Diary of James Caldwell (1759-1838) of Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire, England.
The following is a transcription from the last diary of James Caldwell. This volume covers the period 1833-1837 (115 pages). For transcriptions of other diaries and notes please click here (Index of notes and diaries of James Caldwell).
James Caldwell Diary: 1834-1837
1834 January
Wednesday 1. The first day of a new year. To what reflections does not give rest! At home. Weather very strong. Stamford set off to Stafford Sessions.
Thursday 2. My Eyes very weak & troublesome, but engaged on the Perlington papers in consequence of a further Letter from Mr Field.
Friday 3. Very unwell, & confined to the House all day.
Saturday 4. Engaged on Navigation Papers & wrote to Mr Wedgwood on the Anderton Business.
Sunday 5. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk, Mr Garratt preached a good upright . . .Service.
Monday 6. Again engaged on the Perlington papers, & wrote long Letter to Mr Field relative to the business with the late Mrs Simms Accountants & Executors.
Tuesday 7. Copied afresh & sent Letter to Mr Field. My Eyes painful making writing very troublesome & difficult.
Wednesday 8. At home. The same.
Thursday 9. Again engaged on the Perlington Affairs. Wrote to Mr Skerratt of Sandbach, & sent him the late correspondence with Mr Field, requesting him also to appoint some day for examining & settling Miss Perlingtons Executorship Accounts.
Friday 10. Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to meeting Mr Wedgwood, Mr Trubshaw & Mr Vaughan at Newcastle tomorrow.
Saturday 11. Went to Newcastle where engaged all morning on Select Committee. Returned home to dinner.
Sunday 12. Read prayers as usual. Bessy & I not being very well, the weather cold & damp, we did not go to Talk.
Monday 13. Unwell & in the House all day.
Tuesday 14. Called at [Beton hall], but Mr Mainwaring was out Received Letter
Page 2. 1834 January
from Mr Randle Wilbraham junr. relative to the Lease of the Land at Rode Hall, which I answered by his Servant progress that a Lease for 21 years . . .being in this party of the . . .for 14 years under Notice being given.
Wednesday 15. Very unwell, but copied afresh Select Committee Minutes for correction in the Book.
Thursday 16. Engaged on papers relating to the Rode Heath property, in consequence of a further Letter from Mr Randle Wilbraham. Received from the Revd. Mr Garratt on Draft of the proposed Arguments for Composition in lieu of Tithes in the parish of Audley with a request that I would pursue & make my observations upon the same. Wrote to Mr Garratt & appointed Saturday next for seeing him here. Received Letter from D. Holland informing me of his intended Marriage.
Friday 17. Violent Hurricane about 9 o'clock this morning of Thunder, Lightning, Wind Rain & Hail. It did not continue long. It blew out one of the open panes of Glass in the Hall, & did some mischief amongst the Fir Trees in the Wood, one being blown down.
Saturday 18. The Revd. Mr Garratt called, with whom a good deal of conversation relative to the Draft of [Composition], when it was arranged to have a further Meeting as soon as I had further considered such Drafts. Mr Garratt mentioned his plans relative to . . .Schools in the Parish of Audley which I did not fully comprehend but authorized him to subscribe £5 for me towards the necessary Building at Talk. Afterwards went to Rode Heath to look at some Trees near the House which Mr Randle Wilbraham was desirous to fell, & which after looking at them with Miss Dawson we agreed to consent to it. In the evening wrote to Mr Randle Wilbraham informing him of this, & also with further observations relative to the Lease of the Land. Wrote also to Dr. Holland. Invitation from the Kinnerslys to Bessy & myself to dine at Clough Hall on Friday next, but which we declined as we are going on that day to Nantwich.
Sunday 19. Read Prayers as usual. Neither Bessy nor I being very well did not attend at Talk in the afternoon. Sent Letter to Mr R. Wilbraham. Had dated it Monday.
Monday 20. Went to Stone, where engaged all day on Select Committee.
Tuesday 21. Returned from Stone. I this day reached the 75th year of my age.
Page 3. 1834 January
Wednesday 22. Sent to Mr Wilkinson for the Draft of the Bond for securing the payment of the allowance agreed to be made by . . .& Co. on Goods to shipped at Anderton, in which an alteration had occurred to me as necessary, & he sent me a very obliging Note for the Duke of Sutherland. Also a further Note for Mr Randle Wilbraham. Also a Letter from Mr Collinson on Mr Skerratts, affairs, which determined to go to Nantwich on Friday next.
Thursday 23. Engage on papers in Mr Skerratts affairs preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow.
Friday 24. Went to Nantwich with Bessy. Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage. The former told me that all difficulty about the [Coole] Title was [surmounted]. The Saltworks Concerns still receiving much trouble, & the Agreement for sale stopped by a claim of preference of purchasing set up by some of the Parties. Returned at night.
Saturday 25. Went to Newcastle, saw Mr Wilkinson relative to . . .Reid & Co. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood & to Mr Vaughan relative to Tonnage on Manganese.
Sunday 26. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Redelivered to Mr Garratt the Draft of the proposed Title Compositions Deed. Received another Letter from Dr. Holland.
Monday 27. At home. Very unwell, & in the House all day. Engaged on sundry papers.
Tuesday 28. The same. Revised & Copied afresh the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting, & wrote therewith to Mr Vaughan. Mr Williams of Sandbach came with the Draft of the intended Lease to Mr Randle Wilbraham of the Land at Rode Heath which we corrected & settled. In the House all day.
Wednesday 29. At home. Engaged on sundry matters. Still unwell. Perused & Considered again the Draft of the Bond for [scanning] the payment of the 1[s] per ton on Goods to be shipped by . . .[Reid] & Co. at Anderton etc.
Thursday 30. Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged the whole of the Morning on Navigation business & in consequence of further Letter & papers received from Mr [Bridgewater]. Drew Draft of a Movement from the Staffordshire Potteries to the hands of the Treasury paying that Gainsborough may be made a Party, & which Mr Vaughan took with him to show to Mr Wedgwood. Considered Letter to Mr [Hart], sent by Mr Landor etc. etc. etc.
Friday 31. t home. Rev. Mr Drake called with Memorial to the [Comm] relative to obtaining . . .for building Schools in the Part Of Audley which I signed.
February
Saturday 1. At home. Unwell. Engaged Letter writing etc.
Sunday 2. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 3. At home. Unwell. Wrote to Ann Marsh. James Lear came to his place, wages £5.
Tuesday 4. At home. Engaged on Derby Papers preparatory to writing to Mr Balgary relative to Mr [Simons] purchase & the Indemnity to be given to him. Sent Letter to Anne Marsh by the Post.
Page 4. 1834 February
Wednesday 5. Engaged again on Derby papers & wrote to Mr Balgary returning the Bond of Indemnity, with my Objections to it for his consideration.
Thursday 6. Went to Newcastle taking to Mr Wilkinson's the Draft of the proposed Bond from . . .Reid & Co. for securing the payment of the 1s per Ton on Goods . . . & Anderton & conferred with him thereon. Went also Cliffe Ville to have spoken to Mr F. Tomlinson on Miss Stamford's, but he was out. Made the Affidavit before Mr Wilkinson for proof of the Debt £500 owing on Note from Mr Roscoe to the Estate of the late Miss Stamford.
Friday 7. At home. Engaged all morning selecting & arranging papers.
Saturday 8. At home.
Sunday 9. In the morning read Prayers as usual. The Revd. Mr Drake came to dinner. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Mr Drake performing it.
Monday 10. At home. Unwell.
Tuesday 11. The same. Engaged on papers relative to Mr P. . .purchase of Houses at Derby at Derby & wrote Letter to Mr Balgary thereon.
Wednesday 12. Still unwell. Altered the Letter to Mr Balgary & sent it to the Post.
Thursday 13. The same, but went to Sandbach on the Perlington Affairs & saw Mr Skerratt who promised to fix an early day for arranging the same & to come to Linley Wood for that purpose. On my return saw the Cheshire Foxhounds, & a large field of Sportsmen with two Ladies on grey Horses.
Friday 14. At home. Ill.
Saturday 15. The same.
Sunday 16. Read Prayers as usual, but so unwell as not to attend Service at Talk in the afternoon. Margaret Hall, married this morning at Audley to a person . . . .without having given any leaving or having ever mentioned her intentions to me.
Monday 17. At home. I thought it my duty to discharge Margaret Hall, who after being married came back to Linley Wood, intending to stay without mentioning the change of her situation.
Tuesday 18. Very unwell, but engaged closely all day on papers etc. in the Affairs of the late Miss. Stamford Drawing out the respective Accounts of H.E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh with the Estate etc. etc. preparatory to seeing Mr F. Tomlinson who had appointed tomorrow for coming to Linley Wood on their affairs.
Wednesday 19. The same. Mr F. Tomlinson came & with whom very closely engaged many hours on the late Miss Stamford's. Wm. Faram called on Navigation Business.
Thursday 20. The same.
Friday 21. The same.
Saturday 22. The same. Sent the conveyance to Mr P. . . .of the Houses at Derby with the Bond of Indemnity to Stamford & Charles Crompton
Sunday 23. The same. Unwell great suffering. Read prayers as usual. No afternoon Service at Talk.
Page 5. 1834 February
Monday 24. Very unwell in the House all day. Engaged on papers & Accounts & drawing out Statement of my private For. . . .& Affairs for the information of my Executors.
Tuesday 25. Still unwell. Engaged on the same business.
Wednesday 26. The same. Engaged perusing & considering the Draft of Audley Tithe Composition Deed sent me yesterday by the Revd. Mr Garratt & making observations thereon preparatory to meeting him & Mr F. Twemlow on this business. Afterwards rode out on horseback.
Thursday 27. Went to Audley & saw Mr Garratt relative to the Audley Tithe Composition Deed, when I promised to write to Mr F. Twemlow & request him to appoint a day for my seeing him & Mr Garratt together at Linley Wood on this business.
Friday 28. Wrote to Mr F. Twemlow. Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast on Navigation Business. Began planting the Plantation in Linley Wood & Meadow to hide out Smiths New Buildings etc. The Oaks were all taken out of Swallow Moor Wood. The Elders & Birch for the Plantation in the White Lion Ground.
March
Saturday 1. Finished the planting. Engaged perusing & considering Draft of Audley Tithe Composition Deed preparatory to seeing the Revd. Mr Garratt & Mr F. Twemlow who had appointed to meet here on Wednesday next to look & consider the same. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd on Navigation Business.
Sunday 2. Very unwell. Read prayers in the morning as usual.
Monday 3. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.
Tuesday 4. Still very unwell. Again looked over the Audley Tithe Composition Draft previous to seeing Mr F. Twemlow & Mr Garratt tomorrow.
Wednesday 5. The Revd. Mr Garratt & Mr F. Twemlow came pursuant to [Administration] & with whom engaged several hours perusing & correcting Draft of Tithe Composition Deed & which they request me to deliver to Mr Ward & confer with him upon the subject. Mr F. T. went about 4 o'clock. Mr G. staid to dinner.
Thursday 6. Went to Newcastle to bring the Draft to Mr Ward with whom I looked it over & explained to him the alterations which had been made which he said that he would attend to & consider & get a fresh copy made & sent it to Garratt. Called upon r. Williamson with whom engaged a considerable time on various Navigation business.
Page 6. 1834 March
Friday7. Went early to Cliffe Ville on late Miss Stamford's Affairs, & the will of late Mrs Crompton of Duffield], Legacy Duties etc. etc. Received by the Post another Letter from Dr. Holland relative to his approaching Marriage.
Saturday 8. At home. Engaged on various matters, Farm etc. Met with Mr Bradshaw as I was returning from my Ride at Mrs Watson. He said that he had given up all is concerns in [Lancashire] & was going to spend the remainder of his copy on his House in the Hertfordshire.
Sunday 9. In the morning, read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr Garrett. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.
Monday 10. Perusing papers relative to the £2000 part of Emma's Marriage portion preparatory to writing to Dr. Holland.
Tuesday 11. Wrote to Dr. Holland, Sir George Chetwynd, Mr Wedgwood & Mr Vaughan, fixed to attend a Meeting of the Select Committee at Wolsley Bridge on Monday the 22 instant, as proposed by Sir George & Mr Wedgwood. Afterwards engaged on the Farm. Received in the Evening from Mr Wilkinson the Draft of a Loan from Mr [Dainty] to the Navigation of the superfluous [boats] of the River [Dane] at the paper Mill. Bessy went to Newcastle & called upon Mrs Northen
Wednesday 12. At home. Engaged on the Farm & various matters. Received Letters from r. Vaughan requesting me to appoint a day for his coming to Linley Wood pursuant to the Meeting of the Select Committee.
Thursday 13. Wrote to Mr Vaughan & perused & considered Deeds of Lease of the [Dam] Water.
Friday 14. Engaged on various papers & matters. Very unwell.
Saturday 15. Went to Newcastle to have conferred with Mr Wall relative to the [Dane] Water Lease, but he was not at home. Nor was Mr Ward, who I wanted to see in consequence of a Letter from him informing me that the Proprietors of the Brewery wished to take the House upon the Marsh. Soon after my return Wm. Farem called on Navigation Business.
Sunday 16. In the Morning Read Prayers. In the afternoon attended Service at Talk. Mr Garratt preached. Received Letter from Harrison with claim to the Derby property & which I immediately sent by the Post to Mr Balgary.
Monday 17. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr Wilkinson & considered & left with him the Draft of the Lease of the paper Mill Water of the River [Dane] Sent Mr Ward, who promised to see the Proprietors of the Brewery relative to them taking the house upon the Marsh, the Rent of which I proposed to be £25 a year clear.
Tuesday 18. Very unwell. Miserable dejection. In the House all day. Mild Frost.
Wednesday 19. The same. Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to seeing Mr Vaughan. James Barker paying his years Rent due at Michaelmas.
Thursday 20. Unwell, but went to Newcastle. . . .with the Newcastle [Bank] . . .taken this day of the revolution in England in 1688.
Page 7. 1834 March
Friday 21. Mr Vaughan came & with whom engaged all morning on Navigation business preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr Wedgwood of Burslem called respecting the Title to property at Burslem formerly old Mr Thomas Wedgwood's, but I could not give him any information.
Saturday 22. At home. Bessy called at Mrs H. Wedgwood's, Keele. In the Evening Stamford arrived from Shrewsbury. In the morning the men planted an . . . number of Birch in the new plantation in Linley Meadow. Stamford arrived in the Evening.
Sunday 23. Read prayers as usual. The weather being unfavourable did not attend at Talk.
Monday 24. Set off early to Wolsley Bridge, where engaged closely all day on Select Committee, & returned home at night. Took Mr Wilkinson in from Newcastle & back.
Tuesday 25. Wrote to Eliza Roscoe, & a congratulatory Note to Dr. Holland, from whom received cake gratefully but receiving a Letter by this Post I did not send Note. Received Letter also from Anne Marsh requesting me to advance £900 to enable them to purchase the [recovering] Interest on late Mr Marsh's property.
Wednesday 26. Wrote to Dr. Holland. Mr [Antrobus] of . . .came on Navigation business & afterwards James Faram. Wrote to Mr Mr Edleston on Mr Skerratts Affairs in consequence of a Letter from the Legacy Office.
Thursday 27. Wrote long Letter to Anne Marsh. Mrs Walker paying her Rent.
Friday 28. Received & Copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee for insertion in the Book.
Saturday 29. Went to Audley attending Meeting of Landowners to consider the Draft of the Agreement for Composition of Tithes, when some new points arising particularly as to the Exemption of Words, & the poor Rate, the Meeting was adjourned to Saturday the 12 April & of which Notice was directed to be given. Just before I set off, Mr [Leadward] called relative to late Macclesfield Brewery business, & on his way to Macclesfield. Stamford went to Nantwich on his way to Chester Assizes.
Sunday 30. It being Easter Sunday & Service at Talk Church in the morning, the servants attended accordingly.
Monday 31. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
April
Tuesday 1. Went to Stone early, where engaged closely all day on General Committee. Lord Harrowby on my Invitation ,in the Chair.
Wednesday 2. At Stone. General Assembly. Lord Harrowby, on my motion again in the Chair. Returned home at night.
Page 8. 1834 April
Thursday 3. At home. Fatigued & unfit for business. Considered further Letter from Anne Marsh, & the Answer to Enquiry.
Friday 4. At home. Got French Beans out of the Hothouse. Wrote to Mr Edleston in late Mr Skerratts Affairs & urging the completion of the Cool Estate purchase by Dr. Smith.
Saturday 5. Wrote to Anne Marsh. In the evening Stamford arrived from Chester.
Sunday 6. In the morning read Prayers as usual.. In the afternoon we all attended at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached. Promised to attend a Meeting on the 15th relative to the erection of a new School at Talk.
Monday 7. Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr Wilkinson on the last orders of the Select Committee. Saw also the Mayor, & appointed with him to attend the Sessions tomorrow at ten. Speaking of Criminal Offence, he told me that the number of Committals in the Borough amounted, in the whole of the last year to 278. But that the Committals in the first Quarter only of the present year amounts to 114.
Tuesday 8. Went to Newcastle early being in Court at ten. Five Prisoners tried, Four of whom were sentenced to 7 years Transportation. In Court between 8 & 9 hours. Afterwards dined with the Mayor etc. at the Roebuck, & returned late, in the Gig, though the night very dark.
Wednesday 9. At home. Fatigued & unwell. Stamford set off to Stafford Sessions.
Thursday 10. At home.
Friday 11. Called upon Mr & Mrs Wedgwood at Mr H. Wedgwood's, Keele. Returned to dinner, after a severely cold drive in the Gig.
Saturday 12. Went to Audley, attending Meeting of Landowners & Occupiers, & the Vicar, when the argument for Composition of Tithe having been again read over by Mr Ward, was finally agreed to: an unexpected Declaration having been occasioned by the Woodlands in the Parish not being [viable] to Tithe,( as in the singular Case of all Woodlands in the Hundred of [Prickillporth]) it was agreed that the Deficiency should be made up by the Tithe of the Lands . . .adding about one halfpenny for . . .to the Composition. Mr Hartland, Mr Wedgwood, Mr F. Twemlow & others attended.
Sunday 13. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Did not attend at Talk in the afternoon, having symptoms of a cold which I suffered much in the Evening.
Monday 14. In bed almost the whole of the day.
Tuesday 15. So unwell as to prevent my meeting Mr H. . . .& Revd. Mr Garratt at Talk, relative to the School, as I had promised to do, & sent a Note to Mr Garratt accordingly.
Page 9. 1834 April.
Wednesday 16. Still very unwell & confined to the House. Mr Twemlow of Peats Wood called, relative to the intended survey of the Southern end of the canal, when I promised to consult Mr Vaughan as to the most convenient arrangements for that purpose.
"I really see little harmony between abstract principles and the practical business of life, that I have the greatest possible distrust of them as a man of business" [M. Powles] on his examination before the committee of the H. of [Commons], . . .Junction.
Thursday 17. Still very unwell. Write to Mr Vaughan. [Padder] Fleetwood & Co. for Balance of late Miss Stamford's Account.
Friday 18. The same. In the afternoon Mr Vaughan came on Navigation Business. In the morning I had received a Letter from E. Roscoe mentioning the intention of the Trubshaw Colliery to get the Coals under the canal, & which had been communicated to her by Mr Bosson.
Saturday 19. Unwell, but rode out on Horseback. Wrote Letters to Sir George Chetwnd & H. E. Roscoe.
Sunday 20. Read Prayers in the morning, but so unwell, that Bessy & I did not attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 21. Ill, after a miserable night.
Tuesday 22. The same.
Wednesday 23. The same. Wrote Draft of Letter to Mr Landor in consequence of the information received from E. Roscoe & communicated to her by Mr Bosson relative to the Mines under the Canal, intended to be got by the Trubshaw Colliery Proprietors.
Thursday 24. Ill and mental suffering almost insupportable.
Friday 25. Copied afresh & sent Letter to Mr Landor. Mr Wedgwood & Mr Henry Wedgwood called. Dreadful Suffering throughout the day.
Saturday 26. In the same state of Misery & Suffering, almost insupportable. Sent Ann Marsh a Copy of her Interest Account with her late Aunt.
Sunday 27. Another wretched day & so unwell as to be unable to read Prayers or to attend Service at Talk.
Monday 28. Ill. Samuel Beardmore married.
Tuesday 29. Ill.
Wednesday 30. Ill.
Page 10. 1834 May
Thursday 1. Ill.
Friday 2. Ill.
Saturday 3. Ill. Cows turned out to Grass. Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Landor. Revd. Mr Garratt called.
Sunday 4. Ill. It is now nearly a fortnight that I have lived almost without food or sleep, & under a depression of Spirits & misery of Mind which render Life all but insupportable. May God, in his infinite mercy, enable me to endure it, & submit with patience & resignation to his Will!! All the rest is now become to me nothing! & this would as if already passed away!
Monday 5. The same.
Tuesday 6. The same.
Wednesday 7. The same
Thursday 8. Something better.
Friday 9. Better night.
Saturday 10. Better.
Sunday 11. Better. Read Prayers as usual. Eliza Roscoe & Bessy attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 12. Went to Stone & after a laborious day returned at night.
Tuesday 13. At home. Greatly fatigued & unwell. Received a Copy of the Book from Ann & Mr R. Wilbraham called & left a Note with his card. E. Roscoe read out the 1st Vol. of the Book.
Wednesday 14. Engaged on various matters. Wrote to Mr Wilkinson. Read again with great gratification & delight the 1st Vol. of the Book. Mr Roscoe came to dinner at 6.
Thursday 15. At home. But unwell, though gradually getting better. Read with still [ensuing] pleasure part of 2 Vol. Revd. Mr Drake called.
Friday 16. The same.
Saturday 17. Wrote long Letter to Anne with my Sentiments & Observations on her Book. Eliza & Mr Roscoe left us at noon on their return home.
Sunday 18. My Letter to Anne being too late for yesterdays Post, & sent it by this mornings. Read prayers as usual.
Monday 19. At home. But unwell.
Tuesday 20. The same. Called with Saml. Beardmore at his new House at Talk. Looked over his Farm, Cows etc. Much pleased with the appearance & manners of his wife. Invited them to dine at Linley Wood on Sunday next. Received Letter from Ann Marsh warmly expressing the pleasure which my Letter & Observations upon her Book, had afforded her.
Wednesday 21. At home. Wm. Faram called. Favourable Report of Canal. Perused & Considered Lease to Mrs Brown of the House in Green Shutts received a few days
Page 11 1834 May
ago from Mr [Leveson] Kings [Bank] Walk. Turned the Horses to Grass.
Friday 22. Executed the Lease & wrote to Mr Wilson therewith, sending him by this Mornings Mail the Counterpart of the Lease to Mrs Bentley, in order that he might compare the Cost & requesting him to make any Alterations & Additions that he might deem necessary, & in that case return the Lease for my execution. Mr Wilkinson's & Mr Vaughan came on Navigation Business particularly the [Security] for payment of Tonnage to be given by . . .Reid & Co, when we fixed that Mr Wilkinson who was going to Liverpool early in the next week should see Mr Henry Broughton & . . .from who were proposed to join in the proposed Security. Mr Wilkinson left with me the Case relative to the working of Mines under the Canal, which I promised to consider & call upon him therewith on Monday next. In the Evening Bessy & I called at Saml. Beardmores. In the afternoon Mr Booth of [Keele] called.
Saturday 24. Perused & Considered Law relative to Mines: & also Case relative to allowance out of the Poor Rate with respect to Reservoirs etc.
Sunday 25. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached. Saml. Beardmore & his wife Mary Beardmore or Eliza Beardmore dined etc.
Monday 26. Went to Newcastle pursuant to appointment taking the Mining Case which Mr Wilkinson perused & considered together previous to it being returned to Mr Landor. Mr Vaughan attended with a further Letter from . . .Reid & Co. Clerk, but as Mr Wilkinson was going to Liverpool we again fixed for him to see Mr Broughton. Returned to dinner. In the evening Mr Williams called with Lease of the Land at Rode Heath to Mr Randle Wilbraham junr. which he left with me & I promised to call upon him in the course of the present week.
Tuesday 27. At home. Engaged on sundry papers. Perused & considered Release from Randle Wilbraham Esq. to the [Ladies] & myself of . . . or [Nantwich] whatsoever to the piece of Land on Rode Heath had before [inclosed] by Wm. Perlington & afterwards attended to us on a [division] of such Land between Mr Wilbraham & us.
Wednesday 28. At home. Turned the Saddle Horses out to Grass.
Thursday 29. Went to Sandbach to confer with Mr Skerratt on the Perlington Affairs. Afterwards considered with him the Rates upon Mr Wilbraham. Proposed Mr Randle Wilbraham jnr. being made a Party. Afterwards called upon Mr Williams & left with him the Draft of the Release, to which he said there would be objection to Mr R. W. jnr. being made a Party.
Page 12. 1834 May
Friday 30. At home.
Saturday 31. Called at Red Bull Wharf, when Mr Fairlands promised to forward a packet to Mr Vaughan. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Mrs & Miss Charlotte Wilbraham & Miss . . .called.
June
Sunday 1 Wrote to Mr F. Twemlow excusing my attendance on a Survey of the Canal this week on account of my apprehension of an attack of Gout. Wrote also to Mr Vaughan with Copy of the Minute of the last Meeting of the Select Committee. Sent the whole in one packet to Mr Fairlands to be forwarded to Mr Vaughan. In the morning read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Drake preached.
Monday 2. Wrote to E. L. . . .Esq. Regents Canal Office, London, requesting him to pay the Dividends as they became due on shares of the Regents Canal standing in the name of the late Miss Stamford to [Peach] & Co. . . .to the order of Henry Roscoe Esq. . . .in Law, such Shares having been given to H. E. Roscoe by the late Miss Stamford in her life time.
Tuesday 3. About eleven o'clock this morning, seized suddenly with a violent sickness & vomiting, attended with a great pain in the Bowels & a general [Chilliness]. Suspecting what might be the matter I immediately sent to Mr Davenport, who was fortunately at home & came immediately. He administered the usual Medicine. But thus failing to . . .this effect, he gave me in the course of the night the [Castor] Oil & which I believe saved my life.
Wednesday 4. Notwithstanding the Medicine did . . .effect. Still in a state of great pain & suffering. In bed all day. In the evening Dr. Northen came, & had a consultation with Mr Davenport.
Thursday 5. All danger of Inflammation considered to be over. To my great comfort & satisfaction Eliza Roscoe arrived at night. Mr Wilbraham called to enquire after me & left his card. Mr R. Wilbraham had before called to enquire. Going on well but still in a state of much suffering.
Friday 6. Dr. Northen came again. Slowly getting better.
Saturday 7. Much the same, but with excessive Weakness & Debility.
Sunday 8. Dr. Northen again came. Going on well.
Monday 9. Slowly getting better.#
Tuesday 10. The same. The Wilbraham's sent to enquire.
Wednesday 11. The same.
Thursday 12. The same. Mr Randle Wilbraham again called & left his card.
Friday 13. The same. To my greatest comfort & delight Ann Marsh arrived today.
Page. 13. 1834 June
Saturday 14. Still slowly improving.
Sunday 15. The same, & read prayers. For the first time walked into the garden, but with extreme feebleness & Disability.
Monday 16. The same. Engaged with Ann Marsh on her beautiful Book, suggesting various conditions etc.
Tuesday 17. Still going on well, but very weak & [sensible] of fatigue. Mr Clough of Manchester, & Mr Taylor of Nantwich brought the Conveyance from the . . . .& [Mortgages] of the late Mr Skerratt, to Dr. Smith of Manchester of the Coole [Pilate] Estate, which having been executed by all the other Parties, I also executed.
