Diary of James Caldwell (1759-1838) of Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire, England.
The following is a transcription from the diary of James Caldwell. This volume covers the period 1813-1821 (342 pages). For transcriptions of other diaries and notes please click here (Index of notes and diaries of James Caldwell).
Pages 1-37 are yet to be transcribed.
Page 38, August, 1814.
. . . tending to common experience or injury. Trial occupied between 9 & 10 hours.
Wednesday 3. 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&ldots;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 4 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 5 At Newcastle. To learn if any thing had passed relative to the expected vacancy for the Borough. But obtained no intelligence. 2. Canal
Saturday 6. 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 8. 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 9. Home. Louisa worse. Sent again for Dr Darwin.
Wednesday 10. Louisa much worse. Called in Dr Northen. Dr Darwin also came.
Thursday 11 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 12. Dr Northen. Sent again to Dr. Darwin.
Saturday 13 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.
Page 39, August, 1814.
Sunday 14. [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 15. Dr Northen. At [sic] 1 o'Clock rather better.
Tuesday 16. Dr Northen at 8 in the morning. Some pain the bowels.
Wednesday 17. Dr Northen again at 8. Sent again for Dr Darwin - Dr Northen again at 11 at night
Thursday 18. 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.
Friday 19. 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?]
Page 40, August, 1814.
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
Sunday 21
Monday 22
Tuesday 23
Wednesday 24 Mr Sherratt came from Nantwich
Thursday 25
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
Sunday 28
Monday 29
Page 41, August, 1814.
Tuesday 30
Wednesday 31
Page 42, August, 1814.
[Page Blank]
Page 43, September, 1814.
September 1814
Thursday 1st 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 2 To York. Viewed the Minster & attended the Evening Service. Afterwards to Castle Howard where we slept
Saturday 3 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 4. Do
Monday 5 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 Mrs Stamford the three girls and myself
Page 44, October, 1814.
October
Monday 3 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 4. To Manchester by Wakefield. Slept at the Star Inn.
Wednesday 5 In the Evening arrived at home.
Thursday 6 - At home.
Friday 7. At home
Saturday 8 Mrs Jos. Wedgwood called with Elizt. Charlotte & Sally & dined
Sunday 9. Mr & Mrs Wood & Mr Wm Bent dined.
Monday 10 Mrs & Miss Tollet, & Miss Sarah Wedgwood, called
Tuesday 11 Mr Jos. Wedgwood called
Wednesday 12 Set out with Mr Bent to Liverpool, on the annual Settlement & arrived there in the evening.
Thursday 13 At Liverpool engaged with Books Acc.s &c. &c.
Friday 14 Left Liverpool about noon & got to Macclesfield in the Evening.
Saturday 15 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 16 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.
Page 45, October, 1814.
Monday 17 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 18 General Assembly. Returned to dinner late.
Wednesday 19 At home. [ . . . ?]
Thursday 20 The like. [Mrs?] Penlington on their affairs. Engaged with workmen. Grounds &c.
Friday 21 At home. The same. In the Evening Stamford arrived.
Saturday 22 At home. Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged.
Sunday 23 At home. Service.
Monday 24 At Burslem with Eliza.th & Elizaq. Various matters. Returned to dinner.
Tuesday 25 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 26. 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 27 Called at Rode Hall with Stamford. Mr & Mrs Wilbraham at Lichfield. Engaged with Mr Sherratt. [E&ldots;ding?] will of late Mr. G. Sherratt &c. &c
Friday 28 At Basford attending the funeral of the late Mrs Bent who was buried at Wolstanton. Age 62. Bearers
Mr Wood Mr Wedgwood
Mr [Wett&ldots;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 29 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. [&ldots;?] I think
Mr Sherratt left us.
Page 46, October, 1814.
Sunday 30. At home. Service in the afternoon at Talk Chapel.
Monday 31. Called at Lawton Hall. Engaged in the Grounds etc
November
Tuesday 1. At Stoneyfields with Eliza. Engaged on the annual Settlement of Brewery Accounts.
Wednesday 2. Do. Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 3. At home. Myatt of Jamage Application for Alsager Farm. Mr Blunt dined & staid all night.
Friday 4. Mr Saml Jackson relative to Alsager Acct. 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 5. At home. Engaged on Grounds &c
Sunday 6. At home. Unwell. In the morning Stamford set off to London.
Monday 7. At home. Confined to the House. Mr Wilbraham called.
Tuesday 8. At home. Still confined. Reading &c
Wednesday 9. At home. The like.
Thursday 10. Engaged in the grounds with J Beardmore & Jas Whalley making approach to Swallow Moss Wood &c &c.
Friday 11. At home. Various matters.
Saturday 12. At home. Considering plan for establishment of an infirmary in addition to the present Dispensary & drawing up Observations thereon.
Sunday 13. At home. Service.
Monday 14. 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 15. 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.
Page 47, November, 1814.
Wednesday 17 Returned home to dinner.
Thursday 18. 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 19. 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 20. Engaged in the morning with the men as Yesterday. Elizabeth, Eliza, Emma & I dined at Rodehall
Sunday 21. At home Service.
Monday 22. At home. Engaged on the Farm &c.
Tuesday 23. At home
Wednesday 24. At home. Mr Wedwood with whom engaged.
Thursday 25. 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 26. 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
Page 48, November, 1814.
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 26. 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.
Page 49, November, 1814.
Saturday 26. Also much conversation relative to the Infirmary: [Mem?] Dr B concurred in the ideas [ . . . ?] thrown out.
Sunday 27. Mr Bent. Who dined. In the Evening Mr Sherratt from Nantwich.
Monday 28. 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 29. 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 30. Engaged with Mr Lawrence &c &c.
