Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
Anne Caldwell of Nantwich - 55/56
Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 47/48
Hannah Stamfrord of Linley Wood - 60/61 - sister of Elizabeth Caldwell
James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 54/55
Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) of Linley Wood - 59/60
Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 28/29
James Stamford Caldwell - age - 27/28
Ann Marsh-Caldwell - age 22/23
Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) - age - 21/22
Catherine Louisa Caldwell - age 19/20 - deceased 20 August 1814
Diaries of James Caldwell (1759-1838),
Catherine Louise Caldwell and
Anne Marsh-Caldwell of Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire, England.
1814.
January.
Saturday 1st January 1814.
At home. In the forenoon Mr Wedgwood of . . . [Exeter] arrived. Afterwards engaged with Mr Henry Broughton. Mr Patterson & Mr Sutton also called relative to the House on Rode Heath in the occupation of Mr Twiss & the purchase of the Thurlwood Estate. Proposed by Mr Sutton that the house should be divided. I referred this point entirely to Mr Penlington. In reply to a question from Mr H Broughton . . . that we had not fixed a price on the Thurlwood Estate as was I yet prepared to do it; not having obtained a Valuation of it if divided into lots, one of the methods which had been proposed for disposing of it. To a further question whether I should not in the . . . of £200 in . . . my reply was “Certainly not less.”
The winter for some days has been uncommonly mild fine frost.
Wedgwood Archive
WM 109
January 1814
Two letters from Louisa Caldwell to Charlotte Wedgwood. One dated Sunday January 1814. The other not dated but probably 1811.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 2nd January 1814
At Home. John & Thos. Bent breakfasted. Mr Penlington relative to the business of yesterday & other matters. In the forenoon Mr Wedgwood left us.
Monday 3rd January 1814
At home. Engaged with the labourers in the Grounds.
Tuesday 4th January 1814
Do. and with various Letters & papers.
Wednesday 5th January 1814
Do. Do.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
Page 232
Elizabeth Hancock[?] Talk Pits. Aged 21 Pd Int Money 1/-
Ellen Cooper – ditto. Aged 28 - August 25 2/-
Hannah Hay - ditto. Aged 37 – August 26 3/-
Anne Wakefield / Hollins - Aged 29. 3/-
Elizabeth Adget, Talk Pits – Aged 24. 1/6
Sarah Gleers [?] Paid back. Age 45. 1/6
Sarah Salmon – Red Street. Aged 44. 3/6
Mary Proctor – Red Street. Aged 28. 2/-
Sarah Clarke – Red Street. Aged 287. 1/-
5th January 1814, Wednesday [page 233]
We returned to Linley.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 6th January 1814
Do. Do.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
6th January 1814, Thursday
Mrs Tollet, Mrs Stanhope, Miss Stanhopes, P.J., the Lawtons and Dr Belcombe at Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 7th January 1814
Do. Mrs Tollet Mrs & Miss Stanhope & the family from Lawton & all dined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
7th January 1814, Friday
The Tollets &c went.
57-32041 © WEDGWOOD MUSEUM TRUST 2004. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
7 January 1814. Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 8th January 1814
At home.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
8th January 1814, Saturday
Mama, Papa, ME and LC to Etruria.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 9th January 1814
Do.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
9th January 1814, Sunday
They returned.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 10th January 1814
Do.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
10th January 1814, Monday
Eliza and EB from Liverpool.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 11th January 1814
At Macclesfield. Annual Brewery Settlement
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
11th January 1814, Tuesday
M. Bent fetched Eliza home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 12th January 1814
Returned home. Mr & Mrs Bent dined.
Thursday 13th January 1814
At home. Various matters & accounts particularly those with the late Mr John Martin previous to my seeing Mr Miller & Mrs Martin tomorrow, who being desirous to consult me on his affairs we had invited to dine here. Making out & copying Accounts &c. Also drawing up Resolutions to be sent to Thos Gorton previous to my meeting Sir J Heathcote at Newcastle on Saturday next.
Friday 14th January 1814
At home. Engaged with Mr Miller & Mrs Martin & advising them on various matters relative to Mr Martins Affairs. Examining Accounts &c. when I declared my intention to Extinguish all claims on his Estate so far as related to these Accounts, though the Balance amounted, if strictly charged, & the balance remaining unpaid of the premium agreed to be given on my taking him into partnership & Interest were charged, to more than £700.
Saturday 15th January 1814
At Newcastle by appointment meeting Sir John Heathcote at the Brewery relative to the Notice which had been given by Mr Gorton to quit his situation at Shrewsbury, when the Resolution which I had proposed, being fully approved was signed & directed to be delivered to him by Mr John Bent & a Copy to be sent to Mr Gortons friends. On my return found Dr Holland.
Sunday 16th January 1814
Engaged with Dr Holland. Service &c.
Monday 17th January 1814
At Newcastle again on various matters
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th January 1814
Went with my Aunt Eliza and Emma to Parkfield.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 18th January 1814
At home. Engaged on various papers. Accounts Letters &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
18th January 1814
Eliza, Miss W and Charlotte to Exeter. Emma and I went with Mrs Wedgwood to call at Swinnerton and then to Etruria.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 19th January 1814
At home. Engaged again on various papers & accounts. Drawing out annual Statement of private Affairs &c. &c.
Thursday 20th January 1814
Do.
Friday 21st January 1814
Do. I this day entered the 56 year of my age.
[several lines gap left]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
21st January 1814
E Bent called at Etruria.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 22nd January 1814
At home.
Sunday 23rd January 1814
Do. Service
WM 109 Keele University Library.
January 1814. Two letters from Louisa Caldwell to Charlotte Wedgwood. One dated Sunday January 1814.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 24th January 1814
At Mr Fitzherberts. Mr & Mrs Edward, Blount, Miss Knight Mr Stanley & Mr Graham
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
24th January 1814
ME and I went with Papa and Mama to Swinnerton. The Edward Blunts, [M Y?] Skirby[?] and Graham. Organ playing. Met LC in Newcastle as we went, she on to Etruria.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 25th January 1814
Returned from Swinnerton after a very pleasant visit
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
25th January 1814
We came back, my Aunt and LC from Etruria, a deep snow all over the Kingdom. 8 mails due.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 26th January 1814
At home. Busily engaged all day on various papers Arrangement of
. . .[D?] &c. &c.
Thursday 27th January 1814
Do. Do. Arrangement of Letters &c. &c.
Friday 28th January 1814
Do. Do.
Saturday 29th January 1814
At Trentham Inn attending meeting for Militia Appeals. This was one of the most tremendous Storms of Sleet & Snow that I was ever out in. Notwithstanding I rode on Horseback to & from Trentham Inn & was happy that I went as the business could not otherwise have been done, as no Dep. Lieut. attending but Sir J Heathcote, and a great crowd of People being there who must have returned bootless home.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
29th January 1814
My Aunt, LC to Nantwich, a deep snow that filled me with terror for that beloved child.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 30th January 1814
At Home
Monday 31st January 1814
At home. Busily engaged soliciting & arranging papers &c.
February [1814]
Tuesday 1st February 1814
The Like.
Wednesday 2nd February 1814
The Like
Thursday 3rd February 1814
The Like
Friday 4th February 1814
The Like & various accounts
Saturday 5th February 1814
the Like. Frost began to go.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
5th February 1814, Saturday
Mr Griffin called and stayed dinner. Papa read the Giaona[?]
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 6th February 1814
At home. Service
Monday 7th February 1814
Do.
Tuesday 8th February 1814
At Stone attending Select Committee
Wednesday 9th February 1814
Returned from Stone ate to dinner.
Thursday 10th February 1814
At Newcastle attending Sir John Heathcote, arranging various matters relative to Shrewsbury Brewery & Mr Thomas Gorton’s quitting his situation in that concern. Afterwards dined with Sir John at Stoneyfields.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
10th February 1814
ME and I went with Mrs Lawton to Newcastle.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 11th February 1814
At home. Engaged in the Grounds and on various matters.
Saturday 12th February 1814
William\ Penlington on their affairs. Sketching & adjusting Acct with Mrs Simons &c. Dined at Lawton Hall.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
12th February 1814
I dined with Papa, Mama and ME at Lawton Hall.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 13th February 1814
At home. Service
Monday 14th February 1814
At home. Grounds. Swallow Moor . . . Meadow at the Sale &c. Mr Wilbraham, to whom I delivered the . . . of the Plan of . . . . . . [Par Shaw] farm.
Tuesday 15th February 1814
At Trentham Inn. Attending Meeting for Appeals Assessed Taxes. Sir John Heathcote & self. Busy Day.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
15th February 1814
I went with Mama and ME to Newcastle. Mr Griffin and Dr Belcombe. We called at Miss Byerleys.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 16 February 1814
At home. Engaged all morning with perusing a great number of papers re Taylor considering & advising on the case of his father in Law Thomas Forsyth, who had been committed to Stafford Gaol as a Bankrupt charged with having secreted property with an intention to defraud his Creditors. Afterwards engaged superintending draining in the Meadow, which we began to lag with Stone.
Thursday 17th February 1814
At Home. Wm. Penlington in consequence of Mr Skerrett having declined to remit the money intended for Mrs Simmons; from no part of the Annuities. Perusing & considering Case & the opinion of Mr Richards &c. &c. — Mr Rigby, to entreat my good offices with Mr Bent to take him again into his employ at the Brewery, from which he had been dismissed; &c. Letter to Mr Bent on this business, in which I had been induced to interfere from consideration of the great distress of Mr R parents who had made urgent application to me. Engaged all morning on the above matters & with Moses Barton. Rent &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th February 1814
LC and my Aunt came home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 18th February 1814
At home.
Saturday 19th February 1814
At Newcastle in consequence of a letter received from Mr Bent requesting . . . me on the Shrewsbury business. Consultation thereon, & wrote to Lloyd . . . & Wilkinsons Solicitors at Shrewsbury requesting then to act on behalf of Sr. John Heathcote & Co.
Sunday 20th February 1814
At home. Service
Page 25
Monday 21st February 1814
At Newcastle meeting Mr Peake and arranging & settling Returns under property 7 Assessed Taxes & various matters.
Tuesday 22nd February 1814
At home. Unwell. John Taylor again advising relative to the unfortunate business of his Father in Law. Frost.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
22nd February 1814
LC and I went to Basford. E and M Balsac there.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 23th February 1814
At home. Unwell. Mr Trubshaw looking over the House &c. previous to making a plan & Estimate of the proposed alterations & with whom engaged the greater part of the day. Severe Frost.