Wednesday 18. Still slowly recovering. E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh went to [Cranphle] & [Manchester] & returned to dinner. Mr Williams called with Lease to Mr R. Wilbraham of Land at Rode Heath which I executed. He left with me the Return from Mr Wilkinson & Mr R. Wilbraham of the small piece of inclosed Land, formerly part of the Common.
Thursday 19. The same. Sent out packet . . .in consequence of Hollins having been & [attacked] a day or two in a Swallow Moor wood & appointing Five Pounds reward in conviction of the [Offenders].
Friday 20. E. Roscoe, Ann Marsh & Bessy called at Betley Hall & Betley Court. Still getting better, but very weak & feeble. N.B. Engaged a great part of the last three days in examining & commenting on A. Marsh Book.
Saturday 21. Slowly getting better. Engaged the greatest part of the day with Ann Marsh upon her Book.
Sunday 22. The same. Read Prayers as usual. H. E. Roscoe left us in the afternoon on her return home, not having been able to get a place in any of the Coaches yesterday.
Monday 23. Anne Marsh left us on her return home. Going on pretty well, but suffering again from my Eyes.
Tuesday 24. Eyes so troublesome as to prevent my reading or writing. In other respect gradually growing better.
Wednesday25. The same. Rode on Horseback in the Grounds, but very soon fatigued.
Thursday 26. Eyes very troublesome & painful. Still suffering from great [disposition] & . . . Mr Davenport came.
Friday 27. The same. Eyes rather better. Wm. Faram came with whom engaged a considerable time.
Saturday 28. Still getting better, but my eyes continuing troublesome. Called at Rode Hall & left cards for Mr Wilbraham & Mr Randle Wilbraham. Called upon the Ladies at Rode Hall.
Page 14. 1834 June
Sunday 29. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr Drake. Prayers for poor Margaret Rockford. Bessy & I afterwards at her home called to enquire after her. Bessy saw her, but she was nearly insensible, & eventually in a dying state. She expired about 12 or half past 12 o'clock.
Monday 30. At home. Eyes very painful & troublesome.
July
Tuesday 1. Went early to Newcastle where attended the Sessions & three prisoners tried. All convicted. Two sentenced to Transportation for 7 years. The other a Soldier in the 33rd Regiment quartered at Newcastle, for stealing in his lodgings, sentenced to 1 years confinement & hard Labour. Returned home to dinner. This morning began mowing the Meadow.
Wednesday 2. Busy mowing & finished the Meadow. At home, expecting Mr Vaughan agreeably to his appointment, & also Wm. Faram, but neither of them came. Eyes still very troublesome. Mr Davenport called.
Thursday 3. Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged on Navigation business. Eyes the same as yesterday. Very busy in the Hay, the weather being very fine & favourable.
Friday 4. Very busy in the Hay.
Saturday 5. The same & finished carrying to the Foot Road.
Sunday 6. In the morning Read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Drake.
Monday 7. At home. Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to attending General Committee at Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 8. Went to Stone where engaged closely all day on General Committee, but returned home at night. In my way to Stone called upon Mr Ward relative to the House upon the Marsh. He said that he had told the Brewery Partners, that he would himself give £500 for it & the Land.
Wednesday 9. Revised & considered the Minutes of the proceedings of yesterday, made a part copy & sent the same by this mornings Post to Mr Vaughan.
Thursday 10. At home.
Friday 11. Wrote to J.T.C. at [Cheltenham}. Also to Mr Vaughan.
Page 15. 1834 July
Saturday 12. Very busy in the Hay, & of which we carried the greatest part & in the finest condition. Engaged on papers preparatory to going on Survey of the Canal.
Sunday 13. In the morning read prayers as usual.
Monday14. Set off to Stone. Met Sir George Chetwynd with whom, Mr Landor, Mr Vaughan & Mr Trubshaw set off on a Survey of the northern end of the Canal. Arrived at the Red Bull in the evening. Brought Sir George & Mr Landor in the Carriage to Linley Wood where they slept. Saml. Beardmore purchased for me a milking cow at Newcastle Fair.
Tuesday 15. Returned to the Red Bull early, from where we [proceeded] on the Survey, & arrived at Runcorn that night, where we slept at Wilsons Hotel.
Wednesday 16. Mr Landor & I after breakfast at Runcorn, set off on our return home & arrived at Linley Wood at ½ past 11, from where Mr Landor proceeded soon afterwards home in one of the Coaches. Sir George, accompanied by Mr Vaughan had at his request proceeded from Runcorn to Liverpool, but which there being nothing there requiring the attention of the Select Committee. Mr Landor & I had declined. Received Letter from Dr. Holland.
Thursday 17. Busy in the Hay, & carried the whole out of the Croft at the Farm & Swallow Moor Meadow thus finishing the Hay Harvest of the present year. Engaged on papers preparatory to writing to Dr. Holland.
Friday 18. Wrote to Dr. Holland. Thunder & lightning with light wind & some Rain.
Saturday 19. Revised & wrote part Copy of the Select Committee Minutes on the late Survey of the Canal. Rain.
Sunday 20. In the morning read prayers as usual. Weather wet & cold which prevented our attending Service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 21. Sent Minutes of the Navigation Survey to Mr Vaughan by Post, & wrote to him therewith. Wrote also to Charles Crompton proposing Tuesday 2nd September for meeting of the Trustees under late Miss Stamford's will at Linley Wood.
Tuesday 22. At home. Received Letter from Dr. Holland.
Wednesday 23. John Lowe informed me that he was leaving my service . . . I told him that he was engaged with me till May next & that I should consider him being my Servant accordingly, but that if I could provide myself with another soon I would then set him at liberty.
Thursday 24. At home. Engaged on sundry papers, & writing to Dr. Holland.
Friday 25. Finished & sent Letter to Dr. Holland. Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast, & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.
Saturday 26. Went to Cliffe Ville to fix a day for his meeting the Trustees under the Will of the late Miss Stamford when we appointed Tuesday September 9 the day preferred by Mr Chas. Crompton. Rain. Spoke to him also about John Lowe.
Page 16. 1834 July
Sunday 27. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Drake. Wrote to Ann Marsh Chez Mr Billet Rue de Boston, Boulogne sur Mer, France.
Monday 28. At home, Bessy prevented going to Nantwich by the Heavy Rain which was falling. A Gentleman called a Letter from Mr Ridgway relative to the Water taken out of the Canal for the use of Mr A. P. . . .when I said that they might continue to take the water for their [purpose] being about 70 Gallons take this [Land] to the country, & that I would write to Mr Vaughan by this mornings Post which I accordingly did. It was refused that water of this . . .one . . .moment till they obtained other water & for which purpose they were sinking a well, the transporting must stop. Mr Smith came relative to John Lowe.
Tuesday 29. John Lowe came, when on his expressing his [tone] at what had happened, as promising to return to his service tomorrow morning, I said that I would give him his discharge at Christmas, instead of serving the whole of his year, which would not expire before May. Bessy went to Nantwich, it not being convenient to me to accompany her. In the evening Mr Kirby called John Lowes business, when I informed him of which had been proposed by me, & with which he said that he was well satisfied. Letter from Dr. Holland.
Wednesday 30. At home.
Thursday 31. Went to Newcastle to attend Meeting of the Proprietors of Newcastle Theatre. Saw at the Theatre with Mr Ward & Mr [Hales] of Cobridge Being in haste to return home authorized the former to vote for me. Engaged on my return on papers preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow on the Affairs of the late Mr Skerratt.
August
Friday 1. Went early to Nantwich, arriving there at about ½ past 8. Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage. The former delivered to me the Executorship Account, which I found more favourable than I expected, there appearing to be a Balance of upwards of £800 after paying the Debts, Legagcies & expense. Took an early dinner in Dysart Buildings & afterwards returned to Linley Wood, accompanied by Bessy. Soon after we arrived at home Mr Roscoe & his eldest Boy arrived.
Saturday 2. At home. Examined the Executorship Account, & wrote to Mr Edleston, informing him of the amount of a Debt of £200 inst. Owing to me.
Sunday 3. In the morning read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy, Mr Roscoe & William attended Service at Talk. Prevented going myself by Mr Vaughan having appointed to call upon me at 4 o'clock. Thunder & lightning with a short but heavy fall of Rain.
Monday 4. Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast, & with whom engaged afterwards on Navigation Business. In the evening etraordinary Noise in the Air, reasonably two . . .but
Page 17. 1834 August
Tuesday 5. At home. My Eyes so insufficient as to render Reading or Writing very troublesome & painful. This has been the Case for many days past, & has interfered much with business & comfort.
Wednesday 6. At home. My Eyes the same. Mr Davenport came in the evening when urged much the necessity of rest for my Eyes, & my abstaining as much as possible from writing etc. I had sent for Mr D. to see Wm. Roscoe who had been unwell the last day or two.
Thursday 7. At home. Mr James Wettenhall came to offer himself for the situation at B. . . ,vacant by the death of John [Woodnorth], when I said that I would mention his application to Mr Vaughan, not interfering myself in such matters. Insupportable all day by my Eyes, & wearisome I found it.
Friday 8. At home. Eyes the same.
Saturday 9. The same. Mr Roscoe continuing unwell, sent again for Mr Davenport, who came immediately, & ordered the application of Leeches behind the ears. Began cutting Wheat.
Sunday 10. Read prayers as usual. Mr Davenport came again. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk, taking Mr Roscoe with us. Revd. Mr Carter preached.
Monday 11. Busy cutting Wheat in the upper Bracken Field, notwithstanding some slight showers. Mr Davenport came again & found Mr Roscoe better & going on well. My Eyes very troublesome.
Tuesday 12. At home. Eyes the same. Finished Cutting Wheat.
Wednesday 13. Began Cutting Oats in the piece of Land which had been purchase from Miss Hatchell.
Thursday 14. Busy cutting Oats. Remarkably fine Harvest Weather. Eyes still preventing my writing or reading without considerable pain & trouble.
Friday 15. Finished Cutting Oats in the upper Bracken Field. In the evening began carrying Wheat out of Dr. . . ..In the evening unwell, with symptoms of a bad Cold.
Saturday 16. A feverish night, but better this morning. Mr Roscoe & Wm. Left us on their return home. Finished carrying Wheat, which though not only on Monday Tuesday last, was in the long week continued, owing to it being clear & the extraordinary fineness of the Weather. This was the quickest & best Wheat harvest. Fever experienced.
Sunday 17. In the Morning read prayers as usual, but so unwell as to be prevented our attending service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 18. Better, but still very indifferent. Engaged on Navigation papers, & considering & making
Page 18. 1834 August
Monday 18. Minutes of business for the Select Committee at the next Meeting on the 25 inst. In the evening, Rain.
Tuesday 19. At home. But owing to my Eyes still obliged to abstain as much as possible from writing & reading. What a life & considered almost insupportable such a life of as this! Busied myself about much matters on the Farm.
Wednesday 20. The same.
Thursday 21. Called upon Mr Sneyd of Bradwall. Much shocked at the change which had taken place since I last saw him, having seen the appearance of the last stage of old age. Greatly as I have myself suffered, yet I could not but first as I rode home how thankful I ought to be for the comparative health & vigour which are still left, & which enable to participate in the general comforts & enjoyments of Life.
Friday 22. Busy carrying oats, but stopped in the afternoon by a sudden &heavy shower.
Saturday 23. Again carrying oats, the night having been fair & the morning fine so which they were inn perfectly good condition.. Received a Letter addressed to me by the late John Trubshaw a short time before he died, [remembering] his son Charles as his Successor, entrusting the appointment of him accordingly.
Sunday 24. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Owing to the inclemency of the weather, we did not attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.
Monday 25. Went early to Stone, where engaged closely all day on Select Committee & returned home at night.
Tuesday 26. Wrote to Mr James Trubshaw relative to the water proposed by Mr [Ridgeway]to be thrown into the Canal, in which of that taken for the use of his [Stephenson] Wood to Mr F. Tomlinson to fix a day for looking over papers etc. in Miss Stamford's Affairs preparatory to the Meeting of the Trustees.
Wednesday 27. Finished carrying the Oats. Mrs Felton gave me warning to leave. I had, for the first time since she arrived in my Service, spoke to her at Breakfast, about her duties, which had not of late been properly attended to, observing not the service that she had it in her person long since perfect satisfaction if she pleased. On accidentally going into the kitchen a few minutes after, she gave me the warning. From her first coming into the Family, she has been troubled with particular civility & respect.
Thursday 28. Having several things to do at Newcastle went there this Morning with Bessy, & returned to dinner.
Friday 29. At home.
Saturday 30. At home.
Sunday 31. In the morning read prayers as usual. In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Bessy. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Page 19. 1834 September
Monday 1. Bessy & I dined at Clough Hall. Dr. & Mrs Mackenzie, Revd. Mr Garratt & Drake, Mr Cliff of [Newfield], Spencer Rogers & Edward Kinnersly. 4 Brace of Partridge killed on Alsager Estate.
Tuesday 2. At home. Engaged on papers in Miss Stamford's Affairs previous to seeing Mr F. Tomlinson tomorrow agreeably to Appointment.
Wednesday 3. Mr F. Tomlinson came & with whom engaged closely on papers, Accounts etc. preparatory to the Meeting of the Trustees under the Will on Tuesday next.
Thursday 4. At home.
Friday 5. Called at Trentham, but the Duke being out somewhere in the Grounds, I would not suffer to go for him, as he proposed doing on seeing my Card.
Saturday 6. At home. Engages again on late Miss Stamford's papers particularly to the Meeting. Accident by a Fall to Mary [Boardman].
Sunday 7. In the morning Read Prayers said usual. In the afternoon Bessy & Tolland at Service at Talk. Full congregation, it being the opening of the Sunday School & number of children attended, about 120 or 130 . . .Observations made by Mr Garratt in his Service.
Monday 8. At home. In the Evening Charles Crompton arrived.
Tuesday 9. Mr F. Tomlinson came, with whom Charles Crompton & Mr Lawrence about noon, engaged on Miss Stamford's Affairs perusing & considering the Draft of [Assigned], to the Trustees etc. etc. In the evening Mr Tomlinson went home.
Wednesday 10. Charles Crompton & Mr Lawrence left us.
Thursday 11. At home. Fatigued & Unwell. Mrs [Moreton] of Brampton House died of Typhus Fever, highly & deservedly respected.
Friday 12. The same.
Saturday 13. Went to Cliffe Ville, by appointment, to confer further with Mr F. Tomlinson on Miss Stamford's Affairs. Returned to dinner.
Sunday 14. In the morning, read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I & Mary Roscoe attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Drake.
Monday 15. Wrote to Dr. Holland. Went to Newcastle on various matters. Met Mr Goodhall (Mr Peake being prevented coming by the death of one of his Daughters) relation to the Sale to Mr Sneyd of my Lot of Willeston Heath, Ass . . .Farms etc. He said that any . . .of the . . .was of no consequence, upon . . .being . . in . . .of £12 per . . . Returned to dinner. Particularly sensitive today of the
Page 20. 1834 September
Monday 15. weakness of my sight, & the difficulty of distinguishing persons, even at a short distance.
Tuesday 16. At home. Began ploughing for Wheat. The weather being very favourable. Turned the Milking Cows into the After Grass, of which there is an abundant crop in the Meadow.
Wednesday 17. At home. Looking over papers, & copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Sel. Committee.
Thursday 18. At home.
Friday 19. At home. Bessy received intelligence of the death of Mrs Clarkson of Nantwich, which took place. Received Letter from Mr Hartley on Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Saturday 20. At home. Wm. Faram came & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.
Sunday 21. In the Morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended Service at Talk, taking Mary Roscoe. Bessy being unwell. Revd. Mr Sutcliffe preacher.
Monday 22. At home. Mr Vaughan came to consult me on his way to Liverpool relative to Reid & Co. Acc. with the Company. Wm. Martin came to dinner & staid all night.
Tuesday 23. At home. Mr Vaughan came on his return from Liverpool & dined.
Wednesday 24. At home.
Thursday 25. Went to Newcastle & engaged with Mr Ward & Mr John Ward settling my accounts with them, which we went through & finally settled & they put me the Balance remaining due to me. Left with them the Assigned to . . .of the House . . .them in Miss By. . .Holding & the Conveyance of the small piece of Freehold Land adjoining it for [completion] by the Purchase of the Brewery. Wrote Letter to Mr Hartley inclosing one from Mr F. Tomlinson relative to the . . .allowance by Mr York of the expense of the intended . . .lately taken out in the favour of York
Friday 26. Heavy & continued Rain.
Saturday 27. At Newcastle again called upon Mr John Ward who satisfactorily explained some Items in the Account with late Mr Bent & Co which I thought they had omitted to change, but which it appeared that the Account was duly . . .for.
Sunday 28. In the morning said Prayers as usual. In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Mary Roscoe. Bessy being unwell. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 29. Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.
Page 21. 1834 September
Tuesday 30. At Stone. Engaged on General Committee. Returned at night, this engagement prevented my dining today with the Mayor of Newcastle, as I had been invited to do. On my arrival at home found Eliza Roscoe.
October
Wednesday 1. At home. Dr. & Mrs H. Holland, with Bessy Holland & the Doctors two children Frank & Emily, came to dinner.
Thursday 2. Engaged with Dr. Holland & the Party. Mrs J. Wedgwood who was to have dined, prevented coming. Stamford arrived to dinner. Wm. Faram came on Navigation Business, & looked at the ground with a view to an enlargement of the Pool.
Friday 3. Engaged again with the Doctor etc. After dinner the Doctor left us on his return to Town.
Saturday 4. Mrs & Miss Holland with the Children left us after luncheon, going to Maer Hall.
Sunday 5. In the morning, read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy, H. E. Roscoe, Mary Roscoe & Stamford attended at Talk, but not being very well enough myself.
Monday 6. Went to Newcastle on various matters. Stamford taking me in his little carriage.
Tuesday 7. Went to Cliffe Ville by appointment, & confirmed with Mr F. Tomlinson & his Father on Miss Stamford, particularly the Drafts of the Assignment to the Trustees which had been returned by Mr Chas. Crompton with various alterations. Revd. Mr Garratt called, to whom I paid the compensation for Tithes under the late Agreement, also my subscription to the erection of the Schools at Audley & Talk. Begun getting up Winter Potatoes in the Little [Birchen] Field.
Wednesday 8. At home. Finished sowing Wheat in the Little [Birchen] Field & busy getting up Potatoes. Miss Wedgwood of Maer & Miss Emma Allen called. Stamford dined at Lawton Hall.
Thursday 9. At home. Magnolia in flower again, & very beautiful. Received Note from Mrs H. Holland, thanking me for the reception she had met with at Linley Wood. Delivered to Mr John [Keeling] the printed Notice of my intention to [correspond] for any refused Taxes under the Land Acts of Parliament.
Friday 10. At home. Sent by Stamford some Grapes to Mrs Wedgwood at Maer.
Saturday 11. At home. Bessy called at Rode Heath taking a Basket of Fruit & vegetables to the Ladies. Stamford returned from Maer to dinner.
Sunday 12. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon, attended Service at Talk, with Bessy & Stamford.
Page 22. 1834 October
Monday 13. At home. Engaged drawing Brief for the defence at Stafford Sessions of Sarah Cooper (sister to the Girl at the Farm) now in Stafford Gaol on a charge of stealing a Gown. [Endorsing] this Case desiring pity & attention, I was desirous to render any assistance in my power.
Tuesday 14. Copied the Brief, & delivered it to Stamford, paying him a Fee if Two Guineas. Afterwards went to Newcastle, where engaged all day attending the Sessions. One of the Prisoners sentenced to transportation for 7 years for stealing a watch out of the cabin from a Boat, upon the G. T. Canal, the property of the Boatman. Dined afterwards with the Mayor etc. at the Roebuck & returned home at night.
Wednesday 15. At home. In the afternoon Stamford left us, going from here to Stafford Sessions.
Thursday 16. At home. Charles Trubshaw called to select my support to his appointment to the situation of one of the Surveyors of the Canal vacant by the death of his late Father, when I read to him the orders of the General Committee referring it to the Select Committee to enquire & consider who would be a proper person to fulfil the same, & that in consequence the Sel. Committee had directed Mr Vaughan to enquire from Mr Wm. Faram whether he would take the situation & which had expressed his willingness & desire to do. I suggested to Mr C. Trubshaw the reasonableness & propriety of preference being given to [Servants] who had been very long in the Service of the [Company], & who had faithfully & ably discharged the duties of their Situation, & which he did not attempt to . . .with.
Friday 17. At home. High wind & wind & Rain. Received Letter from Mr Hartley relative to the expense of the Actual Admin. in Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Saturday 18. Wrote to Mr F. . . .inclosing Mr Hartleys Letter. At home, the weather being very stormy & wet. This Evening the Newspaper brought the Account of the destruction by Fire on Thursday night last of both Houses of Parliament.
Sunday 19. In the morning said Prayers as usual, but the Weather being inclement & Bessy & I having Colds, we did not attend Service at Talk in the Evening.
Page 23. 1834 October
Monday 20. At home. Engaged on sundry papers. Kept in the House all day by my cold.
Tuesday 21. At home. Miss Emma Wedgwood & Miss E. Holland called on their way to Knutsford. Received Letter from Dr. Holland relative to the £3000 . . . .given to his Children by the Will of the late Miss Stamford.
Wednesday 22. By the direction of Ann Marsh by Letter from her, remitted. . . Draft on demand for £50 to Miss Booth & P. . . 2 Adelphi Terrace London being the half given Interest of £2000 what became due under her Marriage Settlement the 31 July last.
Thursday 23. At home.
Friday 24. At home.
Saturday 25. At home. Engaged on preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville on Monday next on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Sunday 26. In the morning Read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk. Rev. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 27. Went to Cliff Ville, where engaged with Mr F. Tomlinson & considerable time on Miss Stamford's Affairs etc. etc.
Tuesday 28. At home. Unwell.
Wednesday 29. The same.
Thursday 30. The same. Engaged on various matters & papers.
Friday 31. At home.
November
Saturday 1. Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee on Monday next. Wm. Faram came with whom also engaged.
Sunday 2. In the Morning read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Drake preached his Farewell Sermon.
Monday 3. Went early to Stone, where engaged closely on Select Committee.
Tuesday 4. Returned home. Revd. Mr Garratt & Revd. Mr Drake dined at Linley Wood. Had at dinner green Peas in the highest perfection, out of the Garden at the House.
Wednesday 5. At home. Engaged on sundry matters, & papers on Miss Stamford's Affairs etc.
Thursday 6. The same. Unwell. Received Letter from Ann Marsh with an account of her safe arrival at home on Monday last.
Friday 7. Received Note from Mr F. Tomlinson postponing to Monday next, my going to Cliffe Ville on late Mr Stamford's Affairs. Engaged again on these papers & Accounts.
Saturday 8. Engaged again on papers in Mr Stamford's Affairs preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville on Monday next.
Page 24. 1834 November
Sunday 9. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 10. Went to Cliff Ville when engaged with Mr F.Tomlinson on late Miss Stamford's Affairs, but returned to Dinner.
Tuesday 11. At home. Mrs & Miss Northen, with Mrs Smith wife of Dr. Smith of Manchester called.
Wednesday 12. At home. Wrote to Dr. Holland relative to the [insistent] by Miss Drummond of the [oncoming] Dividends the 3000 Consols given by the Will of Miss Stamford to my late dear Emma's Children, & the previous of . . .necessary for that purpose. Mr Davenport called as I had requested being desirous to consult him again about my Eyes which during the last fortnight have been particularly been troublesome & weak, attended occasionally with pain.
Thursday 13. At home. The same.
Friday 14. At home. The same.
Saturday 15. At home. The same.
Sunday 16. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Child, who had succeeded Mr Drake in the Curacy, preached here for the first time. A proper & sensible Sermon, but delivered with great diffidence & rather too low to be very distinctly heard.
Monday 17. Went to Newcastle on various matters, but particularly to have seen Mr Ward relative to an application which had been made to him for the taking of Stoney Field. Called upon Mr [DeLoude] the Dentist, who took the necessary card for making me three artificial Teeth, the want of which has for sometime past much annoyed in particularly in speaking.
Tuesday 18. Wrote to L. B. Hollinshead Esq.with invitation to dine & sleep here on the 30 November, on his way to Stone. Engaged on the Farm. Men very busy during the last two days, in carrying out spreading Manure in the Ley Ground.
Wednesday 19. Went to Betley Hall, to call upon Mr Wickstead on occasion of his Marriage, & whom I had the pleasure to see him & his Bride, with all the Tollet Family & Mrs Lister the Widow of my dearest Friend, Mr . . .of Armitage Park. Mrs Tollet & Miss Eliza T. & . . .[record] in health, & . . .Letter than I could possibly have expected.
Thursday 20. At home. Letter from Dr. Holland inclosing a Power of Attorney to enable Miss Drummond to [record] the Dividends on the 3000 Consols to Miss Stamford. Letter also from Mrs Hollinshead.
Page 25. 1834 November
Friday 21. At home.
Saturday 22. Went to Newcastle, taking Bessy along with me, & called upon Mr [DeLoude] when he put in the artificial Teeth, which he had made for me. The operation is simple & producing no pain. He appeared to me to be sensible & ingenious man & to understand very well what he was about.
Sunday 23. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk.
Monday 24. At home engaged on late Miss Stamford's papers, previous to writing to Dr. Holland.
Tuesday 25. Executed Power of Attorney to Miss Drummond Bankers London (which had been sent down by Dr. Holland) to receive the Dividend on the 3000 consols given to his Children by the Will of Miss Stamford, & wrote to them a Letter in the form sent down, requesting them to convert such Dividends in the purchase o further 3 per Cash Consols. Sent Dr. Holland also Draft for £10.16.4 being the Balance in the hands of the the Executor in and of Dividends received. Afterwards went to Newcastle, & called again upon Mr [De Loude] in consequence of the Teeth not being perfectly easy, when he made a slight alteration but wished to see me again. Saw also Mr Ward relative to an application which had been made by Mr Firmstone, for Stoney field & whom he promised to see upon the subject.
Wednesday 25. At home. Received Letter from Mr Vaughan appointing to come here on Friday next preparatory to the appointing Meeting of the Select & General Committee & the General Assembly next week, there being many matters to [consult]. Engaged all morning on Miss Stamford's Affairs, Acct. etc. preparatory to writing to Ann Marsh in reply to a Letter received from her.
Thursday 27. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to seeing Mr Vaughan tomorrow.
Friday 28. Mr Vaughan came, with whom closely engaged on Navigation business. Mr V. came to dinner, & staid all night.
Saturday 29. Mr Vaughan went after breakfast. Copied afresh Letter to Ann Marsh, & wrote to Dr. Holland, returning with Letter to Miss Drummond with some further words attached, as requested.
Sunday 30. Read Prayers as usual, but not being very well Bessy & I did not attend service at Talk in the afternoon.
December
Monday 1. Went to Stone. Took Bessy to Newcastle to meet Miss Mainwaring who was coming to Linley Wood for the Revd. Mr [Bosworth]. Engaged at Stone all day on Select Committee.
Tuesday 2. At Stone. Engaged on General Committee.
Page 26. 1834 December
Wednesday 3. At Stone. Engaged in General Assembly. Returned home this Evening, & found Miss Mainwaring at Linley Wood.