Novemr [a mistake - December]
Thursday 1. The like. At Lawton viewing the treble locks &c.
Friday 2. 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 3 At home. Miss [S?] Wedgwood from Parkfields
Sun 4. At home. Service.
Mon 5 At home.
Tuesday 6. At home. Letters to Mr Wood &c. relative to Infirmary.
Wednesday 7. At home. Mr Wedgwood came to dinner. Mr Trubshaw. House &c.
Thursday 8. At home. Engaged with Mr Wedgwood. Mr Sherratt came to dinner.
Friday 9 At home. Engaged with Mr Wedgwood & Mr Sherratt & various matters.
Saturday 10 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 11 At home. Service. Dr Belcombe in the Afternoon.
Page 50, December, 1814.
1814. December
Monday 12. At home. Engaged with Frank & James laying out & making various additions & improvements in the irrigation of the Meadow &c.
Tuesday 13 At home. Various matters. House &c.
Wednesday 14. 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 15. 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 16 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 17. 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.
Page 50, December, 1814.
Sunday 18 At home. Service. Enoch & Edward Wood dined.
Monday 19 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 20. At home. Mr Twemlow &. Mr. Morris of [Cr&ldots;?] 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 21 Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged looking over the Buildings &c. Went to Burslem to dinner with Eliza & Mr. Stamford.
Thursday 22 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 23 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 24. 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 25. At home. Service
Monday 26. 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 27. 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 28. Engaged all morning on this business. Mr Sparrow Mr Webb & self. Mr Simpson having gone away early. Also on various other
Page 52, December, 1814.
December
Wednesday 28 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 29 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 30. At home. Engaged perusing & considering the above papers and on various Matters.
Saturday 31 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.
Page 53, January, 1815.
Sunday Jany 1 At home. Service. Read one of Allisons Sermons "Thou has made Summer of Winter." A beautiful & impressive Discourse. Mr Bent called, and engaged Stamford & me to dine with him tomorrow.
Monday 2. Engaged in the Morning on various matters. Afterwards at Stoneyfields with Stamford dining. Mr Sneyd Sparrow Revd Bent & Self.
Tuesday 3. Engaged with various papers. Particularly considering the will of Mr Thos Wedgwood of Burslem & writing various observations preparatory to sending the same to Mr Wood. Mr Penlington dined.
Wednesday 4 Engaged in the same subjects. Also engaged with Mr Penlington and Thomas Gray relative to the Hill Farm which I finally let to the latter. Engaged also on the farm.
Thursday 5. At home. Writing long letter to Mr Wood relative to Mr Thos. Wedgwoods will & which I sent along with the Draught which had been prepared whilst I was at Burslem. This business had occasioned me much trouble and anxious Consideration for several days past.
Friday 6 Mr & Mrs Wilbraham of Rode Hall Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood & 2 Daughters Mr Butt & Dr Belcombe dined. An agreeable day with much pleasant Conversation after dinner.
Saturday 7 [Mrs?] Wedgwood & Daughters dined. Mr Butt left us about noon. Much Conversation with him relative to Lord S., Infirmary, &c &c.
Just a note of Congratulation on the Marriage of Lady Charlotte & Mr. Howard to Trentham Received in reply a particularly kind & [jollying?] note from Lady S. In the afternoon, Snow.
Sunday 8 At home. Service. Read another of Allisons Sermons 'Evil Communications corrupt good [manners?] Much snow had fallen in the night.
Monday 9 At home. Various matters previous to going to Macclesfield tomorrow. In the Evening Mr Sherratt & my sisters arrived from Nantwich
Tuesday 10. Set off to Macclesfield with Mr Bent
Wednesday 11 Engaged all day on annual Settlement of Accounts.
Thursday 12 Engaged all Morning on Do. Returned to Linley Wood to dinner.
Page 54, January, 1815.
January
Friday 13. At home. Engaged with Mr Sherratt & various matters
Saturday 14 The like. Mr Rob. Sherratt dined.
Sunday 15 At home. Service
Monday 16 At Newcastle. Meeting Mr Tomlinson & Mr Joseph Wood (Mr Wood being prevented coming by indisposition) relative to Colliery matters and consulting with Mr Tomlinson thereon when it was determined that notice of the matters in difference should be given to Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End in order to ground an Arbitration under the Clause in the Articles and signed a notice to that effect. Received intelligence of the death of my old and highly valued and respected friend Mrs Wedgwood who died yesterday in her 80th year.
Tuesday 17 At home. Mr Sherratt left Linley Wood.
Wednesday 18 At home. Mr Lawton & Mr C. Lawton with Mr [&ldots;ton] & Mr Penlington dined at Linley Wood.
Thursday 19 At home. Engaged on various matters. Miss [Wittenhall?] dined.
Friday 20 At Parkfields at ten oClock. From thence to Stoke attending the funeral of Mrs Wedgwood. Bearers Mr Recketts & myself at the head. John Smith Esq & John Wood of Brownhills. Mr Hamilton of Stoke & Dr Bent. Mourners Jos Wedgwood & John Wedgwood of Bignall End. Attends. D. Northen & Mr Foster of Stone.
Saturday 21 At home. In the morning Stamford left us on his return to London & Mrs Northen [ . . . ?]
Sunday 22. At Talk Chapel.
Monday 23 At home. Miss Morgan dined. Mr Peake relative to Militia Meeting at Trentham Inn & which I engaged to attend on Saturday next.
Tuesday 24 At home. Various matters.
Wednesday 25. At home. Miss Morgan left L. Wood
Thursday 26. Went early to Burslem. Took Mr Wood to Hanley, attending the General Meeting relative to the Infirmary. Lord Stafford in the Chair. A numerous and respectable Meeting. Moved by the desire of Mr Wedgwood Mr Butt &c sending resolutions which were unanimously approved and carried. Returned home.