Thursday 24th February 1814
Mr Rushton Solr. of Burslem with whom looking over the various Deeds &c. in my possession relative to the Burslem Estates previous to a Declaration being performed of the uses of the fine . . . some time ago. Considering Title to Estate purchased from the Collins of Stafford & various other matters. Engaged closely all morning. Delivered to Mr Preston the Abstract of the above Title and also one part of the . . . [Chyrograph] of the fine . . .[livi?d] [Could this relate to an old name for a chemical to be used in the pottery industry?] Dr Crompton & Henry arrived about noon with whom much engaged relative to the Affairs of the Liverpool Brewery and considering various matters to be stated to Mr Bent who had engaged to come tomorrow. Severe frost.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
24th February 1814
Walked to Newcastle. Mr Griffin.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 25th February 1814
At home. Engaged with Dr Crompton. Mr Bent dined. Brewery Affairs.
Saturday 26th February 1814
The same. Mr Ward of Burslem with Deed of Conveyance of Estate at Tunstall late in Mortgage . . . to Ann Caldwell but standing in my name. Delivered to Mr Ward a Settlement executed by my late Father in Law Joseph Hall to Peter Hodgkinson of a small piece of land at . . .[Tunstall]. Mr Wilbraham called to request me to meet Mr Egerton of Sutton at dinner on Monday next but prevented doing this by my engagement to go to Wolesley Bridge.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th February 1814
Came back from Basford. Called at Mr Leighs.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 27th February 1814
At home. Service
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
27th February 1814
With ME to Mary Morton’s funeral.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 28th February 1814
At Wolesley Bridge. Attending Meeting of Select Committee. Mr Sparrow, Simpson, Webb & self. Much engaged all day Mr Macdonald dined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
28th February 1814
Went to Parkfield.
Diary of James Caldwell
March[1814]
Tuesday 1st March 1814.
Engaged all morning closely. Came to Stone to dinner & home in the Evening
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Tuesday 1st March 1814.
The first part of Madame de Stael's Germany is upon Conversation. How the German differs from the French. It is not made an art of in the way the French do or so much as marry other nations which she attributes to there being no centre to which Genius may go and distinguish itself before all Germany. &ldots;
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 2nd March 1814
At Nantwich with Eliza.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
2nd March 1814, Wednesday
SW and I to the Book sale. Met the girls.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 3rd March 1814
Do.
Friday 4th March 1814
Do.
Saturday 5th March 1814
Returned from Nantwich.
Sunday 6th March 1814
Wm Penlington on their affairs. Service.
Monday 7th March 1814
Dined at Rode Hall. Mr & Mrs Wilbraham, Bootle, Mr & Mrs Totton, Mrs Egerton & Miss Egerton &c. &c.
Tuesday 8th March 1814
At home.
Wednesday 9th March 1814
At home. Stamford arrived.
Thursday 10th March 1814
At home. Sir John Chetwode Lady Harriet & Miss C Chetwode Mr Wilbraham, & Mr & Mrs & Miss Jos, Wedgwood dined. the Chetwodes and Wedgwoods staid all night.
Friday 11th March 1814
The Chetwodes left us. Engaged afterwards in the Grounds &c. &c.
Saturday 12th March 1814
At Rode heath pursuant to Appointment to have met Mr Salmon relative to the disposal of the Thurlwood & Rode property but he did not attend sending word that he was much indisposed.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
12th March 1814
Came back from Parkfield. Met my LC in Newcastle. ME at Etruria.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 13th March 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 14th March 1814
At home.
Tuesday 15th March 1814
At home. Edward Wood. In the evening arrived the melancholy intelligence respecting Genl. Skerrett.
Wednesday 16th March 1814
At Etruria to dinner though in a state of . . .[mind] and feeling little suitable. the Tollets Mr Smith
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
16th March 1814
Papa, Mama, my Aunt and JSC to Etruria. LC and I spent the day in copying out my little play.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 17th March 1814
Returned home.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th March 1814
They came home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 18th March 1814
At home. Letter from Mr Skerrett with one from Mr Ralph Carr with interesting particulars of Genl. Skerretts wound obtained from Major Stanhope who . . . the Dispatches & affording little hope or consolation. Determined not to attend Stafford Assizes, for which Stamford set off today.
Saturday 19th March 1814
At home. Engaged in the Grounds.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Saturday 19th March 1814
Saturday. On Tuesday we heard the melancholy account of the Repulse of Bergen of op Zoom and Ofsorr (Antwerp?). General Skerrett having received many dangerous wounds. It is one of the strongest fortified places in Europe. General Gore (advanced?) to force enter hence into the town and be reinforced by General Cooke, who was coming up to them. They got in but General Cooke could not come up being stopped by ice or something. The fire from the houses was so violent General Gore was killed and General Skerrett (General John Skerret) dangerously wounded. We have heard no dispatches since. This shock make one feel what it must be to marry into the army. &ldots;
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 20th March 1814
At home.
Monday 21st March 1814
At home. the frost which had set in in the night of the 25th, or the morning of the 26th of December & had continued from that time, with a short intermission only about the latter end of January, appeared this morning t be taking its final leave, the weather having been much milder, with light rain. Busy on the farm &c.
Tuesday 22nd March 1814
At home. Farm. Wm Penlington on their affairs & to appoint a meeting with Mr Salmon, which I fixed for Saturday next at Rode Heath. Letter to Mr Lowe Nantwich, with Bill in discharge of his Account in the Penlington Affairs. Received the melancholy intelligence of the death of Major Bent, in the engagement of the 27 . . . with South. In the morning Mr Haygarth arrived.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
22nd March 1814, Tuesday
Mr Heygarth came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 23rd March 1814
At home. Engaged with Mr Haygarth &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
23rd March 1814, Wednesday
We walked to Swallowmore. Music morning[?] and evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 24th March 1814
At home. Mr Haygarth. Farm &c. Finished the draining in the Meadow.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
24th March 1814 [page 235], Thursday
Walked in the wood. Music again.
24 March 1814.
Extract of a letter from Fanny Allen to her niece Elizabeth Wedgwood.
This is taken from page 49, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915.
The letter is addressed from Dulwich and dated 24th March 1814.
I heard from Anne [Caldwell] to-day - her letter was written under the influence of joy and grief and it was difficult to say which predominated. The grief you know [Gen Skerritt, engaged to her sister, had just been wounded]; and the joy was caused by Madame de Staël's billet, which you will see. I am delighted it has given her so much pleasure and that it should come at a time when it was so acceptable.
She says: " You would have been pleased if you had seen the ray of pleasure that Mme de Staël's note threw upon yesterday's gloomy evening - I had the delight of reading it to my father". I wish there was any chance of her being in town this Spring. She would then be introduced to her Goddess and Mack would remind Mme de Staël to say something to the clever Miss Caldwell which would place Anne in heaven.
I had the note from Mack a week ago, but I did not like to send it immediately on the account of Gen Skerritt's being wounded. I am rejoiced it arrived at such an à propos time as it seems to have done.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 25th March 1814
Mr Haygarth left Linley Wood early, prevented from accompanying him to Nantwich by a severe cold. Received by John Byford on his return the afflicting intelligence of the death of Genl. Skerrett, who expired on the 10th in consequence of the wound received in the attack on . . .[Birzinopzoom]
[rest of page left blank]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
25th March 1814, Friday
Mr Heygarth went. The messenger from Nantwich bringing the news of General S’s death.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 26th March 1814
Eliza & I went to Nantwich. Distressing meeting with Mr Skerrett. Wrote a letter at his request to Mrs Skerrett at Newcastle upon Tyne. Passed a day of deep and real suffering.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th March 1814, Saturday
Papa and Mama went to Nantwich.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 27th March 1814
At Nantwich
Monday 28th March 1814
Returned from Nantwich in the expectation that our poor girl would arrive at home in the Evening, but found letter informing us that she would not be here till Wednesday.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
28th March 1814, Monday
They returned.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 29th March 1814
At home.
Wednesday 30th March 1814
At home. William Penlington on their affairs.
Began planting Black Italian Poplars in Swakesmoor Wood. In the evening our beloved girl arrived at home. How shall I speak of her behaviour on this trying occasion. Had her distress been less pronounced she could not have afforded so bright an example of fortitude & resignation.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
30th March 1814, Wednesday
ME and I went to Parkfield to fetch Eliza from Exeter.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 31st March 1814
Engaged again Planting. Mr Skerrett arrived from Nantwich & with whom engaged. Much suffering & distress.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
31st March 1814, Thursday
My Uncle came.
Diary of James Caldwell
April [1814]
Friday 1st April 1814. Finished planting having put 300 black Italian poplars into the Ground with my own hand in the last 3 days. Days of great effort in the present state of my thoughts and feelings! but employment is perhaps under such circumstances something like relief. Mr R Skerrett dined.
Saturday 2nd April 1814
At home. Mr Skerrett left us.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
2nd April 1814, Saturday
Mr Lawton called.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 3rd April 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 4th April 1814
At Rode Heath meeting Mr Salmon & settling particulars of the Offer, which it was thought right should be made to Mr Henry Broughton of the Thurlwood Estate. Afterwards engaged in the Grounds & arranging papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 5th April 1814
At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr Sparrow, Webb & self. Close day. In the Evening conversation with Mr Sutton of Shardlow relative to the Thurlwood Estate of the proposal intended to be made to Mr B.
Wednesday 6th April 1814
At Stone. Select Committee. Mr Sparrow & self. Returned to dinner. In the evening Wm Penlington to whom I delivered a note for Mr Broughton containing the offer of the Thurlwood Estate to be given to him tomorrow morning at Whitehall, pursuant to the Arrangement made on Monday.
Page 29.
Thursday 7th April 1814
At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Swallow Moor Wood &c. Wm Penlington. Purchase declined by Mr Broughton.
Friday 8th April 1814
At home. Planted with my own hand 100 more black Italian Poplars in the Bent Lane Hollins Ground & various places.
Saturday 9th April 1814
At home. Grounds & various matters. Mr Jos. Wedgwood
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
9th April 1814
Mrs Jos. Wedgwood came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 10th April 1814
At home. Service.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell - aged 23
10th April 1814
Mama and I took Mrs Wedgwood back in the carriage and returned.
Diary of James Caldwell - aged 55
Monday 11th April 1814
Ben Johnson truly says of Shakespeare that “he was not of an age, but for all time” and from his rich store of Philosophie[sic] and moral wisdom, Aphorisms that are applicable to almost every subject may be selected.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell - aged 19
Monday 11th April 1814
It is long since I have written. On the 25th of March we received the news from Nantwich of poor General Skerrett's death. It seemed to me as if I had lost a brother and it was the first time I ever felt great regret for one seemed to lose so much a person from full health and enjoyment that one was so much attached to. I who seemed so connected in so many ways to our future happiness.