Thursday 4. At home. Fatigued & unwell. Wrote to the Revd. Mr Tomlinson informing him of the result of a Motion for granting a Constitution towards the erection of National Schools at Stoke. Received from Ann Marsh a [Book] of the Plume de Tours mentioned in [Quentin Durward].
Friday 5. Still unwell. About one o'clock Mr Wilkinson & Mr Smith (one of the Navigation Club) brought me the melancholy intelligence of the sudden death at about 9 o'clock this morning, of my old & highly valued Acquaintance & Friend poor Vaughan. I thought proper immediately to proceed with Mr Wilkinson to Stone to make the proper arrangement respecting the Book Papers till the Select Committee could meet, which we accordingly did setting our [Seats] where necessary, & putting of various things in a parcel, sealed both our Seals, & which Mr Wilkinson took into his care. We found that the papers had been sent with the intelligence to Sir. George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood, from the latter of whom a Letter was received by Mr W. Vaughan saying that Mr Wedgwood wished immediately to communicate with me. Returned home in the evening, & arrived between 9 & 10, but under much hurry & distress of mind from this most unfortunate & lamentable Event.
Saturday 6. At home. Unwell.
Sunday 7. Not having heard from Mr Wedgwood yesterday in consequence of the death of poor Vaughan, as I had fully expected. Sent a Message with a Note to him proposing to meet at Newcastle tomorrow morning.
Monday 8. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr Wedgwood when we considered what was proper to be done at the present occasion & determined upon the Minutes of the Select Committee for Wednesday next at Stone, & of which Notice we sent to Sir George Chetwynd, by a Messenger by this evening Coach. Returned home to dinner. Severely cold, but fine. Signed & sent to Miss Booth & Potters London a Receipt for £102.2.8.a further Dividend on money due under H. Marsh's Banks to the Estate of the late Miss Stamford.
Tuesday 9. At home.
Wednesday 10. Went to Stone. Met Mr Wedgwood. Did what business was necessary at the Crown Inn: but it being the day of the funeral, we declined going to the Office & adjourned to tomorrow. On my arrival at home, found that the Duke of Sutherland who I had met in . . .near Trentham Inn, but did not immediately encourage, had called
Page 27. 1834 December
at Linley Wood & left his Card with his compliments & said he was very sorry not to find me at home.
Thursday 11. Went again to Stone, Mr Wilkinson accompanying me from Newcastle. Engaged examining Papers etc. in Mr Vaughans private Office. Found his Will which we delivered to Mr Thos. Garratt one of the Executors, together with such papers as we found to relate only to his [pained] Affair. Mr [Toole] as a Friend of the Family, & Mr Wm. Vaughan also attended. Engaged closely all day, & returned late.
Friday 12. At home. Revised & copied afresh the Minutes of the Select Committees & of what had been done in consequence of the death of poor Vaughan.
Saturday 13. At home. Engaged all morning on Navigation business. Mr Rob. Heath & Mr Wm. Faram relative to the going of the Boats upon the Canal under the late Set for regulating weights & Measures. Ashborne Wharf at Stoke with Letter from Mr Wilkinson relative to Reid & Co. account with the Company, when I desired him & Faram to go immediately to Northwich, to make the necessary inquiry. Unwell& in the house all day.
Sunday 14. In the morning read prayers as usual. In the afternoon Miss Mainwaring, Bessy & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 15. Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee & returned home at night. In my absence Mr & Mrs Chas. Lawton had called, also Revd. Frederick Ford, having a Rec. on Stamp to be signed by me for an old Debt owing from one Wm. [Bagley] to the Macclesfield Brewery & which appeared to have been paid to Wm. Bent January 4 1818.
Tuesday 16. At home. Fatigued & very unwell, but engaged closely on Navigation Papers, Letters etc.
Wednesday 17. At home. The same. Cough & Eyes very troublesome. Wrote Letter in reply to the several applications meant for poor Vaughans Office, informing them that no appointment would at present be made. Mr Davenport called to request my vote for D. Davidson as as one of the Physicians of the North Staffordshire Infirmary. I had received a similar application from Mr Ward of Newcastle. I expressed to Mr D. my favourable Interest of D. Davidson, but declined making any absolute promise, till I knew something of the Testament & Wishes of the . . .
Page 28. 1834 December
Thursday 18. Went to Nantwich on the affairs of the late Mr Skerratt. Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage, & appointed to meet again tomorrow morning. Miss Mainwaring & Bessy accompanied me to Nantwich.
Friday 19. Engaged with Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage, examining the Executorship Accounts, when it appeared that there would be very little if any overflow after the Debts & specific Legacies were discharged. Mr Edleston & Mr L. proposed paying me the Debt of £750 & intent under the Will of my late sister Mrs Skerratt, & also a private Debt of £100 & intent owing to myself being money lent to the late Mr Skerratt, the Entry in my Cash Book December 20. 1834.
Saturday 20. Mr E. Light on the above monies, for which I gave Receipt accordingly. Dined early at Nantwich, & returned to Linley Wood, leaving Miss Mainwaring in Dysart Buildings. Found cards left by Mr & Mrs Henry Wedgwood who had called at L. Wood this morning.
Sunday 21. In the morning read prayers as usual. Not being well, Bessy & I did not attend Service at Talk in the afternoon. Heard of the death of Mrs [Furton] of Betley, who expired suddenly on Friday last.
Monday 22. Went Newcastle on sundry matters, & returned to dinner.
Tuesday 23. At Talk Chapel attending with Mr Kinnersly setting out & allotting the Pews & Sittings of the Chapel as Commissioners under a Faculty which had been obtained for that purpose, 4 pews were allocated to me in respect of Linley Wood House & Estate No. 1. Farm House & Lands formerly Bates, No. 2. Foxholes Estate, No.3. The [Dudley} house in But Lane, & the House at Talk occupied by Mrs Bearmore, No. 4.
Wednesday 24. At home. Engaged Letter writing etc. Wm. Faram called & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.
Thursday 25. At home. The usual Christmas Royale of the old Servants & their Families, Labourers etc. & by which they were all much very happy & had a joyous day. Saml. Beardmore & his wife were of the Party. An extraordinary fine mild day with occasional Gleams of Sunshine. We had today upon on our table excellent Broccoli out of the Garden & fine high flavoured Grapes out of the Hothouse.
Friday 26. Called upon the Revd. Jack Ford, who was at home & with whom I was most pleased.
Saturday 27. At home. Engaged on various papers & Accounts.
Sunday 28. In the Morning Prayers as usual. The Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 29. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Page 29. 1834 December
Tuesday 30. Went to Stone where engaged all day closely on Select Committee & returned home at night.
Wednesday 31. Mr Chas. Trubshaw came relative to the state of the Reservoirs & the expediency of stopping the Caldon Canal, where I appointed him to come again on Saturday in order that we might be governed by the intended water.
And here ends another year.
Page 30. Blank
Page 31. 1835 January
Thursday 1. The Commencement of the new year, & a beautiful day, which started with mild Frost. Went to the Red Bull Office to enquire into the state of the Trade upon the Canal which I found was good, but from the problem continuance of the long & extraordinary Drought, & the great exhaustion of the Reservoirs, he agreed with me that the Stoppage of the Caldon Canal, till Rainfall would be highly experienced. Engaged all the other part of the day on papers etc. relative to the affairs of the late Miss Stamford. Sent E. Roscoe a Copy of her Intended Dividend Acc. to 27 October last. We had today fine Broccoli & Grapes out of the Hothouse
Friday 2. At home. Engaged on annual & other Accounts. Sent to Betley with enquiry of the Mr [Furton].
Saturday 3. Wm. Faram & C. Trubshaw, came to consult relative to the Stoppage of the Caldon Canal in consequence of the long continuance of the extraordinary Drought & the scarcity of water occasioned thereby on the Reservoirs, when after examining & carefully considering the state of the supplies, we were all of opinion that it was highly expedient, & indeed necessary to stop the Caldon Canal till Rain falls, & I gave directions accordingly for this being done, pursuant to the discontinuing power given me for that purpose by the Select Committee at their last Meeting. Dr. Davidson of Newcastle. Sent to Newcastle with enquiry after Dr. & Mrs Northen & Family. At night Frost.
Sunday 4. Read prayers as usual. But it being very cold, Bessy & I not very well, we did not attend service at Talk in the afternoon. Severe Frost.
Monday 5. Closely engaged all day on papers, & annual Accounts.
Tuesday 6. At home. Engaged on Acc. James Trubshaw came to . . .me of a supply of water which Mr Robert Heath was of opinion might be obtained from the River C. . .,when I desired him to send to his Brother William & request him to come up & speak to me tomorrow.
Wednesday 7. At home. Wm. Faram came when I directed him to go go the places & examine how far as was practicable to obtain the water as suggested & report to me thereon.
Thursday 8. Attended a Meeting at the North Staffordshire Infirmary for the election of a Physician to this Institution, in the name of Dr. Northen, who had resigned, when Dr. Davidson was unanimously appointed, with offer on the part of Dr. [Jones] being withdrawn.
Friday 9. Wm. Faram brought me his Report, which being highly favourable, directed him to immediately wait upon Mr Davenport through whose Land of which
Page 32. 1835 January
a Trench would be necessary, & also to see Mr Leigh of Consall, being the Mill Owner principally intruded, & endeavour with their consent, & let me know the result. In the evening received a Letter from him informing me that Mr Davenport was consenting.
Saturday 10. At home. Mr Faram came with whom engaged & on papers preparatory to going to Stone on Monday next.
Sunday 11. Read prayers as usual Prevented by the weather attending Service at Talk.
Monday 12. Went to Stone, & where engaged closely all day on Select Committee.
Tuesday 13. At Stone engaged all day on General Committee & returned home late. Mr Henry [Moore] of the General Junction Canal Office unanimously chosen out of many other candidates, to succeed poor Vaughan.
Wednesday 14. At home, but much fatigued & very unwell. Mr Trubshaw & Mr Clarke called relative to the House at Stoney Field, when I entirely declared letting it for a School, & the matter was left for further consideration.
Thursday 15. At home. Engaged on Accounts, & also on papers preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville tomorrow on the affairs of the late Miss Stamford.
Friday 16. Went to Cliffe Ville, where engaged with Mr F. Tomlinson perusing & considering the Draft of the Assignment of the Residue of the personal Estate from the Executors to the Trustees as settled by Counsel, & to which I appointed. Also on the Case & opinion of Counsel as to the expense of the limited [advice] for assigning Mr [Yorkes] Mortgage, when I thought it best upon the whole to accept the offer made by Mr Hartley of Hartley of dividing such expense.
Saturday 17. At home. Engaged on sundry papers: but unwell. Snow & Frost & severe cold.
Sunday 18. Read Prayers as usual, but the severity of the weather prevented our attending at Talk. The Road indeed was in such a state as to render it dangerous for a Carriage.
Monday 19. Engaged closely on papers preparatory to attending a Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone.
Tuesday 20. Went to Stone where engaged on Sel. Com. Took a hasty dinner with Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Landor, & returned home at night . . . the extremely severity of the weather. In my absence the Duke of Sutherland called at Linley Wood, & left his card.
Page 33. 1835 January
Wednesday 21. I this day entered the 76th year of my age, to what reflections upon the past, & anticipations of the short future which remains to me, does not this give . . .! Engaged Letter writing etc. etc.
Thursday 22. At home. Unwell.
Friday 23. Went to Trentham to have communicated tot the Duke of Sutherland the work of a General Assembly of the Trent & Mersey Company to be allowed to nominate his Grace one of the General Committee, in the room of his late Father, but his Grace being at Lillishall, I left a Note to that effect. Frost & Snow gone.
Saturday 24. At home. Fatigued & unwell. Snow Drops in flower.
Sunday 25. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended Service at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr Sutcliffe of Congleton preched.
Monday 26. At home. Writing several Letters, Wm. Vaughan etc. etc. & engaged on Papers. Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Tuesday 27. At home.
Wednesday 28. At home. Letter writing to Mr Allen Navigation Office, etc. Received Letter from the Duke of Sutherland expressing in gratifying terms his Acceptance of the Navigation General Committeeship.
Thursday 29. At home. Engaged on Accounts etc. Mr John Ledward called with whom engaged on late Macclesfield Brewery Concerns.
Friday 30. At home.
Saturday 31. At home. Wrote to Ann Marsh with half a years Int. of £2000.
February
Sunday 1. Read prayers as usual. Prevented attending at Talk in the afternoon, one of the Carriage Horses being ill & the weather inclement.
Monday 2. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 3. Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee. Mr Moore, who attended [untoward] upon his Office as principle Agent & Clerk in the room of poor Vaughan. Mr M. Clerk in the Office, & the Surveyors of the Canal afterwards dined with the Select Committee at the Crown Inn.
Wednesday 4. Engaged again with Mr Moore & Mr Landor. Sir G. C. & Mr Wedgwood having gone away last night. Delivered to Mr Moore the Minutes of the Sel. Com. since the
Page 34. 1834 February
death of Mr Vaughan for entry in the Books. Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 5. At home. Engaged on sundry Papers.
Friday 6. At home. Selecting & arranging Draft - Mary Beardmore much hurt by a fall down stairs.
Saturday 7. At home. Wrote to Anne Marsh. Unwell.
Sunday 8. Read prayers as usual. The inclemency of the weather prevented me attending Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 9. At home. Unwell. Stormy Day.
Tuesday 10. At home. The same. Sharp Frost.
Wednesday 11. At home. Received Letter from Mr James Trubshaw proposing a postponement of the next Meeting of the Select Committee. Wrote to Trubshaw, referring him to Sir G. Chetwynd. Went to Newcastle & agreed to the Stoney Field to Mr Firmstone on the same terms as it would now let to Mr & Mrs [Heathend]. Met Mr Wedgwood & told him what I had done respecting the Meeting of the Select Committee & which he approved. Wm. Faram came to consult me relative to Reid & Co. with the Navigation Co., when after considering the matter I referred him to Mr Wilkinson the Case Solicitor.
Thursday 12. At home. Engaged on papers, Perlington Affairs etc.
Friday 13. At home.
Saturday 14. At home. Wrote to Anne Marsh. Engaged on Accounts Examining that in the late Tho. . . .Affairs, & also on Perlington Affairs, stating the Balances now part of any Cash in Kinnersly's Lands.
Sunday 15. In the morning read prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 16. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 17. Went to Stone. Engaged on Select Committee & returned home at night. Travelled in the Gig , the day being fine, but the Evening being cold.
Wednesday 18. At home. Unwell.
Thursday 19. At home. Engaged on sundry papers & Acct.
Friday 20. At home.
Saturday 21. At home. Severely cold day.
Sunday 22. In the morning Read prayers as usual. Prevented by the weather attending Service at Talk in the afternoon.
Page 35. 1835 February
Monday 23. In the last night violent storm of wind, with much Rain. Winds very high & tempestuous through the day. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville on the late Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Tuesday 24. Went to Cliffe Ville where engaged with Mr F. Tomlinson & his Father on Miss Stamford's Affairs etc. also on the intended payment of £2000 under Ann Marsh Settlement who I desired to prepare & send to Mr Wedgwood a Receipt for the money in the form which would be proper to be required by the Trustees. On speaking of the Lawton Mr T & Mr J.T. expressed their decided opinion that a bona fide purchase for a valuable consideration could not for . . .by any previous voluntary Settlement, came with Notice. Mr T. said this was settled Law.
Wednesday 25. At home. Weather very showery. Engaged on various matters & papers.
Thursday 26. At home . The same.
Friday 27. At home. The same.
Saturday 28. At home. The same.
March
Sunday 1. Read prayers as usual. The weather being very inclement, & Bessy & I having heavy colds, we did not attend Service at Talk.
Monday 2. Went to Newcastle & met Mr Peake of Stone relative to my composition for assessed Taxes.
Tuesday 3. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Wednesday 4. Went to Stone. Met Mr Wedgwood with whom engaged on Select Committee, & returned home to Dinner. Unwell.
Thursday 5. Wrote to Anne Marsh. Settlement. Unwell. At Newcastle attending the Sessions. A heavy Calendar. Afterwards dined with the Trustees, & a Party at the Mayor, Mr Thos. Phillips, & returned in the Evening. Went from Newcastle to the Stoke, [proposing] surrender to Miss [Robinsons] of property late Mrs Martins. Left the arrangement of this business to Mr Ward on my behalf.
Friday 6. nother violent storm of Wind & Rain. Unwell. Engaged on Marsh papers.
Saturday 7. Unwell. In the night violent storm of Rain.
Sunday 8. Read prayers as usual. Bessy & I again prevented attending Service at Talk being unwell & the inclemency of the Weather.
Monday 9. Wrote to A.Marsh relative to the payment of the £2000 to the Trustees of the Marriage Settlement. Perused print of the Bill received from Sir George Chetwynd, to which
Page 36. 1835 March
Monday 9. the Grand Junction Railway Company to alter the [view] of their Railway & to meet their Boards.
Tuesday 10. Wrote to Mr Trubshaw desiring him to inspect the Plans of the above deposited in the Clerk of the . . .Office at Stafford & inform me if there was anything that should be obliged to being this [Company] in Parliament etc. Mr Tollet called.
Wednesday 11. At home. Bessy being very unwell, I sent for Mr Davenport who came. Having been unwell myself for some days past, I also consulted him when he pronounced my ailment to be my old Enemy Gout. Indeed there was signs of it in the middle finger of my Right Hand.
Thursday 12. At home. Very unwell. Mr Davenport came again. Sent to Rode Hall with enquiry after Mr Wilbraham who was unwell. Wrote to Mr Balgary Derby, in reply to a Letter received from him on Harrisons business.
Friday 13. At home. Still unwell. On going Gout. In the House all day.
Saturday 14. At home. Mr Davenport came again. Gout lingering but not advancing. Uncomfortable & unwell.
Sunday 15. Very unwell. Read Prayers as usual, but neither Bessy nor I able to attend Service at Talk. Indeed Mr Davenport had forbid it.
Monday 16. Though unfit for it, went in the Carriage to Newcastle, & made the necessary arrangements with Kinnersly for payment on Thursday next at Miss Drummonds of £2000 to Josiah Wedgwood Esq. & Dr. Holland the Tristees under Anne Marsh's Settlement in discharge of the Covenant . . .contained for . . .much of that [time] within 10 years after the Marriage. Called at Mr Wilkinson's & conferred with him on the Grand Junction Railway Amendment Bill but which did not appear to affect the T & M Canal.
Tuesday 17. At home. Very unwell all day. Received from Sir George Chetwynd Print of the Birmingham Canal Bill now in Parliament.
Wednesday 18. Still very unwell. Engaged on the Bill.
Thursday 19. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd relative to the Bill & proposing a Meeting of the Select Committee to consult the same on his return in the . . .
Friday 20. Went to Newcastle & conferred with Mr Wilkinson on the . . .
Page 37. 1835 March
Canal Bill, which I left with him for an attentive perusal, after which I came to see him again. Called at Dr. Northens & left a Card, they being all out. In the Evening Stamford arrived from Stafford Assizes.
Saturday 21. Called upon the Revd. Mr Child, at Audley, & engaged him to dine & stay all night at Linley Wood on Friday next Afterwards called at . . ., but Mr Ford was not at home. Fine mild Spring day.
Sunday.22. In the morning, read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Stamford & I attended Service at Talk. Rev. Mr Child preached.
Monday 23. Stamford & I called at . . .,but Mr Ford was again from home. Left a Note inviting him to dinner on Friday next. From thence went to Birchenhall calling upon the Revd. Mr Mainwaring with whom we sat some time. Invited him to dine on Friday, but which he declined on account of not being well.
Tuesday 24. At home. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd relative to a Meeting of the Select Committee.
Wednesday 25. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood & I sent him by a Messenger Sir Georges Letter. Proposed next Tuesday next for the Meeting. Went to Newcastle. Conferred with Mr Wilkinson on the Birmingham Canal Bill, & made arrangements for the Meeting on Tuesday next.
Thursday 26. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd fixing the Meeting, Mr Wedgwood approving Tuesday. Wrote also to Mr Landor & Mr Trubshaw requesting their attendance.
Friday 27. Wm. Faram on Navigation Business. Revd. Mr Child of Audley & Mr Fred Tomlinson dined here.
Saturday 28. At home. Engaged on sundry papers.
Sunday 29. Read prayers as usual, but not being well & the weather cold I did not attend Service at Talk.
Monday 30. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone. Mr & Mrs Wickstead called, but having just ridden out, Mr Wickstead left his card.
Tuesday 31. Went to Stone, where engaged on Select Committee, & returned home at night.
April
Wednesday 1. At home. Cowslips in flower below the Garden Terrace.
Thursday 2. At home. Engaged on papers previous to writing to Dr. Holland in reply to a Letter from him informing me that the £2000 . . .proposed by me under his . . . Letter written but . . .in the 3 . . .Case . . .in the names of the F. . .
Page 38. 1835 April
April 2. Holland & Charles Crompton.
Friday 3. Wrote to Dr. Holland & sent him a Memorandum which appeared to me to be proper to be . . .upon the Settlement Deed. Wrote also to Peake relative to Mrs Roscoes Marriage Settlement, & Mr Wedgwood signing the Endowment upon the back of it. In the night fine soft Rain. In the Evening Stamford arrived from Chester Assizes.
Saturday 4. Wrote to Mr C. Ward. Engaged on sundry papers.
Sunday 5. Read prayers as usual. Stamford attended Evening Service, but not being very well & the day cold, I did not go, & Bessy not sufficiently recovered.
Monday 6. At home. Revised & Copied afresh the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee & wrote therewith to Mr Moore to whom I sent the Minutes by the Post for entry in the Book.
Tuesday 7. Went early to Newcastle, where engaged all day attending the Sessions. Dined afterwards with the Mayor etc. at the Roebuck, & returned at night. Fatiguing day.
Wednesday 8. At home. Stamford set off to Stafford Sessions.
Thursday 9. At home. Day of Sorrow & Grief!!! The death day of my poor Eliza.
Friday 10. At home. My Eyes from which I have suffered considerably for some time past very troublesome. Received Letter from Mr Peake. In the House all day.
Saturday 11. Wrote to Wm, [Anson] & sent him Peakes Letter as it related to enquiry for a commercial Solution at Liverpool for his youngest son. Stamford returned.
Sunday 12. In the morning read Prayers as usual, & Bessy , Stamford & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 13. At home. Eyes very troublesome.
Tuesday 14. At home. Finished Rolling Wheat fields. Rode out on horseback, but found my sight much impaired & affected with respect to distant objects.
Wednesday 15. At home. Engaged selecting & arranging various Marriage Papers preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee, the General Committee & the General Assembly met next at Stone. Stamford went to Maer to dinner.
Thursday 16. In the night sharp Frost. In the course of the day considerable fall of Snow. Stamford returned from Maer. Eliza Roscoe & her two eldest Girls arrived.
Page 39. 1835 April
Friday 17. Good Friday. At home. Mr Trubshaw came, & with whom engaged a long time on Navigation Business, considering & [matters] for the Gen. Committee & Gen. Assembly.
Saturday 18. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation Business & minutes for the Meeting etc. Stamford left us on his Journey to Derby. Symptoms of a Severe cold, Inflammation of the Chest etc.
Sunday 19. Cold much worse, but read Prayers. Fever continued & ill all day.
Monday 20. Though very unfit for it, went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee. Fever continued & suffering much all day.
Tuesday 21. Ill, but engaged all day on General Committee. Suffered much from Fever affecting the Chest, & [violent] cough. Unfortunately there was a good deal of Business considered & some of it requiring particular attention & [question]. Mr Bouverie of the Grand Junction Canal Office attended the Meeting. Being very much fatigued & indisposed, Sir George Chetwynd was so good as to take the Chair for me at dinner.
Wednesday 22. The same. Engaged all day on General Assembly. In the Chair & returned home in the evening, bringing Mr Wilkinson with me in the Carriage to Newcastle.
Thursday 23. Better this morning having had some refreshing Sleep & the violence of the Cough somewhat abated. Engaged on Navigation papers & sketched out Letters to be written to Mr Daniels whose . . .I held, in reply to his enquiry respecting the common.
Friday 24. At home, but still far from well.
Saturday 25. The same. In the Evening attacked with a severe pain in my right knee & leg, something like a mixture of Gout & Cramp.
Sunday 26. Much pain in the night, & unable to walk this morning without assistance, being unwell & in great pain all day. Sent for Mr Davenport who came in the Evening. Formalities etc. In the course of the day Snow.
Monday 27. Pain abated but still [unable] able to move about. Engaged on Acts of Parliament, & papers preparatory to meeting Mr Wedgwood at Stone tomorrow to consider & settle with him & Mr Wilkinson the Table of Tolls payable upon the Canal in order to the same being affirmed at the places & in manner directed by the Act. Had [recourse] again to the [Formalities].
Tuesday 28. Better night. Went to Stone, though very unfit for it, taking Mr Wilkinson in the Carriage from Newcastle. Closely engaged all day at the office, & arrived
Page 40. 1835 April
Tuesday 28. late to dinner, not getting home till about 7 o'clock.
Wednesday 29. At home. Fatigued but my leg continued to improve. Engaged on late Miss Stamford's Papers & Copied the Letters of Admin. from the Court of York to be sent to Mr Hartley.
Thursday 30. At home. Received late at Night Letter from Revd. Mr Garratt requesting me to attend & take the Chair , at a Meeting appointed to be held tomorrow at Audley to consider of an Address to the King, & a petition to the H. of Commons which he had himself proposed relative to the present position of Protestation & in Popery, but which I entirely declined disapproving & [deprecating ]the Spirit of religious Foundation being received by 'muddling Priests', & the peace of the country disturbed by the Wear Wharf of 'Mr Popery', & stories of Deaths [Hands] or Cross Banns. The Ministers of the mild Devotions of Jesus Christ, should be actuated by the same Spirit, & show themselves the Minister of [Demons] and the Tormentors of religious dissent & division amongst the Flock of which they have the spiritual change.
May
Friday 1. Copied afresh the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee, & wrote therewith to Mr Moore by the Post. Light showers. Rode over the Farm & Ley. In the Evening, some Rain, which was much wanted.
Saturday 2. At home.
Sunday 3. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Bessy, Mary Roscoe & I attended Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Child preached. On my return found a Letter from Mr Wilkinson with a large packet of Papers relative to the Birmingham Canal Bill for perusal & requesting me to settle the Case of this Company. This morning turned the Milking Cows, 18, & one [Feeder] out to Grass.
Monday 4. Engaged closely on the Birmingham Canal Bill & the papers received from Mr Wilkinson, & drawing Petition to the House of Commons against the power given by the Bill for [redrawing] & revising against the Tolls. For the first time this summer, heard the Cuckoo. Wrote to Mr [Whitley] B. . .Saltworks, in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the Canal & repairs of a [cutbank]. Received note from Mr Wilkinson desiring me to meet Mr Wedgwood & Mr Trubshaw at Newcastle on Wednesday next.
Tuesday 5. Engaged again on Birmingham Canal Bill. Revised & corrected the Draft
Page 41. 1835 May
Tuesday 5. of the Petition which I had proposed, & conferred the same afresh.
Wednesday 6. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr Wedgwood with whom engaged on Select Committee. Considered the Petition to the House of Commons which I had proposed, & which Mr Wedgwood highly approved, respectably observing that it was exceedingly well done & the results very forcibly put. Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 7. At home. Engaged again on the Navigation Papers. Drew a Sketch of the various Canals communicating with Birmingham to accompany the parliamentary case, the latter of which was no more than the Statement of Facts surplus on the Petition.