Page 55, January, 1815.
Friday 27 At home. Dr. Belcombe dined.
Saturday 28. At Trentham Inn attending Meeting for hearing appeals against Militia Returns. Sr John Heathcote Mr Spode & self.
Sunday 29. At home. Service
Monday 30. At Etruria to dinner & staid all night.
Tuesday 31. Returned home by Burslem
February.
Wednesday 1. At home. Various matters.
Thursday 2. At home. Engaged in Swallow Moor Wood with wood Cutters &c. The Boys from Etruria came to dinner
Friday 3. At home. Farm &c.
Saturday 4. At Parkfields calling upon Miss Wedgwoods.
Sunday 5 At home. Service. Mr Sherratt came to dinner.
Monday 6. At home. Engaged with Mr Sherratt
Tuesday 7. At Stone. Attending Meeting of the Select Committee and engaged all day. Mr Sparrow Mr Webb & self. Took Mr Sparrow with me from Newcastle.
Wednesday 8. At Stone. Much engaged on various matters. Returned home to dinner at four.
Thursday 9. At home. Engaged with Mr Sherratt & various matters previous to his returning today to Nantwich with Anne & Betsy all of whom left L. Wood at noon..
Friday 10. At home. Engaged on the Farm &c
Saturday 11. At home.
Sunday 12 At home. Service.
Monday 13. Engaged in the Grounds. Planted with Larch & Birch with my own hand the small Plantation in the Ditches. Looking over & [vetting? . . . ?] land for intended [ . . . ?].
Tuesday 14. Engaged in the Grounds. Planted with my own hand 5 small Oaks in the above Plantation taken out of Swallow Moor Wood together with Beech & Larch. Considering & preparing Agreement to be signed by Samuel Jackson & his Son relative to the Alsager Estate. Afternoon engaged with Saml Jackson the younger who signed [ . . . ?] Agreement & which was sent down for signature by his Father, but who sent word that he would come up in the morning.
Page 56, February, 1815.
Wednesday 15 Engaged with the Jacksons. When Agreement signed by Saml Jackson the older. Afterwards engaged with men in the Grounds. Orchard Ground &c. Drawing out Account with Ford & Plant &c. previous to settling the same with them tomorrow on my going to Newcastle to meet Mr. Robinson of Stone. Miss [S?] Wedgwood called & took Eliza with her to Parkfields.
Thursday 16 At Newcastle at ten. Meeting Mr Robinson. From thence to Longport viewing the state of the present wharf & the proposed improvements. From thence along the Canal to a place called Dix's or Knights Wharf, meeting a Number of the Manufacturers from Tunstall in order to fix upon a proper place for the proposed Tunstall Wharf & which had been referred to Mr Robinson & me by the last General Assembly. Called upon Mr [Henshall?] on our Return. Met Mr Hales of Cobridge & Mr Ralph Hales at Newcastle where we dined in order to treat with them for the Cockshead Engine & Mine water, but after much discussion, Mr Hales not being persuad [sic] to make any proposition for an absolute sale it was agreed to postpone the business to the 3rd March in order to give Mr Hales time to consider the subject, & then to meet again at Newcastle. Called upon Mrs Martin who wished to consult in relation to putting her Son out Apprentice. Returned home later.
Tuesday 17. At home. Engaged on the Grounds. Also perusing & considering lease of Coal & Ironstone Mines from Mr Lawton to Mr [L . . . ?] on which Mr . C. Lawton asked to have my opinion previous to going to Lawton Hall to dinner. Dined at Lawton Hall. Eliza Mrs. S. Emma & S. Mr Salmon of Wheelock, Mr [ . . . ?] Bayley & Dr Belcombe.
Page 57, February, 1815.
February 1815
Saturday 18. At home. Various matters. Grounds &c.
Sunday 19. At home. Service.
Monday 20. At home.
Sunday 21. At Newcastle in consequence of a letter from Dr Crompton to Mr Bent considering this business, when Mr Bent said he had purposed to Dr. C. going down to Liverpool and staying with them 10 days or a fortnight. Also relative to projected Rail Road from Apedale to Nantwich & branch of Canal from the Newcastle Canal to the Trent & Mersey, Macclesfield purchase of land from Mr [Ry . . . ?] for new Brewery &c. Returned to dinner.
Wednesday 22. Dined at Miss [Newtons?]. Mr & Mrs Sneyd of Ashcombe & Dr Belcombe.
Thursday 23. At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Finished the ditching of Swallow [Moss?] Wood on the west side of the Road.
Friday 24. At home. Dr & Mrs Bent, Mrs Wm Bent, two Miss Bents, Miss Emma Allen & E. Wedgwood dined.
Saturday 25. At home. Letters from Mr. Wedgwood with Petition to Parliament relative to Birmingham & Worcester Canal & the Bill now in the House for removal of a Bar of Earth seperatg the Canals at [Birmingham?] & in which Mr W wished for my opinion. Writing to him accordingly. Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged. Miss F. Allen came to L.Wood.
Sunday 26. At home. Service.
Monday 27. At home. Writing letter to Mr Sparrow of Bishton relative to the Wharf at Longport & that proposed to be made at Tunstall, Cockshead Engine and Mine water &c in answer to one received from him by Mr Trubshaw
- Mr Gould, with whom settling dispute as to nonpayment of Limestone Tonnage on the day fixed by the Regulation & order of the Committee. Also relative to the repairs of the stage for loading & unloading Limestone at the Kiln in Stone Town field & which Mr Gould referred to me to settle as I should think right. Mrs Foden relative to the claim for Damages at Rough Wood Mill, & for which an Action had been brought, & which business she was desirous to leave to me to settle, & to request that I would undertake it, & which I consented to do. Afterwards engaged in the
Page 58, February, 1815.