In the death of Mary it was not regret I ever felt. I hardly felt that I should have less of her when she was gone. It was (held?) she lived, latterly nothing but seeing one so tenderly loved suffer without hope, without any hope of giving alleviation and without any power to communicate with of our minds. But this feeling of regret is not to be called near so acute as the pity one feels for great suffering in others. &ldots;
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 12th April 1814
At Stone attending Meeting of the Grand Trunk Canal Committee
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
12th April 1814
Dr Belcombe called and stayed dinner. My time much spent reading Maller on the Gross while Eliza rode Mr [Parke?] in the evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 13th April 1814
Do. General Assembly. Returned home to dinner. T Peake, Mr Skerrett & my sister.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
13th April 1814
My Uncle and my Aunts came. Walk with Mr P [Cope?] Swallowmore.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 14th April 1814
Set off early to Shrewsbury with Sir John Heathcote & Bent from Newcastle on annual Settlement of Acct. &c. & arrived there in the evening
Friday 15th April 1814
Closely engaged all day at the Counting House with Book &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
15th April 1814
Mr Peake came again.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 16th April 1814
Do. Do. and closed the Account
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
16th April 1814
Went to Newcastle with my two Aunts.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 17th April 1814
Returned home.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th April 1814
Mr Peake went after dinner.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 18th April 1814
At home. Engaged with Mr Skerrett. Swallow Moor wood &c
Tuesday 19th April 1814
The like.
Wednesday 20th April 1814
At Burslem with Mr Skerrett
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
20th April 1814
Party to Burslem.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 21st April 1814
At home. Engaged with Mr S. Swallow Moor Wood &c.
Friday 22nd April 1814
Mr S & my sister left Linley Wood. Mr Tollet Mr Wickstead & Mr Butt called.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
22nd April 1814
My Aunts and Uncle went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 23rd April 1814
At home. Mr Peake with various Assessments which I signed. John Taylor relative to Forsyths business & threats of proceedings against himself for penalties &c. Engaged a long time considering & advising on this case. finally giving my opinion in writing to be shown to the Assignees & Creditors.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
23rd April 1814
Mr Tollet, Mr Wicksted and Mr Butt called
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 24th April 1814
At home. Service. Rain.
Monday 25th April 1814
At home. Constant Rain
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
25th April 1814
Called at Basford on the poor Bents who have lost their brother Major Bent. At Etruria.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 26th April 1814
At Newcastle being the Sessions & dining with the Mayor &c. In the morning busy in Swallow Moor Wood.
Wednesday 27th April 1814
At home. Busy with Men in Swallow Moor
Thursday 28th April 1814
At home. Very wet day. Engaged reading &c.
Friday 29th April 1814
At Newcastle. Attending the Local Militia Meeting. Mr Spode & self. returned to dinner. Looked into Letteres de Maller speaking of the Incas, he says
“politiques, ces descriptions de gouennemonts parfaits qui n’existent rullepart. Rien n’est plus ais’c que de montrer comment on peut le realiser” [Note: the transcriber does not understand French so this is likely to be inaccurate!]
Saturday 30th April 1814
At home. Engaged in the Grounds &c. Arranging fence below the Flower garden &c.
May [1814]
Sunday 1st May 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 2nd May 1814
Severe bruise on my foot, Confined to the Sopha[sic] Reading. Perspective.
Tuesday 3rd May 1814
Resumed my French. translated from Sevigné & Vertot & retranslated into French. The mode adopted by Gibbon for facilitating the acquisition of the Language. Mr R Griffin who dined. Lady & two Miss Fletchers called. Unable to stir much.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
3rd May 1814, Tuesday
Lady Fletcher and Miss Fletchers called and Mr Griffin and stayed dinner. We drew in Swallowmore. The most enchanting and blissful May perhaps of my life. These two bright spring days passed in the enjoyment of health [parcel?] and lovely spring with a sweet and adored child and sister I now and shall forever look back upon as the best [leans?] of my [setting?] family happiness the worst has been to me a blank since – and though I have known pleasure I have never tasted satisfaction. What it is to love perfectly and to love in the full spring time of affection few happily know.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 4th May 1814
At home. French &c. Madame Sevigné amongst the many admirable observations and reflections with which her Letters abound says“ Les Meillieures Choices sont les plus mauonies, quandilles ne sont pas aigles par le jugiment” [see transcribers comment above!]
Thursday 5th May 1814
At home. Still lame. French &c. Eliza went to Coole.
Friday 6th May 1814
At home. Lame. Dr Balcombe & Mr Griffin with ponies. the former dined.
Saturday 7th May 1814
At home. Lame. French &c.
Sunday 8th May 1814
At home. Upstairs. Mr Wood & Edward Turned sows to Grass.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
8th May 1814
Eliza and I went to [Coole?]
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 9th May 1814
Do. Do. French. Purchased for the girls from Mt Whitelaw . . . the little brown pony which had been so commended by Dr Balcombe. price £16.
The old duchess of Marlborough speaking of the Whigs and Tories in her time said, to the Duchess of B. — Your having opinion has always been the same. The Whigs are all Rogues, and the Tories all fools.” King tho’ afterwards said of them: “If a King had places enough to give way, we should soon lose both Whigs and Tories,”
Tuesday 10th May 1814
Still confined upstairs. Mr R Skerrett. French Drawing &c.
Wednesday 11th May 1814
The same.
Thursday 12th May 1814
Still confined upstairs. What Lord Bolingbroke says of his own party when they came into power is perhaps partly descriptive of the Party called “The Talents”.
“I am afraid, says he, that the principal spring of our Actions was to have the Government of the State in our own hands; that our principal . . .[varies] was the conservation of this power, great employments to ourselves, and great opportunities of rewarding those who had helped to raise us, and of hurting those who stood in opposition to us. It is however, time, that with those considerations of private and party interest, there were others intermingled which had for their object, the public good of the Nation, at least what we took to be.” Bolingbroke Letters to Sr. Wm Wyndham.
Mr & Mrs Kinnersley & Miss Jane K. Mr Wm Senr. Thos Kinnersley Dr Balcombe Jos Wedgwood Eliz & Charlotte dined. Went down to dinner but very unwell.
Friday 13th May 1814
Confined upstairs. Reading Writing &c.
Saturday 14th May 1814
the same. On the subject of Prayer, I was much pleased with the following Observation in Jonas Harveys . . .[tracts]
“Let thy words before is an admonition well suited to the weakness of human nature. It is a shrewd remark, that there is a great difference between praying and saying prayers: and that we ought not to expect that God will attend to our prayers if we do not attend to them ourselves. Will God demand a longer attention than the mind is capable of or to lend any countenance to indolence or impiety but to recommend an awful approach to the Deity, and in our private addresses, not by a careless and abrupt intrusion into the more immediate presence of the awful Majesty of Heaven.”
When we consider that Jesus Christ has not only said ‘Let thy works be few’ but has also said ‘Ask not . . . repetitions as the Heathen do for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking’, it is scarcely possible not to infer from such plain, direct and forcible admonitions a particular disappointment of long address as to the Deity and contained in the Book of Common Prayer. . . .[Heard] of a few excrescencies this would certainly be a beautiful form of public worship, equally adapted to excite devotion, and to give utterance to it in impressive and appropriate language. J.C.
Sunday 15th May 1814
Still confined upstairs.
Monday 16th May 1814
The same. Tyther speaking of Professor Millar, Another of the Distinction of Ranks &c, &c, in his Memoirs of Lord Kames says; “ In Mr Millars writing on the English Government, we observe the same spirit of System, and the same partiality to hypothetical reasoning though resting, as may be supposed, on a more solid foundation of facts, and the less dangerous in to tendency, as being every where capable of something from actual History, in his delineation of the later periods of our parliamentary history.
Mr Millar seems to have been impressed with an unreasonable alarm, that the Arbiters of the subject are in perpetual danger from an increase in the influence of the Crown. Under our constitution as now modelled at the Revolution, and fenced by many salutary enactments since that era, the event thus dreaded is utterly . . . [??mercial].
The crown can have no influence but through an aristocracy, whose interests are essentially connected with the liberties of the People and the prosperity of the State. On the other hand, the real danger (as experience has but too well evinced) and therefore the first subject of alarm to every good citizen, is the increasing influence of the democratic branch of the Constitution; and that ambition of power felt by every turbulent spirit, even amongst the lowest orders of the people, which still prompts to active control over his Rulers, to interfere in the conduct of Government, and to resist its operations, whenever he fancies restraints, or dreams of grievances.
It was not from his venerable Master, that the Professor drew his political opinions, or his maxims of Government. On the contrary Lord Kames never failed to express his unqualified disapprobation of these doctrines; and the partial regard which he entertained for his former pupil, suffered, in the later period of his life, on that account, a marked abatement.”
Tuesday 17th May 1814
Still confined. Mr Trubshaw, with whom finally arranged things relative to the intended alterations in the House, and which he fixed to begin upon the 2nd June.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th May 1814
I came home with A.B. Papa ill in Gt yellow room. I have spent a merry and pleasant time laughing and talking nonsense over the whist table.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 18th May 1814
Went out for the first time a short way in the Carriage. Mrs Turner, Miss M Holland, Mrs J Holland & children came to Linley Wood.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
18th May 1814
Mrs Holland and little girls MN and Mrs Turner came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 19th May 1814
Upstairs.
Salus populus; superna hex, or, the good of the people is paramount to Law, is just, as a general . . .; but, who is to determine, in doubtful nearness of Government, when his the Salus populi; or, how is the fair and unbiased sense of the Nation, on the tendency of such nearness to be collected? If every individual arrogate himself that liturgy of Judgement and power of acting [last three words double underlined] in consequence there is an end of all Government whatever. Saml. Book as last quoted.
it is the duty of every good man to endeavour both by is example and active influence to maintain the public tranquillity under a Government, to which the great majority of the Nation is disposed to yield a willing obedience. J.C.
It was keenly observed by the writer of the general article in the Staffordshire Gazette of Tuesday 17th May when speaking of the Speech made by Sr. Jno. M-k-sh [JC uses dashes, as shown, to disguise the name of the speaker but I guess this to be Mackintosh] in the House of Commons on the subject of Norway – “that the tendency of his arguments was to encourage belief that floating between opposite principles he suffered himself to be guided by one.” Mr Purton & Joseph Wood with Conveyance to J . . .[Sakimon] of premises at Burslem which I executed.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
19th May 1814
Went to the fashions, met my two dear little girls, nor shall I ever forget the glamorous beauty of my own as Dr B placed her on the [Baroncke?] Box.
Letter from Joseph Skerrett
to James Caldwell.
Coole,
May 19th 1814
My dear Sir,
From an idea that my Nephew had left all his property at the disposal of his Mother, I have for some time past been endeavoring to reconcile myself to what I believed a certainty, that neither myself or Brother should have a shilling from my Brother’s property, I was ill prepared to be severely mortified by the perusal of the inclosed letter from Mr Carr.
To prevent giving vent to my feelings on the occasion, I shall only observe that my nephew has behaved dishonorably and unjustly to both of us, particularly to me who have always been a most sincere friend to him and have not deserved such cruel treatment.
I shall not answer Mr Carr’s letter than I have the pleasure of seeing you when I flatter myself you will have the goodness to favour me with your advice how I ought to proceed. I still please myself with the hope of seeing Mrs Caldwell and you here for a few days.