Friday 8. Went again the Newcastle from an anxiety that my dispatch should be used in putting up Tables of Tolls, when Mr Wilkinson assured me that they could be sent to the respective Surveyors tomorrow, & that not one hour should be lost. Whilst at Mr W. Mr Wedgwood came in who informed me that he had received a Summons from Sir George Chetwynd to join him in Town, & that he should set off on Sunday Evening. Gave tot Mr Wedgwood the . . .of the Canals which I had proposed to accompany the Birmingham Canal Case. Returned to dinner. In the morning I cut the Asparagus. Rode on Horseback tot Newcastle & back. Mary Roscoe returned home. Alcock put into the Barn 5 doz of Port Wine on Thursday from [Challinor] & Richards.
Saturday 9. Wrote to Mr Moore, Navigation Office & returned him a Cheque on Kinnersly & Co for £700, which I had previously signed.
Sunday 10. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Mr Garratt preached. As we returned from Church, violent storm of Rain & Hail.
Monday 11. Bessy & I called at Mr & Mrs Henry Wedgwood's at Keele, but they were both from home. We afterwards called at the Northens. Saw the Doctor & the youngest Miss Northen, Mrs Northen had just before set off to the Sea. Returned home to Dinner. In the Evening Stamford arrived from Chester Races.
Tuesday 12. At home. Cattle turned out into the Ley. Wm. Faram called, with whom engaged on Navigation Business. Got early Potatoes, which from their size should have been ready for use two days ago.
Wednesday 13. Went to Red Bull Wharf relative to the Table of Tolls due to be put up & which Mr Wedgwood informed me was done. Stamford's left us on his journey to Cheltenham & Town. Engaged on private papers. Poor Bessy Beardmore died about 11 o'clock this morning highly & justly esteemed by all for her good conduct & amiable manners.
Page 42. 1835 May
Thursday 14. Again engaged on private Affairs & Statement. Cut Cabbage.
Friday 15. Revised & copied afresh the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee, wrote therewith to Mr Moore. Signed & returned to him also a Navigation Cheque for £450, received by the last Post. Engaged again on private Affairs & Accounts.
Saturday 16. Attended the Funeral at Audley of poor Bessy Beardmore. Took the Revd. Mr Garratt in the Carriage from Talk, & brought back Mr Johnson of the Hollins. Received by the Post a long Letter from Mr Wedgwood accompanying a presented copy of new line of the Birmingham Canal Bill.
Sunday 17. Mr Wedgwood having mentioned in his Letter that another Meeting was to take place tomorrow at [Maer], with Lord Shaftsbury & other Parties & desiring to hear from me previously. Wrote to him by this Mornings Post expressing my Sentiments & objections to a proposed [Execution] in the Redirection of Tonnage Clause, in favour of Coal & Iron on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Read prayers as usual. Attended Evening Service at Talk with Bessy. A very good supporting Sermon preached by Revd. Mr Garratt on occasion of the death & Funeral of poor Bessy Beardmore.
Monday 18. Wrote to Mr Harley and acknowledging the Receipt of years he lived down from John [Gordon] Exec. to the Estate of the late Miss Stamford also sent him a Copy of the Letters of Admin. in the . . of York. In the afternoon rode out on Horseback. Met Mrs Kinnersly who was going to call upon my sister & with whom I rode back to Linley Wood.
Tuesday 19. At home. Fine growing day. Dewy,soft Light Rain. Finished setting winter Potatoes.
Wednesday 20. At home. Engaged on private Accounts but my Eyes render this very troublesome.
Thursday 21. At home. Farm etc.
Friday 22. After breakfast Bessy set off to Nantwich, taking Ma. . . .H. . . along with her.
Saturday 23. Went to Cliffe & conferred with Mr F. Tomlinson on the affairs of the late Miss Stamford, when we concluded to wait the arrival of in the Country of Anne Marsh which was shortly expected.
Page 43. 1835 May
Sunday 24. In the morning read Prayers as usual, & attended the Evening Service at Talk. Mr Child Preached.
Monday 25. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood in reply to one received from him on Saturday last relative to the Birmingham Canal Bill, & the compromise of the dispute clause. Afterwards went to Nantwich. Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage relative to the late Mr Skerratts Affairs, & returned in the Evening, bringing Bessy back to Linley Wood.
Tuesday 26. At home. Bessy being very unwell with a cold & a sore throat, I sent for Mr Davenport who came shortly after.
Wednesday 27. At home. Mr Davenport came again. Bessy better. Engaged on sundry matters, Farm etc. Sent a Basket again with Chicken, Rabbit & vegetables to [Nantwich].
Thursday 28. At home. Fine Rain.
Friday 29. Rode out. Met Mr R. Wilbraham. Also saw Eliza & Wm. Roscoe & Elizabeth on the Coach on which they were returning from London. Received Letter from Mr Wedgwood with Copy of Birmingham Canal Bill.
Saturday 30. Considered Birmingham Bill. Went to Newcastle to compare the amended Reduction of Tonnage Clauses with the Clauses in the required Bill which I had left a few days ago with Mr Wilkinson. Returned home, so considered the amended Clauses, & wrote to Mr Wedgwood thereon.
Sunday 31. Read prayers in the morning as usual. Attended Evening Service at Talk Chapel, but Bessy too unwell to accompany me.
June
Monday 1. At home. Mr Davenport, who had attended Bessy several days past, came again & thought she was going on well.
Tuesday 2. Wrote to Mr Balgary & to Mr C. . of Derby in consequence of a Letter received from the latter relative to the Fencing of our property there done by direction of the [Confirmation].
Wednesday 3. Wrote to Mr Trubshaw in reply to a Letter received by the last Post from him. Engaged on the Farm. Lost the [Cush] a valuable Milking Cow from internal inflammation. Mr Davenport, who had called to see Bessy, said that Castor Oil produced no effect on Horses, but recommended it in large quantity in the Case of the Cow, as much as a Quarter of a Bottle. He said that in general medicine was not administered in sufficient quantity to animals.
Thursday 4. At home. Wrote to Anne Marsh. Turned Saddle Horses out to Grass.
Friday 5. Engaged on late Miss Stamford's Accounts, & stating the Acc. with H. E. Roscoe to this day, in order to its being sent to her with the Balance. Afterwards engaged on sundry Farming matters.
Page 44. 1835 June
Saturday 6. At home. Bessy continuing very unwell, consulted Davenport as to calling in a Physician, which he recommended, but it was thought best to wait till tomorrow.
Sunday 7. Bessy much better this morning. Mr Davenport who had invited to dinner was prevented coming till Evening,when he found Bessy so much better as to render further medical advice unnecessary. In the morning I read prayers as usual, & attended Evening Service at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr Child preached.
Monday 8. Bessy not so well, but which Mr Davenport attributed to the great heat of the weather. At home. At Bessys particular request did not send the Letter which I had written to Eliza Roscoe proposing her coming to Linley Wood.
Tuesday 9. At home. Wrote to Mr Co . . Derby relative to the House in the Farm Gate & the attention made in the part of it by the direction of the . . of Derby.
Wednesday 10. Wrote a part Letter to Eliza, & sent her the Acc. in her late Aunts Affairs, & inclosing a Dr. for £80. In formed her of Bessys illness & suggested her coming to see her, but left this to herself. M Faram came with whom engaged on various Navigation business. Mr Poynton of Rode called relative to water taken out of the Canal for the use of his Mill at Rode, when after hearing his Case, I desired him to furnish me with a Statement of it in writing, & which I promised to lay before the Select Committee at their next Meeting. Very hot day.
Thursday 11. At home. Mr Bell called to solicit my vote in his favour at the Election of a Surgeon to the North Staffs Infirmary, which I told him that I had before intended to give him, & as I had expressed to Mr Davenport, Mr [Garner] another of the candidates also called.
Friday 12. Bessy had a very bad night being no better today. I wrote a Note to Dr. Northen desiring him to meet Mr Davenport here in the Evening, but just as Samuel was setting off with it, the Doctor & Mrs N called here. He said she was in a very weakened state , & had the Hooping Cough. He left a prescription, & Mr Davenport to let him know in the Evening which day he was to see Bessy again, & which Mr D was to communicate this to the Doctor.
Saturday 13. At home Mr D. came when we again found tomorrow Evening for the Consultation, & Mr D promised to write to Dr. N accordingly.
Page 45. 1835 June
Sunday 14. In the morning read prayers as usual, & attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Garratt preached. On my return found Eliza Roscoe, who in coming had been contained in the Crash in which she travelled here but fortunately escaped unhurt. In the Evening Dr. Northen & Mr Davenport again met & had a further conversation. They thought poor Bessy not worse but rather improved, & Mr D promised to see her in the morning about eleven o'clock.
Monday 15. At home. Mr Wilkinson & Mr Trubshaw called on their way to Anderton, to see Mr Reid & Mr Hostage relative to the proposed alteration of the Towing path at that place etc. Symptoms of bad cold & [catarrh].
Tuesday 16. At home. Began mowing. Wm. Faram on Navigation Business. Revd. Mr Garratt called to make enquiry after Bessy. Took lunch & staid a considerable time having sociable conversation, but not a word said of the late Audley Meeting. In the evening Dr. Mackenzie called relative to an [Interruption] intended to be . . .amongst the Medical Men in Town for the benefit of the Family of the late Mr [Courtney] of Newcastle, & an application being made to Dr. Holland for his countenance of it, when I promised to consider the matter & till I would then see or visit to Dr. M.
Wednesday 17. At home. Men busy mowing. In the Evening wrote to Dr. Mackenzie finding upon consideration that I could with [delicacy] or [propriety] apply to Dr. Holland, but sent [Five] Guineas as donation for the . . of the late Mr [Courtney] Family. Severe Cold with inflammation of the Chest.
Thursday 18. Very unwell & in bed till Noon. Mr Moore of the Navigation called. Finished mowing the Meadow.
Friday 19. Better but still very unwell. Mr Moore of the Navigation called. Afterwards Revd. Mr Child of Audley called. Mowed the Croft.
Saturday 20. Very unwell & confined in the House all day.
Sunday 21. Better. Read prayers in the morning as usual but not well enough to attend Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 22. At home. Better & very busy in the Hay, there having every appearance of Rain. Mr [Henshall] of Middlewich on Navigation business. In the evening Rain.
Tuesday 23. At home. Showers which prevented much being done in the Hay.
Page 46. 1835 June
Wednesday 24. At home. Heavy Rain.
Thursday 25. At home. Much Rain in the night. Nothing to be done in the Hay. Engaged on private Accounts etc.
Friday 26. At home. Rain.
Saturday 27. At home.
Sunday 28. In the morning read prayers as usual. Mrs Roscoe & I attended Evening Service at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr Child preached.
Monday 29. Very busy in the Hay.
Tuesday 30. Went to Newcastle & attended the Sessions, but the extraordinary Case on account there not being a single Prisoner or offence to try. On my return in the Evening found the Hay making finished & the Stack just made up.
July
Wednesday 1. At home. Engaged on half yearly Accounts.
Thursday 2. At home. Mr Allan Booth to whom after examination I delivered the Plan of Estate in Audley & Barthomley Parishes made by him, for correction. Anne Marsh with her three Children ,Louisa, Rose & Martin who we had been expecting all day, arrived a little before twelve o'clock at night, when, having given them up, we were all gone to bed.
Friday 3. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to Meeting of the Select Committee on Monday next.
Saturday 4. Mr F. Tomlinson came with whom closely engaged till 4 o'clock in the late Miss Stamford's Affairs, examining & settling the Executorship Account., & which was afterwards signed by H. E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh preparatory to the execution of the Deed of Assignment to the Trustees under the Will.
Sunday 5. In the morning read prayers as usual. Prevented attending Evening Service at Talk by the Weather.
Monday 6. Went to Stone where engaged on Select Committee.
Tuesday 7. At Stone, where very closely engaged all day on Select & General Committees. Returned late in the Evening. Found that Eliza Roscoe had left L. Wood this morning on her return home.
Wednesday 8. At home. Fatigued & unwell.
Page 47. 1835 July
Thursday 9. At home. James Potter called relative to his Acc. with the T & M Company, when I desired him to state what he desired to the Sel. Com. in writing, & I would then call their attention to it. Received Letter & Copy of Minutes of the Canal Comm. Meetings from Mr Moore.
Friday 10. Revised Minutes & wrote to Mr Moore. Miss Sarah Wedgwood of Camp Hill & Elizabeth Wedgwood called.
Saturday 11. Went to Red Bull Wharf, & had a conversation with Mr Fairbanks, when he mentioned several Carriers who were sending their Boats by the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal instead of the [Oxford] Canal. Possibly by way of Experiment, & to extract a further Reduction of Tonnage from the Trent & Mersey. Purchased a Milking Cow from (blank) Edwards, (Mr Lawton's Tenant) for which I paid £15.
Sunday 12. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Anne Marsh & I with her Children attended Evening Service at Talk Chapel. Revd. Mr Child preached.
Monday 13. At home. Wrote to Mr Trubshaw relative to Coals & Wood, but Colliery being got without any [Reserve] for protection of the Tunnel. Engaged on private Acc. & matters.
Tuesday 14. At home.
Wednesday 15. Attended Meeting for the Election of a Surgeon to the North Staffordshire Infirmary, when Mr Daniel Ball of Burslem to whom I gave my vote was chosen. Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 16. At home. Settling & paying the Servants their half year wages.
Friday 17. At home. Wm. Faram, in consequence of a Letter which he had received from Mr Moore, relative to [lending] the [Companys] . . .etc. & which he satisfactorily explained to me.
Saturday 18. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to proceeding upon Survey of the Southern End of the Canal on Monday next with Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood.
Sunday 19. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Attended Evening Service at Talk with Louisa Marsh & the Children. Ann Marsh being unwell & prevented going. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 20. Went to Stone. Met Mr Wedgwood & proceeded on Survey of Canal taking up Sir G. C. at Wolsley Bridge. Slept at [Burton].
Tuesday 21. Proceeded to [Shardlow] & returned to [Burton], where we again slept.
Wednesday 22. We all went in the Boat at Wolsely Bridge, from where Mr Wedgwood & I went in
Page 48. 1835 July
Wednesday 22. a Postchaise to Stone, where we separated, & I arrived at home about 7 o'clock.
Thursday 23. At home. Fatigued & Unwell. Anne Marsh returned from Knutsford where she had gone on Tuesday last. Appleby relative to the mark of payment of his Tonnages upon the Canal.
Friday 24. At home. Miss Wedgwood of Camphill & Miss E Wedgwood dined & the latter staid all night.
Saturday 25. At home.
Sunday 26. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Attended Evening Service at Talk, with Ann Marsh & the Children. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 27. Ann Marsh & her two Girls went to Camphill, the Horses taking her carriage to Newcastle. Engaged on sundry matters. In the Evening rode to the Woodshuts Colliery, & to look at the Situation of the Coals in respect of which Mr Heathcote claims compensation from the T & M Canal Co. Met with Mr & Mrs Kinnersly. Viewed the Church and building by Mr K & which had been begun about a week ago. When completed to contain 4 or 500 persons.
Tuesday 28. At home. Engaged on sundry matters. In the Evening rode to Tunstall & was surprized at the great [service] & informed of the place within the last few years. It would soon to have a very important part of the Staffordshire Potteries. The Coal lying convenient & being got at less expense then in the Southern part of the Pottereies,& the Communication with Liverpool being . . .
Wednesday 29. At home. James Farram again relative to the complaint made of him for ending trading upon the Canal Colliery & using the Col. Whi. . .etc., but for which there appeared to me to be no just ground.
Thursday 30. At home.
Friday 31. At home. Received from the Revd. Mr Garratt a Copy of the Sermon preached by him before . . .Hodgson & the Clergyman.
August
Saturday 1. At home. Anne Marsh & her two Girls returned at night from Camphill.
Sunday 2. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. Prevented attending Evening Service at Talk by the most violent storm of Thunder, Lightning, Hail & Rain I had ever witnessed. Several of the Hailstones recovered from 21/2 to 3 inches in circumference. All the sky lights with nearly the whole of the Roof of the Garden House were smashed to pieces, but all the sash windows of both . . .without damage . . .to them . . .no wind. The Lightning struck the Chimney of a House at Talk but nobody
Page 49. 1835 August
Sunday 2. was hurt. A House in But Lane was also struck. The Street was said to appear all on Fire. The Storm came on a little before 2 o'clock, & continued about. It was still more violent at Lawton, but did not extend to Rode Hall. Mr Lawton [reported] the damage he should sustain at £250. The storm came on very suddenly & unexpectedly, there being no particularly . . .or heavy clouds, but I had observed a general wind resistance of the air.
Monday 3. At home. Unwell.
Tuesday 4. At home. Unwell but in the Evening took Ann Marsh a Drive in the Gig the Evening being cool & pleasant.
Wednesday 5. At home. Engaged on the Perlington Executorship Papers, preparatory to seeing Mr Skerratt on this business on Friday next, with a view to putting it on a [train] of being brought to a close.
Thursday 6. Bessy & I called at Lawton Hall, but Mr & Mrs L. not being at home, we left our cards. Bessy afterwards called at Clough Hall but Mrs Kinnersly was also out.
Friday 7. Mr Skerratt came pursuant to Appointment with whom closely engaged on the Perlington Affairs. Mr Randle Wilbraham also called to express to me his own & his Father's good opinion of James Faram (of) the Navigation Co. Confirmation at the Toll Lock, in consequence of some injurious complaint which had been made against him, & which I was anxious to have fully refuted. Mr Skerratt staid (to) dinner.
Saturday 8. At home.
Sunday 9. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Anne Marsh & I with Louisa & the Children attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached. Afterwards drove home through Clough Hall Grounds, by Lawton Hall & the [Seaton] Arms.
Monday 10. At home. Unwell.
Tuesday 11. At home. Louisa Marsh had a fall from the Pony she was riding, relative to the Saddle turning, but was not [actively] hurt. Mr Thomas Ledward came to whom I signified in writing my consent to an arrangement he had made for Sale to the present Tenant of the [Pebbles] House at Macclesfield part of the Estate of the late Wm. Bent & Co. for the . . .sum of £460, the Expense being to be paid by the purchaser, & the purchase to be completed on the 29 September next.
Page 50. 1835 August
Wednesday 12. At home.
Thursday 13. At home. Mr Fred Tomlinson settling the Executorship in the affairs of the late Miss Stamford with Anne Marsh, when I executed an agreement of Mr [Yates] Mortgage & transfers of 4 Trent & Mersey Canal Shares of 5 Warwick & Birmingham & 1 Warwick & Birmingham Canal Shares to the Trustees under the Will & Anne & I executed the final Deed of Arrangement & which Anne took to be executed by H. E. Roscoe at Liverpool, to which place she was going on Monday next on their way to Scotland. Mr & Mrs Lawton & Miss Louisa [Belcombe] called.
Friday 14. At home. Mrs & Miss Tollet called. Arthur Marsh arrived to dinner.
Saturday 15. Engaged on papers preparatory to proceeding on Survey of the T & M Canal on Monday next. Took a drive with Anne Marsh in the Gig. Conversation with A. Marsh & conversation from Sir G. C. by the Canal.
Sunday 16. In the morning read Prayers as usual. We all attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 17. Went to Stoke to meet Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood at . . .but who owing to Sir G. C. being unexpectedly delayed we could not begin till after 4. Proceeded on Survey of Talk & Etruria Wharf , Hanley Rail Road, Burslem Rail Road & slept at [Burslem], party being Sir. G.C.,Mr Wedgwood, J.C., Mr Moore, James Trubshaw & C. Trubshaw.
Tuesday 18. Rose at ½ past 5. Proceeded a little after 6 in the Boat from Etruria along the Caldon Canal to [ Hazlewhich] Locks, then to Leek Wharf, & to Leek thereon, along the Leek T & M to the Paper Mill, & found the work on the . . . .which being . . .it returned. We slept. Rudyard Reservoir 13 feet 10in. under Level.
Wednesday 19. Rose again at ½ past 5. Returned in Chaise to Cheddleton, at which place I parted, being obliged to return home & left the Party who set off to Froghall to view the Caldon Low Railway & then along the . . .Canal which Mr Wedgwood had never seen. Arrived at home by the way of Newcastle about 11 o'clock. Found our Friends gone, Arthur & Anne Marsh with their 2 Girls, having set off on Monday to Liverpool on their way to Scotland to visit Lady [Gifford]. The Boy with their [Maid] servant set off in one of the Coaches on their return to Waterloo. The weather extremely hot as it had been for the last 10 or 12 days.
Thursday 20. At home. In the Evening Stamford arrived from Burton.
Friday 21. Eliza Roscoe arrived in the forenoon. Mr & Mrs Kinnersly & the Revd. Mr Wainwaring dined. Mr & Mrs Lawton who had engaged to dine prevented coming by Mr L having had a Fall and hurt his knee in getting out of the Phaeton a day or two ago, & Mrs Lawton having received intelligence of the death of a
Page 51. 1835 August
Friday 21. Nephew on his passage home from India. Storm of Thunder, Lightning & Rain a little before 6 o'clock. A fine Ash tree at [Maer] Lake which I . . .& which struck by the Lightning.
Saturday 22. At home.
Sunday 23. In the morning read Prayers as usual. H.E. Roscoe, Stamford & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Clive preached.
Monday 24. At home. Wrote to Mr F. Tomlinson, proposing to see him at Cliffe Ville in consequence of a Letter from him on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Tuesday 25. At home.
Wednesday 26. Stamford & Eliza Roscoe left us, the former returning to Buxton, & the latter, home. Engaged on papers preparatory to Cliffe Ville tomorrow on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.
Thursday 27. Went to Cliffe Ville pursuant to appointment made by Mr F. T. Signed the Memorial of Assignment Mr G. . .M. . . .to be sent to the Registry at Wakefield, also a Notice to Mr [York] of such Assignment. Left with Mr F.T. The Death of the Executorship [Returns] & Transfers of Warwick & Birmingham, & Trent & Mersey Canal Shares, & also the Book containing the Executorship Acc. to be sent to Mr Lawrence for his execution & signature. Mr F. T. promised to write to E. Roscoe with a copy of her additional Accounts, & explain the same to her, particularly with respect to her share of the Annuity last due.
Friday 25. At home.
Saturday 29. At home. Finished cutting wheat.
Sunday 30. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Child preached. Early this morning Saml. Jones Garden robbed of Fruit.
Monday31. At home. Busy carrying Oats.
September
Tuesday 1. Took out a [Ga. . .] Certificate for Thomas Alcock. Finished Carrying Oats. Went to Newcastle on various matters. Signed at Mr Wards the Agreement for letting Stoney field to Mr Firmstone for 1 year, & so on from year to year.
Wednesday 2. At home. Finished carrying Wheat. . . .printed offer of Reward of £5 for desiring of the Persons who stole the apples & broke the trees in Saml. Jones & Thomas Whitings Garden early on Sunday morning.
Thursday 3. At home.
Friday 4. At home. Saml. Beardmore mentioned to me Thos. Alcock's wish to have the White Lion etc. etc.
Page 52. 1835 September
Saturday 5. At home. Wrote to Capt. John Hamilton, [Crossley] Stone House, Rugeley, in reply to his Letter requesting me to forward in this night . . .the Subscription to a piece of . . . to be presented to Lord Hatherton, but which I declined.
Sunday 6. In the morning read prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Child preached.
Monday 7. At home. Engaged on Draft of . . .Will & other private affairs & Acct. Bessy called at Rode Heath, taking a present of Grapes, and two brace of Partridge to Eliza Roscoe.
Tuesday 8. At home. Heavy Rain. Funeral of John Keeling, which the the Men Servants attended at Audley.
Wednesday 9. At home. Took the examination of Witness, Maria Nixon & Sarah Wakefield respecting the matter against Thomas [Lockett] of Talk Pits, having yesterday examined Ellen Wakefield.
Thursday 10. Called at Proctors but did not see him.
Friday 11. Proctor came to Linley Wood. Examined him & read a Minute of what he said which agreed with what had been stated by the woman. Said that he was aware he had done wrong etc. & would consult Mr [Harding] of Burslem. Heavy Rain & Wind. Mr Trubshaw came & with whom had a long conversation on Navigation Affairs. Mr Trubshaw estimates Evaporation at about 1/10 of an inch per day, so that on ten days there is an Evaporation of one inch upon the whole of the surface.
Saturday 12. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone on Monday next. Proctor called, & said Mr Harding had advised him to take the Offender again & bring him before the Magistrate.
Sunday 13. Read Prayers as usual. Afterwards attended with Bessy Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 14. Went to Stone, where closely engaged all day on Select Committee.
Tuesday 15. Engaged closely again all Morning on Draft & afterwards returned home to dinner. Heavy Rain. On my arrival at home found a Note requesting my attendance as Pall Bearer at the Funeral of my old Friend John Robinson on Friday next at Newcastle.
Page 53. 1835 September
Wednesday 16. Mr Booth came bringing with him Notices to Mrs Watson to quit the White Lion Inn & premises at Lady Day next. William Faram called, & quite satisfied me of the [groundless] of the Complaint which had been made against him. Afterwards attended a [victory] meeting at Talk Chapel relative to the Repairs of the part of the road from Talk to S . . Southerly in dispute with the Trustees of the Turnpike Road, when I was requested to confer with Mr Fenton upon the subject, & if deemed necessary obtain the opinion of Counsel. On my return home sketched out a Plan & Direction for conference with Mr Fenton. Mr H recommended Mr Mitchelson as a proper person to ask for Mr Daniels in the Colliery question with Mr [Brock].
Thursday 17. Went to the Red Bull Wharf. Viewed with John Ford the small Erection made by James [Farnon] the Company's Land at Pools Lock, & afterwards spoke with Mr Fairbank upon the subject. Instead of injury, it appeared to us to be an improvement of the Company's property. Afterwards called upon Mr Rob Heath & conferred with him relative to Mr Heathcote's & Mr Williamson's Coals for which confirmation was required from the Navigation Co. when he promised to send me a Sketch of the Mines, & said that if Mr Mitchelson would furnish him with a plan of Mr Heathcotes Coals, he would give me his opinion whether or not they might be got without danger to the Canal. He considered these Coals to be of small value. He laughed at the idea of a R (blank)
Friday 18. Went to Newcastle & attended the Funeral of John Robinson. Pall Bearers, Mr Kinnersly & myself at the head Thomas & Robert Fenton, Mr Wilkinson Mr Leach & Mr Machin from Burslem & a Gentleman who I did (know). No age was put upon the plate on the Coffin, but I understand that my late old Friend was in his 82nd year. Every thing was extremely well conducted there not being the smallest delay or hurry. We met at the Castle Inn, & when everything was ready, walked to the House, at the door of which was the Body, with which we indirectly proceeded to the Church. The Service was very inspiringly read by the Revd. Mr Leigh. And thus ended the last of my old Friends & to inferences when I first went to Newcastle, 58 years ago.
Occasions like this call up the collection which make life appear a Dream, & if allowed to take their course would end in Tears of missing, Sorrow & Regrets.
When at Newcastle spoke to Mr Fenton of the Repairs of Talk Turnpike Road, & left with him prepared for being considered thereon.
Saturday 19. At home. Wm. Faram came again relative to the matters between his Brother James & the Navigation Co. when he informed me that of late his Brothers determination to leave the Company's Service & that he was about to give Notice accordingly. Wm. Faram showed me also a Statement also of the Duties which he himself performed in his . . .of the Canal, & which with a few trifling corrections. I approved & recommended his showing it to Mr Wedgwood.
Page 54. 1835 September
Sunday 20. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Attended with Bessy Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached. The [Banking] at the back of . . .House fell in last night.
