect to a [recommendation] from [Acton] Bridge.
Friday 10. Called at Lawton Hall in consequence of late . . .in the Family for Mr. Wm. Lawton eldest son of the late John Lawton having died on the (blank) instant in consequence of having become entangled in the machinery of a Bone Mill at [Potts] Kingsley, by which his arm was torn off & he was otherwise so much injured as to occasion his death. He was about 18 years of age, very promising, & was working with a Gentleman at P. Kingsley preparatory to his going to the University.
Saturday 11. At home. Wrote to John Lawrence. Revd. Mr. Anderton & Mr. Ward (of) Newcastle.
Sunday 12. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended Service at Talk.
Monday 13. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged on Navigation business. Stamford came to dinner & staid all night. Got early Potatoes.
Tuesday 14. Went early to Nantwich to see Mr. Edleston on the late Mr. Skerratts Affairs & with whom I had a long conference, particularly relative to the Title to the [Coole] Estate & the sale of the Shares of the Settlement Concern, the latter of which we determined i[ndisputably] to another meeting. Returned in the Evening , leaving Bessy who was so busy that she could not return back with me. Sent Mrs. Clarkson some early Potatoes, French Beans & Asparagus.
Wednesday 15. Went to Keele & called upon Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood at Mr. H. Wedgwood's. Returned to dinner.
Thursday 16. At home. Bessy arrived from Nantwich to dinner.
Friday 17. At home. Turned the Riding Horses into Linley Meadow. Engaged in the morning on sundry papers.
Saturday 18. At home. Ditto.
Sunday 19. Read Prayers as usual.
Page 175. 1833 May
Monday 20. At home. Engaged on the late Stamford's Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. F. Tomlinson who had appointed tomorrow for coming here to arrange respecting . . .Account etc.
Tuesday 21. Wrote to Captain Bradshaw in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the . . .Carrying Trade. Mr. F. Tomlinson came with whom engaged till 4 o'clock on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Wednesday 22. Went to Newcastle & paid by recommendation of Mr. F. Tomlinson the Legacy Duties on the 4 remaining Trent & Mersey Canal Shares & the 3000 . . .to Mr. Hyde.
Thursday 23. At home. Unwell. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Engaged all day on late Miss Stamford's Affairs & Accounts. Extremely hot & dry.
Friday 24. Bessy & I dined at Betley. Mr. John Wedgwood being there upon with Revd. Mr. Garratt dined. He said that the Alterations of Talk Chapel had cost £900.
Saturday 25. Returned home to dinner. The Wedgwood's appointed to come to Linley Wood on Tuesday June 4.
Sunday 26. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr. Drake preached. A great plain upright Service.
Monday 27. At home. Wm. Faram came relative to agreeing with Mr. Kinnersly for Harding wood Mill & the Main Waters, when I directed to have as far as he could the [current] . . .of the water, with, or without the Mill. Mr. Shaw called to whom I mentioned the [depreciation] upon the coal in my Land & said that I am willing to have the compensation to be made me to a . . .& which he approved & said he had no obligation to Mr. Rob Heath who I mentioned, but he wished first to speak to John & Wm. . . . I told him that I would have nothing at all to do with them, nor consider to him my name to be used in any thing he may say otherwise as I might notably take up some other severe measures against them.
Tuesday 28. At home. Mr. F. Twemlow called, with whom a long conversation on Navigation Business particularly as relative to Capt. Bradshaw, the communication at Anderton ,& the River Weaver. Afterwards engaged with Mr. Audley putting up Prints in the Breakfast Room etc.
Wednesday 29. Took Bessy in the Gig to Newcastle, where engaged a considerable time on various matters.
Thursday 30. At home. Mr. Mason of Newcastle came & tuned the Piano Forte & [violin cello]. After dinner had a long musical conversation with him.
Page 176. 1833 May
Friday 31. Engaged on various matters.. George Beardmore with papers relative to [alterations] relative to the additions made to Talk Chapel, previous to the same being shown to Mr. Tollet, when I suggested a more particular Acc. being made with which he said he would get done & bring it to me on Monday morning.
June
Saturday 1. At Newcastle again. Eliza & Mr. Roscoe came to dinner.
Sunday 2. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 3. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged a long time on Navigation Business. Afterwards George Beardmore with more particular Account of Talk Chapel additions & alterations done by order of the Revd. Mr. Garratt, & which he said that he would show to Mr. Tollet. Drew the Pond in the Farm Yard, which we had stored with a large quantity of fine Carp & Tench, but to my great surprize & disappointment took nothing but a few small Tench & Carp.
Tuesday 4. At home. Mrs. & Miss Wedgwood arrived to dinner.
Wednesday 5. Engaged with our Friends. Mrs. & Miss Tollet & Rob. Wedgwood came to dinner & staid all night. Dr. & Miss Northen dined, Mr. Tollet prevented coming by an Engagement at Lord Talbots.
Thursday 6. Engaged again with our Friends. The Tollets & R. Wedgwood went after breakfast.
Friday 7. The same. Mr. Mrs. F. Twemlow & Miss Fletcher came to dinner & staid all night. Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersly who had engage to dine prevented coming by Mr. Kinnersly being obliged to attend the Induction at Lichfield, Revd. Mr. Mainwaring also prevented coming. Got green Peas of which we had a plentiful dish at dinner.
Saturday 8. The Twemlows & Miss Fletcher went after Breakfast, & the Wedgwood's early in the afternoon, returning to Betley Hall. An . . .& suffering day, this being the 49 anniversary of the day which united me to my beloved & ever to be Eliza, though now a Saint in Heaven.
Sunday 9. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Mr. Wilkinson came to consult me on urgent Navigation business, particularly Cockshutt business, when from the conduct of the Parties we are both of opinion that it would be proper to proceed with the [Execution]. Considered also various points relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Title to the Harecastle Mines, & which he left with me the Draft of the Conveyance for my perusal & consideration.
Monday 10. Mr. James Trubsahw & Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast pursuant to appointment on their way to Anderton & Preston Brook, & with whom a long conversation, preparatory to their seeing Mr. Bradshaw. Afterwards looked over the Draft Conveyance left with me by Mr. Wilkinson, & then went to Newcastle & had a further
Page 177. June 1833
June 10. Conference with him on the business & also on Cockshutts, when he determined to go to Stafford & see Mr. [Keene].
Tuesday 11. Weary, listless, & unwell, & unfit for anything! the consequence of too much effort during the last week.
Wednesday 12. The same. Mr. Ward of Newcastle came relative to the Agreement for letting Stoney Field to Mr. N. Heathcote which we arranged & I appointed to go over on Saturday to view & settle the Repairs etc.
Thursday 13. Still Unwell. In the morning Miss Dawson & Miss Wrench called relative to the Repairs of [Rode] House & which I said should be done at the mutual expense of the Parties intended. I also explained to them the difficulty & delay which had arisen on annd of the late Mrs. Simms & the late Ralph Audleys money, expressing my great desire to have the Executor ship Account settled.
Friday 14. At home. Better but still unwell. Looking over Letters & papers relative to Stoney fields preparatory to going to Newcastle tomorrow.