My kind respects to all, and believe me my dear sir,
Yours most sincerely
Joseph Skerrett
P.S. Eliza has not seen this letter or Mrs Skerrett. Don’t you think it would be proper for her to see both?
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 20th May 1814
Obliged to attend Meeting at Trentham Inn. Militia, property, Land Tax, and Assessed taxes. Sir J. Heathcote Mr Spode & self. Very heavy day & returned much fatigued. Miss Wedgwood came to Linley Wood.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
20th May 1814
Eliza came home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 21th May 1814
At home. Laid up with my leg. reading &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
21st May 1814
My Aunt Bessy returned.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 22nd May 1814
Mr Bent with papers &c. relative to Thomas Gorton and at his request drawing up Card to be inserted in the Salopian Journal, in consequence of a Letter which Gorton had inserted therein. Afterwards Enoch & Edward Wood for my opinion relative to the Burt of the . . . . . . address which had been sent to London & whether it shd. be presented to the Duchess of . . . In the Morning Miss W left L. Wood.
Monday 23rd May 1814
Still laid up. Engaged closely drawing up . . . of a Letter which it night be proper for Mr Skerrett to address to Mr Carr, in consequence of one received from him announcing the strange disposition made by Majr. Genl. Skerrett of his Fortune.
Tuesday 24th May 1814
The like. Again considering, and copying the above & writing Letter therewith to Mr Skerrett which I sent by James Whalley.
Wednesday 25th May 1814
The like. Mr A Skerrett. Mrs Turner &c. left L Wood. Miss J Wedgwood arrived. Began to clear the ground for laying Bricks for the new Building, In the evening Letter from Mr Skerrett expressing his thanks for & appreciation for what I had suggested.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
25th May 1814, Wednesday
The Hollands went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 26th May 1814
Still laid up. Engaged again on papers relative to Skerretts, First Bricks carried for the Building. Turned Cows into the Ditches Land.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th May 1814, Thursday
Mrs Rawson and Eliza Bent came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 27th May 1814
Still confined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
27th May 1814, Friday
Mary Holland and C Wedgwood called. [page 237]
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 28th May 1814
The like
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
28th May 1814, Saturday
Went to Etruria, rode with Mrs Rawson to Basford. At Etruria met the Hollands &c.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 29th May 1814
The like. Service. Sent letter to Mr Skerrett
Monday 30th May 1814
At Newcastle Attending Meeting Militia & Taxes. Sr. J Heathcote & self.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
30th May 1814, Monday
I came home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 31st May 1814
Still confined. Mrs Bent & Dr Balcombe dined. . . .[Melson[ came to L Wood.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
31st May 1814, Tuesday
Mrs W Bent and her children came. Dr Belcombe dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
18June [1814]
Wednesday 1st June 1814
The like. George Whitaker, Building. Mr Holland & C Wedgwood & Miss Birt. The Meet took 5 young foxes in an earth in the Ditches.
“Disable this our Country benefits” Shakespeare As You Like It
Thursday 2nd June 1814
The like. [this and next entry bracketed together with following entry] Reading. Writing &c. &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
2nd June 1814, Thursday
Eliza and M Holland came. Charlotte W and M Bent, the Fox’s nest taken. M. Bent went home in the evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 3rd June 1814
The like. C.W. & M H went.
Saturday 4th June 1814
The like. Miss Wetterton dined. At night very unwell Caustic having been applied in the morning.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
4th June 1814, Saturday
Charlotte and M. Holland went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 5th June 1814’
The like. Mr Bent dined. in the evening The Bents left us.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
5th June 1814, Sunday
Mr Bent and Nowland came to dinner. Led my L on the poney to Church, the children rode after. A walk in Swallowmore. The Bents went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 6th June 1814
The like.
Tuesday 7th June 1814
The like. Mr Trubshaw making arrangements &c. previous to beginning the alterations in the House.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
7th June 1814, Tuesday
Party to call at Betley. Mr Trubshaw came. Alterations begin in the house.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 8th June 1814
The 35 Anniversary of that happy event to which I willingly and gratefully refer all the happiness of this long and interesting period. Began alterations in the House.
Thursday 9th June 1814
Still confined. Mr Blunt dined and staid all night.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
9th June 1814, Thursday
My Aunt L.C., and MEC dined at Etruria.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 10th June 1814
the like
Saturday 11th June 1814
The like
Sunday 12th June 1814
In the morning received intelligence from Mr Wood of the accident by fire which had happened at the works. Service. Still confined.
Monday 13th June 1814
Still confined but considerable appearance of amendment having taken place. Henry Crompton, In the afternoon E Wood junr. with particulars of the Accident, & with whom I drew up a form of thanks for the prompt service rendered by our neighbours to be printed & circulated.
Tuesday 14th June 1814
Still confined but walked out about ten minutes. John Taylor with a copy of a Writ with which he had been served in the matter of Forsyth. Advised on Appearance to be returned.
Wednesday 15th June 1814
Still confined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
15th June 1814
Lady Fletcher and Lady Boughey called. Drew in Swallowmore.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 16th June 1814
The like. Got early Potatoes.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
16th June 1814
Mrs and Miss Furnival called. Emma to Parkfield. Henry Crompton came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 17th June 1814
At Burslem with Eliza in the Carriage. Henry Crompton.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th June 1814
MEC home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 18th June 1814
At home. Foot beginning to heal. Mr Penlington on their Affairs.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
18th June 1814
Mr Griffin called, talked over the propited journey after dinner talk about learning to sing.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 19th June 1814
At home. Service
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
19th June 1814
Walk to [Selk?] with H. Crompton.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 20th June 1814
The like. William Penlington relative to payout of Miss C Penlington balance. Henry Crompton left us. Foot mending. Miss Stamford& the girls stopt on their journey to North Wales.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell on holiday in Wales
20th June 1814
My Aunt and we four girls set out upon our Welsh journey to Newcastle, 6 miles. To Eccleshall, Swother Inn, the country dull and disagreeable near Eccleshall, the Bishops Palace, Newport, [Wathy ?] Street. Here fine views of the hills[?] on the borders of Shropshire.
To Shrewsbury pass the Wrekin which at a distance seems a fine mountain, near only a green hill, and so perhaps it is with all things in this life and the Wrekin may serve for an illustration of lives and of pleasures and of events such as death, marriage &c. which are but the same when approached as all else.
Near Shrewsbury pass Lord Berwicks, the house appeared to me very beautiful in the Grecian style. I hear since it is very defective. There is a very pretty view of the grounds from a bridge over a little river of which I forget the name. The entrance into Shrewsbury this way is very beautiful, the castle stands high with many trees about it and fine oaks breaking from it.
There is likewise an interesting old Church, the Abbey Church I believe passed as you enter the town. Stopped at the inn where Dr Darwin joined us to see and give advice to my dearest. He took the girls home with him. I remained with my Aunt, so dead with fatigue that I could hardly move. About 9 joined at Dr Darwin’s, a beautiful view from his upper windows of the Severn winding through a fine plain interspersed with buildings and trees and the Castle hanging over it. Like a fine Italian picture. LC and the girls walked with me in the beautiful garden, fine hedge of rose de Meanx in flower. Went home to the inn.
Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood
Tuesday 21st June 1814
At home. Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged relative to the Buildings.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell on holiday in Wales
21st June 1814
Walked about Shrewsbury. Many curious old buildings. Amused with seeing an Irish family set out in all the disorder and inconsistency so often described. To Welshpool, the road over a fine country, the Bigdden and Malverley [Melvegoloyn?] Hills make a very fine feature all the way. After passing them enter a fine valley terminated by the hills beyond Welshpool and the Montgomeryshire hills.
Looking back upon the Brydden [Bigdden?] his large black [poll?] looks very magnificent and [sarly?]. I shall remember always with pain and pleasure this lovely [ride?] looking back too as I did upon my two sweet girls with enchanted faces following. Welshpool stands at the end of this valley surrounded by high ground, Powys Castle high over it. Went to the Church yard from whence is a magnificent view. The Town full of Officers and [page 240] and sundry fine ladies in most becoming morning [conairing?] us that coquetry and the love of dress cannot be banished by the magnificence of nature. After dinner went up to Powys Castle. It is very ancient, the court first entered surrounded by old walls, huge ivy and decaying shrubs, the entrance an arch by which leads directly through the castle and terminates in a small stone terrace with steps leading to the gardens which hang below and commanding a glorious view all up the valley above described.
The Brydden &c. This terrace resembles more a pier jutting into the sea than anything else. The Castle is old really, the gardens upon a steep [deparity?] ending in a green valley from which runs a steep bank and wood on the other side. As we [settled, rattled?] up and down the steps looked over the edges of the terraces and tasted the fine air on them I could not help envying the fair and young who looked upon their knights riding in the meadows below, and longing for the age of chivalry but I suppose it would be like the [brekin?] and that the neglect, the weariness and the mortifications which embitter the life of the young now in different forms preyed then. A cast of the [Lucian? Leocoon?] on which I looked with wonder and horror never was pain more acute exhibited. I particularly admire the writhe of the body from the bite of the serpent on one side but there is not moral feeling enough expressed and mere bodily suffering excites no pleasure in the representation, however wonderful and [grown?] man struggling with the storms of fate is the sublimest spectacle next to that of a weak and tender mind and body unsubdued to [impatience?] but the Loecoon only suffers the dreadful agonies which arise from the struggles of a strong gigantic body with bodily torture and anguish. One feels it the excess of agony, but it tells no more. His body is individual, not his mind.
To Newtown, the Montgomery shire hills surrounding the valley of the Severn the principal feature. A most odd creature was our driver, two things struck me, the interest, indignation and regret with which he related various caricatures of the Powys family, and his telling me that the peasants in this neighbourhood were in the habit of saving money and then laid it all out in digging for treasures in the ruined castles about. Something here touched my fancy much being so much more approaching the expectations of old rumours than the [acconory?] and wisdom of agricultural England. He invectorised Cromwell too for destroying the Castles in a very different way I thought from what an English driver would do.
Diary of James Caldwell at Macclesfield
Wednesday 22nd June 1814
Set off with William Bent to Macclesfield where closely engaged all day on Accounts &c. &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell on holiday in Wales
22nd June 1814 [page 242]
To Llonidloes through a most beautiful valley of the Severn. Fine woods and hills hanging over it. Stopped to draw a very picturesque wood bridge over the river. The descent to Llanidloes very beautiful. Walked to see an old Church with a curious roof, all the children crowding round about us and the old Clerk stopping a walking over the aisle after them to drive them out.