Monday 21. At home. Unwell & in the House all day. Began reading the Memories of the late Sir James Mackintosh, by his Son.
Tuesday 22. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers & with Wm. Faram who came this morning.
Wednesday 23. At home. Engaged on Harecastle Coal & & other Canal Papers & Plans preparatory to seeing Mr Trubshaw tomorrow.
Thursday 24. Called at the Red Bull Wharf & saw Mr Fairbanks. Mr Trubshaw came to dinner & with whom engaged all the Evening on Canal Business. Mr Williamson, Mr [Heathcotes] claims for Compensation for Coals. Delivered to Mr Trubshaw for his Consideration of the plan which Mr Rob Heath had given of the interminable spaces or reductions of the Mines. Showed him my Plan & Observations on the small Building erected by James Faram on the Col. Land on his holding at Pools Lock.
Friday 25. Up early. Mr Trubshaw & I breakfasted at 7. He said the Plan & observations were correct. We had much more conversation on the Coal Compensation, & I undertook to see Mr Rob Heath & try to prevail upon him to meet MrTrubshaw & Mr Mitcheson, & in which case I promised to attend. Afterwards rode on Horseback to Newcastle. Called upon Mr Wilkinson in consequence of a Letter received from him yesterday. Left at Kinnerslys my Account of the Perlington Money, part of my Account with them in order that they might calculate & state the amount of the interest allowed by them. On my Return found Mr B. . ., who came with the Rents due from him & which he paid.
Saturday 26. Went again to Pools Lock & examined again the [Buckley Booth] Garden. Wrote Letter with my Plan Mr Wedgwood. Soon after my Return Wm. Faram came on his way to Maer, & by whom I sent my Letter & Plan with the Minutes of my Survey to Mr Wedgwood, & when I had received it to Faram. He called again on his return; much satisfied with his interview with Mr W.
Sunday 27. Went immediately after breakfast to K. . . Saw Mr Robert Hall when he consented to meet & confer with Mr Mitcheson. Mr Trubshaw & myself relative to Mr Heathcotes Coals etc. & which Meeting Mr Trubshaw was very desirous of & had particularly requested me to obtain. Read Prayers as usual & attended with Bessy Evening Service at Talk.
Page 55. 1835 September
Monday 28. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Minutes of General Committee a Stone tomorrow. Mr Bert Hollinshead arrived to dinner & to stay all night.
Tuesday 29. Took Mr Hollinshead in the Carriage with me to Stone, where closely engaged all day on General Committee. Dined at Stone & returned to Linley Wood in the Evening. General Committee adjourned to Tuesday 3rd & Select Committee to meet on Monday 2nd.
Wednesday 30. Mr Hollinshead left us on his return home. Engaged on Navigation & other Papers.
October
Thursday 1. At home. Read more of Memories of Mackintosh. An interesting & amusing work, & highly creditable to the Editor.
Saturday 3. At home. Again reading Mackintosh. Mr John Smith to whom I had given permission shooting on Alsager etc.
Sunday 4. In the Morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attending Service at Talk but Bessy not well enough to accompany me. Mr Garratt preached a sermon on account of it being the 300th Anniversary of the publication of the Scriptures in the English language.
Monday 5. At home. Unwell.
Tuesday 6. At home. Mackintosh speaking of his visit to Dunrobin Castle says" The most reward of the feature of the place was its Mistress, a Woman of great understanding, spirit and dignity, with more of the Chess master and Talents of a Queen than any other Female I have seen."
Wednesday 7. At home.
Thursday 8. Went to Red Bull. Met Wm., James & Saml. Faram & with whom engaged all morning investigating the complaints which had been made against them respecting the Navigation, & at which appeared to me of not totally groundless to have been grossly exaggerated, & undeserving of the Notice, which had been taken of them. On my return found Mr John Martin of Basford, & much urged him to stay to dinner but which he said he could not do owing to a previous engagement. He mentioned his Brother, William having settled at Stoke as a Druggist, which I had not heard.
Friday 9. At home
Saturday 10. At home. Wrote to Mr Daniels, L. Berkhampstead, relative to the choice of a proper person to act on the part on the Settlement with Mr [Broade] of Wood farm Colliery Concerns, & to which mention to him my advice.
Page 56. 1835 October
Sunday 11. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. No Evening Service at Talk. Saml. Faram called.
Monday 12. At home. Considering again Draft of Case relative to [Enrolment] of Contracts etc. under the T. &.M Canal Acts. Invitation to Bessy & myself to dine at Lawton Hall on Wednesday next. Received sundry papers from Wm. Faram.
Tuesday 13. At home. Wm. Faram called & with whom engaged a considerable time.
Wednesday 14. Dined at Lawton, but Bessy prevented going by her Cough. Mr & Mrs Geofry . . . , two Miss Wilbrahams of Rode Hall & Rev. Mr Mainwaring.
Thursday 15. At home.
Friday 16. Bessy & I went to Newcastle & called upon Miss Robinson. My . . . with her Family commenced on my first going to Newcastle which was in February. Wrote Letters to Anne Marsh & Mr B. Hollinshead.
Saturday 17. At home. Farm etc.
Sunday 18. In the morning said Prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Rev. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 19. Unwell. Perused & Considered again the Trent & Mersey Canal Case proposed by Mr Landor relative to Title etc.
Tuesday 20. At home. Unwell. Examined & Considered the Sale . . . 3 & the subsequent Acts preparatory to settling the Case proposed by Mr Landor.
Wednesday 21. Closely engaged on the Acts of Parliament & began drawing Case afresh according to my own view of it, for the Consideration of Mr Landor & the Select Committee.
Thursday 22. At home. Again engaged on Case.
Friday 23. At home.
Saturday 24. At home. Copied Case, having first examined again the several Acts of Parliament. In the Evening Stamford arrived.
Sunday 25. Read Prayers as usual. Stamford & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Barnes preached. Sermon for the . . .of Audley & Talk Schools.
Monday 26. Engaged closely on Navigation Case, which I finished. Stamford went to Lawton Hall.
Tuesday 27. Reassessed Case, & made a copy of the whole.
Wednesday 28. Went to Betley Court where I dined & staid all night. Mr & Mrs Tollet, Miss Tollet & Miss F. Tollet also dined. Mr & Mrs Latham also dined being on a visit at Betley Court.
Page 57. 1835 October.
Thursday 29. Much conversation thus morning with Mr F. Twemlow. Mentioned to him the notice which I had received from Sir George Chetwynd relative to my resigning the Chair of the Select Committee & which he expressed great surprize & said he could not believe there was one other. . . .had any thoughts or wish the . . .,but on the understanding that retired from the Chair would be greatly regretted as the value of my services was visibly . . .& . . .. I showed him the note which I proposed to address to the General Assembly, & which he approved in case I thought it worth while to take any notice of the Committee which had been made to me. He showed much kind& friendly feeling on this occasion. Called on the Revd. Mr . . ., who was from home. Called also at Betley Hall. Saw Mr & Mrs Tollet etc. & returned home to dinner.
Friday 30. Attended the [public] [Breakfast] given at Newcastle to the .Revd. Mr [Leigh] in testimony of the report attributed for him & his Services & [Conduct] as Rector. The Bishop attended, & who afterwards consecrated an . . .part of the Churchyard. Went through the whole business & ceremonies of the morning, & returned home to dinner.
Saturday 31. Revd. Mr Mainwaring dined. Mr Lawton also had agreed also to dine, sent a Note just before dinner saying that he was prevented coming by indisposition
November
Sunday 1. In the morning read Prayers as usual, but did not attend the Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 2. Went to Stone taking Mr [Williamson] with me from Newcastle. Engaged closely on Select Committee.
Tuesday 3. At Stone. Engaged on Select Committee, & afterwards on General Committee, Lord Harrowby being in the Chair. Much Business, dined & returned home at night. Spoke to Mr [Mitcheson] about [report] to him on the part of Mr [Daniels] of [Wood Farm] colliery business which he consented to . . .
Wednesday 4. At home. Fatigued & unwell. Stamford returned from Betley Hall.
Thursday 5. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers.
Friday 6. At home. Stamford left us on his way to Derby.
Saturday 7. At home. Answered several Letters.
Sunday 8. Read Prayers in the Morning as usual. Weather so inclement as to prevent attending Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 9. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation & other papers. Wrote to Mr . . .to John Lawrence.
Tuesday 10. At home. Engaged all morning selecting & arranging Letters & Papers & Summary much as were useless. Began sowing [Wheat] in late [Hackets] Lane which recent inclemency of the weather had prevented.
Wednesday 11. At home. Engaged on
Thursday 12. At home. Mr Booth, relative to White Lion Inn, & drew alterations for
Page 58. 1835 November
Thursday 12. letting it, to be inserted in the Staffordshire Advertiser, it appearing to be impossible to continue Mrs Watson, to whom Notice to quit at Lady day next, had been duly delivered.
Friday 13. At home.
Saturday 14. At home. Engaged examining H. E Roscoes Acct. in the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford & afterwards wrote & remitted to her the . . .of her Debt to be [inserted] in the name of Mr [Lane] on the [function] of Liverpool & Manchester Railway & Liverpool Gas [Shares] upon the [Investment] of her Settlement, via Cash Book.
Sunday 15. Read Prayers as usual. Attended with Bessy Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Cooper Minister of the Church at Burslem.
Monday 16. At home. Laid down new Turkey Carpet in the Dining Room.
Tuesday 17. At home. Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow on late Mr Skerratts Affairs. Mr Booth called whom after much consideration we thought it highly proper that Mrs Watson should quit the White Lion, & that as Advertisement of it being to let should be inserted in the Staffordshire Advertiser.
Wednesday 18. Bessy & I went to Nantwich. Met Mr F. Twemlow at Sandbach & had a short conversation with him.
Thursday 19. At Nantwich. Agreed Notice as one of the Executors, the same having been previously signed by Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage of Dissolution of the cash Mr Skerratts Partnership in . . .concern.
Friday 20. Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage, when it appeared that Mr Skerratts Affairs were in a train of being shortly brought to a close. Called at Mr . . .& Miss Mainwaring & returned home to dinner.
Saturday 21. Mr F. Twemlow with whom much conversation relative to my proposed Retirement from the Trent & Mersey Select Committee, & showed him a sketch of a Letter which I proposed to convey to the approaching General Assembly, which he approved. His Behaviour to me on this occasion is indeed truly friendly.
Sunday 22. In the Morning read Prayers as usual. Feeling very unwell & the poor weather we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.
Page 59. 1835 November
Monday 23. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers.
Tuesday 24. At home.
Wednesday 25. At home. Finished & Copied proposed Letter to the General Assembly.
Thursday 26. At home.
Friday 27. At home. Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Stone to attend Meeting of the Select Committee, General Committee & General Assembly on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday next.
Saturday 28. Went to . . . Had a long Conversation with Mr Rob Heath relative to the Demands made by Mr Wilkinson & Mr Heathcote for Compensation for Coals left under the Tunnel of the Canal.
Sunday 29. In the Morning read Prayers as usual. Prevented by the Weather attending Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 30. Went to Stone, & here engaged on Select Committee.
December
Tuesday 1. At Stone, attending General committee. Lord Harrowby in the Chair. In the Evening, Mr [Simpson] indignantly disclaimed having had any knowledge of the Intimation which I had received from Sir G. C., relative to my Retirement from the Select Committee, or having had any communication with him or Mr Daniels upon the subject. Mr F. Twemlow & Mr [Simpson] afterwards enquired from me whether I would refer the point of my suffering, the matter to . . .on my laying the Tender of Retirement which I had proposed before the General Assembly, to Mr [Forge], Mr F. Twemlow, Mr Wedgwood & Mr Simpson. I said that I could have no hesitation in placing myself in such hands. Mr F. Twemlow said they would take the consequences upon themselves.
Wednesday 2. General Assembly. Mr [Forge] in the Chair. Mr [Forge], Mr F. Twemlow, Mr Wedgwood & Mr Simpson having had a private conversation, Mr F. T. informed me that they were unanimously of the opinion that I should take no notice of the matter. Returned home at night.
Thursday 3. At home. Mr Booth called relative to the White Lion Inn. When we considered the list of Applications, & considering Wakefield as the most eligible. Mr Booth said he would see him, which having done & having also called at his house & seen Wakefield's] wife he came again to which he reported so favourably of the
Page 60. 1835 December
Thursday 3. that I fixed Saturday morning next for my seeing Wakefield myself, & Mr Booth said he would send him accordingly.
Friday 4. At home. Engaged on various papers & accounts.
Saturday 5. At home. Wakefield came, when I consented to let to him the White Lion, particulars to be settled with Mr Booth.
Sunday 6. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Prevented attending Evening Service at Talk by one of the Carriage Horses being lame, & being myself not very well.
Monday 7. At home. Engaged with sundry papers.
Tuesday 8. At home. Mr Faram on Navigation Business, Survey of Canal Boats in Cheshire.
Wednesday 9. At home.
Thursday 10. At home. Engaged examining private Acc. preparatory to annual Settlement at Christmas next.
Friday 11. At home. The same.
Saturday 12. At home. The same. Revd. Mr Child called.
Sunday 13. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 14. Went to Rode Heath & found a Miss [Ravensthorne (Miss Dawson being out) for them to make an appointment with Miss Wrench for her coming now to Rode Heath to examine & settle the Executorship Accounts & Affairs of the late Miss Mary Perlington.
Tuesday 15. At home.
Wednesday 16. At home. Received from Mr Williams of Sandbach Bill of Costs for [Recovery] suffered of the . . .& other Lands purchased from . . .for the Lawton Family & wrote to him, appointing to call upon him at Sandbach on Saturday next.
Thursday 17. Went to Newcastle. Dined at the Mayors (Mr Phillips Esq.) with a large Party, 31 sitting down to dinner, which was most excellent & everything conducted in the most possible manner. A very harmonious & agreeable day & got home about 11.
Page 61. 1835 December
Friday 18. At home.
Saturday 19. Went to Sandbach. Settled & paid Mr Williams his . . .for the . . .Recovery suffered by Chas. Lawton Esq. for purporting the Toll to Swallow Moor Wood etc. etc. Also settled & paid him his Acct. on Perlington Affairs. Returned home to dinner.
Sunday 20. Prayers as usual. Owing to the weather we did not attend Evening Service at Talk; but sent our contributions to the Collection for propagating the Gas. . .in . . .parts for which a Sermon was preached by the Revd. Mr Child.
Monday 21. At home.
Tuesday 22. Went to Newcastle & attended the Adjourned Sessions. One Person only being tried, got back to dinner.
Wednesday 23. At home. Frost. Miss Dawson called on the Perlington Affairs & fixed Tuesday 5 January for a Meeting at Rode Heath at 11 to examine & settle the Executorship Accounts etc.
Thursday 24. Wrote to Mr Skerratt of Sandbach requesting his . . .at the Meeting at Rode. James Barker paying dues at Lady day last. Engaged on sundry Debts & papers. Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd, Derby & Birmingham Railway.
Friday 25. Christmas Day. The . . .appears but as yesterday. Strange . . Age, show in every thing else, should question the too rapid wings of time. A large Party of old Servants & their children dined & spent the day as usual & which I believe very happy.
Saturday 26. At home.
Sunday 27. Read Prayers as usual. Not being well, we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 28. In the House all day. Engaged on Christmas Accounts.
Tuesday 29. At home. Engaged on Acc.
Wednesday 30. At home.
Thursday 31. Engaged on Perlington Executorship Accounts. Wrote to Mr Latham, Mr Skerratts Clerk, proposing Tuesday next for the Meeting at Rode Heath. Afterwards went with Saml. Beardmore to Alsager. Saw James Barker & expressed to him my determination not to allow the Brook Field, Nathans Croft or any further part of the Pasture Land to be broken up. And thus ends another year of this
Page 62. blank
Page 63. 1836 January
Friday 1. Snow. Settled & balanced last years Cash Accounts. Frost, Wind & Snow.
Saturday 2. Severe Frost. Wrote to Mr Edleston, with a Letter which I received yesterday from Mr Skerratt on his late Uncles Affairs.
Sunday 3. In the morning Read Prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Child preached.
Monday 4. At home. Engaged on Perlington Papers.
Tuesday 5. Went to Newcastle & delivered to Mr Wilkinson the Case which I lately prepared relative to the Navigation Company Title to small piece of Land etc. of which Sir George C. desired to have a Copy.
Wednesday 6. Miss Wrench, Miss [Ravensthorne] & Miss Dawson dined at L. Wood & with whom engaged on the Perlington Affairs preparatory to my meeting Mr Skerratt at Rode Heath on Friday next. The Carriage fetched & took them back.
Thursday 7. Engaged again on the Perlington papers & Accounts.
Friday 8. Went to Rode Hall Meeting Mr Skerratt with whom & they also engaged on the papers & Accounts. Examined & found correct my Accounts of which the Monies in the hands of Kinnerslys, & the several payments made by me.,& which the Ladies & I signed. Also the Account of the Rent due to the late Mary Perlington at the time of her death, & which had been received by the Ladies to their use, & the Account of the Monies paid to them by me on account of the Interest of the Residue in the hands of Kinnersly, which being found correct, we also signed.
Saturday 9. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Sel. Com. on Monday next.
Sunday 10. Read prayers as usual, but the weather being severely cold, we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 11. Went to Stone, where engaged on Select Committee, & returned home at night, but the cold very severe.
Page 64. 1836 January
Tuesday 12. At home.
Wednesday 13. At home.
Thursday 14. At home. Engaged on Christmas Accounts.
Friday 15. At home. All night loud Thunder, Lightning & Hail followed by severe Frost. Engaged again on Accounts etc.
Saturday 16. At home.
Sunday 17. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Garratt preached.
Monday 18. Wrote to Mr Moore in reply to a Letter from him relative to the Birmingham & Derby projected Railway, & expressing my opinion that the Disposal of the Trent & Mersey Company should be immediately signified to the Parties who had applied to him.
Tuesday 19. Engaged all morning perusing & considering Draft of the Trust Deed of Audley National School received from the Revd. Mr Garratt, writing to him thereon. Examined papers relative to the money lying in Kinnerslys hands for the use of Talk Chapel, & expressed to Mr G. my [acquiescence] to any arrangement which he might be able to make with Mr Tollet, for the application of the whole or a part of such money, toward the expense of the later alterations of the Chapel. Wrote also to the Revd. Mr Child requesting him to dine here after the Evening Service on Sunday next & stay all night. Sent the papers & Letters by Saml. Jones.
Wednesday 20. At home. Engaged on sundry private papers etc. Called at the Bull Wharf.
Thursday 21. I this day entered into the 77th year of my age.
Page 65. 1836 January
Thursday 21. At home. . . .for the purchase of the Chaise, but did not agree upon a price. Engaged with Mr Booth etc. on Mrs Watson Affairs, her Goods being taken possession of under a Bill of Sale for . . .moving a . . .at Burton upon Trent.
Friday 22. At home, but rode out on horseback.
Saturday 23. Heavy night winds & in the House all day. Symptoms of a violent Cold.
Sunday 24. Much indisposed with my Cold, but read Prayers as usual. Too unwell to accompany Bessy to Talk Chapel in the afternoon. Revd. Mr Child who had engaged to dine here today returned with her, & at night went home being engaged early tomorrow morning.
Monday 25. Very unwell & suffering much from the effects of my cold.
Tuesday 26. The same. Engaged on papers in the Executorship Affairs of the late Thos. Jackson of Nantwich, having received a Letter from Messrs. [Brown] & Smith . . .& {Gold] Sol. informing that Emma . . .a Poor remaining [Actuary] Legatee, had attained the age of 21 & wished to have her money. Wrote to [Brown] & Smith.
Wednesday 27. Very unwell. Violent cough & considerable Fever.
Thursday 28. The same. Very unwell & confined closely.
Friday 29. The same.
Saturday 30. The same. Bessy affected by symptoms of a cold.
Sunday 31. The same, but read Prayers. Bessy growing worse, sent to Mr Davenport. He said she had much Fever, the consequence of a severe cold, & advised her keeping warm, & the . . .here being taken to guard against cold & promised to see her again tomorrow. He advised me to also to continue in my present low Diet, & not to go out.
February
Monday 1. The same. Mr Moore came in consequence of a Trial about to take place between the Mersey & Trent Canal Company & the Bridgewater Canal Trustees, relative to the [Gent] forming the Communication of the latter with the . . .& which the T & M company as Communication of the River contended . . .to us. I had to see how . . .the . . .stated on the Letter to Mr Moore from our Agent at Runcorn, the Company could interfere
Page 66 1836 February
Monday but desired him to show the Letter to Mr Wedgwood.
Tuesday 2. Wrote Letter to E. Roscoe informing her of Bessy's situation, & suggesting her coming to see her, but Bessy afterwards finding herself much better we agreed not to send it today. Had a Better Night myself, but still very unwell. Wrote to Miss [Parrott] & [Colville] relative to Title to Fox & Grapes Public House in Sutton part of late Macclesfield Brewery Property.
Wednesday 3. Not so well. Cough very violent & considerable Fever. Bessy confined to bed.
Thursday 4. The same.
Friday 5. The same. Wrote to Mrs Roscoe, in consequence of Bessy's illness requesting her to come to Linley Wood. Mr Trubshaw called, in consequence of a Letter which I had written to Mr Wedgwood (being on his way to Runcorn) to enquire into the facts of the Question raised & about to be tried by the Mersey & Irwell River Navigation as Conservators of the River as to the right of the Bridgewater Canal to make New Communication with the River at Runcorn.
Saturday 6. Rather better, but still very unwell. Miss E. & Miss F. Holland & Miss Emma Wedgwood called on their way to Knutsford. Afterwards Mr Booth on the business with Mrs Watson.
Sunday 7. Still very unwell, not hearing anything E. Roscoe. Wrote to her again, poor Bessy confined continuously to her bed. Read Prayers. In the afternoon E. Roscoe arrived with her Boy William.
Monday 8. The same.
Tuesday 9. The same, but rather getting better.
Wednesday 10. The same. Engaged on late Mr Jacksons papers, in consequence of a Letter from Mr Wilson relative to Emma Jackson . . .rendering Share of his Effects, & the payment of it. Received Letter from Trubshaw. Snow.
Thursday 11. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood in consequence of Trubshaws Letter & proposing a Meeting of Mr W. & myself at Newcastle on the 18. Engaged again on Jackson's & wrote Letter to Mr Wilson thereon.
Friday 12. Wrote to Mr Wilson on [Poor's] business & sent him Kinnerslys . . . of [principal] & Int. Still confined to the House. Bessy better.
Saturday 13. Still confined.
Sunday 14. Read Prayers as usual. Bessy better.
Monday 15. The day being very fine, went out of doors for the first time after 23 days close Confinement. Mr Wilbraham called, & left a card.
Page 67. 1836 February
Tuesday 16. Mr Randle Wilbraham called. Walked out a short time again. Emma Wedgwood called on her way home from Knutsford. Wrote Letter to Mr Edleston on late Mr Skerratts Affairs, & particularly requesting to know when they were likely to be brought to a conclusion.
Wednesday 17. Walked out again; but still feeble & unwell.
Thursday 18. The same. Received Coventry Canal Consolidation Bill.
Friday 19. Went to Newcastle to have attended Meeting of Mr Wedgwood & myself, & to have met Mr Trubshaw relative to the Runcorn Business: but no one attended owing to Mr Wedgwood being suddenly called to Town by Sir George Chetwynd. Took Mr Roscoe with me in the Carriage. Saw Mr Wilkinson & left with him the Case relative to the Company's Titles etc. in order that another Copy might be made of it.
Saturday 20. At home. Fatigued & Unwell. Received Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway Bill.Bessy
Sunday 21. Read Prayers as usual. In the Evening Bessy came downstairs. Received Trubshaws River Report.
Monday 22. Engaged perusing & considering Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway Bill, received on Saturday last & making . . .thereon. Looked also over again the Coventry Canal Consolidation Bill.
Tuesday 23. In the Evening had a severe Fall & contusion upon the Hip & . . .owing to my Foot becoming entangled in the Rug at the bottom of the stairs. Snow.
Wednesday 24. Much pain through the night, & today.
Thursday 25. The same.
Friday 26. The same but rather better. Received from Sir George Chetwynd Copies of Clauses proposed to be introduced into the Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway Bill for the protraction of the Trent & Mersey Canal, with a request that I would peruse & settle the same on behalf of the Company & return them immediately to him. In the Evening perused & considered such clauses.
Saturday 27. Again perused & considered the Clauses, but for greater [safety] went to Newcastle & perused & compared the same with Mr Wilkinson with the similar Clauses which I had prepared & which were introduced into the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Railway Act. Mr W. informed the proposed Clauses correspondent as nearly as Circumstances would admit with the former Clauses & approved the same together with some Observations which I had made thereon.
Page 68. 1836 February
Sunday 28. Eliza Roscoe & her son William left us on their return home; having been disappointed of Seats in the Coach the two or three last days. My Hip & [bruises] painful, increased in some degree by the Journey of yesterday. Read Prayers as usual. In the Evening returned the Clauses, with my observations thereon to Sir George Chetwynd No. 8 New [Palm] Yard, by Liverpool Mail.
Monday 29. Engaged on Executorship Papers of late Thomas Jackson preparatory to writing to Mr Alex Wilson thereon. The effects of my late Fall gradually subsiding, but still suffering considerable pain. Snow going fast.
March
Tuesday 1. Wrote to Mr Wilson.
Wednesday 2. Better but still a Prisoner in the House. Received by the Post from my dear Anne informing me of her intention to publish a 2nd Series of The Old Men's Tales.
Thursday 3. Considered Annes Letter, & wrote Letter in reply to it with some Observations for her consideration. The day being fine walked a short time in the Garden. The Snowdrops, & yellow Crocuses in great beauty.
Friday 4. Gradually improving the Effects of my Fall, but still suffering pain, & almost blind from poring over Railway Bill & making observations thereon.
Saturday 5. Improving & walked for a short time inn the Garden.
Sunday 6. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 7. Attacked with Lumbago, & suffering much pain.
Tuesday 8. Very unwell, & much pain. Wm. Faram called on Navigation Business. In the Evening pain abating.
Wednesday 9. Rather easier & better.
Thursday 10. Pain much abated. Letter from H.E. Roscoe & Wm. . . .
Friday 11. Better. Wrote to H.E. Roscoe.
Saturday 12. Better - but unable to go out of doors.
Sunday 13. The same. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 14. The same but still unable to go out of doors.
Tuesday 15. Wrote to Anne Marsh with some observations relative to her 2nd Series of Tales about to be published. Engaged on papers relative to the Affair
Page 69. 1836 March
Tuesday 15. of the late Mr Thomas Jackson preparatory to discharging Emma Jackson [Poor] residuary shares of his Estate & Effects.
Wednesday 16. Engaged again on Deed & writing Letter to Mr [Alex] Wilson with a statement of the Account of Emma Jackson's share & enclosing a Bill for £595 to discharge the same. Still unable to go out of doors, the weather being very cold & inclement.
Thursday 17. My Letter to Mr Wilson not being in time for yesterdays Post, sent it this morning.
Friday 18. Walked in the Garden, the day being remarkably mild & fine. The . . .in quite splendid Beauty. Miss Dawson called & was in great admiration of the Flowers.
Saturday 19. Remarkably fine mild day & walked a considerable time in the Garden. Received Letters from Sir George Chetwynd, & also the Prospectus of the proposed London & Birmingham Canal. Received Letter also from Mr Wilson. Wrote to him & sent him a Copy of the Act as . . .with John Poor. Wrote also to Dr. Holland thanking him for a present of . . .
Sunday 20. Read prayers as usual. Much better.