Saturday 15. Went to Newcastle. Walked up to Stoney field with Mr. Anderton & Mr. Ward. Looked over the premises. Agreed to have the question as to what Repairs need to be done by Mr. Anderton, & which by myself, to Mr. Watson of Stoke. Spoke also to Mr. Hulse about the painting which I desired him to look over. & then we called at Mr. Wilkinson's on Cockshutts business, when he showed me a Letter to Mr. [Keene] of Stafford, which he had written, & which I approved, & which he said he would send by the Post.
Sunday 16. Read Prayers as usual. Letter from Mr. . . .. Meeting of Gen. Committee.
Monday 17. At home. Received Letter from Mr. Ward.
Tuesday 18. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Wilkinson, with whom engaged on Cockshutts business & the Meeting of the Gen. Committee. Called also upon Mr. Ward settling further particulars as to Repairs of Stoney fields etc. Bessy accompanied me in the Gig.
Wednesday 19. Engaged on sundry matters. Considered Audley Tithe Question, & desired Saml. Beardmore to make enquiry as to the incumbency of the Revd. Mr. Wright & Revd. Mr. Stanier former Vicars of Audley. Went to Sandbach & saw Mr. Skerratt on the Perlington Affairs. Saw also Mr. Williams who said that he [would] copy the Lawton [Recovery] Deed at Betley Hall with Mr. Tollet for execution by Mr. Wickstead, but that he was going there tomorrow, & would get it completed. Thomas Reeves called.
Thursday 20. At home. Corrected Audley Tithes Question & papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Committee & the Parishioners tomorrow at Audley.
Friday 21. Attending Meeting at Audley when engaged from 11 to 5, when the business was
Page 178. 1833 June
friendly & amicably settled between the Vicar & the Parishioners & in [affecting] which I had the pleasure to be instrumental the kind of arrangement which I proposed being unanimously approved by the Vicar & the Landowners & Tenants present & adopted. It being highly desirable to preclude that all with which the Tithes so [frequently] occasions between the Minister & the [Companies] of Farms & Lands & proposed that the Landowners should take upon themselves to pay a certain [coverage] in proportioned according to the Poor Rate Survey, & to be taken by the Vicar in satisfaction of all the advantages which the Vicar would . . .from them he agreed to accept i January instead of 3 which he had required & the matter was so settled to the satisfaction of all Parties. Might not a judicious application of the principle be confirmed in all cases?, & with useful . . .
Saturday 22. Went to Newcastle to have spoken to Mr. Ward relative to the Audley Tithe Agreement, but he not being at home, I left a Note, expressing that it should be distinctly expressed that the Landowners agreed only for themselves respectively etc. not jointly or for one another. Called also upon Mr. Wilkinson on Navigation Business. Saw Mrs. Moreton who said that she & Mrs. Sneyd of Keele who intended calling at Linley Wood. She wanted me to meet & dine with Sir George Chetwynd on the 9 July. Understanding that Mr. Drake, Mr. Garratts Curate, would do the duty at Talk tomorrow on his return from Tunstall, where he was to [perform] it in the morning. I sent to invite him to dine here.
Sunday 23. In the morning Read prayers as usual. Mr. Drake came to dinner. Took him with Bessy in the Carriage to Talk when he read prayers & Mr. Garratt preached.
Monday 24. At home.
Tuesday 25. Went to Newcastle & executed Transfer of Shares belonging to the Navigation Co. to Mr. Salt & Mr. [Pointon]. Long conference again with Mr. Wilkinson relative to Cockshutts business.
Wednesday 26. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers.
Thursday 27. At home. The same.
Friday 28. Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged examining the Minutes of the . . .of the Gen. Assembly etc. & making various [amendments] preparatory to the Meeting of the Gen. Committee on the 2nd July. He promised to write to Mr. James Trubshaw & desire him to come here on Monday next. After Mr. V. was gone I rode out, & met Mr. [Reid], who speaking of the late Reduction of Tonnage of the Pottery Materials & Goods, said, that it was the most absurd thing that ever was done, being entirely unecessary, & uncalled for, circumstanced not at all requiring it. Boulton the Tenant of the Public House at Macclesfield, late belonging to the Brewery called, & after some conversation appointed to come again tomorrow with Mr. Ledward.
Saturday 29. Ledward & Boulton came when we settled respecting the House. Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd. Engaged on Navigation Papers.
Page 179. 1833.. June
Sunday 30. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended the Service at Talk Chapel.
July
Monday 1. Engaged on Papers preparatory to attending Committee Meeting at Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 2. Went to Stone, & where closely engaged all day on Committee. Mentioned to Mr. F. Twemlow my instruction of proposing a Subscription in aid of the expense incurred by the Rev. Mr. Garratt in the alteration of Talk Chapel, when he promised to write to Sir Thos. Boughey upon the subject & let me know whether he would contribute. Returned at night.
Wednesday 3. At home. Fatigued & unwell. Wrote to Mr. James Trubshaw suggesting further information necessary to be obtained relative to Mr. Sneyds Coals.
Thursday 4. Revised & copied afresh the Minutes of the Committee Meeting, & sent the same, with a Letter to Mr. Vaughan, by the Post. Wrote also to Mr. Wilkinson relative to obtaining payment on security for the costs & expenses in Cockshutts business. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd appointing to meet me at Newcastle on Wednesday next.
Friday 5. Still unwell. Flying pain of Gout & great depression of Spirits. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of the Letter received from Sir George Chetwynd.
Saturday 6. The same. Eyes affected, so as to render writing or reading very painful. Passed an idle useless day, not I hope a common case with me.
Sunday 7. Read Prayers as usual. Thunder & Lightening with uncommonly heavy Rain.
Monday 8. Went to Newcastle & met Mr. F. Twemlow, when after some conversation we called upon Mr. Kinnersly pursuant to the Regard of the General Committee & amicably settled with him & Mr. [Vaughan], all parties in the dispute relative to the payment for Harecastle Coals. Title etc. etc.
Tuesday 9. At home. Engaged on Papers previous to meeting Sir George Chetwynd tomorrow at Newcastle where we had appointed to hold a Select Committee Meeting. Began Mowing in the Meadow.
Wednesday 10. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Ward, but he being engaged, rode up to Stoney fields. Spoke to Mr. Hulse junior relative to the painting & gave him directions as tot the inside & suggested him to send me an . . .of painting the outside. Mr. Thursfield, who was doing the Repairs was not there but afterwards called upon Mr. Wilkinson where I gave him directions about some trifling particulars. Went to Mr. Wilkinson's office at 12. Found Mr. Vaughan, Sir G. Chetwynd, & Mr. Landor came soon after, & where engaged on Select Committee. Afterwards dined at Mrs. Moretons at Wolstanton. Sir George, Miss Chetwynd, Revd. Mr. Bagot, Mr. Hales & (I think) Mr. Bentley & his nephew, Mr. Landor & Mr. Wilkinson. Returned home at night.
Thursday 11. At home. Finished Mowing the Meadow. In the Evening Eliza Roscoe & her six children arrived.