Went and sat on the outside the town to draw the bridge which is a wooden stretching across the pebbly river now sparkling in the sun. A crowd of [rosy, nosy?] women with an air en l’air, erect, courteous, unbent by labour, unroughened by sordid poverty came round us. Pleased to talk exalting in their fine air and their fine views, and gratified with our admiration, as if they fully shared the taste for these things. The first who addressed me anxious to point out a better place to sketch from and all carefully keeps the children from [crowding?] us. They wear round mens hats over their white caps, a very becoming costume.
To the Devils bridge, the road wild but not of a sort that pleases me for the valleys are not very narrow nor the hills very abrupt. The prettiest feature is the Wye winding like a silver thread through the green bays. At Ispyty there is a bring and fall to be seen. Got out and stopped at house for a guide. Found it so dark inside that I was very near being [ahile?] deep in a slough in the middle of it, while groping my way. But the people who came out of these hovels, as in Scotland, are nothing less like than the squalid, sickly, pale, bendy, turn outs of an English hut. The women guided us to the bridge which is at the bottom of a chasm of which the sides are so precipitous that the little [bridges?] froth down them seem like a path on the side of a well. MEC and LC without hesitation went down after the guide.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 23rd June 1814
Returned from Macclesfield to dinner. Found Mrs Turner & Mary Holland. Foot not so well.
Friday 24th June 1814
At Newcastle to see Major Evelyn relative to obtaining the discharge of Jesse Bloor one of the People employed at Binolian & a private in the 56 Regt. Returned to dinner. Mrs Turner & Miss Holland left us.
Saturday 25th June 1814
At home. Foot still indifferent.
Sunday 26th June 1814
At home.
Monday 27th June 1814
This morning I laid the first Brick of the new Building at the front corner of the wall adjoining the late Drawing Room. At Rode Heath meeting Mr Darlington of Sandbach. S.W. Fenna settling . . . for sale of Messrs Salmon & Penlingtons Estate, division into Lots &c. &c. much trouble and engaged several hours.
Tuesday 28th June 1814
At home. Letter writing. Foot appeared this morning to be just healing over. Buildings &c. &c. Rode out for the first time on horseback.
Wednesday 29th June 1814
At Burslem with Eliza. Settling Oldkins Acct. Mr & Mrs . . .[Borltill] &c. &c.
Thursday 30th June 1814
At home. Mr Wittenhall of Lawton with account of Claims by Mrs Foden against the Navigtn. Co. for injury done to Ronglewood Mill by Mill pool being filled with mud &c. scourings of the Canal; and to request interference on her behalf.
July [1814]
Friday 1st July 1814.
At home. Mr & Mrs Wood Mr & Mrs Brottoll &c. dined at Linley Wood & with whom engaged. Got Peas.
Saturday 2nd July 1814.
Wm Penlington breakfasted. Finally settling Advancement for Sale of Estate at Gold Rode &c. In the evening Stamford arrived.
Sunday 3rd July 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 4th July 1814
At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr Sparrow, Webb & self.
Tuesday 5th July 1814
Attending meeting of General Committee. Order for an advance of Dividend 2/2 per share in the half year &c. at midsummer list. Returned home in the Evening. Found Mr Skerrett.
Wednesday 6th July 1814
At home. Engaged with Mr Skerrett &c.
Thursday 7th July 1814
At Nantwich with Eliza & Mr Skerrett. Attended service at the church. In the evening . . .[Mainmation]
Friday 8th July 1814
Returned home in the Evening bringing him with us
Saturday 9th July 1814
At home. Mr Trubshaw. Got the two principal Beams up over the Drawing Room. Unwell with inflammation on my . . .
Sunday 10th July 1814
At home. Service. Unwell.
Monday 11th July 1814
At home. Confined.
Tuesday 12th July 1814
At home.
Wednesday 13th July 1814
At home. Mr Lyon returned with Stamford from Knutsford Sessions. Dined and staid all night. Much conversation with him on the topics of the Day. Petitions to Parliament. Lord Cochrane &c.
Thursday 14th July 1814
At home George Beardmore with abstract of title and Conveyance of Land at Burslem for my perusal & advice. Perusing & considering the same.
Friday 15th July 1814
Dined at Lawton Hall. Mr & Mrs Crompton.
Saturday 16th July 1814
At home.
Sunday 17th July 1814
At home. Service. At Talk Chapel in the afternoon.
Monday 18th July 1814
At home. Began mowing.
Tuesday 19th July 1814
At Newcastle. Attended the Sessions. Afterwards dined with the mayor &c. &c. at the Roebuck. Letter to the Mayor from Lord Stafford received by this Evening’s Post saying that it was not in his power to present the Newcastle Petition to the House of Lords; but he had requested his cousin Lord . . .[Ossong] to do it. This letter dated from Richmond!!!
Wednesday 20th July 1814
At home. Workmen &c. Mr Lawton Mrs C Lawton Miss . . . [Richmond] & Dr Balcombe dined.
Thursday 21st July 1814
At home. Unwell with a cold.
Friday 22nd July 1814
At home. Engaged with the workmen &c.
Saturday 23rd July 1814
At home. Engaged in the Hay. Ann left Linley Wood in the Evening.
Sunday 24th July 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 25th July 1814
At home. Busily engaged in the Hay and carrying the upper Meadow.
Tuesday 26th July 1814
At Stafford. Attending Meeting for Address to the Prince Regent on the pence which was unanimously agreed to, motion made by Mr Gisborne for introducing mention of the Stone Trade, negatived. Dined at Stone Sir John Heathcote, Mr Thos. Sparrow, (who had accompanied me to Stafford) Mr Tomlinson & self. Pleasant & satisfactory day.
Wednesday 27th July 1814
At home.
Thursday 28th July 1814
At home.
Friday 29th July 1814
At home. the Mayor of Newcastle (Hall & Thos. Sparrow, Nickisson, Rob. Trenton, Ford, John Robinson, Plant, Philips, John Swinnerton, Wm Kennedy & Leach & Joseph Adams dined at Linley Wood. Tremendous storm of Thunder Lightning & Rain.
Saturday 30th July 1814
At home
Sunday 31st July 1814
Service. In the Evening set off with Stamford to Stafford to attend the Sessions.
August [1814]
Monday 1st August 1814
At Stafford. Served on the Grand Jury. Dined with the Judge Dallas. The other Judge Richards being detained in Court.
Tuesday 2nd August 1814
Served on 2 Special Jury Causes. The King v . . .[Hogneston] Officer of Excise for fraud in charging & receiving from several Victuallers higher amount of Duties on Beer than they were liable to. Verdict Guilty.
The King v . . .[Sharder] & ors [?others] an Indictment under the Bubble Act for having erected by subscriptions &c. taxes a Corn & flour Mill at Wolverhampton which had proved injurious to the Millers & Bakers. Stated by the Judge & the Council on both sides to be a Cause of great consequence & importance both to the Public & the parties. It appearing that the establishment of these Mills had been of great public benefit by considerably reducing the price of flour and bread in the populous town of Wolverhampton, the Judge found a Verdict for the Defendt.
The judge observed that seemingly any considerable establishment could be found without being injurious to Individuals, but that . . . benefit must sometimes give way to the public good; and that these Institutions by further satisfaction & in Shares were not illegal per se or in themselves but only when tending to common grievance or injury. Trial occupied between 9 & 10 hours.
Wednesday 3rd August 1814
In Court again. Attending trial of The Staffordshire & [ . . . ? . . . ?] & Grand Trunk Canal cause. Saw Mr [D . . . ?] at Stafford who informed me that the purchase agreement was signed by the [ . . . ?] of the late Mr. Gilbert and that he wd send me a Copy. Left Stafford on my return home. After parting with Stamford who was just setting off to Birmingham in order to proceed as expeditiously as possible on his Road to France & having had much Conversation with Sr John Chetwode who had consulted me as to his coming into Parliamt / intending to dine at Mr [Wetthalls?] but on my arrival at the Roebuck found that an [E…ss?] had been sent to Dr Darwin & in consequence hurried home & had the unhappiness to find my dear Louisa very unwell. Found all the rest returned from their Welch expedition.
Thursday 4th August 1814
At Home. Dr Darwin. Encouraging hopes of my dear Dear girl: but harassed, depressed, miserable!! Exhausted in Spirits from the hurry of the several preceding days, and the dread of the Affliction which seemed to await us.
Friday 5th August 1814
At Newcastle. To learn if any thing had passed relative to the expected vacancy for the Borough. But obtained no intelligence. 2. Canal
Saturday 6th August 1814
At Newcastle again. Attending the Mayor &c and meeting the Bishop of Lichfield & Coventry at breakfast, at the Roebuck where he was entertained by the Corporation & this being a Confirmation. Returned to dinner. Louisa still very ill.
Sunday 7. At home.
Monday 8th August 1814
Louisa considerably better. Saw my dear Girl: but observed a deep suffusion upon the cheek from which I could not but feel much alarm
Tuesday 9th August 1814
Home. Louisa worse. Sent again for Dr Darwin.
Wednesday 10th August 1814
Louisa much worse. Called in Dr Northen. Dr Darwin also came.
Thursday 11th August 1814
At about half past one this morning went to my beloved Girl who had called for her Papa. Found her in high delirium. Better if I could forever erase from Memory every trace of the heartbreaking scene that followed. Dr.N. again at 8, at 1 o’clock bled her in the arm.
Friday 12th August 1814
Dr Northen. Sent again to Dr. Darwin.
Saturday 13th August 1814
Dr Darwin again & Dr Northen. Consultation. Pronounced that effusion on the brain had taken place: and there was as yet no Symptom that might not be recovered from. Dr. Darwin left her late in going to bed, in as comfortable a way as could be expected.
Sunday 14th August 1814
[Begin?] to indulge some hope. The morning came, when I found that Dr Darwin had been twice asked to her. That he had once thought life had fled, as the pulse had for a few seconds absolutely stopped. Administered Laudanum & Sal Volatile which had the wonderful effect of [relieving?] her. 3 drops of Laudanum 12 of Sal. Vol. When I met him in the morning told me he had no comfort for me. Left us about 9. [Ading?] 3 drops of Laudanum & 5 of Sal. Vol to be administered every 3 hours. She continued to revive through the day.
Monday 15th August 1814
Dr Northen. At [sic] 1 o’Clock rather better.
Tuesday 16th August 1814
Dr Northen at 8 in the morning. Some pain the bowels.
Wednesday 17th August 1814
Dr Northen again at 8. Sent again for Dr Darwin – Dr Northen again at 11 at night
Thursday 18th August 1814
Dr. Darwin arrived in the afternoon & also Dr Northen about 4. Consultation. Danger from the Bowels had greatly abated. She had called for & drunk Porter, which seemed to afford her great support.
57-32042 © WEDGWOOD MUSEUM TRUST 2004. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
18 August 1814
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 19th August 1814
Dr Darwin who had staid all night gave us this morning encouraging hopes. And left us about 10 o’Clock. Indulged for the first time the dear delightful expectation that our beloved Child would be again returned to us, and felt sensations through this day that can never be expressed.