Monday 21. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd. Rode on Horseback a short time about the Farm.
Tuesday 22. Rain.
Wednesday 23. Engaged on sundry Papers. Wrote to John [Lawrence} with [Engines] relative to a new project, the Prospectus of which had been sent to me for making a Canal from London to the Stratford upon Avon, opening a new line of Communication by Canal from London to Birmingham. Mr Booth relative to the White Lion Public House, the possession of which was [relinquished] by Mrs Watson.
Thursday 24. Weather still so inclement as to prevent my going out of doors.
Friday 25. Severely Cold, with Snow & wind.
Saturday 26. Heavy Snow. Received by Post intelligence from Eliza of the death of poor Henry Roscoe, who after a long & lingering Illness of Consumption died yesterday morning about 5 o'clock. A Person of great mind, an intellectual power & combined with [much] qualities, & amiable manners. He was highly & . . .respected. Had struggled through great difficulties & was advancing rapidly in his profession. Distress will be severely felt by his Family, & numerous Friends.
Page 70. 1836 March
Sunday 27. In the night severe Frost, & the Grounds this Morning covered with Snow which lay 3 or 4 inches deep on the plain. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 28. Snow & Rain with severe cold. Still confined to the House.
Tuesday 29. The weather being somewhat more moderate walked into the Garden, but the cold compelled me soon to return. Engaged on Navigation Papers & Letters preparatory to the approaching Meeting of the Select Committee Gen. Committee, & Gen. Assembly.
Wednesday 30. Engaged again on D. . ..
Thursday 31. In the Morning Snow.
April
Friday 1. Engaged on Navigation Papers, & Letters to the Gen. Assembly with offer of my Retirement from the Select Committee. The day being rather milder, rode out a short time on horseback, but small snow again came on.
Saturday 2. Very cold & again Snow. Engaged again on Navigation papers. In the afternoon Storms of Thunder & lightning & great Fall of Hail. The Revd. Mr Jackson Curate of Talk called & left for my perusal & execution the Conveyance from Thos. Boughey of a small piece of land for the section of Audley & Talk School.
Sunday 3. Read prayers as usual.
Monday 4. Went to Stone. In my way called upon Mr Jackson & executed the Deed which he had left with me. Engaged at Stone on Select Committee.
Tuesday 5. Engaged all day at Stone on General Committee.
Wednesday 6. Engaged on General Assembly. Delivered Letter to the General Assembly, with Letter of my Retirement from the Select Committee, having first shown the same to Mr F. [Twemlow], Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood by all of whom it was much approved, but the consideration of the subject deferred to the next General Assembly. Dined at Stone, & returned in the Evening.
Thursday 7. Very unwell.
Friday 8. Sleepless night & very unwell. Wrote to Mr Wilson acknowledging the
Page 71. 1836 April
Friday 8. receipt of Papers on Jacksons Affairs, & the [Notice] from Emma Jackson . . . Wrote to Mr Landor requesting him to meet me at the [Stone] to confer on sundry important [Property] in. . . . to his consultation with Mr [Booth].
Saturday 9. Still unwell but engaged on Navigation Papers. In the Evening Stamford arrived.
Sunday 10. Read Prayers as usual. Received Letter from Mr [Landor] appointing tomorrow morning between 9 or 10 o'clock for meeting me at Stone.
Monday 11. Rose early, arranged papers, & made . . .. . . Got to Stone at 9: where engaged with Mr Landor looking over various Deeds & Papers, Minutes of proceedings & [notices] of Select & General Committee & General Assemblies, & making Extracts thereupon etc. preparatory to his intended consultation in London with Mr B. . .in London for which place he intended setting off tomorrow morning. Left with him a Copy of the Case which I had a short time ago, relative to the Company Title, Lands etc. Returned to dinner, but much tired & unwell.
Tuesday 12. Fatigued & unwell, & suffering from my Eyes.
Wednesday 13. Eyes very troublesome, almost entirely preventing writing or Reading.
Thursday 14. The same.
Friday 15. Fine mild Spring day. Rode on horseback over the Ley Ground, which was looking well & promising to repay the expense & trouble of last years setting over. Called afterwards at Rode Hall & Rode House & left cards; neither Mr W nor Mr R.W. Being at home. Called also at Rode Heath & sat half an hour with the Ladies, who had neither seen nor heard anything from Mr Skerratt nor Miss Ward respecting the money in Kinnerslys hands.
Saturday 16. At home.
Sunday 17. Read Prayers as usual. Observed cowslips in flower.
Monday 18. At home.
Tuesday 19. Received Letter from Mr [Moore] inclosing Letters from Mr [Williamson] relative to the confirmation for his Harecastle Coals.
Wednesday 20. Took Mr Moores Letter & Mr Wilkinson's two Letters to Newcastle to have shown them to Mr Wilkinson, but he being out I left them with [Bladon] for Mr W perusal & consideration. Afterwards engaged with Mr [D Louden] relative to my Teeth, one of which he extracted. Bessy accompanied me.
Page 72. 1836 April
Thursday 21. At home.
Friday 22. Wrote to Mr Wilkinson relative to Mr [Williamsons] Coals.
Saturday 23. At home. Received Letter from Mr F. Tomlinson relative to late Miss Stamford's Affairs. Wrote to him proposing to call upon him on Friday or Saturday next, as most convenient to himself.
Sunday 24. Prayers as usual.
Monday 25. At home.
Tuesday 26. At home.
Wednesday 27. Went to Newcastle by appointment, attending Mr [Dr Lords], who put in four new Teeth.
Thursday 28. At home.
Friday 29. Went to Cliffe Ville by appointment where engaged with Mr F. Tomlinson examining & finally settling my Cash Account on the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford & paying him the Balance to . . .to the [Trustees]. Received from Shrewsbury Memorial of the late Mrs Wedgwood who died at Shrewsbury.
Saturday 30. At home. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood on the late . . .Event. His loss is indeed great. Beautiful in Person, amiable in mind & manners & exemplary in conduct, . . .
May
Sunday 1. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended with Bessy Service at Talk. Rev. Mr Jackson the new Curate preached.
Monday 2. At home.
Tuesday 3.. Unwell with Symptoms of a cold.
Wednesday. 4. In the House all day.
Thursday 5. Better. Wrote to John Lawrence . . .of Dividends on Warwick & Birmingham Canal Shares.
Friday 6. At home.
Saturday 7. Executed transfer of 8 Quarter Shares of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway. Wrote to Mr Roscoe therewith. Wrote to Mr Moore. Rod on Horseback & looked over the Ley Ground.
Page 73. 1836 May
Sunday 8. Read Prayers as usual. Heard the Cuckoo for the first time this Spring. But I am told that he was heard here on the 1st inst. Weather fine but still East wind.
Monday 9. Turned out 17 Milking Cows & 1 Feeder into the Field below the Garden Terrace. In the Evening Stamford arrived.
Tuesday 10. Called upon the Revd. Mr Jackson at Talk. Invited him to dinner on Thursday next. From thence to Newcastle on sundry matters.
Wednesday 11. At home.
Thursday 12. Mr Jackson dined. Mr [Wilkinson] came on the Navigation & sundry matters.
Friday13. At home.
Saturday 14. At home.
Sunday 15. Read Prayers as usual. A person who came by one of the Coaches & was dining at the Lawton Arms, finding himself arrested by the Police Officers who were in pursuit of him, immediately drew out a Pistol & shot himself through the heart: but the [Ball] taking an upward . . .pass though without killing him. Changed the Milking Cows to the House Field, with one purchased for me by Saml. Beardmore at Congleton Fair last for £14.
Monday 16. At home. Stamford left us.
Tuesday 17. At home. Finished setting winter Potatoes. Letter from Mr Holland of Knutsford mentioning his intention of coming to Linley Wood.
Wednesday 18. Wrote to Mr Holland.
Thursday 19. At home. Mr Holland of Knutsford arrived, dined & staid all night.
Friday 20. Mr Holland went to Maer.
Saturday 21. Mr Holland returned; took lunch & proceeded Homewards.
Sunday 22. Read Prayers as usual. Owing to the cold, we did not attend Service at Talk. Understood that the Kinnerslys were there in the afternoon with much attendance of Servants etc.
Monday 23. At home.
Page 74. 1836 May
Tuesday 24. Mr F. Tomlinson came pursuant to Appointment & with whom engaged on the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford. Carefully looked over & delivered to him, to be sent to the Trustees under her Will the served Deeds & Writings belonging to the Estates of John York Esq. in Mortgage for £5000 transferred to such Trustees. Consulted with him relation to my own Will & gave him instruction for a fresh one, & with which he engaged to meet me at Newcastle tomorrow Morning.
Wednesday 25. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr F. Tomlinson who brought my Will for which I had given him Instruction accordingly & which I executed in his presence & two of Mr Kinnerslys Clerks.
Thursday 26. At home. Very unwell.
Friday 27. At home.
Saturday 28. Went to Cliffe Ville with Transfers & Certificates of Trent & Mersey & Warwick & Birmingham Canal Shares late belonging to Miss Stamford, but Mr F. Tomlinson not being at home, left them with his Father, having first examined them with a . . .one copy of which I left with Mr T & brought the other with me back.
Sunday 29. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended service at Talk. Bessy being unwell did not accompany me. Mr & Mrs Kinnersley sat in our Pew, having before, & now again, particularly requesting them to make use of it whenever they attended Service in Talk. In the Evening rode out a short time on Horseback. Reduced one of the Milking Cows who had been a very good one, but was in a hopeless & suffering state to her distress.
Monday 30. At home. Very unwell.
Tuesday 31. At home. The same.
June
Wednesday 1. At home. Wrote to Anne Marsh & sent her £25, a Donation on the production of her 2nd Series of the Old Man's Tales.
Thursday 2. Drew the Pond in the Farm Yard. Took ten carp found to about 4lb or 41/2lb & 3 smaller Tench & a great number of Carp of about 1lb, all of which we turned in again. Mr & Miss Wedgwood, Mrs Henry Wedgwood & the Revd. Robert Wedgwood called. In the Evening a little light Rain.
Friday 3. James Barker came to inform me of a meeting held today respecting the [Pews] or [Sittings] in Barthomley Church when I directed him
Page 75. 1836 June
to attend & put in my Claim to such Pews or [Sittings] as apportion the Messengers Farms or [Tenements] belonging to it in that [Period] & gave him the written Notice to deliver to the Meeting accordingly. Unwell. Light Showers, being the first Rain after a Drought of upwards of a Month, with a almost constant East or Northwest Wind, by which the Pastures were much checked, & the shortages counted.
Saturday 4. Called at Betley Hall, & saw Mr & Mrs Tollet & the young Ladies. Returned to dinner, & received by one of the Coaches, Anne Marsh's new Book, of which she sent me a copy.
Sunday 5. Read Prayers as usual. Neither Bessy or I being very [unwell] & did not attend the afternoon Service at Talk, as we had intended.
Monday 6. Mr Ledward called in pursuance of my request, when I desired him to go to Macclesfield & settle & pay the disputed Claim set up against the late Mr B made by Miss [Brocklebank & Bagshaw] made (on account of old Mr Bent & the first Partnership), but for which they had neither in his [deputation] though frequently requested during and in the later Partnership but was delivered by them favourably. Began reading Anne Marsh's new Book a Copy of which I received on Saturday last.
Tuesday 7. Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & appointing to attend Select Committee Meeting on 4 July as proposed by him & to Mr Moore returning a Cheque for £1000 signed as requested. Unwell.
Wednesday 8. Wrote to Miss Parrott & Colville relative to the Demand made by Miss Brocklebank & Bagshaw, & which they required to be found to their executing the Conveyance of the Fox & Grapes Public House.
Thursday 9. At home. Unwell.
Friday 10. Wrote to Eliza Roscoe. The same.
Saturday 11. Finished reading Anne Marsh 2 Series of Tales, which she had kindly inscribed to me.
Sunday 12. Read Prayers as usual. Bess & I attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 13. Wrote to Anne Marsh.
Tuesday 14. At home.
Wednesday 15. Went to Newcastle on various matters. Returned to dinner.
Page 76. 1836 June
Thursday 16. At home. My eyes almost entirely prevent Reading or Writing. James Barker came, with Nature of a Meeting on the 8th July relative to Pews & Sittings in Barthomley Church.
Friday 17. At home. Unwell.
Saturday 18. In the night fine Rain. At home.
Sunday 19. In the morning said Prayers as usual. Attended Evening Service at Talk with Bessy.
Monday 20. Went to Newcastle in consequence of a Letter from Mr Ward & conferred with him solution to the repairing & letting, or selling to the present Tenant the Bridge House upon the Marsh, & desired Mr Ward to get a Survey & Estimate of the necessary Repairs.
Tuesday 21. Went again to Newcastle, to consult with Mr Ward as to the point he asked in case an Offer of purchasing was made when we [favoured] £500, but I said that I would take £450 if no more could be get for it. On my return purchased a Milking Cow from Mr Buckley of Talk. In the afternoon much Rain.
Wednesday 22. At home.
Thursday 23. At home.
Friday 24. Went to Nantwich on late Mr Skerratt's Affairs.
Saturday 25. Returned home in the Evening. In the morning attended a Meeting at Mr Edlestons Office relative to the Debt due to [Harrison's] Executors, which it was agreed should immediately be paid on their signing an Agreement to execute the Conveyance of some of the Saltworks Shares. Arranged with Mr Edleston & Mr Leverage that a Dividend of [10s] in the Pound should be paid on the [Legacies] given by Mr Skerratts Will.
Sunday 26. Read Prayers as usual. In the Evening attended Service at Talk.
Monday 27. Went to Newcastle on several matters
Tuesday 28. At home. Engaged on the Farm.
Wednesday 29. At home.
Thursday 30. At home.
July
Friday 1. Engaged on half yearly accounts. Mrs Roscoe, Elizabeth & the two youngest Boys arrived in the Evening.
Saturday 2. At home. Settled Half yearly accounts.
Page 78. 1836 July (No page 77)>
Sunday 17. In the morning read Prayers as usual. E. Roscoe & attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 18. At home.
Tuesday 19. H. E. Roscoe, Bessy & I dined at Clough Hall. Mrs Lawton & Miss Lawton (Mr L. not coming), Revd. Mr Garratt & Revd. Mr Jackson.
Wednesday 20. Engaged preparing to accompany Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood on survey of the Canal from Red Bull to Runcorn if I should be well enough. In the Evening went to the Red Bull, met the Party & invited them & Mr Landor to sleep at Linley Wood. Rooms & Beds having been prepared for all the three, but which they declined, from the very early hour at which they proposed to set off tomorrow morning. Being unwell & as the Gentlemen did not think my attendance necessary, I gave up accompanying them. I had a little conversation with Mr James Trubshaw who promised to be [firm] as to the alteration of the Towing path & not complying with any Arrangement that might give the slightest interest in the present [Survey] to any other . . . Mr T. also promised to confer as far in his power the Completion of the purchase made from Mr Leigh.
Thursday 21. At home.
Friday 22. Went to Newcastle. Called upon Mr Ward, relative to the completion of the purchase made by Mr [Hindle] & Co. of the House upon the Marsh. Executed a conveyance of a small slip of Land adjoining the Canal, of which some [equitable] interest was viewed in me under [favour]. On my return in the Gig, the Horse fell opposite to [Crossley] Cottage by which Saml. & I were thrown out a with much [violence] but fortunately in . . .without serious injury, but our Escape was most extraordinary. Found Wm. Roscoe, & his two Boys William & Arthur who had just arrived at Linley Wood.
Saturday 23. At home. Found the Ley Cattle on the Swallow Moor Wood.
Sunday 24. Praters as usual. The weather presented our attending Evening Service at Talk. Revd. Mr Jackson called.
Monday 25. At home. Bessy & E. Roscoe called at Clough Hall & Lawton Hall.
Tuesday 26. At home. In the Evening Stamford arrived from Stafford.
Wednesday 27. At home. Mrs Lawton called. Invited us to dine on Saturday next. Finished Hay Harvest.
Thursday 28. At home. Rain.
Friday 29. The Roscoes all left us on their Return home.
Saturday 30. At home.
Sunday 31. Prayers as usual. Bessy, Stamford & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Collection for Talk Sunday Schools. Sermon preached by Revd. Mr [Frank}
Page 79. 1835 August.
Monday 1. At home. Stamford left us, going to Buxton.
Tuesday 2. The same. Engaged on the Farm.
Wednesday 3. The same.
Thursday 4. The same.
Friday 5. Mr George Hemmings of Penkhull brought a bay Horse 5 years old for me to look at, bought a short time ago at Borough Bridge Fair, & which I purchased on his strong recommendation of him giving him £40 in addition to the Bay Horse which I have of late years driven in the Gig.
Saturday 6. At home. Men at the Farm busy assisting Saml. Beardmore in his mowing, which he began yesterday. Saml. Jones on riding the new Horse to Newcastle reported him having dangerously reared up in the street.
Sunday 7. Read Prayers as usual. Attended, myself, Evening Service at Talk, Bessy not accompanying me. Capt. & Mrs [Hebden] were there with the Kinnersleys.
Monday 8. Saml. Jones on making another Trial of the Horse in the Gig this morning guiilty of the same dangerous . . .of rearing. I sent him back to Mr Hemmings, [signing] refusal of the purchase money & the Return of the Bay Horse taken in part of the purchase, but Mr Hemmings saying that he could not take him back that night, his Stable being full, but that he would call upon me on Thursday or Friday next. Samuel brought the Horse back.
Tuesday 9. Again returned the Horse by Saml. Jones & Saml. Beardmore also left him at Penkhull & Mr Hemmings said he would call upon me tomorrow morning.
Wednesday 10. Hemmings came accompanied by a Friend. Being satisfied that the . . .did not know of the Horses fault, nor had any design to . . .upon me. I consented to his proposal of allowing him £5 on having the Bay Horse but which he sent back accordingly.
Thursday 11. At home.
Friday 12. At home. Wm. Faram with good account of the Track upon the Canal.
Saturday 13. At home.
Sunday 14. Read prayers as usual. The weather threatening a Storm we did not attend Evening Service at Talk. Mrs Oldfield came this morning.
Monday 15. At home.
Tuesday 16. The same.
Page 80. 1836 August
Wednesday 17. At home.
Thursday 18. The same.
Friday 19. The same.
Saturday 20. The same. Engaged on various matters, but my Eyes rendering Reading or Writing as has been the Case for some time past.
Sunday 21. Read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon attended Service at Talk, but Bessy being unwell did not go. Mr & Mrs [Hebden], & a Lady who I did not know, were in the seat, but without Mr & Mrs Kinnersley.
Monday 22. Went to Newcastle on various matters. Returned to Dinner.
Tuesday 23. Bessy & I called at Clough Hall to invite Mr & Mrs Kinnersley & Capt. & Mrs Hebden to dinner on Friday next. The Kinnersleys were out, but saw Mrs Hebden, Capt. H. being out, she informed us that they were all engaged on Friday with a Party at Clough Hall. We found a Miss Dixon who we did not know with Mrs [Hebden]. Bessy received a Letter by the Post from Anne Marsh with a great account of them all, & their account at [Boulagne] which she mentions being crowded with . . .said to be 12000.
Wednesday 24. Capt. & Mrs [Hebden] & Miss Dixon called. Dr. & Mrs Holland with their four children arrived about 3 o'clock. H. E. Roscoe & Mary arrived in the Evening.
Thursday 25. Engaged with the Hollands. Mr Jos. Wedgwood who I had invited to dinner & to stay all night, prevented coming by an Engagement to attend a Meeting of . . .Taxes Comm. At Trentham Inn.
Friday 26. Dr. Holland left us, being engaged to spend another day at Knutsford, previous to his proceeding to Dublin & from thence to Cork.
Saturday 27. At home. Mrs Holland with her little Girl left on their journey to . . .leaving the two Boys at Linley Wood. Last night or early this morning, Robbery of John [Fox] in his House at the Toll Bar, by a man who he had . . .& his request to . . . . . Directed Mr Fox to inform Miss Skerratts the Clerks to the . . .of the Road & which he accordingly did.
Sunday 28. In the night or early this morning the orchard in Linley [Meadow] was robbed & a considerable quantity of Apples & Pears stolen. An enquiry
Page 81. 1836 August
found that two or three Gardens in But Lane had been robbed at the same time. Strong suspicion of Daniel Heath, particularly of Samuel, a Boy who some time ago was Cow Boy at the Farm. Read Prayers as usual. Bessy with Mary Holland who had arrived last night, E. Roscoe & the four children attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 29. Hearing this morning that Wm. [Berisford] Garden at the Mill Stone public House, had last night been robbed. Called with Sam. Beardmore upon Mr Johnson his Landlord, who accompanied me to the Mill House, when finding that [Berisford] had caught Sam Heath in the act of stealing onions in the Garden & . . .the property of his being prosecuted, when Berisford promised to have him taken.
Tuesday 30. At home. Mr Johnson & Mr Berisford called to inform me, that the latter on going to [Tunstall] to obtain a summons for Sam Heath, he found that Mr Child was from home, upon which Mr Johnson & I recommended him applying to Mr Tollet or Mr F. Twemlow tomorrow morning, & which he promised to do.
Wednesday 31. At home. First perceived the young man was perfectly right not going.
September
Thursday 1. At home. [Edward] killed Hen & 1 Brace of Partridge.
Friday 2. The same. Mrs Berisford to inform me that her Husband had gone to [Betley] & was to go again on Monday next relative to the Summons request of the But Lane Boy. The mother of Dan, one of the thieves, came to intercede for her son, when I told her I could not interfere, but if there was anything to be said in her favour, she must get somebody to speak for him when before the Magistrates.
Saturday 3. At home. The two little Boys left us, setting off in the [Elmpore] Coach to London.
Sunday 4. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Mary Holland, Bessy & Mary Roscoe attended Evening Service at Talk. Felt symptoms of a bad cold.
Monday 5. Unwell, but went to Stone, & attended Meeting of the Sel. Committee, taking Mr Wilkinson, who was [unwell], with me in the Carriage. Returned at night. Mary Holland left us this morning on her return home.
Page 82. 1836 September
Tuesday 6. Unwell with my Cold, & in the House all day.
Wednesday 7. The same.
Thursday 8. Rather better, Mary Roscoe left us on her Return home.
Friday 9. The same. Sent some Grapes & a brace of Partridge to the Ladies at Rode Heath. Wm. Faram came pursuant to a Request from me with whom considered the State of the Canal Waters. He said he had obtained Mr Davenports consent to a Supply of [about] 2 Locks finding from his Engine Reservoir. He knew of no faulty supply here & desired him to make Enquiry whether the Macclesfield Canal could accommodate us with any or what water, he said he would immediately go to Bosley & consult the [Case] principal Agent.
Saturday 10. Wm. Faram came having seen Mr Hall, who said they had 20 feet of water in their Reservoir. That he would immediately consult some of the Committee who resided at Macclesfield & would then write to me. Rain today in Showers. Arranged with Thos. [Whitney] to come as Gardener.
Sunday 11. Read Prayers as usual. Neither Bessy nor I being very well we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 12. At home. Application by Ashmore & his Relation Joseph Colclough of Windy Harbour for Foxholes Estate. Letter from Dr. Northen requesting my vote for his son in law Dr. Wilson, as Physician to the North Staffs Infirmary.
Tuesday 13. Wrote to Dr. Northen promising by vote to Dr. W. Began building a chimney on the Roof of the Stables, to take off the deformity of the Gable End. Mr Hopkins of Burston brought a Gig Horse for me to work out when it was agreed that I should have him a day or two upon Trial sometime next week.
Wednesday 14. At home.
Thursday 15. At home. Engaged on Papers previous to going to Nantwich tomorrow.
Friday 16. Went to Nantwich on late Mr Skerratts affairs, also to meet Mr Smith of [Stapeley] who had appointed for the purchase of the House & . . . by Mr Burgess & the Land held by Mr Edleston.
Saturday 17. Engaged at Mr Edlestons Office with him & Mr Leverage & the Execution of the late Mr Harrison & Mr Small & Mr Burgess of whom they finally agreed to execute the Conveyance of Shares in the Settlement obtained . . . . . .on being paid £20. Mr Smith afterwards called at Dysart Buildings when I promised that he should hear from me in a few days
Page 83. 1836 September
Saturday 17. relative to the House & Land at Nantwich. Mr Levesage on my asking him about price, mentioned £2000. Dined in Dysart Buildings & Bessy & i afterwards returned home. Found cards from Mrs Lawton & Dr. Wilson who had called in our absence.
Sunday 18. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Attended with Bessy Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 19. At home.
Tuesday 20. The same.
Wednesday 21. The same. At night had another Fall owing to my Foot being entangled in the loose carpet the Breakfast Door, which I was stooping to lay straight, but escaped without further hurt than a bruise on the Forehead.
Thursday 22. Wrote to Mr Smith of Stapeley with offer of the House & Land at Nantwich at £1950. At night Rain.
Friday 23. Sent Letter to Mr Smith, to Stapeley by Saml. Jones.
Saturday 24. Mr & Mrs Smith came to Linley, when I entered into an agreement for Sale to Mrs Gardener of the House at Nantwich in the Occupation of Mr Burgess, the Land adjoining it in the Holding of Mr Edleston.
Sunday 25. Read Prayers as usual, but die not attend Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 26. At home. Engaged with various Papers preparatory to attending Thomas Whitney came to his place as Gardener, in the room of William Heath. General Committee & adjourned Genl. Assembly tomorrow at Stone etc. A tremendous accident, happened this morning at Mr Wedgwood's Colliery near Audley from an Explosion in the Mine, occasioned by a man using a lighted candle. Almost 11 men were killed.
Tuesday 27. Went to Stone. General Committee & adjourned Genl. Assembly, & all of which were most respectfully attended. Lord Harrowby, Mr . . , Mr Daniels, J. & F Twemlow, Mr Hollinshead, . . . Phillips etc. being present. Mr . . .in the Chair. When my tender of Resignation for the Select Committee was [endorsed], & a very gratifying vote of Thanks for my Services was passed, & a Committee appointed to consider of the proposed [Reservation]. Mr Phillips told me he had come from the Isle of Wight purposely in order to attend. Returned home at night, bringing Mr Wilkinson with me in the Carriage to Newcastle. In my absence Mr B. . .of Nantwich called wishing to purchase the piece of Land near Nantwich in his Holding.
Page 84. 1836 September
Wednesday 28. At home. Fatigued & unwell.
Thursday 29. Wrote to Mr [Burgess] declining at present to settle the Land. Mr Park of Silverdale called, & paid Mr [Joseph] Parker money of my allotment of Willaston Heath. He also left with me the late [[content] of Composition for any assisted Taxes.
Friday 30. Finding an Error in the Contract from my being charged for 3 Male Servants only instead of 4. Wrote to Mr Peake in order that the Error might be corrected, also a surcharge of Hair Powder Duty. Wrote on an Agreement Stamp, the Agreement Sale to Mrs [Gardiner] of the House & Land at Nantwich purchased by him & sent to Mr . . .Skerratt. Received Letter from Mr Daniels making a Copy of the [Case] of the late General Assembly in consequence of my Retirement from the Select Committee.
October
Saturday 1. Sent by Saml. Jones Agreement & Letter to Mr Smith, to Stapeley & received back by him the Agreement duly signed by Mrs Gardiner & a Letter from Mr [Skerratt] informing me that he had himself made a copy of the Agreement.