Page 180. 1833 July
Friday 12. At home. Unwell. Revised & Copied afresh the Select Committee Minutes, & wrote to Mr. Vaughan therewith by Post. In the Evening Stamford arrived. Weather so foggy & inclement to Rain, as to prevent our doing anything in the Hay.
Saturday 13. Busy in the Hay, the weather having improved.
Sunday 14. In the Morning Read Prayers. In the afternoon, we all attended Service at Talk. Long light shower of Rain.
Monday 15. Fine sunny day & very busy in the Hay, having 18 or 20 people at work in it. Stamford left early in the afternoon, going to Stafford on his way to Mr.[Bishtons].
Tuesday 16. Again very busy in the Hay, the weather being very fine. Carried 27 loads out of the Meadows on this side of the foot Road. Mrs. Kinnersly called.
Wednesday 17. The same. Finished carrying Hay out of the Meadow. The whole being 42 loads, being 32 on this side the foot Road & 10 below.
Thursday 18. Went early to Cliffe Ville relative to me executing a Deed of Cov. for [preduction] of the Deed declaring the uses of a Fine . . .of Property at Derby . . .the Estate of the late Mr. Stamford, & which had been sold to a Mr. [Eley] & desired Mr. F. Tomlinson & with whom I left the Deed & . . .£15 writ to Mr. Lucas, Solicitor Lincolns Inn fields London, who had made the application, to me upon the subject. Soon after my return home Mary Holland & the Children from Brook Street called, on their way to Knutsford, & where she fixed to make their visit to Linley Wood on their return to London. Carried the Hay out of the Croft by the [small] Road, & out of Swallow Moor Meadow 4 Loads. Thus completing an excellent Hay Harvest, but just on the conclusion of which this Evening, it began to rain.
Friday 19. Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged on Navigation Business. Sent to James Barker by John Davies written instructions for registry of my vote for the County Of Chester. Afterwards rode down to Alsager & gave Mr. Barker directions to be careful to get it done & paid him the 1/-. Rain.
Saturday 20. Unwell. Engaged on Half yearly Accounts. Miss Dawson came relative to Letting the House at Rode Heath to some Person whose behalf Mr. R. Wilbraham had looked at and approved it. I consented to a Lease for the term of 14 years at the present clear Rent, on a proper lease being executed.
Sunday 21. Read Prayers as usual, but the weather being stormy & unfavourable we did not attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 22. At home. Very unwell, but engaged on sundry matters & papers.
Page 181. 1833 July
Tuesday 23. At home. Very unwell. Flying pains of Gout. Wrote to Mr. Edleston on Skerratts Affairs.
Wednesday 24. This morning early Eliza Roscoe received a Letter by the Post from Mr. Roscoe announcing the stoppage of their [Bank], his [Ruin] in consequence of payment of their Bills having been refused by their Bankers in Town. She determined to go home immediately, but their being no room in the first Coach, she went in the second about 2 o'clock. Passed a miserable day in consequence of this calamitous account. Misfortune indeed seems of late to have had her hand upon me, & I fear it will prove too heavy long to support & had a suspicion indeed of miseries have I had to endure within the last 4 years!!
Thursday 25. Unwell but engaged on the late Miss Stamford's papers preparatory to settling with Mr. F. Tomlinson tomorrow the Account of Residue of the Estate.
Friday 26. Unwell. Mr. F. Tomlinson came about eleven o'clock in the morning & with whom engaged till 12 o'clock at night on Miss Stamford's Affairs, Account of Residue etc. when it was determined to obtain the Opinion of Counsel on several points particularly, whether the specific Legacies for [intent] from the death of the . . .or only from the [expiration] of one year etc. Mr. F. T. went home though so late.
Saturday 27. Very unwell but went again through the Papers, & made observation as to other points in which it may be advisable to take the Opinions of Counsel.
Sunday 28. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended Service at Talk Chapel. Bessy, the two Roscoe Girls & the oldest Boy also attended. In the evening very unwell.
Monday 29. Great Depressing of Spirits. I had sinking of the Heart, compared with which all Gout & bodily pain seem light & inconsiderable. Bessy received a Letter from E. Roscoe, but with a comfort less Account of the Affairs of the Bank. Wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson on Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Tuesday 30. Still very unwell. Perused Act of Parliament & made observations in writing relative to the power of the Navigation Company to alter the course of the Towing path at Anderton.
Wednesday 31. The same. Eyes weak & painful. Bessy had the misfortune to break the bone of her little finger by falling from a chair in which she was getting to put up some Books. I sent immediately to Mr. Davenport who came & set the fracture & said it would be of no consequence. Received long Letter from E. Roscoe principally relative to her late Aunts Affairs.
August
Thursday 1. Still very unwell. Engaged on Miss Stamford's papers & making observations in writing in consequence of Eliza Roscoes Letter.
Friday 2. The same. Engaged again on the papers & making observations in writing thinking it necessary to consult Mr. F. Tomlinson on various points which had
Page 182. 1833 August
in consequence of the unfortunate state of Wm. Roscoes Affairs.
Saturday 3. Went early to Cliffe Ville, & had a long conference with Mr. F. Tomlinson, in consequence of which I determined to go immediately to Liverpool though very unfit for the Journey.
Sunday 4. Various further important considerations having occurred to my mind on these affairs. I set off this afternoon on my journey & got to Prescott, where I staid all night.
Monday 5. Arrived at Brook Farm early to Breakfast. Charles Crompton, who I much wished to see, being at Chester attending the Assizes. Eliza informed him by Letter of my being here & my wish at Brook Farm & requesting to see him as soon as he could . . .
Tuesday 6. Considering these unfortunate affairs, as a little relief to Eliza, took her to Zoological Gardens.
Wednesday 7. Waiting for Charles Crompton, but he did not come till Evening, when I explained to him what I had done in Miss Stamford's Affairs, all of which he approved, & also of the opinion of Counsel being taken upon the points proposed by Mr. F. Tomlinson & myself.
Thursday 8. Set off on my return home & arrived at Linley Wood between 5 & 6 o'clock. Found a present of Grapes from Mrs. Crompton of Eton.
Friday 9. Fatigued & unwell. The Revd. Mr. Turner who had come to reside with his son, a Surgeon at Audley called with a Miss Bury from London, to look at the place, when I walked with them in the Grounds, & they afterwards had Luncheon. Received Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan.
Saturday 10. The Children left us about 9 this morning on their return. Sent by them a Letter to Eliza Roscoe inclosing G. T. Dividends & a Note to Mrs. Crompton. Answered Letters received from Sir G. Chetwynd, Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. Ford of Abbey field as to [Charter] of John . . . Wrote to Mr. Williams (at) Sandbach, with enquiry after the Lawton Deed left with Mr. W. for execution by Mr. Wickstead. Sadly & weary in body & depressed in mind.
Sunday 11. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended Service at Talk Chapel. Much disgusted with a Meeting of Methodists in a Field so near to the Chapel as to be heard from it.