Monday 27 new orchard in Linley Meadow & planting the back row of Apple & Pear Trees by 15 in number with my own hand
Tuesday 28 Engaged again & finishing the planting of the orchard. Put into the ground this morning with my own hand. 20 more Apple & Pear trees. In the evening reading out Hamlet. In the morning Miss Emma Allen went.
March.
Wednesday 1st. At home. Engaged on the Farm & various matters. Writing Letter to Mr Robinson of Stone &c. In the Evng reading out 1st part of Henry 4.
Thursday 2. Engaged in the Grounds & various matters. Mr Knight of Tunstall relative to the proposed Wharf at Tunstall with sundry statements for the consideration of the Select Committee which I requested him to deliver to Mr Robinson. Dined at Mr Walthalls Newcastle Eliza, Emma & myself. Dr & Mrs Northen, Miss Moreton, Mr & Mrs Wm Bent, two Miss Bents and Dr Belcombe. Much conversation relative to the proposed Extension of the Newcastle Canal, Rail Road [to?] Nantwich &c when I promised to attend a Meeting appointed to be held tomorrow for taking Plans &c into Consideration.
Friday 3d. At Newcastle accordingly attending meeting. Dr John Heathcote, Mr Whalley, Dr Bent, Mr Bent, Sparrow, Plant &c considering Plans & examining Reports & Witnesses as to the quantity of water that could be delivered into the Summit Pound of the Grand Trunk Canal. Letters from Mr Sherratt of Nantwich relative to the proposed Rail Road, from Nantwich from which it appearing that coals & limestone were now delivered upon lower terms than could be affected by the proposed Rail Road the project was abandoned - the Communication between the Apedale Canal and the Grand Trunk also abandoned. The expence of a Communication with the Summit Pound being considered too great as a Tunnel of a Mile in length will be
Page 56, March, 1815.
requisite, and the project for a Communication at Lawton also considered too expensive to pay any adequate Tonnage; particularly as this line wd afford no inducement to the Grand Trunk Co. to assist as water wd be by additional supply & delivered below the Summit Pound. Returned to dinner. Conversation with Mr [Blunt?] & Mr Leigh of Newcastle relative to the Infirmary & an alteration in the rate as to [Parishes Recommending?] Patients &c &c
Saturday 4. At home. Miss Bents came to Linley Wood
Sunday 5. At home. Mr Bent dined.
Monday 6. At home. Samuel Jackson & Mr Beardmore relative to the sale at the Oak farm which was to take place tomorrow. Engaged with papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. Received Memorial relative to Tunstall Wharf.
Tuesday 7. At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr Sparrow Mr Webb & myself, and engaged all day. Took Mr [Tho?] Sparrow with me from Newcastle. Signed a Petition to Parliament against the Lichfield Bridge Bill.
Wednesday 8. The like. Returned to Dinner.
Thursday 9.
Friday 10. At the Dispensary Attending a Meeting of Subscribers to the Infirmary. In the Chair. Received Report of the Building Committee when the Situation for the intended Infirmary was determined upon and various important Resolutions come to. In the Evening received a letter from Mr Wedgwood informing me that at a Meeting held that day at Hanley I had been appointed a Delegate with himself & Mr Davenport to go to London to oppose the proposed taxes on the Windows & Rents of Manufactories & Warehouses, and which I signified to Mr Wedgwood my consent to do: & appointed to meet him & Mr Davenport at the Roebuck in Newcastle on Sunday Morning at 7 o'clock.
Saturday 11. At home. Engaged arranging various matters previous to my setting off to London tomorrow.
Page 60, March, 1815.
Sunday 12. Set off with Eliza who accompanied me to Newcastle at a little after six o Clock. Met Mr Wedgwood and Mr Davenport in the Roebuck, & with them proceeded in a Post Chaise & [ . . . ?] on our journey. Slept at Stoney Stratford.
Monday 13 Arrived in London about one o Clock. Took up our Quarters at the Bedford Hotel. At the House of Commons. Saw Lord G.L. Gower, Mr Littleton, Mr William Egerton, Mr Davenport the Member & Mr Booth Wilbraham. Also the Delegates from Manchester Messrs. Douglas, Barton & [Burley?]. Obtained through Lord G.L. Gower an Appointment with the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a Conference on Wednesday next at one o Clock, the Manchester Delegates being appointed to attend him at 12 & so far [ . . . ?] Conferences being thought most advisable in the first instance. Appointed to see the Manchester Delegates at their apartments 17 Spring Gardens tomorrow at 11. Dined in the Bedford & at Covent Garden Theatre in hopes to have heard Miss Stevens sing but her songs were over before I got into the House.
Tuesday 14. At Spring Gardens [ascending?] to the Appointment. Met the Delegates from Glasgow Messr Monteith, Stirling &c. & Mr Smith from Derby. Considering and arranging plan of Operations.
Appointed Mr Monteith Chairman of the Delegations and ordered a Circular Letter to be sent to the different Manufacting Towns & Places, to draw their attention to this business & particularly the proposed tax on Servants, which was found to be much more heavy & serious than was it first supposed. Dined at the Bedford, with Mr Baugh Allen & Mr Wedgwood. And afterwards went to Drury Lane to see Mr Kean in Richard 2nd. This actor appeared to me to be much wanting in voice, and Deportment. The former being husky, and not of sufficient compass for the more energetic & impassioned tones of [&ldots;?] and the latter being deficient in dignity and grace. But he now and then burst out with some exquisite [strokes?] of fine and genuine Acting; the superiority of which was lost
Page 61, March, 1815.