Dr Northen came in the afternoon – dined – and allowed us to continue in hope: but said he was anxious to see the Tongue clearer, in which case he could speak boldly. Went to bed and slept with some degree of comparative comfort. On getting up in the morning I found that about 6 o Clock material change had taken place for the worse. Dr. Northen immediately sent for who arrived betimes P d q. But all hope gone.
A faintness had come on, [ending?] as it would seem from a complete exhaustion of the powers of nature and about 10 o’Clock expired, as I understand (for I was not as in a former Case, present) without a struggle and almost imperceptibly, she who
[There is a bank space left here. James possibly intended to write some more later?]
.
Death had made such speedy ravage that my fond & anxious wish to have obtained some sketch however imperfect of my beloved Girl proved vain, & the attempt was obliged to be abandoned.
But, though no Artists hand assayed to trace
Some dear, though faint resemblance of thy face,
Memory, to fond Affection ever true,
Recalls each lovely feature fresh to view
And tells – though every charm and grace combin’d
Beauty, Portrait of thy Mind
JC
20th August 1814
Death of Catherine Louisa Caldwell, aged 20
Daughter of James Caldwell of Linley Wood and Elizabeth Caldwell (nee Stamford)
Sunday 21st August 1814
Monday 22nd August 1814
Tuesday 23rd August 1814
Wednesday 24th August 1814
Mr Sherratt came from Nantwich
Thursday 25th August 1814
Friday 26. About 12 o Clock again left Linley Wood, with the remains of my beloved and heart dear Louisa, which I saw deposited by the side of my never to be forgotten Mary, and my little Fanny. Oh! What does not that Grave contain!
Bearers
Mr. Jos. Wedgwood
Mr Tollet
Mr C. Lawton
Mr Sparrow
Mr Bent
Mr Wood
Saturday 27 August 1814
Staffordshire Advertiser
Deaths
On Saturday the 20th, inst. at Linley Wood, in this county, Miss Catherine Louisa Caldwell, youngest daughter of James Caldwell Esq.
Saturday 27th August 1814
Sunday 28th August 1814
Monday 29th August 1814
Tuesday 30th August 1814
Wednesday 31st August 1814
[Page Blank]
September 1814
Thursday 1st September 1814
Set off to Scarborough. Eliza, Mrs Stamford, myself and the three Girls with two men, and one maid servant and arrived at Leeds at night where we slept.
Friday 2nd September 1814
To York. Viewed the Minster & attended the Evening Service. Afterwards to Castle Howard where we slept
Saturday 3rd September 1814
Viewed the House & Grounds at Castle Howard. From there to Scarborough where we arrived about four or five Clock. Dined & slept at the Bull Inn
Sunday 4th September 1814
Do
Monday 5th September 1814
Went to Lodgings Mr Coopers in Queen Street.
From this time to Monday 3rd [been?] at Mr Coopers. At Scarborough Profiles were taken of Eliza Miss Stamford, the three girls and myself
October, 1814.
James Caldwell letters
Note regarding deceased with black border regarding not having a silhouette drawn at Scarborough when the rest of the family had theirs done.
One
Whose likeness was not taken
What, though no Artist’s hand essayed to trace
Some dear though faint resemblance of thy face,
Memory, to fond affection ever true,
Each lovely feature calls, alive to view;
And tells, though every charm and grace combined,
Beauty but drew, the Portrait of thy mind.
Scarborough,
1st October 1814
Catherine Louisa Caldwell
Monday 3rd October 1814
Left Scarborough about eight o Clock and came to York where Mr Wm Turner dined with us. Called at Dr [Belcombe’s?] who called [above this is inserted: . . . ? from home] upon us at Ettridges Hotel in the Evening. Afterwards viewed the Minster both outwards and the interior by moon light. Fine, beyond imagination. Beautiful effect produced by the sound of the voice of a Gentleman who was viewing it at the same time and he ran over the scale of the notes at least a great number of them
Tuesday 4th October 1814
To Manchester by Wakefield. Slept at the Star Inn.
Wednesday 5th October 1814
In the Evening arrived at home.
Thursday 6th October 1814
– At home.
Friday 7th October 1814
At home
Saturday 8th October 1814
Mrs Josiah Wedgwood called with Elizebeth, Charlotte & Sally & dined
Sunday 9th October 1814
Mr & Mrs Wood & Mr Wm Bent dined.
Monday 10th October 1814
Mrs & Miss Tollet, & Miss Sarah Wedgwood, called
Tuesday 11th October 1814
Mr Jos. Wedgwood called
Wednesday 12th October 1814
Set out with Mr Bent to Liverpool, on the annual Settlement & arrived there in the evening.
Thursday 13th October 1814
At Liverpool engaged with Books Acc.s &c. &c.
Friday 14th October 1814
Left Liverpool about noon & got to Macclesfield in the Evening.
Saturday 15th October 1814
Arrived at Linley Wood about noon Mr Bents return being hastened by the illness of Mrs Bent of Basford. In the evening [Depute?] of Gentlemen from Tunstall relative to a [ . . . ?] Wharf
Sunday 16th October 1814
At home Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood, Miss Wedgwood & Charlotte dined. In the afternoon went with Mr W to survey the treble locks at Lawton, which he wished to see previous to attending Navg meeting at Stone tomorrow.
Monday 17th October 1814
October At Stone. General Committee. Presented Memorial from the Inhabitants of Tunstall & append an Order for a survey to be made by Mr Robinson & myself. Much business occasioned by the Scarcity of water on the Canal, & many important improvements ordered to be made, which it has long been my earnest wish to see done.
Tuesday 18th October 1814
General Assembly. Returned to dinner late.
Wednesday 19th October 1814
At home. [ . . . ?]
Thursday 20th October 1814
The like. [Mrs?] Penlington on their affairs. Engaged with workmen. Grounds &c.
Friday 21st October 1814
At home. The same. In the Evening Stamford arrived.
Saturday 22nd October 1814 At home. Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged.
Sunday 23rd October 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 24th October 1814
At Burslem with Eliza.th & Elizaq. Various matters. Returned to dinner.
Tuesday 25th October 1814
Prevented from going to Newcastle on annual Settlement of Accounts at the Brewery by the death of Mrs Bent of Basford which took place on Sunday morning. Engaged with various papers. Edwards relative to taking Alsager farm
Wednesday 26th October 1814
Mr Wm Penlington breakfasted. Intelligence of the death of Mrs Charles Lawton. Joseph Berks, to whom I delivered the Testimonial received from Mr Tollet with a letter to Mr Robinson, relative to his Appointment to a situation in the Navgn Co.s Service. Engaged with men in the Water Meadow. Mr Sherratt of
Nantwich. He and Wm Penlington dined.
Thursday 27th October 1814
Called at Rode Hall with Stamford. Mr & Mrs Wilbraham at Lichfield. Engaged with Mr Sherratt. [E…ding?] will of late Mr. G. Sherratt &c. &c
Friday 28th October 1814
At Basford attending the funeral of the late Mrs Bent who was buried at Wolstanton. Age 62. Bearers
Mr Wood Mr Wedgwood
Mr [Wett…hall?] Mr Caldwell
[Sir Heathcote?] Mr Heathcote
Mr Butt Mr Carliss. Clergymen. [Sr Jno H?]. Dr Bent. Tho Bent & Mr. Bent. Returned home to dinner.
Saturday 29th October 1814
Attending Funeral of the late Mrs Lawton at Lawton
JS Caldwell [Old?] Mr [Heppingstall?]
Rev Mr Salmon Mr Caldwell
Mr Tollet Mr Offley Crewe
Clergy. Mr Wettenhall Mr [Powner?] Mr Richardson
Medical. Dr Northen. Mr. Wood. Mr. Short.
Mr. Lawton Chas. Lawton
Mr Penlington & Mr Morris. […?] I think
Mr Sherratt left us.
Sunday 30th October 1814
At home. Service in the afternoon at Talk Chapel.
Monday 31st October 1814
Called at Lawton Hall. Engaged in the Grounds etc
November
Tuesday 1st November 1814
At Stoneyfields with Eliza. Engaged on the annual Settlement of Brewery Accounts.
Wednesday 2nd November 1814
Do. Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 3rd November 1814
At home. Myatt of Jamage Application for Alsager Farm. Mr Blunt dined & staid all night.
Friday 4th November 1814
Mr Samuel Jackson relative to Alsager Account of Rent &c. Mr Beardmore sundry Accounts. Engaged with men J Beardmore & Jas Whalley in the grounds fencing out the Pit hole in the Ditches previous to planting the same. Mr Trubshaw – who, with Wm Penlington dined.
Saturday 5th November 1814
At home. Engaged on Grounds &c
Sunday 6th November 1814
At home. Unwell. In the morning Stamford set off to London.
Monday 7th November 1814
At home. Confined to the House. Mr Wilbraham called.
Tuesday 8th November 1814
At home. Still confined. Reading &c
57-32043 © WEDGWOOD MUSEUM TRUST 2004. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
8 November 1814
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 9th November 1814
At home. The like.
Thursday 10th November 1814
Engaged in the grounds with J Beardmore & Jas Whalley making approach to Swallow Moss Wood &c &c.
Friday 11th November 1814
At home. Various matters.
Saturday 12th November 1814
At home. Considering plan for establishment of an infirmary in addition to the present Dispensary & drawing up Observations thereon.
Sunday 13th November 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 14th November 1814
At Etruria by way of Burslem. Consulting Mr Wood relative to the proposed Infirmary. Dined & slept at Etruria. Considered & talked over with Mr Wedgwood the proposed Infirmary at his request & left him with my Observations on the plan, to be communicated to the Meeting appointed to be held on Friday next. Mr Wedgwood – who had arrived at Etruria this day.
Tuesday 15th November 1814
At Stone. Attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr Sparrow, Mr Webb, & self. Considering intended new works and giving instructions to Mr Clarke for surveys &c &c. Dined and returned to Etruria.
Wednesday 17th November 1814
Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 18th November 1814
At Betley Court calling upon Sir John Boughey; but he was gone out. Also called at Betley Hall, Mr Tollet having arrived from Norfolk the Evening before, but he was also gone out. Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged.
Friday 19th November 1814
Engaged with the men transplanting young oaks from Swallow Moss Wood into the Pithole in the Ditches where I planted from 4 to 8 feet high. Also began extending the Wall through the Plantation behind the Bath.
Saturday 20th November 1814
Engaged in the morning with the men as Yesterday. Elizabeth, Eliza, Emma & I dined at Rodehall
Sunday 21st November 1814
At home Service.
Monday 22nd November 1814
At home. Engaged on the Farm &c.
Tuesday 23rd November 1814
At home
Wednesday 24th November 1814
At home. Mr Wedgwood with whom engaged.