Monday 12. Wrote to E. Roscoe returning the Draft of a Will which had been drawn for her by Mr. H. Roscoe & which I recommended to her to execute. Wrote also to Mr. [Gwynn] of the Agency Office in reply to an Application for the remaining Duties on the late Miss Stamford's property. Began cutting Oats in Banky Swallow Moor, but on looking at them with Saml. Beardmore we thought them not quite ready & stopped further cutting.
Tuesday 15. Weary & dejected, & almost incapable of any exertion.
Wednesday 14. The same. Letter from Sir George C. appointing & requesting Meeting of Select Committee to be held at Wolsley Bridge on Monday next instead of Stone, as a personal accommodation. Wrote to him expressing my ready acquiescence. Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan informing of the Meeting.
Page 183. 1833 August
Thursday 15. Went to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Wilkinson informing him of the Meeting, but as he had nothing particular to lay before them, & as he . . .to him to attend on Monday, I said that he would be excused. Took Tickets & places for Bessy & myself for Paganini's Concert on Saturday Evening, all the places for Friday being engaged.
Friday 16. At home. Unwell. Perused & Considered a Draft of Case & [Queries], received from Mr. F. Tomlinson, in the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford's proposal to be laid before Counsel. Began cutting Wheat in the field. Purchased from Miss (blank) Busy in the Harvest.
Saturday 17. Busy in the Harvest. Wrote to Peake for an attested Copy of H. E. Roscoe's Settlement. Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Select Committee at Wolsley Bridge on Monday next. In the evening took Bessy to Paganini's Concert at Newcastle. His performance particularly on the single string is certainly very satisfying, & displays the extraordinary skill or dexterity of the performance, & capacity of the Instrument, but as music I thought little of it, & should feel no desire to hear it again.
Sunday 18. In the morning read Prayers. Weather cold & wet & which prevented our attending service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 19. Set off early to Wolsley Bridge, going in the Gig to Stone, from whence Mr. Vaughan & I took a Post chaise & arrived soon after 11. Engaged on Committee till near four, when we took a hasty dinner & I returned home that night.
Tuesday 20. Fatigued & unwell. Revised the Minutes of the Proceedings of yesterday previous to copying the same for Entry in the Book. Received Note from Mr. F. Tomlinson appointing Thursday next for meeting me at Newcastle on the affairs of the late Miss Stamford. Finished cutting oats.
Wednesday 21. Closely engaged all morning, selecting & considering papers preparatory to meeting Mr. F. Tomlinson tomorrow. Received Letter from E. Roscoe. The conduct of . . .appears to have been most infamous, & to have been the . . .occasion of the miserable circumstances which has taken place.
Thursday 22. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. F. Tomlinson on perusing & considering Draft of Case & . . .under the Will of the late Miss Stamford & finally settling the same for Counsel. Returned home to dinner. Found Letter from Peake promising a copy of E. Roscoe's Marriage Settlement, which I had requested him to furnish me with.
Friday 23. At home. Fatigued & dejected & feeling deeply the . . .my loss & disappointment, which I have myself suffered, & by which my power to afford that assistance & relief which I so earnestly seek, is so much . . .& limited.
Saturday 24. Wm. Faram came, with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation business.
Sunday 25. Read Prayers in the morning. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel. A comfortless Letter received by her from poor Eliza, with a miserable account of the Bank Affairs. My heart aches to its very core for
Page 184. 1833 August
herself, her Husband, & their four Children. But the case is far beyond any power of mine to remedy. From the sorrows & disappointments which have of late come so thick upon me, I endeavour to harden myself against misfortune, & to learn that philosophy which consists in practice, not in speculation, & to think of the world only as it deserves. His a Dream which is in fact drawing to a close with me, & must shortly end with everybody.
Monday 26. Mr. Tomlinson's Clerk [Covt.] A Deedof [Coc.] for production of the Deed & [Fine] relating to property in Derby heretofore sold to (blank) & which I executed, desiring at the same time by a Note to Mr. F. T. that an attached copy might be made to be kept with the Deeds & [Fine], & at the expense of the Parties. Engaged in the Grounds etc. etc. Received Note from Mr. Wedgwood.
Tuesday 27. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood. Copied afresh the Minutes of the last Committee Meeting, & wrote to Mr. Vaughan therewith. Wrote also to Mr. Wilkinson respecting Kinnerslys Bonds & Deed of Indemnity relative to Harecastle [Coals] Danl. Thomas Light conveyance of some Houses at Talk on the Hill for my perusal, & finding some irregularity in the execution of it I recommended his showing the Deed to Mr. Harding by whom it had been proposed.
Wednesday 28. At home. Busy in the Harvest. Finished carrying the Wheat out of the Land bought from Miss [Hatchell]. Began carrying oats. Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood in reply to a Note from him expressing his readiness to attend Sel. Committee whenever necessary. Long fine Harvest weather.
Thursday 29. Went to Sandbach early. Called upon Mr. James Skerratt relative to the Perlington Affairs, when he promised to fix an early day for coming over to Linley Wood & bringing the papers & brochures, in order that we might go through the whole of the accounts, & arrange the affairs as far as possible. Called also upon Mr. Williams who delivered to me the Recovery Deed relating to the purchase from the Lawtons, executed by Mr. Wickstead the . . .Received Letters from Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan on Navigation business. Finished carrying Oats, which we had no sooner done, than Rain came on, & was at night very heavy.
Friday 30. Danl. Thomas brought his Title Deeds which I again examined, & found the Title correct, but advised him to speak to Mr. Harding again, as to the execution of the conveyance by Wm. Wilshaw. Henry & Albert Crompton called on their way into Leicestershire. They took some refreshments but I could not prevail upon them to stay (to) dinner & all night. In the evening heavy Rain.
Saturday 31. At home. Eyes very weak & troublesome & rendering Reading or Writing painful. Violent Storm of Wind.
September
Sunday 1. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel. Sermon preached by a stranger. The [inclosing] of the Liverpool
Page 185. 1833 September
Sunday 1. appeared in the Sun Newspaper . . . the [Ruin] of Thomas Fletcher, William Stanley Roscoe, Richard Roberts, John . . .& Francis Fletcher. Bessy had also a Letter from E. Roscoe announcing this wretched Event.
Monday 2. At home, but suffering from my Eyes. Looked again over the Perlington Papers.
Tuesday 3. At home. Eyes the same.
Wednesday 4. At home. The same, but looked over & selected various Navigation papers which I was likely to have occasion to refer to previous to the next Committee Meeting, & also prepare to take with me to Maer tomorrow when I propose calling upon Mr. Wedgwood.
Thursday 5. Went to Maer, but Mr. Wedgwood was gone out. Bessy accompanied me to call upon Mrs. Wedgwood, who is still in a very weak & infirm state. Found there Mr. & Mrs. G. Tollett, . . .Wedgwood & Dr. Dawson junr. Returned to dinner. Received Letter from Mr. P. . .Derby relative tot he completion of his purchase of B. . .in Derby & complaining of Mr. Balgarys delay.
Friday 6. Sent Mr. P. . .'s Letter by the Post to Stamford at Buxton & wrote to him therewith, [requesting] his going over to Derby. Oakes killed a hare & a [half] of Partridge on the Alsager Estate, & Mr. Booth of Audley caught a hare.