[ . . . ?] by his causing you entirely to forget the Actor & the Man, in the personage represented & the feelings excited. The reverse of Kemble, who predominates over all Character & though the whole Drama seems to be influenced by one overuling object, the vain exhibition of himself.
Wednesday 15. In the morning engaged preparing for the Conference. Met Lord G.L. Gower at Mr Littletons in [Ash?]ington Street. From there walked all together to Downing Street. Much conversation with Lord G.L. Gower on various topics. Found Mr Swift & Genl Wemyss. Joined by Lord G.H. Cavendish. Conference with Mr Vansittart, who, after heaving with much attention & courtesy what we had to say & stating some modifications in the obnoxious tax desired that we would communicate with the Manchester Gentlemen who had just left him, & that he should be glad to see us at a Conference of a Deputation of Delegates which he had fixed for Friday next at one o'Clock. From there to Spring Gardens and at 3 o'Clock attended again a meeting of delegates when it was determined to oppose the tax on its principle & that no Modification could render it admissible. Dined at the Bedford; and in the Evening at Covent Garden Theatre with Mr Wedgwood to hear a selection of musick. Highly gratified with Miss Stevens singing, whose style is chaste and pure; and though not so finished a singer as Mrs Salmon (who did appear to me to ['be' omitted] truly excellent) yet it is such as goes directly to the Heart & excites the most delightful Emotions.
Monday 16. Engaged in the Morning preparing Case for members should the proposed taxes be persisted in & which prevented my attending a Meeting of Delegates in Spring Gardens. Afterwards at Hansards the printer with the same, giving directions for printing &c &c. Joined Mr Wedgwood & Mr Davenport. Called and left Cards at the Marquis of Staffords and Lord Gowers. Great Panic and Consternation in London occasioned by the news from France.
[loose piece of paper inserted in the diary on this page reads:]
Friday. In Spring Gardens at 12. [F . . . ? Peele], &c Determined to oppose the principle & [that?] Mr Douglas [shd?] conduct the Conference. [Joined?] by Lord Stanley Lord Lascelles Lord G[S?] Gower Sir Jas [Graham?] Mr [Blackburn?] Mr Milne Genl Wemyss Mr [Binlay or Finlay]. [Lay or day?] Discussion. The Chancellor explained that he did not wish the Tax on Servants to extend further than the former Act [ . . . ? . . . ing] executed; giving us to understand that he meant only such servants as were substitutes for Masters or had the direction of [branches?] of [business?]; but [intimating?] at last that he did not think the satisfactory arrangement of this part of the business would be attended with much difficulty. With [reference?] to the taxes on [ . . . ?] & [ . . . ?] &c. After a long discussion he at last yielded so far as to say that he would reconsider the business & that we should hear from him again in a day or two. Adjourned to the Crown & Anchor [fav . . . ?] Entered into a subscription to defray Exps.
[Hard to read. A guess: 'Considered the propriety of appointing'] a Resident Agent on behalf of the [ . . . ?] Manufacturers to watch over their Interests &c. Dined at the Bedford at Cov Garden [ . . . ?]
Saturday. Chapel Street. York Street. [Reading?] &c. Mr Hodgson. [Letter for?] Ld GL Gower. [Cov Garden?] [Miss . . . ail?]
[3rd, right-hand column:]
[ . . . ?] of branches of business. After much discussion the Chancellor yielded so far as to say that he would take the business again into consideration and give us an answer in a day or to. In the course of the Conversation the Chanr repeatedly expressed his wish that any Gentleman would suggest any Modification or Substitute for the Tax; and intimated that if circumstances shd require him to have recourse again to the property tax he wished such part of it as arose from trade to be collected in such manner as might be least exceptionable. Adjourned to the Crown & Anchor [ . . . ? Sa . . . ? In . . . d? also?] & discussion & later to an
[Second side of loose piece of paper inserted in the diary on this page reads:]
Agent being appointed to watch [in London any . . . . . . ?] the Interests of Manufacturing & to form a medium of Communication. Dined at the Bedford. In the Evg with Mr Wedgwood & Mr Davenport at Cov Garden [selectn?] of musick.
Saturday. [ . . . ?] at Mr Salmons. Carpets chairs &c. [Called?] on Lady Manchester. Went to York Street after looking at Pictures. Dined at the Bedford & in the Evg at Cov Garden [seeing Miss A Name/Neme?] in [ . . . ?. . . ?]
[Handwritten note at foot of page: This sheet was loosly placed in James Caldwell's diary for 17 March 1815]
Sunday. [Mission?] H. of Commons. Ld G Gower, Littleton, Boothe Davenport & Mr Egerton. Met the Gentleman from Manchester Douglas, John Barton & Barley. Obtained an appointment for a Conference with Mr Vansittart at one o' Clock on Wednesday it being thought better to have separate Conferences than in a body of different Delegates together. Dined at the Bedford. At Covt Garden at half price.
Tuesday Met at 17 Spring Gardens. The Delegates from Manchester & Glasgow [Messrs?] Monteith, Sterling &c & Mr Swift from Derby.
Appointed Mr Monteith Chairman of the Delegation & directed a Circular Letter to be sent to the different Inns to draw their attention to the [business?] & particularly the tax on Servts. Dined at the Bedford. Mr B Allen, Mr Wedgwood & Self. Went to Drury Lane to see Kean in Richard 2?