Sunday2. Read Prayers as usual. The Weather being very col & stormy prevented our attending Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 3. Sent by Saml. Beardmore to Miss Wood, Holden Bank Burslem an order upon Kinnersleys for £6.6s being my Subscription of £5.5s & Bssy's Subscription of £1.1s towards the relief of the Suffering by the late G. [Johnson] in Mr Wedgwood's Coal Pits near Audley. Sent Eliza Roscoe for Post a £5 Note to enable her & her two Girls to get a Taste of the Musical Feast at Liverpool this week.
Tuesday 4. At home.
Wednesday 5. The same. Mr Hemmings brought a Horse for me to look at belonging to Mr [Butter] but I thought the price about £5. . . , too high, but offered £5 Gns if the Horse was rough and . . . & being a [Friend] of his. I Rode out on the young mare she having . . .broken late lameness
Thursday 6. Wrote Letter to Mr Daniels.
Friday 7. Sent Letter by Post to Mr Daniels.
Saturday 8. Went to Sandbach. Saw Mr Skerratt relative to the proposed . . .of Linley Lane Toll Gate, & . . .my decided Opposition that also on the Perlington affairs. On my return Revd. Mr [Batty] of . . .called.
Sunday 9. Read Prayers as usual. Again prevented attending Service at Talk. Samuel Jones's wife being so ill, that he could not leave her to drive the Carriage.
***********
Page 85. 1836 October
Monday 10. At home. Letter writing. Mr Davenport came, having desired to see me on account of my Eyes.
Tuesday 11. At home. Obliged to abstain from searching or writing my Eyes having for several weeks past been so weak & troublesome as almost to preclude with these pleasures.
Wednesday 12. Bessy & I called at Lawton. Saw Mrs Lawton who said they had just arrived at home after an Excursion of a Fortnight. Mr Lawton was gone out on horseback, a few minutes.
Thursday 13. A very stormy night of wind & heavy Rain. Engaged on the Perlington papers preparatory to seeing Mr Skerratt, who had engaged to come here tomorrow to consider the Arrangement now proper to be met.
Friday 14. Mr Skerratt came, with whom closely engaged on the Perlington affairs, & made several Arrangements with a view to their being brought to a speedy & final conclusion. Mr Skerratt staid to dinner as he had engaged to do, & the Revd. Mr Jackson also dined.
Saturday 16. At home. Engaged again on the Perlington Papers etc.
Sunday 16. In the morning read Prayers as usual. Bessy & I afterwards attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 17. At home. Application from [Thurley] & others accompanied by Saml. Beardmore for Foxholes Estate. Offer £55 a year [due] of all Taxes etc. Landlord to pay the [confiscation] for . . .Tithes. Allowed now a fortnight to consider of it.
Tuesday 18. Revd. Mr [Furton] called to solicit Stamford's Vote in favour of Dr. Wilson at the ensuing Election of a Physician to the North Staffordshire Infirmary occasioned by the Resignation of Dr. Davidson, when I said that I would communicate his application to Stamford. Bessy & I went to Maer to dinner & staid all night. Mr & Mrs & Miss F. Tollet, Revd. Mr & Mrs Langton.
Wednesday 19. Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 20. At home. . . .applied by the recommendation of William Booth for Foxholes Estate, when I told him that I had given the[Report] of it to another person, but if this was not accepted Mr Booth had better write to me & I should then be ready to [deal]. Busy getting up Potatoes.
Friday 21. Mr Lawton called to request that I would permit Mr
Page 86. 1836 October
[Shawbury] who intends purchasing Foxholes to hunt over my Land & also Swallow Moor Wood, which I immediately promised, but to prevent any mistakes I afterwards sent a Note to Mr Lawton confirming this but declining to give any promises as to [measuring] the Farm etc.
Saturday 22. At home. Busy on Sundry Papers. In the Evening Stamford arrived from Stafford Sessions.
Sunday 23. Read prayers as usual but Bessy & I did not attend the Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 24. At home. Heavy Fog. Josiah Bagley of Norton applied for Foxholes Estate. Invitation from Mr Lawton to Bessy & myself & Stamford to dine at Lawton Hall on Wednesday, which she & I declined not being very well, but Stamford accepted. Finished Potato getting.
Tuesday 25. At home. Dr. Mrs & Miss Northen called.
Wednesday 26. At home. Stamford dined at Lawton Hall.
Thursday 27. Wm. [Shawbury] & his Foxhounds came, when I finally agreed with him for Foxholes Estate & a Minute for an Agreement was required accordingly. Stamford dined at Revd. Mr Mainwaring's.
Friday 28. Engaged on Papers & sent to Mr Edleston in consequence of Mr Walkers continued refusal to join the Conveyance of Saltworks & Mr Done. Snow.
Saturday 29. At home. Hard Frost & Snow. Mr [Audley] called relative to a debt due to his late Father from old Mr Perlington.
Sunday 30. Frost. Read Prayers as usual, but owing to the Weather we did not attend Evening Service at Talk. Stamford left us about noon on his proceeding to Leamington.
Monday 31. Wrote to Mr Tollett, & signifying my intention to attend a Meeting due on the 7 November, for installing a Society for the relief of the Deaf & Dumb. Wrote also to Mr B. Hollinshead, Pendleton. Hard Frost.
November
Tuesday 1. At home. Frost & Snow gone but very thick Fog. Bessy sent a note of Enquiry to [Seabridge].
Wednesday 2. At home. Mr F. Twemlow called with whom long conference on various Navigation business on which he wished to consult me.
Page 87. 1836 November
Thursday 3. At home.
Friday 4. At home. Cold Strong Day. Offer from Boothby of 65/- for [Cheese] which I refused.
Saturday 5. At home. The same.
Sunday 6. In the morning read Prayers as usual. The Inclemency of the weather prevented our attending Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 7. Cold Stormy day with Snow, Hail & Rain. Attended a Meeting at Newcastle for [initiating ] a Branch Society for the relief of the Deaf & Dumb which was unanimously approved, a [Subscription] entered into etc. Communication with the Parish Society at Manchester directed.
Tuesday 8. Rode on Horseback. In the Hollins the Mare being suddenly startled by some Pigs, whisked round by which I lost my Seat & fell to the Ground, but felt [little] & on . . .from the Fall as the Mare was quite gentle, and attempting to run away, but stood grazing close to me, till I mounted her again. This is the fifth Accident which I have met with in the course of the present year. 1. A severe fall upon the Stairs & Contusion across the . . ., occasioned by my foot becoming entangled in the Rug in the [bedroom]. 2. A heavy Fall backwards in going up one of the narrow step. Walked in the Flower Garden, my head very narrowly escaping the Iron Handles. This was near to the wall being very from worn & slippery from the sun shining upon it & me having no stick. 3. A Fall in the Breakfast Room, & Blow against a Stand owing to my foot being entangled in a loose piece of carpeting, which I was stooping to lay straight,fearing it might throw somebody down. 4. A Fall out of the Gig owing to the Horse suddenly & violently coming down opposite to Crosby Cottage as I was returning from Newcastle. 5. The Fall from the Mare yesterday.
Wednesday 9. Attended a Meeting at the North Staffordshire Infirmary for the Election of a Physician in the room of Dr. Davidson resigned. Two Candidates Dr. Wilson (son in law of Dr. Northen) & Dr. [Formby], the former proposed by Mr Heathcote , the latter by Mr Edward [Butler]. A very numerous & highly respected attendance & Dr. (blank) was elected. Took Mr F. Twemlow from Newcastle in the Carriage & brought him back &
Page 88. 1836 November
with whom much conversation on Navigation Business.
Thursday 10. At home, being wet all day.
Friday 11. The same.
Saturday 12. Rode out on Horseback after being engaged all morning on sundry Papers.
Sunday 13. Read Prayers as usual. Did not attend Service at Talk.
Monday 14. At home. Confined with a Cold & Cough.
Tuesday 15. The same.
Wednesday 16. Better. Walked out of Doors.
Thursday 17. At home.
Friday 18. The same.
Saturday 19. The same.
Sunday 20. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the afternoon we attended Service at Talk.
Monday 21. At home.
Tuesday 22. At home. Letter writing to Mr [Peake] Silverdale relative to contract of Composition for . . .Taxes, to Mr Skerratt Sandbach on Perlington Affairs. Bessy called at Clough Hall but Mrs Kinnersly was gone out.
Wednesday 23. At home.
Thursday 24. At home.
Friday 25. At home.
Saturday 26. At home. Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers. Sent Order to Kinnerslys to bring out £200 for me a new 3½ [percent] Stock. Mr Hare called to [select] my Vote at the ensuing Election of House Surgeon at the Genl. Staffordshire Infirmary, but I declined giving my Promise.
Sunday 27. In the morning read Prayers as usual. In the Evening attended Service at Talk, where Collection for building new Church. Bessy being unwell did not accompany me.
Monday 28. Engaged all morning looking over old Papers Navigation, with a view to a Selection & Arrangement of such as it might be proper to help.
Tuesday 29. At home. Violent wind with continual heavy Rain & all the low Grounds covered with water.
Wednesday 30. Went to Newcastle on various matters. Called upon Mr Wilkinson on Navigation Concerns. Saw also Mr F. Twemlow and with whom had conversation on Canal affairs of Great Depression on the price of Shares.
Page 89. 1836 December
Thursday 1. At home. Engaged on private Accounts preparatory to making out annual Statement of Expenditure.
Friday 2. At home. The same.
Saturday 3. At home. Mr Mason of Newcastle called relative to a Publication of some [music] of his sons, & to which I subscribed. Wrote to Mrs Roscoe sending her a Letter which I received by the last Nights Post from Mr Peake relative to the purchase of Houses at Liverpool.
Sunday 4. In the morning read Prayers as usual & afterwards we attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 5. At home. Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 6. Went to Stone where engaged on General Committee.
Wednesday 7. At Stone attending General Assembly& returned home at night.
Thursday 8. At home. Wrote to Mr Salt.
Friday 9. At home. Out on Horseback.
Saturday 10. At home. Received from Revd. Mr Garratt Letter relative to National School at Audley etc
Sunday 11. Prayerrs as usual. We attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 12. At home. Unwell with a cold.
Tuesday 13. The same. Wrote to Revd. Mr Garrettt & Dr. Holland from whom we had received Oysters.
Wednesday 14. At home.
Thursday 15. Wrote to Mr Moore, Tonnage Acct. etc.
Friday 16. At home.
Saturday 17. At home.
Sunday 18. Prayers as usual. Bessy not well. Did not attend Service at Talk.
Monday 19. At home. The day being fine, engaged on the Farm. Men busy [sorting] manure on Linley Meadow.
Tuesday 20. At home, but rode out on Horseback.
Wednesday 21. At home.
Thursday 22. At home. Ledward called with whom appointed to go to Congleton on Saturday agreed to meet the Parties & conclude the Fox & Grapes purchase. Wrote to Mr Edleston, as to my sending the Abstracts of the Tithes to the . . . Land at Nantwich purchased by Mrs Gardener.
Page 90. 1836 December
Friday 23. Wrote to Mr Wilkinson. Old Stanley Reservoir. Fine Day.
Saturday 24. Mr Ledward came to breakfast, & afterwards accompanied me to Macclesfield where we met Mr Boulton & his son Mr Colville & I executed the Assignment to Mr B. of the Fox & Grapes Public House in [Sutton] sold to him. Returned to dinner. Received a beautifully worked cushion being a present from Georgina Marsh.
Sunday 25. Christmas day. Read Prayers as usual. The Cold prevented our attending Service at Talk.
Monday 26. Severe Frost. The old Christmas Party dined, & enjoyed themselves much. Wrote to Mr Colville requesting him to forward me with an examined copy of the Assignment to Boulton, thinking this proper to be put [against] the late Macclesfield Brewery papers in my possession. Wrote [Georgina].
Tuesday 27. At home. Severe Frost.
Wednesday 28. At home. The same. Steele of Burslem to enquire after the Cheese but declined giving the price I put upon it 70% presuming or . . .to be of very excellent quality. The Mail which had been stopped by the Snow the last two or three days brought the Letters late today.
Thursday 29. Received Letter from Mr Edleston on Mr Skerratts Affairs, which I replied to, but too late for this mornings Post.
Friday 30. Sent Letter by Post to Mr Edleston. Frost very severe.
Saturday 31. The last day of 1836.
Page 91. Blank.
Page 93. 1837 January
Sunday 1. The Commencement of another year. Though the Frost is very severe & the Ground covered with a Snow, yet a fine Winters day there being no wind., & the sun occasionally shining through the Clouds. Read Prayers as usual, but the Cold prevented our attending Service at Talk.
Monday 2. At home. Engaged settling last years Cash Book & Accounts. Heavy Fog & appearance of the Frost going.
Tuesday 3. In the night a rapid thaw. The Snow that very considerable upon the Ground had this morning nearly disappeared.
Wednesday 4. Frost still going. Engaged on Christmas Acct. etc.
Thursday 5. The same.
Friday 6. At home.
Saturday 7. At home.
Sunday 8. In the morning Read prayers as usual, Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 9. At home.
Tuesday 10. At home.
Wednesday 11. Engaged on various papers & accounts.
Thursday 12. At home.
Friday 13. At home. Again Frost. Engaged on Papers & accounts.
Saturday 14. At home. Severe Frost.
Sunday 15. Read Prayers as usual, but the Severity of the Weather & Bessy being unwell prevented our attending Evening Service at Talk. Received from Stamford a present of a couple & a half of Woodchucks.
Monday 16. At home. Engaged on papers & Acct. Frost going.
Tuesday 17. The same. Heavy dense Fog. Engaged as yesterday.
Wednesday 18. At home. The same.
Thursday 19. At home. The same.
Friday 20. At home. The same.
Saturday 21. I this day entered the 78th year of my age. Revd. Mr Jackson dined as Mr Davenport had also engaged to do, but was prevented by urgent misapplied Dressings. Mr J. ill with a severe [cold] & much Fever. I strongly . . .him from doing the Duty tomorrow, whether Audley & Talk.
Page 94. 1837 January
Saturday 21. In the morning Mr [Parr] [Breward] at Wheelock called to pay to obtain permission to pass with Goods etc. along the Canal. When I told him that I had withdrawn from the Select Committee & could not interfere, but that I did not think any such application would be complied with.
Sunday 22. Read Prayers as usual, but Bessy & I being unwell we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 23. At home. Received Letter by the Post from Mr Edleston, requesting me to attend at Nantwich on Friday next to put in the Amend. To a Bill which had been fated by the Grand children of Mrs Dutton in the affairs of the late Mr Skerratt. Wrote to Mr Edleston desiring that an account of any in this position Business might be postponed to the beginning of the next week.
Tuesday 24. Sent Letter early this morning to Mr Edlston by Saml. Jones & received his answer saying that as the taking the answer could . . he proposed, he & the Comm. Would come to Linley Wood in order that my answer might be taken here.
Wednesday 25. Being much better this morning went again to Mr Edleston saying that I would be at Nantwich on Friday & sent my Letter by Saml. Jones.
Thursday 26. Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow.
Friday 27. Went to Nantwich Bessy accompanying me. Finding this Bill which had been filed related to the Affairs of the late Mrs Dutton, to whom Mr Skerratt was Executor & of which I had no knowledge whatsoever I declined putting in such answer, which Mr Edleston brought to me in Dysart Buildings.
Saturday 28. Mr Edleston being prevented by illness from seeing me again this morning. Mr Taylor called who took Instruction for such answer as I could put in. Returned home to dinner.
Sunday 29. Read Prayers, but we did not attend Service at Talk. Considerable Snow.
Monday 30. At home. Frost & Snow.
Tuesday 31. The same. Engaged on sundry Deeds & Papers relating to the Nantwich property. Wrote to Mrs Gardiner.
Page 95. 1837 February
Wednesday 1. The morning of this month opens with the same dense cold. Fog as prevailed through the last, & to which in a great measure be attributed the Influenza or Epidemic which has almost universally prevailed the Country & proved in a great number of cases fatal.
Thursday 2. At home. Received Letter from Messrs [Wheeler] & [Mariott] relative to [Markers] in Cheshire Railway. Wrote to Mr Davenport in reply to a Letter from him requesting an Acct. of Tonnages by the [coach] from [Leek] to Manchester & informing him that I had sent his Letter to Mr Moore requesting him to communicate it to the Select Committee.
Friday 3. Wrote to Messrs [Wheeler] & [Marriott] declining my assent to the Railway etc. & sent the Letter, with them to Mr Davenport & Mr Moore by this Mornings Post.
Saturday 4. At home.
Sunday 5. Read Prayers as usual. The weather again prevented our attending Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 6. At home.
Tuesday 7. The same.
Wednesday 8. The same. Very cold & stormy.
Thursday 9. Fine cold day. Mr Elliot called to obtain my consent to taking down the wall above the Stables. On looking afterwards at the place finding that I could not consent to this without a satisfactory arrangement being made respecting the Land, my private property, running along the Front & Side of the House.
Friday 10. Sent Saml. Beardmore, who was a witness to the laying down of the Boundary Stone, with the late Mr Slater & others , with a Note to Mr Elliot to the above effect & a Sketch of the Ground, offering at the same time to meet Mr Elliot upon the Spot any day that he would appoint as this might be most satisfactory to all Parties.
Saturday 11. At home.
Sunday 12. Read Prayers as usual, but did not attend the Service at Talk.
Monday 13. At home.
Tuesday 14. Went to Newcastle & called upon Mr [Hyde] relative to Transfers upon Deeds.
Wednesday 15. At home.
Page 96. 1837 February
Thursday 16. Rode to the lower part of the Ley adjoining Linley Lane, & found a [round] . . .which had been put down by Persons who were [surveying] & measuring with a view to a Branch from the Manchester & Cheshire Railway.
Friday 17. At home.
Saturday 18. Received Letter from Mr Wm. Harding of Burslem requesting my attendance on Tuesday next the 20 at Tithe Meeting, under the Comm. Act or in case I did not, to sign an Authority to him to sign an Agreement with Mr Tollet & others to act for me in all respects respecting the Tithe Communication.
Sunday 19. Read Prayers as usual, but neither Bessy nor I well enough to attend Service at Talk.
Monday 20. Went to Newcastle. Met Mr F. Tomlinson by appointment. Consulted him relative to the Tithe Communication Act, when he advised me not to sign or write into any Agreement till it was satisfactorily understood how the compensation to be made for the [Restored] Tithes were to be appointed on the Estate of the respective Land Owners. Returned to dinner.
Tuesday 21. Not being able to attend at Audley, wrote a Note to Mr Harding declining to sign any Agreement respecting the Tithe Comm. for the present, but that I thought the [compensation] . . .[Tolls] fair & reasonable.
Wednesday 22. Went to Nantwich to confer with Mr Edleston relative to my answer to the Bill which had been further agreed the Executors of the late Mr Skerratt; when he being unwell he appointed to see me tomorrow morning. Delivered to Mr Taylor the Abstracts of the Tithe to the House & Land at Nantwich sold to Mrs Gardiner.
Thursday 23. Long consultation with Mr Edleston, considering & correcting the Draft of my Amm. to the Bill. On my return was stopped at Smallwood by Mr Field junior relative to the money due from the Perlington property to the Estate of the late Mrs Simms. When I informed him that on the [thought] for the 31s paid by his Father to Mr . . .
Page 97. 1837 February
Thursday 23. being signed by Mr Wood, Mr B: Co . . .or a satisfactory being given, the £120 & interest was really to be paid by me on the [Bankers] Lands, as was also the Balance due to Cowell and for which he only could give me a due [Discharge].
Friday 24. Mr Booth & Saml. Beardmore called relative to the Tithe Communication, when after some conversation & without a Case for the Opinion of the Tithe Comm. which they thought was perfectly normal, & agreed to send to the Comm. & which I promised to do. Afterwards engaged considering & drawing such Case.
Saturday 25. A Draft of the answer in Chancery which had more than a week ago been sent by Coach to Linley Wood having arrived in my absence sent the same by Saml. Jones to Nantwich.
Sunday 26. Read Prayers as usual. Weather again prevented attending Service at Talk.
Monday 27. At home.
Tuesday 28. Engaged again perusing & considering Tithes Communication Act & drawing observations thereon [information] to the Parish of Audley.
March
Wednesday 1. At home. Again engaged on Comm. Act & papers.
Thursday 2. At home. Mr Booth of Audley came to . . .the Tithe Observations which he much approved & much agreed on to attend the adjourned Meeting of Landowners at Audley on the 8 instant, or if I did not attend, to send the observations for the . . of the Meeting.
Friday 3. At home.
Saturday 4. At home. Engaged perusing & considering Tithe Comm. Act. Engaged perusing & considering Tithe Comm. Act.
Sunday 5. Read Prayers as usual. The weather still preventing our attendance at Talk.
Monday 6. At home. Engaged drawing observations on Tithes Comm. Act, previous to attending Meeting at Audley on Wednesday next.
Tuesday 7. At home. In the Evening Mr John Booth came & showed my observations which he much approving took them for the perusal of Mr Wedgwood & Thos. Boughey.
Wednesday 8. Went to Audley. Saw Mr Wedgwood & also Mr . . .who had been attending & had been appointed the . . .valuers. Mr Wedgwood & Mr [Booth] both expressed their comments on the observations. Mr Heatcote & Mr Tollet
Page 98. 1837 March
Wednesday 8. attended also with Mr Garratt, Mr John Booth & several other Landowners. Mr Heathcote & Mr [Johnson] agreed to leave the valuation to Mr [Bell] & Mr A Booth.
Thursday 9. At home.
Friday 10. At home.
Saturday 11. The same. In the last night a Fall of Snow.
Sunday 12. In the night Frost with a heavy Fall of Snow. Read morning Prayers as usual. In the afternoon Mr Alfred [Giles] son of . . . Acquaintance . . .called. He was come down for the purpose of surveying Mr Kinnerslys property with a view to his opposition to the intended Branch Railway from [Crewe] to the Potteries.
Monday 13. At home.
Tuesday 14. At home. Mr [Shadburys] Hounds with a great number of Gentlemen were all over the Ground in the front of the House & made a. . .& with the [Grand Week} the Stag having come very near to the Fir Wood & But Lane where they lost him after a Run from Holmes Chapel where he had him turned out this morning. The Stag was found again in Alsager Wood & taken after a second Run.
Wednesday 15. At home.
Thursday 16. Revd. Mr Garratt called to request my attending a Meeting of Mr Tollet, Mr Heathcote, Mr Kinnersly & myself at Talk on Thursday next relative to the application of Talk [Brief] Money remaining in Mr Kinnerslys hands. Afterwards Bessy & I called at [Seabridge] saw Miss Wedgwood & Mr & Mrs Henry Wedgwood. Mrs Wedgwood was out. Received from Mr Edleston Draft of my Answer to the Bill on Skerratts affairs.
Friday 17. Engaged looking & considering Talk Brief Papers.
Saturday 18. Engaged perusing & considering the Draft of the answer in Chancery received from Mr Edleston.
Sunday 19. Prayers as usual.
Monday 20. At home. Again engaged in the Business & the answer in Chancery, but suffering much from my Eyes. Stamford arrived to dinner.
Tuesday 21. At home. Received from Mr Edleston Draft of the Conveyance to Mrs Gardiner of the House & Land at Nantwich.
Page 99. 1837 March
Wednesday 22. Engaged perusing & considering Draft of Conveyance, comparing the same with the Deeds, making observations thereon. Also engaged again on Talk papers, preparatory to attending the Meeting. In the night a heavy Fall (Snow) lying several inches deep on the level ground.
Thursday 23. At home.
Friday 24. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow. In the evening Anne Marsh arrived with her Boy & three of her Daughters, Fanny, Georgina & Mary.
Saturday 25. Went to Nantwich. Saw Mr Edleston perusing & settled with him the Draft of the answer in Chancery & the Draft of the Conveyance to Mrs Gardiner. Returned home. Found Mr Roscoe Jun. Found Mr Roscoe who had arrived today.
Sunday 26. Stamford read Prayers Morning & Evening.
Monday 27. At home.
Tuesday 28. Went to Stone taking Mr Wilkinson in the Carriage from Newcastle. Engaged all day on General Trent & Mersey Canal Committee.
Wednesday 29. At Stone. Engaged on General Assembly returned in the Evening bringing Mr Wilkinson back to Newcastle.
Thursday 30. At home. Fatigued and unwell.
Friday31. At home.
April
Saturday 1. At home. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Nantwich on Monday next.
Sunday 2. Stamford read Prayers. Ann & all the Children attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 3. Went to Nantwich. Put in my answer in Chancery. Mr [McClune] & Mr Taylor the Commissioners having previously carefully again considered & settled the same with Mr Edleston by when it was read over to me. Afterwards engaged with Mr Smith. Mrs Gardiner & Mr Edleston settling & completing the business of her purchase of the House & Land in Nantwich, where I executed the Conveyance of the same to her & received the Purchase Money. Returned home in the Evening & arrived between 7 & 8, unwell the weather
Page 100. 1837 April
Monday 3. being very cold & inclement with Snow, Hail & Rain. Went to Nantwich & put in my answer in Chancery before Mr [McClune] & Mr Taylor 2 of the former having again previously examined & considered the same with Mr Edleston by whom it was read over to me. Afterwards executed Conveyance to Mrs Gardiner of the House & Land at Nantwich sold to her, she & Mr Smith who had throughout acted on her behalf attending & paying the purchase survey £1950. Returned home in the Evening.
Tuesday 4. At home & unwell.
Wednesday 5. Went to Cliffe Ville, when Mr F Tomlinson at my request looked over the Conveyance to Mrs Gardiner which I had brought back from Nantwich for execution of it. From thence to Etruria when Mr W duly executed the Deeds of Lease & Release. On my return called on Mr [DeLoude] the Dentist. Got home to dinner. Stamford left us on his way to Stafford & Derby. In the evening Lord . . . .
Thursday 6. Sent the Conveyance by Saml. Jones to Mr Edleston, who returned his Acknowledgement of having a reply received the same.
Friday 7. At home. Miss Wedgwood Mrs Henry Wedgwood & the Revd. Mr Wedgwood called. Miss Sarah Wedgwood who we expected to dinner did not come.
Saturday 8. At home. Received a Letter from Sir George Chetwynd relative to the business now made to obtain a Report of the Middlewich Junction Tonnage
Sunday 9. At home. Very unwell & morning service unattended.
Monday 10. Engaged [searching] for Papers & afterwards wrote o Sir George Chetwynd & sent him a copy which I had found of some observations made by Mr . . . Very unwell.
Tuesday 11. Still very unwell. Engaged again on further search for papers, some of which I found. Eliza Roscoe with her Daughter Mary & her youngest Boy arrived.
Wednesday 12. Still very unwell & unable to call as I had intended upon Col Wedgwood at Seabridge, but Bessy, Ann Marsh & E Roscoe called. Mr Wedgwood & his Lady were gone to Maer. An Invitation was left to dine at Linley Wood on Wednesday next. Still Frost & today Snow.
Thursday 13. At home. Engaged again on search for papers Middlewich Junction Tonnage.
Friday 14. Went to Newcastle. Mr [DeLoude] etc. Returned to Dinner.
Saturday 15. At home.
Sunday 16. Read Prayers as usual. Heavy Fall of Snow which prevented attendance at Talk Chapel.
Monday17. At home. Unwell.
Page 101. 1837 April
Tuesday 18. At home. Wrote Letter to Sir Geo. Chetwynd to go with Papers.
Wednesday 19. Engaged on Papers to be sent to Sir George. Mrs Henry Wedgwood & Elizabeth Wedgwood dined & staid all night. Eliza Wedgwood prevented coming by the indisposition of her Father.