Saturday 7. At home. Unwell.
Sunday 8. Prayers as usual. Mr. James Trubshaw came just before dinner on Navigation business. He dined & staid till about 5 o'clock, & in the mean time I had much conversation with him on several matters of much importance to the canal. His arrival prevented our going to Talk Chapel as Bessy & I had intended.
Monday 9. At home. Eyes still rendering Reading or Writing painful & loathsome, but looked over sundry Navigation Papers & wrote to Mr. Vaughan requesting to him to come over to Linley Wood this week & having the [Committee] Minutes preparatory to the Meeting on the 24th.
Tuesday 10. Unwell with Mr. Johnson of the Hollins the Turnpike Road the Fence at the Hollins which is in a dangerous state & recommended his calling upon Mr. Fenton the Clerk to the Trustees & representing the necessity of the Fence being repaired. Received from Mr. Tomlinson the Case in the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford with Mr. Knights opinion, which I carefully perused & considered, & concluded to go to Cliffe Ville tomorrow morning previous to writing to Mr. Charles Crompton, from whom I had received a Letter yesterday.
Wednesday 11. At home, but very unwell. Perused & considered the Case & Mr. Knights opinion in the affairs of Miss Stamford, & made observations. Considered a Will brought by John Lowe & his [wife], & giving them my opinion & advice thereon. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan, appointing Saturday next for his coming to Linley Wood.
Thursday 12. At home. Still unwell. Got Grapes out of the Hot House.
Friday 13. Went to Cliffe Ville. Considered with Mr. F. Tomlinson the opinion obtained in Miss Stamford's affairs, & made appointment for settling the Residue Account & a Meeting of the Trustees under the Will. On my way back called upon Mr. Ward, with whom I
Page 186. 1833 September
went up to Stoney field. Saw Mr. N. Heathcote & looked at the alterations of the Grounds & House, & which appear to be great improvements. The Gin at Mr. Smiths colliery was begun upon & a fresh annoyance thus given to my enjoyment of Linley Wood.
Saturday 14. Mr. Vaughan came, & with whom engaged all morning looking over the Minutes of the General & Sel. Committee, making Memorandum for next General Committee & other matters.
Sunday 15. In the morning read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr. Garratt preached.
Monday 16. Wrote to Mr. Charles Crompton & sent him a Copy of the Case & Mr. Knights opinion on Miss Stamford's affairs, proposing also Meeting of the Trustees under the Will at Linley Wood on the 28 of this month. Wrote also to Eliza Roscoe. Sent the whole by the Mail.
Tuesday 17. Engaged again on papers & accounts in Miss Stamford's Affairs. Eyes weak & painful. Looked at several [accounts] in the Hollins Ground which had been lately [purchased]]& which John Crossley told me of this morning. E. [Anderson] . . .& papers of the [Debts] for the presentation of . . .particularly Hollins.
Wednesday 18. Eyes weak & painful. Saml. Jones first mentioned one of the large Oaks in the [Road] field being cut by the Bricklayers at work for Mr. Smith, & which I then viewed.
Thursday 19. Eyes the same. Engaged in the Grounds. Cut down two small oaks, etc. in the Fence at the old Road in the front of the House. In the Gazette of Tuesday last appeared the Bankruptcy of my unfortunate Son in Law, Mr. Roscoe & the Bank in which he was engaged. To what a train of painful recollections & anticipations does it lead?
Friday 20. James Barker came & with whom settled the account of his Rent ,& of which he paid £100 on account. Looked with Saml. Beardmore at the . . . by Mr. Smiths Bricklayers. Desired him to speak to Mr. Smith about it and also to see Mrs. Walker, relative to her staying another year at Foxholes, which I understood that she was very desirous to do. Received Letter from Charles Crompton fixing Saturday the 28 for meeting Mr. Lawrence here on the late Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Saturday 21. Wrote to Mr. Lawrence. Unwell & confined to the House almost the whole of the day, & still suffering from my Eyes.
Sunday 22. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk. Mr. Drake.
Monday 23. Called on Mr. Thos. Ledwards near Wolstanton, in consequence of an Application which I had received from Mr. Thos. Bullock for the purchase of the [Grapes] Public House at Macclesfield, but Mr. L. was not at home. On my return engaged on papers etc. preparatory to attending Meeting of the Genl. Committee at Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 24. Went early to Stone. Closely engaged all day on Committee. Returned home at night.
Wednesday 25. At home. Fatigued & unwell.
Thursday 26. Mr. Thos. Ledward came relative to the Public House at Macclesfield, & I wrote to Mr.
Page 187. 1833 September
Bullock accordingly. Wrote to Capt. Bradshaw informing him of the request of the Committee, that Mr. F. Twemlow & I would confer with him upon the subject of the Pottery Carriage. Afterwards engaged on papers in Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Friday 27. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with intelligence of the sudden death of Capt. Bradshaw on Tuesday last. Mr. Lawrence, Chas. Crompton & G. Roscoe came to dinner.
Saturday 28. Mr. F. Tomlinson came to breakfast, with whom & Mr. [Lawrence] & Mr. Crompton closely engaged the whole of the day & till late at night settling the Residuary Account on the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford etc. etc.
Sunday 29. After breakfast Mr. Lawrence & C. Crompton left us on their return home. Read prayers as usual.
Monday 30. At home. Eyes very troublesome & making me unfit for business.
October
Tuesday 1. Eyes the same. Miss Dawson came relative to the House at Rode Heath, when was arranged that Mr. Williams of Sandbach, as Solicitor of Mr. Randle Wilbraham, should prepare the Draft of a Lease proposed by him, & send it for my perusal. Mrs. Walker paying her Rent, when I agreed that she should continue another year. Eliza Roscoe went to Maer. Sent a present of Grapes to Mrs. Wedgwood.
Wednesday 2. Went to Rode Heath & looked with the Ladies at the Repairs of the House, let to Mr. R. Wilbraham. Invited Mr. Collinson who was at Rode Heath, to dinner tomorrow. Viewed this morning with Mr. Elliot ( the Surveyor of the Newcastle Road) Mr. Johnson & S. Beardmore the Repairs necessary to be done at the Fence opposite to the White Lion, & which Mr. Elliot thought reasonable & proper to be done by the Trustees of the Road. Joseph Hudson informed me of this intention of his wife & himself to give up service on account of her sight, which has of late been much affected, & [oncoming] blindness.
Thursday 3. Engaged on sundry matters. Bessy & E. Roscoe, who she met at Newcastle on her return from Maer, called at Wolstanton, but Miss Moreton was away from home.
Friday 4. At home. Bessy & E. Roscoe called at Clough Hall, but Mrs. Kinnersly was from home. Began sowing wheat. Invitation from Mr. Lawton to dine today at Lawton Hall, but which I could not accept, expecting Dr. & Mary Holland & the Children, & who came to Tea. Stamford sent a Horse to . . in the leg.