Wednesday. Engaged preparing for the Conference. Met Ld. G. Gower at Mr Littletons & from there proceeded to Downing Street. Found Mr Swift & Genl Wemys. Ld G. Cavendish joined us. Conference with Mr Vansittart who after hearing what we had to say with much attention and good humour desired that we would confer with the Manchester Gentlemen who had just left him (their Conference having been appointed at 12. & to have a meeting again of Delegates[ . . . . . . . . . ?]. Went to Spring Gardens & at 3 to a Meeting of the delegates; when it was determined to oppose the tax in its principle & admit of no Modifications. Dined at the Bedford. Cov Garden [Mr W & I?] Musick.
Thursday. Engaged preparing Case which prevented by attending to Meeting in Spring Gardens. Called at Lord Staffords & Lord Gowers. Dined at the Bedford [& evening?] at Cov Garden ½ price the [ . . . ?]
Page 62, March, 1815.
Friday 17 March. Mr Hodgson called the Delegates for [ . . . . . . . . . ?] has a plan he approved. [The previous sentence was added and not easy to read.] At Spring Gardens at 12. Sir Rob. Peele Mr Finlay Mr Horrocks etc & Long. Conversation previous to going to Downing Street. Hill further determined to oppose the principle of the Taxes and arranged that Mr Douglas should be the other man at the Conference. Proceeded to Downing Street. Joined there by Lord Stanley, Lord G.L. Gower, Lord Lascelles Sr Jas Graham Mr Blackburne Genl Wemyss Mr Milne &c. Long Conference & discussion with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Said he did not mean the tax on [male?] Servants to extend further than the former Act when fairly executed, giving us to understand that he meant only to include in the list such Servants as were Substitutes for Masters, or had the management of particular branches of business. In the course of the Conversation the Chancellor of the Exchequer repeatedly expressed his wish that any Gentleman would suggest a substitute for the proposed obnoxious taxes; and intimated that if circumstances should require him to have recourse again to the Property Tax he wished such part of it as arose from Trade to be raised & collected in such manner as might be least exceptionable. After a long discussion and many observations made by the members present particularly Lord Lascelles Sr Jas Graham & Sr. Rob. Peele the Chancellor of the Exchequer yeilded [sic] so far as to say that he would take the business again into consideration and let us know the result in a day or two or In other words as it appeared manifest to me, and which opinion I boldly expressed on leaving him, that he should give up the proposed taxes on windows & Rents of manufactories & warehouses. From Downing Street went to the Crown & Anchor [ . . . ?] where a General Meeting of Delegates was appointed to be held. Subscription entered into, & discussion relative to the appointment of an agent in London on behalf of the Body of Manufacturers to watch over & communicate any Measures that might be brought forward affecting their interests & Mr Backhouse who has been proposed by Mr Hodgson & unanimously
NOTE IN MARGIN RUNNING VERTICALLY: Robt Peele informed me that the Property tax, which produced about 15,000,000, had been paid mainly in the following Proportions
Land &c 11000000
British Trade Professions &c 2700000
West India Trade 1300000
15,000,000
Page 63, March, 1815.
approved. Dined at the Bedford. In the Evening at Covent Garden Theatre with Mr Wedgwood & Mr Davenport. Selection of Musick principally from the Messiah. Mr Salmon sang delightfully particularly from Mighty Kings. [&ldots;? Mac?]
Saturday 18. Called at Mr Salmons Chapel Street relative to Furniture &c. Afterwards called on Lady MacIntosh with Mr Wedgwood but did not see her. Went to York Street with Mr Wedgwood. Afterwards looking at Pictures Collection of Lucia Buonaparte containing many very fine ones particularly of Titian, Carlo Dolce &c. The four Evangelists by the latter delighted me much particularly the St John. Also looked at the fine Picture for an Altar Piece by Guerains. Martyrdom of St [Grisign . . . ?]. Dined at the Bedford. Note received from Lord G.L. Gower inclosing one to his Lordship from the Chancellor of the Exchequer informing him that the proposed House & window Duties on Manufactories & Warehouses would not be pressed further. The object of our Mission therefore was accomplished. In the evening at Cov Garden Theatre seeing Miss O Neale in Mrs Haller. I wished much to have seen this Actress in some other character (as was the case with Mr Kean) but for this no opportunity was offered. She is certainly a very excellent Actress; beautiful and elegant though her person has something of rather a matronly appearance than the Sylph like grace & lightness which I had expected. She seemed to me to be true to Nature, and to excite a powerful Sympathy & interest, without ever running into extravagance, or the vulgar fault of overacting. Her voice good, & her General Deportment easy graceful and impressive.
Page 64, March, 1815.
March 1815
Sunday 19 Mr Wedgwoods & Mr Davenports occasions requiring them to stay in London, I determined at breakfast to return home without delay and about half past twelve o'Clock left London in a Postchaise accompanied by my faithful Servant Thomas Lowe & arrived and slept at Danchurch that night.
Monday 20. Arrived at Etruria where I found my dearly beloved wife and daughter about 3 o'Clock having called at Mr Ridgways at Shelton & left with him Mr Vansittarts note to Lord G.L. Gower. Dined at Etruria & came home in the Evening.
Tuesday 21. At home and engaged arranging various matters previous to going to Nantwich tomorrow. Unwell with a violent cold.
Wednesday 22 Went to Nantwich to dinner with my two Elizas
Thursday 23. At Nantwich dined at Mr Sherratts
Friday 24. At Nantwich.
Saturday 25. Dined again at Mr Sherratts
Sunday 26. Returned home in the Evening. Found Stamford who had come from Shrewsbury [ . . . ?] to go to Chester instead of Hereford.
Monday 27. At home. Engaged on various matters. Mr Tollet and Mr Wickstead called.
Tuesday 28. At Newcastle meeting Mr Beech of the Shaw by appointment who had requested me to undertake the Settlement of various matters in dispute between him & the Navign Company. Looking over a great number of papers letters &c. when I promised to talk the various matters over with Mr Robinson & endeavour to put them in some [ . . . ?] of adjustment. Afterwards attending meeting of the Committee.