Thursday 25th November 1814
Mr Speakman & Mr Gould relative to the time of payment of the Tonnage of Limestone on the Canal. Long conversation on the subject, when I recommended that a Representation of the Case should be drawn up & laid before the Select Committee. Afterwards at Basford calling on Dr Bent. Elizth. E. & self but they were out; also called at Stoneyfields. Saml Jackson jun relative to the Alsager Farm & [with?] Mr Remers Report: when I proposed a Conference between Mr. Remer & myself which was fixed to take place some day the next week. Mr Wedgwood left us this morning.
Friday 26th November 1814
Engaged in the Morning with Men on the Farm. Afterwards at Trentham dining with Mr Butt. Mr. Wedgwood Dr Bent Belcombe Blunt and self. Long conversation relative to the Infirmary. Stated the doubts that had occurred to my mind relative to the fund expected to be derived from the working classes and the necessity of carefully considering whether the Institution would be adequate to achieving the average number of Cases that might be expected to occur in so large and numerous a body of subscribers. If not,& [cases?] have to arise of Persons who had been subscribers, say, for several years, but when the hour of necessity came, could not be admitted, wd. not this excite great [ . . . ?] dissatisfaction?
The institution professes only to admit 40 Patients whilst the number of subscribers of the Working Class is estimated at [blank space]. If therefore the average number of Patients out of [blank space] exceed 40 there would be a proportionable deficiency of Relief: & the subscribers would be paying their money not for a certainty of Relief but a chance; namely, that of there not being 40 Patients before them. * [Note in margin:] *If this were fairly stated to, and clearly understood by the working Classes, is it probable that Subscriptions or Contributions wd be found & continued to anything like the extent reckoned upon, and acknowledged to be indispensable to the establishment & carrying on of the proposed Institution.
If they contribute under the idea of receiving relief when they may stand in need of it, & the means are both equal to affording this it wd so far be a leading of them into error, and an error, which in a populous & manufacturing county might be attended with many serious consequences. [End of marginal note]
In friendly Societies the subscribers are Certain of Relief proportionable to their Subscription: & here lies the difference between influencing persons to become Members of such Societies, all paying their money towards such an Institution as the proposed Infirmary.
On our Return suggested to Dr Bent, who accompanied me in the Carriage, whether it would not be better to extend the present Dispensary to Surgical Cases by Voluntary Subscriptions of the higher Classes, on the broad general principle of Charity & Humanity. This might with perfect safety be tried even upon the smallest scale; as the relief being entirely gratuitous, no complaint could be made & if it not were found [sic] sufficient to meet all Cases.
The benefit of this being actually felt & experienced by the working Classes, might possibly too excite a great desire amongst themselves to have the Plan extended, and to offer their voluntary subscriptions for that purpose. In this case arrangement would be easy; because all the inefficiency of any Plan that might be proposed might be fairly stated to them, would be matter for their own consideration & for which therefore they would be prepared in case of any disappointment or delay in receiving Relief.
Saturday 26th November 1814
Engaged with the Men laying out the Grounds & Walks behind the Bath. Dr. Belcombe (who had wished to talk with me on the subject of converting the reading Society at Newcastle, into a permanent Library) dined. Much conversation with him on this subject, when I proposed that we should procure the Rates &c of the Libraries at Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham &c.
Saturday 26. Also much conversation relative to the Infirmary: [Mem?] Dr B concurred in the ideas [ . . . ?] thrown out.
Wedgwood Archive
28-20693
26 November 1814
Letter from Wood & Caldwell to Mr Wedgwood regarding a house with a mortgage.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 27th November 1814
Mr Bent. Who dined. In the Evening Mr Sherratt from Nantwich.
Monday 28th November 1814
Engaged with Mr Sherratt on various matters on which he wished to have my opinion & advice. Perusing & considering his will. Also considering the terms of selling the Annuity to Mr Charles Lawton which Mr S had formerly purchased from him. Letters from Mr Carr to Mr. Sherratt &c &c.
Tuesday 29th November 1814
Mr Sherratt left us in the morning. Engaged on the farm & various matters. Mr & Mrs Lawrence of Birmingham with 2 Miss Lawrences arrived to dinner on their return home from Eton.
Wednesday 30th November 1814
Engaged with Mr Lawrence &c &c.
Novemr [a mistake – December]
Thursday 1st December 1814
The like. At Lawton viewing the treble locks &c.
Friday 2nd December 1814
Mr Lawrence left us. Engaged with Mr Rimmer of Warrington, who had been employed by Mr Jackson to look over the Alsager Estate, & with Saml Jackson, as to the terms of Agreement for his father quitting the Alsager Estate, at Lady day rent. Dr Bent & Mrs Bent of Basford called. Dr Belcombe also called & staid to dinner. Much conversation again relative to the proposed Infirmary &c.
Saturday 3rd December 1814
t home. Miss [S?] Wedgwood from Parkfields
Sunday 4th December 1814
At home. Service.
Monday 5th December 1814
At home.
Tuesday 6th December 1814
At home. Letters to Mr Wood &c. relative to Infirmary.
Wednesday 7th December 1814
At home. Mr Wedgwood came to dinner. Mr Trubshaw. House &c.
Thursday 8th December 1814
At home. Engaged with Mr Wedgwood. Mr Sherratt came to dinner.
Friday 9th December 1814
At home. Engaged with Mr Wedgwood & Mr Sherratt & various matters.
Saturday 10th December 1814
Mr Wedgwood & his daughter left Linley Wood in the Morning. Mr Sherratt with [Mrs?] Stamford & Eliza went to Nantwich in the Afternoon. Heavy Snow.
Sunday 11th December 1814
At home. Service. Dr Belcombe in the Afternoon.
Monday 12th December 1814
At home. Engaged with Frank & James laying out & making various additions & improvements in the irrigation of the Meadow &c.
Tuesday 13th December 1814
At home. Various matters. House &c.
Wednesday 14th December 1814
At Burslem with Conveyances from Adonis Sheldon & Rd Steele. Giving directions to Mr Preston for sundry Alterations and Corrections in the former previous to its being sent to W. Wedgwood for his execution. Mr [Ward?] Attorney relative to the Cause of Malkin & Twigg referred to me: when he promised to see Mr. Wilson the [Plts?] Attorney & desire him to read me a Brief. Drawing Draft of a will for Mr Thomas Wedgwood of Burslem, which I left with Mr Wood. Returned to dinner. In the evening received Letter from the Rev Mr Hill desiring me to undertake the Settlement of the matters between him & Mr Sparrow relative to the [allowance?] for the Dilapidations to Talk Chapel property in the time of the late Mr Moreton.
Thursday 15th December 1814
At home. Engaged in the morning on various matters. Afterwards with the men superintending improvements in the Meadow . In the Evening writing Letter to Mr. Hill on the Talk business, the settlement of which I agreed to undertake. Smith of Harecastle. Application for Alsager Farm. Received in the afternoon the mournful intelligence of the death of my truly worthy & highly respected young friend & acquaintance Robert Griffin, who fell a victim to Scarlet Fever. Amicable & obliging in manners
& excellent in heart & disposition, he will be long & deservedly lamented by those to whom he was known.
Friday 16th December 1814
At home. In the Morning W Griffin’s Servant called to deliver from his Master an affecting Message & request that we would each of us accept a Book in remembrance of him & assure us that we were in his mind to the last and that he thought of us when dying. These were the last words he spoke, expiring in about 2 Minutes after. A similar Message was to be delivered to the family at Keele, Mr. Jos. Wedgwood, & Mr. Butt. This servant & Mr Bentley the surgeon were the persons with when [sic] he died. He went off very easily at last, but had suffered much from the violence of his Fever during his illness. Mr Preston with Deed of Conveyance to Wood & Caldwell of small piece of land &c. purchased for Adonis Sheldon.
Saturday 17th December 1814
At home. Engaged with the men laying out & [firming?] Grass Walk below the flower Gardens. Writing letters to Mr Ward & Mr Wilson relative to the Cause of Malkin & Twigg proposed to be referred to me. Engaged and Examining Talk on the Hill papers &c.
Sunday 18th December 1814
At home. Service. Enoch & Edward Wood dined.
Monday 19th December 1814
At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Mr Twemlow of Alsager relative to the Oak Farm. Smith of Harecastle, the father; with letter of recommendation from Mr Kinnersly.
Tuesday 20th December 1814
At home. Mr Twemlow &. Mr. Morris of [Cr…?] relative to the Oak Farm & appointed to meet them on Saturday next on the Estate finally to [state?] the terms. Engaged on the Grounds and various matters previous to going to Burslem tomorrow.
Wednesday 21st December 1814
Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged looking over the Buildings &c. Went to Burslem to dinner with Eliza & Mr. Stamford.
Thursday 22nd December 1814
At Burslem. Engaged all morning on the Will of Mr Thomas Wedgwood. Dined at Mr Woods. In the evening at Mr Tho Wedgwoods reading over will &c &c
Friday 23rd December 1814
Engaged perusing and considering Articles of Agreement with Mr John Wedgwood relative to the Collieries, drawing the water &c. in consequence of the Rate of Coal agreed to be left for defending the Works having been cut through by order of John Gallimore [Junr?]. Mr Wedgwoods Agent. Returned home to dinner. Engaged with Mr Beardmore relative to the Oak Farm, Mr Morris having declined taking the same.
Saturday 24th December 1814
At home. Engaged on various matters. Particularly with Mr Saml. Smith agreeing for lease of Alsager Estate. Two Miss Woods came to Linley; and Stamford also arrived.
Sunday 25th December 1814
At home. Service
Monday 26th December 1814
At home. Engaged on the farm. Also on various papers & matters previous to going to Wolseley Bridge tomorrow, to attend meeting of the Select Committee.
Tuesday 27th December 1814
At Wolseley Bridge attending Meeting of the Select Committee to receive the Report of Mr Clarke on the possible additional supplies of water afforded by the Country and also relative to various intended improvements of the Canal. [Messrs?] Sparrow Simpson Webb & Self. Also Col Madew & Mr. Lester. Select Committee closely engaged with Mr Clarke all day.
Wednesday 28th December 1814
Engaged all morning on this business. Mr Sparrow Mr Webb & self. Mr Simpson having gone away early. Also on various other important matters. Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Cause - [ . . . ?] Cause &c &c. Conversation with Mr Sparrow relative to the Claim for Dilapidations made by Mr Hill & referred to me & left with him. Estimate made by Mr Beardmore of Repairs. Home late. Mr Colclough 47.1 Moses Heath £28.12. On my return Called at [Newcastle?] by desire of Mr Sparrow & much Conversation with Mr Sparrow relative to the above Causes.
Thursday 29th December 1814
At Burslem consulting & determining with Mr Wood on our subscription to the proposed Infirmary which we find at £52.10 and £6:6 annual. Perusing & considering the Articles of Agreement with Mr Wedgwood relative to the Colliery when we finally determined to consult Mr Tomlinson who had prepared the same & appointed Saturday next for that purpose and I brought home with me the Copy of the Articles for consideration in the meantime & also papers relative to the detention of Clay at Liverpool.