Saturday 5. Engaged all day with Dr. Holland, & with whom I had much interesting conversation both on . . .& . . .affairs. Our opinions upon both exactly coinciding. Amongst other things I showed him the Will & explained to him what had been done in the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford & which he fully approved.
Page 188. 1833 October
Sunday 6. Dr. Holland left us early this morning going in the Gig to Maer on his return to Town. The Horse Gin at Mr. Smiths colliery was at work almost the whole of the day.
Monday 7. Saml. Beardmore showed me the ditch along which Mr. Smiths mine water is thrown & by that means passes into my ditch & watercourse. I desired him to inform Mr. Smith who he expected to see in a day or two that I could not submit to this, as it would be very injurious to my property, & if persisted in could . . .me just to bring an action. This was . . .product to what I had before send by Letter to Mr. [Dutton], Mr. Smiths Solicitor. Began digging the ground for a Plantation for a Screen against the Reservoir which Mr. Smith had created upon his Land. Viewed also with Saml. Beardmore the ditch at the bottom of the Meadows into which the drains for laying it along empty . . . & in which he found a considerable deposit of [tar] & by which in a short time the mouth of the drains would be stopped.
Tuesday 8. Eliza Roscoe left us on her return home & Mary Holland went to Maer. Elizabeth Wedgwood coming for her.
Wednesday 9. At home.
Thursday 10. Went to Newcastle on sundry matters. Brought Mary Holland back to Linley Wood to dinner.
Friday 11. Executed Transfer before Mr. Fairbanks at the Red Bull to Wm. Mills & Henry Smith both of Birmingham of two Shares of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal part of the Estate of the late Miss Stamford No. 785 &786 in [commission]of £275 each & of 2 Shares of the Warwick & Napton Canal in [commission] of £224 each & which had been sold by Mr. Lawrence as arranged at the Meeting on the 28 Sept. Eyes very painful all day. Stamford arrived in the evening. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan desiring him to advise Mr. Wedgwood of the Meeting of the Select Committee on the 24 instant. Sent by Saml. Jones this morning a Note to the Mayor of Newcastle excusing my not accepting his invitation to dine with him at the Sessions on Wednesday next.
Saturday 12. At home. Eyes very painful.
Sunday 13. Received Draft of Lease of Rode House to R. Wilbraham Junr. Esq. per Mr. Williams with letters from him & Mr. R.W. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & Stamford attended Service at Talk.
Monday 14. Went to Sandbach & saw Mr. Williams with whom I left the Draft of the Lease, & which he acknowledged & gave me much "praising" particularly in the particular respects which I [printed] it, & he said that he would carefully change & alter the Draft & then send it to me again. In the evening Saml. Beardmore informed me that they had hit upon coal in Mr. Smiths Land.
Tuesday 15. I this morning, in the presence of Saml. Beardmore informed Hammersly Mr. Smiths Tenant, & James Hancock who was . . .at the Colliery, which of the mine waters was thrown into my Ditches or watercourses I should bring an [Action] at Law.
Wednesday 16. At home. Very unwell.
Thursday 17. Mr. Vaughan came, with whom engaged on Navigation business. Still very unwell.
Page 189. 1833 October
Friday 18. Went to the Red Bull Office, re executed the Transfer of the Warwick & Napton Canal Shares which I received last night from Mr. Lawrence in consequence of an Error & which I returned to him by this days Coach. Afterwards met Mr. Thos. Mayer of Newcastle who said that he was coming to Linley Wood to procure my signature to an Address of Condolence intended to be presented to the Duke of Sutherland tomorrow by a Deputation which had been appointed for that purpose, but it seeming to me that my Signature in Accordance without attending the presentation might appear to be a want of disrespect to his Grace. I mentioned this to Mr. Mayer, who said that he felt the power of my observation, & that he would mention it to the Gentlemen this evening in the course of which I should hear from him. Engaged on papers in Miss Stamford's Affairs preparatory to meeting Mr. F. Tomlinson at Newcastle tomorrow. Stamford came on his return from Knutsford Sessions.
Saturday 19. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. F. Tomlinson. Whilst engaged with him, Mr. Hall & Revd. Philips the Trustees of the Borough & Mr. [Coombes] came to request my attendance at the presentation which having consented to be produced at Trentham Inn & where we met the Mayor (Mr. Saml. Mayer) & Mr. Fenton. After I had signed the Address we presented the Mayor, Mr. R.Hall, J. Phillips, Thos. Mayer, Mr. Fenton & myself to the Hall where we were received by the Duke & Duchess, their Children being present in the most kind & obliging manner. After I then introduced Mayor & the other Gentlemen by name to the Duke. Mr. Fenton read the address, to which the Duke & Duchess with great attention, the Duke replied expressing in a very elegant & responsive manner dwelling much upon the strong sense which he put as their mark of respect, his late father & the honour done to himself. I had then the pleasure to sit some time next to the Duchess & had a great deal of conversation with her in which it was supposed most to desire the most amicable . . .& . . .added to an extraordinary & . . of manner & hardness of [department] The Duke was the same . . .as I had [conferred] him . . .& kind & friendly. I understood from Mr. Fenton had expressed much pleasure on hearing that I had attended the presentation. We afterwards partook of a long lunch, & came away everyone of the party gratified & delighted with the reception we had met with. On our return we called at the [Leys ] & . . in drinking a few jovial glasses of wine with Mr. Fenton. I took the Mayor to his home at . . .& then returned home.
Sunday 20. Prayers as usual. Mary Holland, Bessy, Stamford & the Children attended service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 21. At home. Unwell.
Tuesday 22. The same. In the afternoon Stamford left us.
Wednesday 23. Went to Newcastle, & met the Mayor & other Gentlemen at the Public Office to settle the Report of the presentation of the Address to the Duke of Sutherland. From thence to Cliffe Ville on Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Thursday 24. Went early to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.
Page 190. 1833 October
Friday 25. Returned from Stone.
Saturday 26. At home. Engaged making out Eliza Roscoe & Ann Marshs Accounts in Miss Stamford's Affairs. Saml. Beardmore informed me that they had given up [further] getting or search for Coal in Mr. Smiths Land.
Sunday 27. In the morning Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Mary Holland & Bessy with the Children attended Service at Talk. In their absence Mr. Tomlinson came & with whom engaged some time considering & discussing his plan for the abolition or arrangement of the Title. His proposed . . .constitution for the Potteries. The dispute in the Parish of Stoke relative to the Church Rates, with the Letter proposed to be sent by the Rector in reply to an Application made to him to call another meeting, & an introduction of which suggested by me he approved and considering also the Arrangements in respect of the intended approaching . . .for the benefit of the North Staffordshire . . . In the course of the conversation I could not but be forcibly . . . with the knowledge however & good sense which he arrived in the discussion of these various subjects & the candour with which he listened to any observation which I made. Pity! That all this should be in general defeated by the total want of transfer & self command.
Monday 28. After an early Breakfast, Mary Holland & the three fine & outstanding Children under her care left us on their return home. Eyes very weak & painful.
Tuesday 29. Eyes the same & rendering writing or Reading troublesome & painful.
Wednesday 30. The same.