Wednesday 29. At Stone attending Committee, then Mr Wedgwood Mr Robinson & I were appointed to treat & agree for a lease
Page 65, March, 1815.
of the Cockshead Engine & Mine water on such terms as we should approve. Called away from the General Assembly by a Special Message from Mr Peake requesting my attendance at a Militia Meeting & Assessed taxes Meeting at Trentham Inn on which they could not proceed from the want of a sufficient number of Deputy [ . . . ? Commr?]. Attended accordingly & afterwards returned home to dinner.
Thursday 30 At home. Busily engaged arranging papers &c. Letter to Mr Beech relative to the matters in dispute with the Navg Co. Engaged with men in the new orchard. Mrs Wedgwood & Miss Allen called. Mr Hollinshead of Liverpool stopped on the Road & with them much Conversation relative to Navgn Concerns.
Friday 31. Letter to Mrs Foden with form of Receipt for Damages & Costs Relative to Rough Wood Mill. Called with Eliza at Lawton Hall. Engaged with Men in the new Orchard Ground, laying out Walk &c &c. Fine warm Day.
April. Saturday 1. At home. Mr Trubshaw, with whom engaged. Mrs Foden relative to Roughwood Mill Business, she not having received my Letter. Engaged with Men in the orchard Ground &c.
Sunday 2. At home. Service.
Monday 3. At Burslem. From thence to Newcastle fixing with Mr Sparrow & Mr Fenton a time for proceeding on the Reference (Ld. Stafford Sr J Heathcote & Mr Smith) relative to Longton Coal Gutter & appointed [. . . ?] Tuesday the 19th inst at the Roebuck Newcastle. Also with Mr Bent. Brewery [Accounts?] & appointed to meet at the Roebuck on Thursday morning at ½ past 9. to proceed to Shrewsbury. Returned to Dinner. Letter to Sir Jno Heathcote on the foregoing matters.
Tuesday 4. At home. Grounds &c. Reading &c.
Wednesday 5. At home. [Mr?] Penlington on their Affairs
Thursday 6. Left home in the Moning. Met Sir John Heathcote & Mr Bent at the Roebuck at Newcastle and proceeded with them to Shrewsbury on arrival Settlement of Brewery Accounts & affairs & arrived there to dinner.
Page 66, April, 1815.
April
Friday 7. Closely engaged all day at the Brewery with the Books, accounts &c &c
Saturday 8. Closely engaged again all Morning. Finished the Statements &c & came to Hawkestone Inn to a late Dinner & where we staid all night.
Sunday 9. Arrived at home. Found Mr Corbet with Stamford who had returned together from Stafford Sessions. Also Miss [ . . . ?] Allen. Received a very kind congratulatory letter from Mr Sparrow of Bishton on occasion of Stamfords conduct at Stafford; there from the absence of the Leaders he had had considerable business to go through & which he had done in a manner to obtain great approbation. How much were all my fondest hopes and wishes gratified by this Circumstance. This young man little knows the deep interest that I take in his welfare.
Monday 10. At Trentham Inn all Day to have sworn in the balloted Men in the Local Militia, but owing to the non attendance of Mr Smith who had positively engaged & promised me to be there, the Meeting was obliged to be adjourned. Mr Chetwynd stopped at the Trentham Inn purposely to express & which he did in the warmest & handsomest manner his approbation of Stamfords Conduct at the Sessions & which he said had been approved & applauded by the whole Bench.
Tuesday 11. Mr Corbet & Stamford left Linley Wood, as did Miss F Allen. At Alsager making arrangements relative to the sale of Jacksons remaining stock &c appointed to be sold today.
Wednesday 12 At home. Engaged on various matters, Grounds &c &c
Thursday 13. At Etruria Meeting Mr Hales, Mr Ralph Hales & Mr Robinson to treat with Mr Hales for a lease of the Cockshead Engine & Mine Water and finally agreeing for the same pursuant to Resolution of the Genl Assembly. Dined at Etruria and returned in the Evening.
Friday 14. At home. Engaged Letter Writing to Mr Sparrow in Bath, in reply to his letter relative to Stamford & with particulars of the Agreement relative to the Cockshead Engine & Water.
Page 67, April, 1815.
April 1815
Saturday 15. Engaged drawing out Minute of Agreement relative to Cockshead Mine & Engine Water pursuant to Memorandum made on Thursday last & copying the same & letter therewith to Mr Robinson. Mr Jackson relative to Alsager Business. Began sowing the meadow, late Gilberts, with oats, making use of the [Cathvator?] Miss Allen came to Linley Wood. In the night very sharp frost.
Sunday 16. At home. Service. In the afternoon at Talk Chapel. Afterwards conversation with Mr Hill relative to the Claim on the Executors of the late Mr Lawton for Dilapidations & the Settlement of which stood referred to me. Also respecting the money placed in Kinnerslys hands for the use of the Chapel and the late Mr Tollets Affairs & proposed a meeting of the Executors in order to close the Executorship, when he promised to look into the [m . . . ?].
Monday 17. At home. Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood, Mrs Darwin & Miss Allen & E Wedgwood dined. Finished sowing with Oats the Meadow
Tuesday 18. At home. Engaged on the Grounds & various matters.
Wednesday 19. At Newcastle. Attending all day at the Robeuck on the reference to me relative to Longton Coal Gutter by Lord Stafford& Sir John Heathcote & Mr Smith. Examining witnesses &c &c. Miss Stamford & the Girls returned from Devonshire.