Friday 30th December 1814
At home. Engaged perusing & considering the above papers and on various Matters.
Saturday 31st December 1814
Too, the two Miss Woods home in the Carriage. From there proceeded with Mr Wood to Cliffe Villa where long Consultation with Mr Tomlinson relative to the Colliery Affairs, Articles &c the latter of which he undertook to peruse & consider previous to seeing Mr Wood home again. Took Mr Wood home & from thence to Newcastle. Arrived at home later.
These notes probably go in this year.
Draft letter with many revisions.
Case,
This case lies in a narrow compass.
The Defendant, Mr Caldwell is the owner and occupier of a Messuage and Lands situate in the Parish of Audley in the County of Stafford, purchased about 20 years ago from the Trustees of the late John Lawton Esq the father of the Plaintiff, and where Mr C came to reside in the year 1794. At about 2 or 300 hundred yards distant from the House, and within full view of it, is a piece of woodland called Swallow Moor, belonging to the family of the Lawtons [‘situate in the Parish of Barthomley in the County of Cheshire’ crossed out] continuing about 25 or 30 statute acres; though some mistake or other it is called 60 acres in the Lease, which forms the subject of the present Question. This piece of land is situate in the Parish of Barthomley in the County of Chester. Till within these few years the part of the Country was in a very wild and uncultivated state, and Swallow Moor was – of unqualified and disorderly persons who made practice of destroying the [gain?] and committing other depredations to the great injury of the wood and annoyance of the neighbouring farmers and occupiers of land. To this kind of trespass Swallow Moor was particularly exposed as it lies at a considerable distance from and out of view of Lawton Hall, or the habitation of any of Mr Lawton’s tenants. Under these circumstances offers of a Lease of this wood were several times made to Mr Caldwell by Mr Robert Cox, who was then and had long been the Agent and Manager of Mr Lawton’s Estates and in from many communications which Mr Caldwell had with the family he was led to suppose that they placed the most implicit confidence, regarding him as a peculiarly valuable and faithful Servant, and in which light he was considered by Mr Caldwell himself. These offers, however, Mr Caldwell repeatedly refused being aware of the great trouble and expense that would necessarily attend the protection of the wood from trespass, the keeping repair to the fences of which there is a great extent, the being in-
The Defendant, Mr Caldwell, is the lessee for a sum of 21 years of which ten more
- is sorry to be now compelled to observe that it has been totally disregarded by the Mr Lawtons (three brothers) all of them without the smallest delicacy or restraint have made a constant practice of beating and sporting in the wood; and that not only by themselves, but by taking along with them unqualified persons accustomed to kill game, and who have repeatedly swept every thing before them without distinction shooting hares, pheasants and whatever came in their way. They have also shot and sported at pleasure all over Mr C’s lands lying near this house as well as those in his own [inlisted?] occupation, as those held by his tenants. To all this however, Mr C has submitted rather than to be involved in any litigation or dispute, though it may easily be supposed that such behaviour has occasioned him to no little annoyance and reaction. And if the ongoing were worth the trouble, it would easily be made to appear that Mr C is not the only Gentleman in the neighbourhood who has had reason to complain of this irregular pursuit and destruction of game.
Of Mr C’s repugnance to litigate and dispute of any kind it will perhaps be sufficient to observe that through the course of a not inactive life, and with a variety of concerns and affairs on his lands this is the first time that he ever [‘appeared before a court or’ crossed out] troubled a Jury in the character of [author?] of Plaintiff or Defend., and that he [‘would not now have suffered himself to be’ crossed out] is now dragged [‘into Court’ crossed out] into Court mainly to vindicate himself from a wanton and [resulting?] aspersion destitute of all foundation equally false and injurious: the profit that he can ever expect to make of the wood is much too trifling to have been allowed to take up his time or attention. When that is done he will be ready to meet Mr Lawton, or his friends, and if they consider the possession of the Swallow Moor is an important or desirable object, he will be willing to relinquish on having such reasonable and adequate accommodation made to him in respect to the wood lying near to his house called Stonecliffe, and will not be attended with the smallest sacrifice, if profit or convenience to Mr Lawton and as with any Gentleman of the County of Chester to be applied by the Parties will point out and direct [‘as sensible and adequate’? crossed out] and which may be done without the smallest sacrifice of profit or convenience to Mr Lawton. This is the land laying in Lawton to which the nature of the Declaration relates; It is included in a lease to the late Mr Cox of which – are yet unopened and who [‘a few years’ crossed out] sometime ago permitted Mr C to extend a walk through it and make some other trifles concerning for which he had paid and emolument of 2 Guineas. But Mr C having no lease nor agreement, he has given notice accordingly and that he shall not set up any defence to this Court in the Declaration.
Sketch of the area.
The Court on the [Delon – Declaration?] for consideration relates to a piece of wood land close and adjoining to Mr C’s house and grounds, in lease to the late Mr Cox for a term of which several years are [unap---d?]. Though this wood Mr Cox a few years ago permitted Mr C to [extend and make a path’ crossed out] extend - - and to use it for other trifles, consented purposes and for which Mr C paid an annual annuity of £2.2. Having no lease made nor agreement for a lease from Mr Cox or any subsequent correspondence with Mr Jones the present Agent and Attorney for the Lawton family that the validity of Mr C lease was intended to be tried on the ground of the last rent not being reserved, and that he had naturally paid money for granting the lease, Vid copy of letter left herewith.
From the correspondence with Mr Jones and the papers which accompany this Brief marked - and - the real cause of this attack upon Mr C may perhaps be guessed for nothing can be more totally void of foundation. In agreeing for the lease it appeared to be highly reasonable to Mr C that although no sportsman himself, yet that the right of sporting in the wood should be fully reserved to him, if for no other purpose, at least, to enable him better to procure the game, and that what he might be accomplishing at such trouble and expense should not be defeated by the unreasonable interference and interruption of others. The [property?] of some [Clerk, check?] of this kind has been but too fully manifested by subsequent circumstances for notwithstanding the reservation, Mr C is now reluctantly compelled to observe, that it has been totally designated by [‘Mr Lawton the younger to’ crossed out] the Lawton family all of whom - - only in the agricultural but in the orderliness and quiet of the neighbourhood.
Mr Lawton the lessor lived till the year 1804, seven years after the commencement of the Lease, residing at Lawton Hall, or near to it, and within daily observation of the wood, and on his death the Estates devolved on his eldest son William Lawton Esq., the present owner. Mr Cox continued to act as Agent for the present as well as the late Mr Lawton, till his own death which happened in March 1807. During the whole of this time, not a single complaint of any kind was made to Mr C respecting his Lease or occupation of the wood, but he had the happiness to consider himself on the best terms with the family, on whose affairs he was occasionally, not to say, frequently consulted, and to whom he uniformly endeavoured to shew every mark of attention and civility in his power. Of this he indeed was the opinion which they were pleased to entertain of Mr C that, in a family arrangement which took place in consequence of Mr Lawton’s death, he found himself selected and nominated sole trustee [amongst?] the brothers, on one occasion after the purchase of his own he actually declined bidding for a piece of land which was a vale and thought it was extremely desirable to him to have as it lay - - to him that it lay other the rear and on this and other counts the family were extremely desirous to purchase it which they consequently did. In adventing to the delicate question of the capacity of the present Mr Lawton to manage his own affairs, Mr C is desirous to do no more than apprize Counsel of his situation, and without the smallest wish to hazard any [anem-adversion?] or invidious observation on the motives or conduct of those who since the death of Mr Cox have taken upon themselves the Receipt of the rents, and the management of the concerns, as well as the call in question the validity of the Lease granted by the late Mr Lawton. But under the circumstances which have been stated, it will easily be supposed that it was not without the extremist surprise that Mr Cox found himself served with a notice to quit, and that to the surprise no little indignation was added on finding from a
[down side of page – will only by turn to address[?] one instance which is that a piece of land lying within the Manor of Lawton and also near to Mr C’s Estate which he had fully resolved to be a bidder at – being on sale and some years ago and for which Mr had fully determined to be a Bidder yet on its being reported to him by Mr Lawton’s Agent that it was a very desirable thing to the Lawton Estate lying [ather?] the lower, Mr C relinquished his intention.
-the trouble, it would easily be made to appear that Mr C is not the only Gentleman in the neighbourhood who has had reason to complain of an irregular and marauding distraction of the Game.
In respect to the charge of Mr C having paid money for the lease, as it is impossible to prove a negative, he can only oppose the pledge of his character and his honour as a man and a gentleman that there is not the smallest atom of foundation for it, nothing of the kind having ever taken place, or been even thought of or suggested, and that if it had he should have treated such a proposal in the indignation and manner it could have deserved. The wood and [livtation?] and doubt at least even at Court whether to take the lease or not will be proved. The letter by a Gentleman to whom he happened to mention the circumstance at the time, and whose advice in a great measure Mc found determination, Mr C’s aspersions of such a nature as this surely ought not to be cast at, condoned, or coralated on slight grounds, particularly at the inference – have hitherto maintained unblemished character, of are not fully and clearly made out must reflect proportional dishonour and disgrace on their fabrications. And in no possible way can the present accusation be supported but by the grossest falsehood, there not being a shadow of a pretense for it.
In respect to the best rent not being reserved, it is apprehended that the Lawton Trustee is who that it was the best rents that at the time could be reasonably had or got for it, that being the condition expressed in the -. The circumstances before stated will pretty clearly shew that it was not a thing easily disposed of, or how came repeated offers of it to be made to Mr L[?] then supposedly Mr C - - considerable – to make it worth while to keep [afernon?] on the spot to look after it. The roads to what then were at that time in such a terrible state as to render it very difficult to pass and repair –
Cratwood has of late years [gilded?] some profit to Mr C is undoubted the fact. But this has been owing in the first place to the care and expense – upon the protection of the wood by Mr C and [scarcely?] by the great advance which has of late taken place in the price of Cratwood[?] which has been nearly doubled. But this circumstance neither was or could be on the contemplation of the Parties at the time. – it will appear from the following account of the money continually received by Mr C up to - 1807. that the whole profit after a very moderate and inadequate allowance for repairs does not amount all together to more than . At the end of the first seven years when Mr C was out of pocket and had for the project which he has since been enabled to make is of that exorbitant kind as to justify the present action, it is presumed and hoped that a Jury will find no great deficiency in determining Dr Cr
In agreeing to the Lease it appears to Mr C to be highly reasonable that although he was very little in the habit of sporting himself, yet that the right should be fully preserved to him, if for no other purpose at least to enable him more effectually to preserve the Game, and take care that what he might be accomplishing at much trouble and expense should not be liable to be defeated by the unreasonable interruption or interference by others. The propriety of some check of this kind, however unavailing it has proved, subsequent circumstances have but too fully shown. For notwithstanding this vexation Mr C
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Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com