Thursday 31. The same. Wrote to E. Roscoe & Anne Marsh sending them further money on account of late Miss Stamford's Estate! Wrote also to Mr. F. Tomlinson desiring him to ride over to Linley Wood, wishing to consult him on the subject of Mr. Smiths Colliery. The Fox hounds came, & lost the Fox after a smart Run from Alsager [Sprint], in the Earth in the . . .Wood. Mr. C. Ford, Mr. White of Newcastle, & two other Gentlemen took some refreshments on horseback. Afterwards Mr. Wickstead, Mr. Hales of Cobridge, Mr Child Grandson of the Admiral, & the Revd. Edw. Powys took Luncheon. After them Mr. J. Wood of Burton & a young Farmer of the name of Barker came up to the Farm & took Luncheon. Then came Mr. Trubshaw, who had been at Talk, surveying the work done at the Chapel, & who staid to dinner, when we had much conversation & correction of Navigation business.
November
Friday 1. Mr. Williams of Sandbach with the Draft of the Lease of Rode House to Mr. R. Wilbraham which I approved & promised to speak to them respecting letting to him the piece of Land called the [eight] days work, & the small piece of Land belonging to the House entitled by them. Mr. Wedgwood called.
Saturday 2. Mr. F. Tomlinson came with whom & Saml. Beardmore surveyed the Lands
Page 191. 1833 November
& Watercourses affected by Mr. Smiths Colliery, & the Water received thereupon, when Mr. T. being of opinion that Mr. S. had no right to throw his water into my Watercourses in the manner in which it is done. We resolved that he should write to Mr. Dutton Solicitor thereon, & that Mr. . . .should be retained on my part, as Counsel in case I should be drawn to bring an Action.
Sunday 3. Joshua Hancock called this morning, & confirmed what he had before said that there was no coals in Mr. Smiths Lands that would . . .the expense of an Engine, & that the money [laid] out in me would be thereon away, but which he said he should tell Mr. Smith, who he understood intended to contact him on the occasion. He said the Buildings lately erected & the Colliery as at present worked was certainly a great nuisance to my property, & that the Mine Water thrown into my Watercourse was of a very poisonous nature. Mr, Vaughan came to dinner & to consult & settle the communication proper to be made to Mr. Southern (the newly appointed Agent f the Bridgewater Canal in the place of Mr. Bradshaw who had lately resigned) relative to the carriage of Pottery Goods & raw material between Runcorn & the Potteries, when having suggested a few alterations in the Statement proposed by Mr. V. he said that he would get a fair copy for my [refusal], & which I recommended should afterwards be shown to Mr. Wedgwood.
Monday 4. At home. Sent Letter to Mr. F. Tomlinson requesting him to postpone sending a Retainer to Mr.[Jervis] & Letter to Dutton till I had seen Stamford. Wrote to Mr. Hartley, Solicitor, & to Mr. John Lawrence, Birmingham, acknowledging to the former Receipt of . . .Yards Mortgage, & to the latter Receipt of Warwick & Birmingham Canal [Dividend] but Warwick & Napton Div. Left unpaid. Invitation from Dr. & Mrs. Northen to dinner on the 12 inst. but which we declined.
Tuesday 5. At home. Perused & considered papers received from Mr. F. Tomlinson being the Case & Declaration in the Colliery Cause [against] [Martin] Eyes very painful.
Wednesday 6. Mr. Reid called, with whom engaged relative to the proprietors made by Mr. Reid & Co. respecting the Carriage via Anderton of Pottery Goods & [Martins], & which I took down in writing. At night Stamford arrived.
Thursday 7. Closely engaged all morning perusing & considering Letters & papers relative to the above proprietors, & writing long Letter thereon to Mr. Vaughan, with his proposed Letter to Mr. [Latham]. Sent an . .. [Ticket] to Mrs. Martin, Newcastle.
Friday 8. At home. Much suffering from my Eyes. Stamford called at Trentham, but the Duke was gone to Lilleshall. In the Evening Joshua Hancock called to inform me that
Page 192. 1833 November
Mr. [Finistone]of Newcastle, to show Mr. Smith had offered to sell his Land, but was looking it over with him (Hammersley) today, but both were of opinion that there was no Coal worth getting, & that Mr. Smith had no right to throw his Mine water into my watercourse, as now done.
Saturday 9. Stamford left us, on his Journey to London by way of Derby.
Sunday 10. Read Prayers in the morning as usual, but the inclemency of the weather prevented me attending at Talk Chapel in the afternoon as we had intended.
Monday 11. Wrote to Eliza Roscoe her Letter received a short time ago relative to investment of the Trust Monies under the Settlement made on her Marriage. Joshua Hancock came with calculations showing that Mr. Smith's Mines were not, as he had before stated worth getting, but that the Colliery was now attended with considerable daily loss.
Tuesday 12. Went with Bessy to Stoke, & attended the performance of Sacred Music in the Church, which went off very well, but the attendance was not so full, as we expected, & it was proved would severely defray the expense.
Wednesday 13. At home. Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Thursday 14. Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.
Friday 15. Returned from Stone to dinner. Found that Mr. Sutton of Shrewsbury had called yesterday in my absence.
Saturday 16. At home. Fatigued & unwell. We had today green Peas at dinner, nearly as fresh & good as in July.
Sunday 17. Unwell, but read prayers as usual.
Monday 18. The same & confined all day in the House. Perused & considered Draft of the conveyance of House in Derby to Mr. P. . .received on Saturday last from Derby received from Stamford on Saturday last & making his observations thereon.
Tuesday 19. Sent cards of Invitation to the Mayor of Newcastle. Mr. Fenton, Rob. Fenton, Mr. Hall. Mr. Mayor's son, Thos Phillip & Mr. [Coombes] to dinner on Thursday the 28 November at ½ past 5. In the House being still unwell. Bessy unwell with Cold & Fever, Mr. Davenport came to see her.
Wednesday 20. Executed in the presence of John Davies Conveyance to Mr. [Firmstone], that I had received from Mr. Ward of the Duke of Wellington public House on Land late belonging to Bent & Co. & sent it afterwards to Mr. Ward by Saml. Jones. Wrote also to Mr. Balgary of Derby with the Draft of the conveyance to Mr. P. . .and proffered Bond of Indemnity with my Observations thereon.
Thursday 21. Wrote to Mr. Henry Roscoe, & after signing, returned to him Receipt & Order for Dividends on [Regent] Canal Shares belonging to H .E. Roscoe. Eyes being still very troublesome. Consulted Mr. Davenport, who strongly urged my abstaining from writing, & the use of an Application which he promised to send. N.B. Letter omitted being sent by this Post.
Friday 22. At home. Eyes the same.
Saturday 23. Went to Newcastle on sundry matters. Left a written order at [Downs] for [High} etc. for Thursday next.
Page 193. 1833 November
Sunday 24. Read Prayers as usual in the morning. Prevented going to Talk in the afternoon by Bessy being still unwell, my own Eyes being very indifferent, & the weather wet & inclement.
Monday 25. At home. Eyes painful, but engaged on various matters.