Thursday 20. Sent Letter & papers to Sir George by . . .Coach. The Wedgwood's left us. Eyes very weak & troublesome rendering writing very difficult. This morning Snow & Rain.
Friday 21. At home.
Saturday 22. The same. Received Letter from Mr John Field Junr. on Perlington Affairs.
Sunday 23. In the morning early Snow & Rain. My Eyes being very troublesome. E Roscoe read prayers. The inclemency of the weather prevented attendance at the Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 24. After Breakfast my dear Anne with her three Girls left us, after passing a month at Linley Wood with I hope much happiness to them as great affection to us. The Horses took them to Seabridge & from there to Camphills where they were to stay all night.
Tuesday 25.. At home. Favourable change in the weather.
Wednesday 26. The same. Engaged writing to Mr John Field. Revd. Mr [Garratt] called to inform me that Mr Tollet Mr Heathcote & Mr Kinnersly had resolved that the Talk Brief Money allowed for the use of the Chapel should be given up to Mr Garratt. I desired him respectfully to express my request that I could not [injustice] to the inhabitants require us in this told I certainly had no wish to set myself up to [visit] which the Gentlemen might think proper so to, but my own opinion of the matter remained unchanged.
Thursday 27. Copied & sent Letter to Mr John Field. Eliza Roscoe with her children left us on their return home. Mrs Cowell widow of the late Chas. Cowell called on her way to Sandbach to see Mr Skerratt relative to their claim on Perlington Affairs & promised to call here on her return.
Friday 28. Weather much milder, & [improving]. Rode out on horseback over the Farm. Things in fairly good order. Wheat reviving.
Saturday 29. At home. Fine Rain.
Sunday 30. Read Prayers as usual, but did not attend Service at Talk.
May
Monday 1. Fine growing morning, but heavy wind from the South west. Garden & Fields
Page 102. 1837 May
Monday 1. much come on. Gathered cowslips below the Garden Terrace. Broccoli coming fast into flower. Peas feel pretty good . . .for the cattle.
Tuesday 2. Fine day. Rode out on Horseback. In my absence Mrs Kinnersly & her mother called. First song of the Cuckoo. Bessy received intelligence of the death of Mrs [Lunn] of Knutsford.
Wednesday 3. Rode over the Farm. Gave order for preparing Land for Turnips & purchasing Manure. Rolling Linley Meadow etc. Day fine but cool the wind having again shifted to the East.
Thursday 4. At home.
Friday 5. Bessy & I called at Betley Court. Mr & Mrs Twemlow were in London, but saw Miss Fletcher with whom we had half an hour very pleasant chat.
Saturday 6. At home.
Sunday 7. Prayers as usual. Opening of Mr Kinnerslys new Church to which Mrs Kinnersly had invited us, but we did not go. No Evening Service at Talk. Showers.
Monday 8. At home. Engaged on Perlington Papers. Turned 16 Milking cows into Linley. At night Frost.
Tuesday 9. At home. Day very cold. Engaged again on the Perlington Papers. Men busy with Potato ground.
Wednesday 10. Wrote to Mr Skerratt of Sandbach by Saml. Jones. Weather again very cold & inclement with Hail, Rain & Snow.
Thursday 11. Wrote to Mr John Field junr. Simms business & appointment to see Mr Skerratt on Tuesday next at Sandbach.
Friday 12. At home. Cattle came to the Ley. Engaged on Perlington Papers preparatory to going to Sandbach on Tuesday next to confer with Mr Skerratt on the first Settlement of their Accounts & Affairs, particularly with Mrs Cowell & the late Mrs Simms. Executors.
Saturday 13. The same.
Sunday 14. Prayers as usual. Afternoon Raining & preventing our attending Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 15. At home. Engaged again on Perlington Papers previous to going to Sandbach tomorrow.
Tuesday 16. Went to Sandbach. Met Mr Skerratt at the George Inn, where engaged with him several hours. Examined & considered favourable accounts.
Page 103. 1837 May
with the papers & vouchers in Mr Skerratts possession. Also Mrs Simms account which we agreed should be paid, in the Indemnity against the payment made by Mr Field to Bla. . . .was completed early by Bond from Mr Field the elder, Mr Field the younger & Mr . . .& one of Mrs Simms Executors, the Draft of which Mr S promised immediately to propose & send for, any [funds] etc., & in the meantime to write to Mr Field.
Wednesday 17. At home. Mr. Holland of Knutsford arrived at Tea time on his way to London & staid all night.
Thursday 18. Mr Holland left us at eleven, going by one of the Coaches from the White Lion. We had much pleasant & friendly conversation, of which Canals & Railways formed no unacceptable part.
Friday 19. At home. Sent James Barker the Accounts of his Rent due & in error. Got early Potatoes. Turned the milking cows into the House Field, which Mr Holland said yesterday, was the earliest & which . . .he had any . . .seen.
Saturday 20. At home.
Sunday 21. Prayers as usual.
Monday 22. Called upon Revd. Jackson, & finding that he was gone to Audley, left a Note inviting him to dine here on Wednesday next.
Tuesday 23. At home. James Barker paying ½ years Rent due at Michaelmas last. Remarkably fine growing day. The Fields & Trees [affirming] the vivid dress of Spring, & appearing most beautiful & gay.
Wednesday 24. Gathered a Lemon today in the Glass House. Weight 9½ oz, circumference 9 inches, Length 4½ inches. It grew upon a very small young tree, with one other nearly the same size. The tree is now covered with Blossom & very beautiful. The lemon had dropped off. The Lemon & Orange Trees are all covered with Blossom, & were greatly admired by Mr Wilbraham & Miss Skerratt who called here today. Revd. Mr Jackson dined. We had at dinner New Potatoes, Asparagus, French Beans Broccoli & Cucumber, all in abundance & excellent of their kind.
Thursday 25. At home.
Friday 26. At home.
Saturday 27. Bessy called at Clough Hall. Rain.
Sunday 28. In the morning read Prayers as usual. We attended Evening Service at Talk it being the last time of Mr. Jackson doing Duty there as he leaves Talk on
Page 104. 1837 May
Sunday 28. Wednesday next a situation having been offered him in . . .which he had accepted. A highly respectable & worthy Man, who has faithfully & obligingly performed his duty as a Minister of Religion & has taken with him the respect & good wishes of all who heard him.
Monday 29. Changed the milking cows into the Pool Field.
Tuesday 30. At home.
Wednesday 31. Bessy called at Clough Hall. Purchased a milking cow from Mr. Geo [Edwards].
June
Thursday 1. Rode over the Farm. Things orderly & going on well.
Friday 2. At home.
Saturday 3. At home. Received a present of [Woodcock], which we concluded came from Dr Holland.
Sunday 4. Prayers as usual. Mr [Holmes] the new Curate preached at Talk, but we did not attend.
Monday 5. At home. Alcock put 12 doz. of old Port Wine, purchased from Mrs Marshall of [Hartford] Beech near Northwich, & part of the Stock of the late Mr Thos Marshall & said to be very choice & fine into the . . . It cost £3.3s per doz., & was mentioned to me by Mr Holland of Knutsford.
Tuesday 6. Wrote to Dr Holland. Rode over the Foxholes Estate, accompanied by Saml. Beardmore & [Thurley] the new Tenant with whom I was pleased, thinking him likely to do well, & manage the Land properly. Considering the late inclemency of the Season, the . . .looked well.
Wednesday 7. At home. Pears just coming into Blossom. Sent French Beans, Cucumber & a couple of young Rabbits to E. Roscoe.
Thursday 8. At home.
Friday 9. At home. All night fine Rain.
Saturday 10. At home.
Sunday 11. Read prayers as usual. Gout in the ankle.
Monday 12. At home. Beautiful growing weather.
Tuesday 13. The same.
Wednesday 14. Changed the milking cows from the Hollins Ground to the House Field. Fine growing weather. Wheat & Oats much improved. Mr. Davenport dined. Cut early cabbages, which we had at dinner, very fine again.
Thursday 15. At home. Mr Biggings, Mr. Skerratt's clerk of Sandbach called to give only Mrs Simms Executors a payment of the Money due to them in Perlington Affairs, when having
Page 105. 1837 June
some doubt as to the correctness of some of the . . . I desired him to bring the Copy of the Settlement made on the Marriage of Mrs Simms to Linley Wood tomorrow morning, in order that we might examine & confer with the . . .
Friday 16. Mr [Sadeworth] of Halifax called, being called to this neighbourhood as an Assistant Comm. under the Tithes Commission Act. Mr. Biggings came, we found that Mrs Simms Exec. were . . .to use half instead of the whole of the Money claimed by them, where I desired Mr B to send the Copy of the Settlement to Mr Skerratt, who is now in London, in order that he might compare it with the original Deeds, & confer with the Executors upon the business. In the afternoon Thunder & Lightning, with heavy Rain.
Saturday 17. At home.
Sunday 18. Prayers as usual.
Monday 19. At home. Mr Biggings came again when we finally settled the Deed if the Release & of the Bond of Indemnity in Mrs Simms Affairs. Confined to the House by a hurt of the Heel. Mr. Davenport came recommended [Fermentation].
Tuesday 20. In the House all day with Considerable pain from the Heel.
Wednesday 21. Peas in pod, of which Bessy brought some to me. Mr. Davenport came again, recommended a continuance of the [Fermentation] etc. This Evenings Paper brought intelligence of the death of King William the 4th who expired at London at 12 minutes past two o'clock yesterday morning.
Thursday 22. Mr Child of [Lowfield Hall} called.
Friday 23. At home. Mr. Davenport, my foot being still painful & troublesome.
Saturday 24. At home.
Sunday 25. Prayers as usual. Mr Davenport. Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 26. Went to Stone, taking Mr Wilkinson in the Carriage. Engaged all day at the Meeting of the General Committee. Satisfactory Report of which had been done in Town particularly respecting the Clauses introduced into the [Observance] of Chester Canal Bill. Satisfactory Report also of the State of the . . .Affairs.
Page 106. 1837 June
Tuesday 27. At home. Mr Davenport came again. Foot going on well but it thought proper to apply Caustic. Sent to Wolstanton with enquiry of Mrs Morton, who Mr Wilkinson informed me yesterday was confined to her Bed.
Wednesday 28. At home.
Thursday 29. Mr. Davenport. Foot going on well, but he again applied Caustic.
Friday 30.. Revd. Mr . . . dined.
July
Saturday 1. Began mowing Clover & [Seeds] in the [pain] taken . . . Received for my executors transfer of 4 Shares & of 1 Share making 5 Shares of the Liverpool & Birmingham Junction Railway purchased for me from Mr Patrick Ware of Liverpool at £180 per Share.
Sunday 2. Read prayers as usual. Prevented attending at Talk neither Bessy nor I being very well. Got Pears, which w had at dinner very nice & good.
Monday 3. Mr Davenport. Recommended my resting my foot & resting it upon the Sofa as much as possible.
Tuesday 4. At home. Resting good & still. Men busy in the Clover.
Wednesday 5. Mr Davenport. Foot going on well; but he laid the wounded part bare, with his Knife & scissors.
Thursday 6. At home. Began mowing the Farm Meadow.
Friday7. Mr Davenport.
Saturday 8. Mr Davenport again. Carried the Clover which as the weather had been fine was in excellent condition.
Sunday 9. Read prayers as usual, but we could not attend Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 10. Mr Davenport. In the House all day.
Tuesday 11. At home. Confined to the House.
Wednesday 12. The same. Mr. Davenport, Mrs Roscoe.
Thursday 13. At home.
Friday 16 The same. Mr Davenport.
Saturday 15. At home.
Sunday 16. The same. Mr Davenport.
Monday 17. The same.
Page 107. 1837 July
Tuesday 18. Mr Davenport.
Wednesday 19. Mr Davenport.
Thursday 20. Mr Davenport.
Friday 21. E Roscoe & three of her children, Wm. Arthur & Eliza arrived to dinner.
Saturday 22. Mr Davenport.
Sunday 23. Read Prayers as usual. Saml. Jones being ill we did not attend Talk.
Monday 24. Mr Davenport. Carried the Hay from the Upper part of the Meadow, 17 loads.
Tuesday 25. Went on with the mowing.
Wednesday 26. Mr Davenport.
Thursday 27. Attended a Meeting at Alsager by the request of Revd. Mr H. Hinchcliffe the Rector to consider the proposed Community Tithe in the Parish of Barthomley when Mr H made certain propositions which were considered preparatory to a General Meeting of Landowners & [Commissioners] agreed to be held at the same place on (blank) the 28 August next, & of which the due Notices were [directed] to be sent.
Friday 28. Not so well in consequence of yesterdays business. Mr Davenport came & seemed to think needed some incision & application of Caustic might be advisable but appointed to see me again on Sunday Morning.
Saturday 29. Upon the sofa all day. Received the first introduction of intended Contract for the Southern Division of the County of Stafford. Rain.
Sunday 30. Mr Davenport. Read Prayers as usual. Eliza Roscoe & her three children attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 31. At home. South Staffordshire Election the Polling at Newcastle commencing this morning.
August
Tuesday 1. Mr Davenport. Went to Newcastle afterwards though very infirm. Voted for Mr [Baring] the new Conservative Candidate giving him a Platform. The other Candidates were Sir Oswald Moseley & Mr [Butler] the old members. Experienced or not . . .& attention from the Crowd who made way for me & afforded me every accommodation & assistance.
Wednesday 2. At home. Confined as before.
Thursday 3. The same. Mr Davenport.
Friday 4. The same. Busy in the Hay the weather having improved.
Page 108. 1837 August
Saturday 5. Mr Davenport. Afterwards Mr Kinnersly, relative to the approaching South Cheshire Election when I told him that it was my intention to vote for Sir Philip Egerton & Mr Corbett & that I should attend the Poll at Sandbach on Monday next being the first day.
Sunday 6. Prayers as usual. E Roscoe, Bessy & the Children attended Evening Service at Talk.
Monday 7. Mr Davenport. E Roscoe & her children left us on their Return home. Just as they were going Mary & Lucy Holland arrived. Afterwards went to Sandbach & voted for Sir P. Egerton & Mr Corbett. Returned to dinner.
Tuesday 8. After dinner the Miss Hollands left us on their return home. Very busy today in the Hay. Men at Swallow Moor Meadow. Finished carrying out of the Farm Meadow, except a small part at the furthest end. Day remarkably fine & favourable both for Hay & Corn.
Wednesday 9. At home.
Thursday 10. Mr Davenport being prevented attending yesterday.
Friday 11. Finished the Hay Harvest.
Saturday 12. Mr Davenport.
Sunday 13. Read Prayers as usual. Being rather better attended Evening Service at Talk, a Sermon being preached for the benefit of Talk Sunday School by a Mr [Fryer] of Liverpool.
Monday 14. Mr Davenport.
Tuesday 15.
Wednesday 16. Mr Davenport. Engaged on papers preparatory to [Worley] wrote to a Mr [Broadbent] a reply to a Letter received from him on the behalf of Miss . . . [Parry] in respect tot he . . . Money requested to be given to the Relations of the late Miss A Stamford'.
Friday 18. Mr. Davenport.
Saturday 19. At home.
Sunday 20. Mr Davenport. Read Prayers as usual. Attended with Bessy Evening Service at Talk, Mr Garratt.
Page 109. 1837 August
Monday 21. At home.
Tuesday 22. Mr Wedgwood of Bignall End to consult me relative to his Will which he left for my perusal, & appointed to call here again on Friday next. Wrote to Mr Brooks at Grays Inn Square in reply to his Letter. Mr John Field called relative to Cowells Money & the Share of it belonging to the Executors of the late Mrs Simms, where I promised at his request to come down to Sandbach tomorrow in case Mrs Cowell arrived there & of which he was to let me know. This morning Mrs [Felton] informed me that she could no longer live with . . . & should go immediately, that after much violent abuse he had imparted to her having in her possession two Table silver spoons & a silver Teaspoon & at night as I was going to bed he told me that he was going & having as afterwards found taken. . . . part of his [Cloak].
Wednesday 23. In consequence of a Note from Mr Field went to Sandbach where engaged with him, Mr Skerratt & Mrs Cowell several hours settling Accounts in the Affairs of the late Mary Perlington. In the Evening Stamford arrived.
Thursday 24. At home. Looked over Mr Wedgwood's Papers.
Friday 25. Mr Wedgwood of Bignall End again, where I delivered back to him his Will 2 parts with 2 Codicils & Copies. Saml. Beardmore spoke tot me about Alcock when I told him how I had been treated, & that I could not say anything more on the business, no Warning to leave having been given by himself. Saml. Beardmore then spoke of his interferences with respect to . . . Mr Tomlinson of Cliffe Ville afterwards called. Long conversation relative to the late Election for the Borough of [Shropshire] & South Staffordshire.
Saturday 26. Went to Sandbach meeting Mr Skerratt again on the Affairs of the late Mary Perlington.
Sunday 27. Prayers as usual. Bessy, Stamford & I attended Evening Service at Talk. Mr [Ravenswood] in the . . .
Monday 28. Attended Meeting at Alsager Lodge of Owners & Occupiers of Lands in the Township of Alsager under the Comm. of the Tithe Act when we were well satisfied. Agreement was entered into with the Revd Edw. [Hinchcliffe] the Rector of the Parish.
Page 110. 1837 August
Tuesday 29. Mr Davenport. Met Robert Mason at Saml. Beardmores & in consequence of the high Character given him by Mr . . .of Keele in which Family he had worked I agreed with him to come in to Thos. . . .,as the same wages £35 a year. Stamford left us on his return to B. . . .[Beddenhall] on his way.
Wednesday 30. At home. Finished Cutting Oats.
Thursday 31. Mr Johnson the Surveyor of Linley Lane Road relative to the completion of the Conveyance of parts of the old Road to me. Looked over the Ground with him & Saml. Beardmore. Mr Davenport. Saml. Beardmore having expressed his wish to have the . . . in lieu of Tho. Marsh, I directed him to take it out in his own name accordingly.
September
Friday 1. At home.
Saturday2. Mr John Smith to whom I gave leave to shoot today in Alsager. He afterwards sent a Brace of Birds.
Sunday 3. Read Prayers as usual. Bessy unwell & we did not attend Evening Service.
Monday 4. Bessy very unwell. Sent for Mr Davenport, who came & found her very poorly. Bad cough & general debility.
Tuesday 5. Mr Davenport, Bessy much the same.
Wednesday 6. Sent a Brace of Birds & a Melon to Miss [Raventhorne]& Miss Dawson. Mr Davenport again. Wrote to Eliza Roscoe requesting to come to Linley Wood. Attended Comm. of Tithe Meeting at Alsager Lodge when the agreement with the Rector having been approved by the Comm. was signed by such of the Landowners as were present. On my return found Mary & Bessy Holland, on their return home from Maer. Having assisted them into their Carriage on going away. My foot failed me in coming up the Steps at the Door, & had another very severe Fall, but escaped unhurt further than a severe . . .particularly across the . . ., & slight bruise of my forehead. Saml. Beardmore went to [Newfield] Hall to obtain a Warrant against James Oaks, for a most . . .act of poaching on Foxholes Estate in killing a Pheasant, discharging his Gun in such a manner that some of the shot struck Mrs [Thurley] & her child who were in the Field. Mr [Thurley]speaking to him, Oaks threatened that if he came near he would shoot.
Thursday 7. Mr Davenport. Mr Child being from home yesterday Saml. Beardmore went to Betley where Mr Tollet immediately granted him a summons against Oakes.
Page 111. 1837 September
Thursday 7. considering it a very serious Case. Oakes is a Man of very bad Character. This morning Rob [Mason] came to his place in lieu of Thomas Marsh who went about Noon.
Friday 8. Mr Davenport in the morning & again in the Evening. Bessy continuing very unwell. Carrying wheat.
Saturday 9. Mr Davenport. Sent the Carriage to Crewe Station to meet E. Roscoe who arrived here to dinner. Bessy very unwell. Mr Davenport again in the Evening.
Sunday 10. Read Prayers as usual but we did not attend Evening Service at Talk. Mr Davenport in the Morning & again in the Evening. Got white [Fortune] Grapes for Dessert.
Monday 11. Mr Davenports & again in the Evening.
Tuesday 12. Mr D. & again in the Evening. Revd. Mr Garratt & Revd. Mr Holmes the new Curate of Talk called/ Mr Johnstone Surveyor of Linley Lane Turnpike Road measuring the parts of old Linley Lane . . .purchased by me from the Junction under the Act of Parliament, for the purpose of his making a plan of such parts of the Road to be put upon the Deeds. Threshed new Wheat.
Wednesday 13. Mr Davenport morning & evening.
Thursday 14. The same
Friday 15. Engaged on Papers relating to my purchases made some years ago on parts of old Linley Land, preparatory to meeting Mr Skerratt at Sandbach tomorrow to settle & arrange the Conveyance of the same to me. Mr Davenport twice.
Saturday 16. Mr Davenport. Went toSandbach where engaged with Mr Skerratt & Mr Johnstone the Surveyor settling Deeds of such Conveyance for execution by the Trustees. Returned home to dinner. Bessy better but still confined to her bed.
Sunday 17. Prayers as usual. Mr Davenport.
Monday 18. Mr Davenport. Rain all day. The Gardener sent a fine woodcock.
Tuesday 19. Mr Child of Newfield Hall, called & paid me for the Wine had last year from Mrs Marshall. Mr Randle Wilbraham called. Mr Davenport. Rode a little on Horseback.
Wednesday 20. Rode to the Wheat Field & in the Evening finished carrying wheat & the most this year.
Page 112. 1837 September
Thursday 21. Mr Davenport.
Friday 22. Mr Davenport. Sprained my right arm in lifting a large [Book].
Saturday 23. Mr Davenport. Arm painful.
Sunday 24. Prayers as usual, but did not attend Evening Service at Talk. Oakes of Tunstall relative to the information laid against his son for the poaching & killing a Pheasant on Foxholes Land, accompanied with violent threats & bad behaviour, & discharging his Gun in such a manner that some of the shot hit Thurley the Tenant, his wife & Child who were in the Field. I told the Father that I rather could nor would interfere on his sons behalf, that he was in the hands of the Magistrate who would deal with him in such manner as they might justly do. Both Father & son are I understand Persons of notorious bad Character.
Monday 25. Engaged on correct Papers preparatory to attending General Committee & General Assembly tomorrow at Stone.
Tuesday 26. Went to Stone, taking Mr Wilkinson in the Carriage from Newcastle, & engaged closely all day on General Committee & General Assembly. Returned home at night bringing Mr W to Newcastle. Long sitting at Stone & much . . .Business.
Wednesday 27.
Thursday 28.
Friday 29
Saturday 30.
October
Sunday 2.(?) Prayers as usual.
Monday 3. Preparing for Journey to New Brighton.
Tuesday 4. Left Linley Wood with Eliza Roscoe at 20 past 8 & arrived at New Brighton at ½ past 4 where we were met by Wm. Roscoe. From this time to Monday the 18 staid at New Brighton. Eliza & one of her Daughters being with me the whole of the time & Wm. Roscoe very occasionally bringing the Boys one day & the two others as well.
Monday 18. Arrived at home. Found Bessy much recovered & Miss E Holland of Knutsford who had been staying with her in my absence & & who arrived at Linley Wood on Friday 7. Yesterday Evening a severe Fall owing to my Foot being entangled
Page 113. 1837 October
in the Carpet. On my arrival at home found a Bunch of Grapes.
Tuesday 17. At home. Settled Account of [Expenses] of Journey etc.
Wednesday 18 At home, but feeling much pain from the Effects of my late Fall.
Thursday 19. At home.
Friday 20. Wm. Faram called.
Saturday 21. At home. Stamford arrived in the Evening.
Sunday 22. Stamford read Prayers.
Monday 23. At home. Unwell.
Tuesday 24. At home.
Wednesday 25. Miss E Holland left us on her return home. Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Thursday 26. Went to Stone attending adjourned Meeting of General Committee. Closely engaged but returned home to dinner at 6, much fatigued.
Friday 27. At home. Fatigued & unwell.
Saturday 28. The same.
Sunday 29. Stamford read Prayers. Lightning with Thunder.
Monday 30. Very unwell.
Tuesday 31. The same. Stamford called at [Beddenhall].
November
Wednesday 1. Very unwell. Wm. Faram called.
Thursday 2. In the night much Snow had fallen. Still very unwell.
Friday 3. Sent to [Beddenhall] with Enquiry after Mr Mainwaring, but found that he was much worse. Revd. Mr Holmes dined.
Saturday 4. Still confined to the House.
Sunday 5. Stamford read Prayers.
Monday 6. Saml. Beardmore previous tot he Hearing tomorrow of the Information against Oakes. Stamford went to Newcastle & purchased a Grey Horse.
Tuesday 7. Stamford went to Lawton Hall.
Wednesday 8. Saml. Beardmore came to inform me of Oakes [Case] by Mr Tollet & Mr F Twemlow in the [5] penalty for using a Gun to kill Game.
Thursday 9. Stamford returned to L. W. from Lawton Hall.
Friday 10. Stamford went to [Nantwich].
Saturday 11. Mr Lawton called. Received from Mr Twemlow Esq. a . . .
Page 114. 1837 November
of Newcastle under Lyme Copy of a Resolution paper on the late annual Assembly of the Council of the Borough assessing their . . .of my Services in my late Capacity of their . . .
Sunday 12. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 13. Wrote to Thos. [Fenton] Esq. acknowledging the Receipt of the Resolution & expressing my Sense of the honour done to me on this occasion. Sent my Letter by Saml. Jones.
Tuesday 14.
Wednesday 15. Revd. Mr [Fenton] called. Much pain today. Saml. Beardmore killed . . .on the large Pool. Couple of Wild Ducks (2 Ducks & 1 Mallard) & a Water Hen.
Thursday 16. Stamford who had come from Nantwich on Tuesday to Lawton Hall called. Sent by Post to Miss Moss & Co Liverpool . . .on my 5 Shares of the Grand Junction Railway. Newcastle Bank . . .£25.
Friday 17. Mr Hill of Stallington & Mr Child of Newfield. The former to thank me for the trouble I had taken relative to some Wine had by him from Mrs Marshall.
Saturday 18.
Sunday 19. Prayers as usual.
Monday 20.
Tuesday 21.
Wednesday 22. Received Letter from Mr R Peake bringing me the . . .intelligence of the death of my late highly valued Friend [Chas] Peake who expired suddenly on Friday last in consequence supposed of him having over excited himself at a Parish Meeting on behalf of a neighbour, who he thought of [arguably tricked] in the . . .Accounts.
Thursday 23.
Friday 24. Received Letter from Dr Holland chiefly relating to the Death of poor Peake.
Saturday 25. Wrote to Mr R Peake.
Sunday 26. Read Prayers as usual.
Monday 27. Revd. Mr Holmes called.
Tuesday 28. Wrote to Dr Holland.
Wednesday 29.
Page 115. 1837 November
Thursday 30.
December
Friday 1. Received from Mr . . .a . . .of Venison the Stag having been just killed in Edwards Land below the . . . . . . .Wood.
Saturday 2.
Sunday 3. In bed all the morning. In the Evening Bessy read Prayers.
Monday 4. Wrote to Mr Wilkinson informing him of my being unable to attend the Gen. Committee Meeting or the Gen. Assembly at Stone.
Tuesday 5. Mr Wedgwood called & staid (to) dinner.
Wednesday 6. Mrs [Kearnes] of Clough Hall & Mrs Edward Kinnersly called.
Thursday 7.
Friday 8.
Saturday 9.
Sunday 10. Bessy read prayers as usual.
Here the diary ends. James Caldwell died at Linley Wood, the following month, 16 January 1838.
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