Tuesday 26. The same. Engaged on Navigation Papers relative to the Carrying . . .
Wednesday 27. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Revised & copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee for Entry in the Book. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan, appointing to be here at ½ past 8 o'clock on Friday morning next to confer with me previous to his seeing Mr. [Latham] the Agent of the Bridgewater Canal that day at Runcorn.
Thursday 28. The Mayor of Newcastle ( Mr. S. Mayer Esq.), Mr. Fenton, Rob. Hall, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Coombes, being (with Mr. Thos. Mayer junr. I invited but who was prevented coming) the [Deputation] who presented the Address from Newcastle to the Duke of Sutherland, dined, also the Revd. Mr. Garratt.
Friday 29. Mr. Vaughan came early to Breakfast, (on his way to Worsley), & with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation Business, preparatory to his conference with Mr. . . .the newly appointed Agent of the Bridgewater Canal particularly relative to Carriage between Runcorn Transshipment at Anderton . . .Improvement of the Canal or the plans etc. & on which matters Mr. Wedgwood had desired to see me.
Saturday 30. At home. Engaged on Navigation papers etc.
December
Sunday 1. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 2. Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 3. Went early to Stone. Closely engaged all day on General Committee. Lord Harrowby in the Chair.
Wednesday 4. The same. General Assembly. Lord Harrowby again in the Chair. Returned home in the evening.
Thursday 5. At home. Fatigued I unwell. Engaged on private Accounts. Navigation papers etc.
Friday 6. Wrote to J.S.C. at Leamington, with a Letter received yesterday from Mr. B. . .relative to the House in [Gower]. Wrote & sent to Miss Dawson by Henry an order on Kinnerslys for payment of £17.17.2 on behalf of Repairs of Rode House. Wrote & sent to the Revd. Mr. Garratt Audley by Saml. Beardmore a Mourning Ring which he had dropped & left in the Drawing Room the day he dined here.
Saturday 7. Went to Newcastle taking Bessy with me, who with Mr. F. Tomlinson the . . .in the Bond on that united admin. to the late Miss Stamford granted out of the Court at York, to [enable] me was for the Mortgage per [£5000] due John York Esq. to the Trustees under Miss Stamford's Will. Recd. Sir Wm. Dunbar of [Ashwell] was the Surrogate. Mr. F. Tomlinson thinking it prudent to give Mr. Smith notice, that if the water from his Mines was thrown into my Ditches, I should bring an action. I desired him to write to Mr.
Page 194. 1833 December
Smith accordingly. Returned to dinner.
Sunday 8. Read Prayers as usual. Thomas Alcock came to offer himself as Butler in the place of John Davies. From his former good behaviour, & understanding that a good character be given by Mr. [Rigby] in whose employ he was, I agreed to take him from Christmas next. He desired to leave the wages entirely to me.
Monday 9. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood at Newcastle tomorrow.
Tuesday 10. Went to Newcastle where engaged with him on Select Committee, Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan attending. Returned to dinner. Found invitation to Bessy & myself to dine at Betley Court on the 18 inst., but which owing to our proposed journey to Nantwich in that week, we declined.
Wednesday 11. At home. Engaged on the Perlington Affairs in consequence of a Letter which I had received from Mr. Field, & wrote to him.
Thursday 12. Eyes again very troublesome. Wrote to Mr. Edleston informing him that I should be at Nantwich on the 17 & requesting to see him that evening, or the following morning. Snow.
Friday 13. The same. Engaged selecting & arranging various Letters & papers.
Saturday 14. The same. Wrote to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach requesting him to meet me at the George Inn Sandbach on Tuesday next at 12 o'clock being desirous to see him on the Perlington Affairs, & other matters.
Sunday 15. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr. Denham].
Monday 16. Wrote to Mr. Lawrence Birmingham & sent him the Probate Copy of the late Miss Stamford's Will, as requested, to be registered at the Warwick & Napton Canal Office.
Tuesday 17. Went to Nantwich with Bessy where we arrived to dinner. In the evening saw Mr. Liversage & with whom I had long conversation on the late Mr. Skerratts affairs, & appointed to call upon Mr. Edleston, who was unwell in the morning.
Wednesday 18. Mr. Liversage & I called upon Mr. Edleston with whom we had a long conference on the affairs, particularly the completion of the Sale of the Coole Estate the . . .appearing to be now completed,& the Sale of the Shares of the Settlement for which an offer had been made of £600, but for which we were of the opinion that we should not accept less than £600, & Mr. Liversage wrote to the Builder accordingly. In the evening Mr. Taylor called with the Deed for the inclosure of Willaston Heath, which I executed.
Thursday 18. Mr. B. . .called & paid his Rent of the House & Land. Saw Mr. Liversage again, who promised to effect the Insurance of the former. Called at Mr. Edlestons on my way home, & where arrived to dinner. Bessy proposing to stay at Nantwich till Saturday. Stamford who expected to find at L. Wood did not arrive.
Page 195. 1833 December
Friday 20. At home. Wrote to Mr. P. . .Derby. Saml. Beardmore with Account of [Cheese] sold to Mrs. Cliffs & & delivered yesterday at [Whichurch], 2 ton at 53/-, the residue to be delivered & paid for in March or April.
Saturday 21. Mr. Williams of Sandbach called with the Lease of the House & Land at Rode Heath let to Randle Wilbraham Esq. which I executed, the same having been previously executed by the Rev. H. Broughton. Bessy returned from Nantwich.
Sunday 22. Read prayers as usual. Day being very wet & stormy, did not attend Talk.
Monday 23. At home. Engaged on Christmas Accounts, & settlement of this years expeditions. Suffering from Lumbago & in the House all day.
Tuesday 24. The same. Stamford arrived to dinner. Mrs. [Felton] came in her place, in the [room] of Mrs. Hudson. Stamford mentioned some new claim to the Derby property but which Mr. Balgary did not think desiring of my Notice
Wednesday 25. Christmas day. The usual Roast Beef Party of old Servants with their Children etc. etc. Reasonably fine mild day, with clear sunshine.
Thursday 26. At home. Thomas Alcock came to his place as Butler, in the [room] of John Davies, who left Linley Wood this day.
Friday 27. At home. Unwell.
Saturday 28. The same.
Sunday 29. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I & Stamford attended Service at Talk. Mr. Drake.
Monday 30. Joshua Rowley brought the Plan which he had made of the Coal mine in my Lands in the Parish of Audley. Afterwards Mr. Rigley & Saml. Beardmore relative to the Claim upon Mr. Shaw for the Coals got by him in my Land, & for which trespass he refused to make satisfaction, when it was thought proper that John [Daniel] & Mr. Chadwick should be seen & examined as to the persons by whom such coal was got.
Tuesday 31. Strong wind, so violent as to break some panes of Glass in the front of the House. Stamford called at Lawton Hall, Rode Hall & upon Mr. Mainwaring. The latter of whom he saw. The two other Families were from home. Sent Saml. Jones to Newcastle to inquire on which day the Sessions would be held, fully proposing to attend thereon, when he informed me on his return that they were held today but it was too late to go.
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