Thursday 20. At Burslem. From thence to Newcastle. Arranging at Kinnerslys payment for a Navign Share purchased at my request by Mr Robinson of Stone. Called on Mr Sparrow & appointed to have a Reexamination of some of the witnesses examined yesterday on the Reference. Returned to dinner.
Friday 21. At home. Engaged with workmen & various papers. Turned 8 Cows out into the Ground under the Wood. Fine mild Rain.
Saturday 22. At home. [Mr?] Partington [Junr?] on their Affairs. With whom much Conversation. Perused & considered the Abstracts of the titles to the Thurlwood & Rode Estates, with the Observations of Mr Wishaw thereon made on behalf of the Purchaser. I promised to write to Mr Darlington thereon. Suggested to Mr Penlington for the Consideration of the Family the expediency of a Division with Mr Salmon of the Estates remaining unsold if Miss [B . . . hton . . . ?]
Page 68, April, 1815.
continued to hold back, without making such an offer for the purchase as it might be proper to accept. In the Evening Sketching out Letter to Mr Darlington after again perusing & considering the Abstracts and the Observations of Counsel. This day, and yesterday, very unwell with pain, which gave me considerable alarm; but of which I did not feel disposed to make any mention: being unwilling unnecessarily to disturb those about me.
Sunday 23. At home. Service. Mr Bent dined. Conversation relative to Liverpool Brewery previous to my going down to Eton on Tuesday next & consideration of various matters to which it might be proper for me to advert.
Monday 24. At Trentham Inn. Swearing in balloted Men in the Local Militia. Sr. John Heathcote, Mr Spode & self. Busy day. Called at Kinnerslys & Mr J Sparrow making final arrangements for payment of money & transfer to Mrs Stamford of Trent & Mersey Canal Share. On my return found two Miss Darwins. Mr Waltons Assistant relative to Jacksons Sale & the money remaining to be collected.
Tuesday 25. Set off with Elizabeth & Eliza to Eton at half past five this Morning. Arrived at Knutsford about nine. Breakfasted at Mr Hollands. Proceeded to Eton, & arrived at half past two. Mr F Wakefield Nephew of the late Gilb Wakefield arrived in the evening.
Wednesday 26. At Eton
Thursday 27. At Liverpool. Brewing Concerns. Dined at the Brewery.
Friday 28. At Eton. Mr Rawson, Mr B Rawson, Mr & Mrs R Rawson & Mr Shepherd dined.
Saturday 29. Left Eton after breakfast & cane to Ollerton to dinner. Dined at Mr Potts's & staid all night. Miss M Robinson daughter of Mr B Robinson & Miss Miller & Mr [Stopard?] dined.
Page 69, April, 1815.
Sunday 30 April Left Ollerton about eleven & arrived at Linley Wood about 2. Found 2 Miss Darwins.
Monday 1 May At home. Engaged in a variety of matters. Workmen in the [House?] Grounds, farm &c &c
Tuesday 2. The like. Turned 9 cows into the [House?] field.
Monday 3d At home. Dr Belcombe dined & he came for the purpose of considering further the arrangements relative to the establishment of a Permanent Book Society at Newcastle. Much conversation on this subject, when it was thought most advisable that a Conference shd be had with Mr Wedgwood, Mr Bent & a few others who were likely to interest themselves in the business Previous to a General Meeting being called of the Subscribers to the Reading Society to take the plan into consideration; and which conference I promised to attend.
Thrsday 4. At home. Grounds. Farm & various matters.
Friday 5. At Trentham Inn. Attending a Meeting on the Property Tax. Sr John Chetwode, Mr Spode & Self. Busy day: but returned late to dinner. Miss Darwins left L Wood this morning going to Parkfields
Saturday 6. At Etruria with Elizabeth & Eliza calling upon Mr & Mrs Allen who had arrived there on Thursday last.
Sunday 7. At home. Service.
Monday 8. At home. Saml Jackson relative to their Account. Letter writing kept me in the House greatest part of the morning. Grounds &c &c. A letter received by Eliza from [Ann?] mentioning Mr Sherratts being much indisposed. Determined to go to [ . . . ?] tomorrow to see him.
Tuesday 9. Elizth, Eliza & I went to [ . . . ?]. Mr Sherratt so much better as to have gone to Nantwich. Looked over his farm with the Tenant James Evans & found much good Improvement. Mr S returned to dinner, but from having seen so little of him we determined to stay the night.
Wednesday 10. Returned home to dinner. Dr Belcombe dined, with whom finally arranged the plan of the proposed Newcastle Permanent Book Society. Mr Gilbert with his plans relative to a mode of facilitating the passage of Boats through Harecastle Tunnel which he explained very fully & which appeared to relate to me to be original ingenious & practicable.
Page 70, May, 1815.
The principle is to remove the distinction or resistance arising from the swell of water occasioned by the progress of the Boat, and for the escape of which by the sides of the Boats there is not sufficient width. The rising of a Boat going out to sea illustrates the idea of the resistance.
Thursday 11. At home. Grounds & various matters. Began setting Potatoes for winter Crop & Cabbage.
Friday 12. At home. Mr Allen Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood two Miss Allens Eliz. Wedgwood Mr & Miss Tollet & Miss [Dumerique?] dined. The two latter staid the night.
Saturday 13. Mr Trubshaw, with whom engaged on the Buildings & various arrangements. Mr Scott Drawing Master giving his first lesson to the Girls. Afterwards dined at Etruria. Elizth, Eliza, Mrs Stamford & myself. Returned in the Evening.
Sunday 14. At home. Service
Monday 15. At Newcastle on various matters. [Letter?] to Navign share purchased by Mrs Stamford. Longton Coal Gutter Reference & fixing a day
For further examination of Witnesses &c &c. Dined at Stoneyfields Mr Sneyd. Pool Ward Dr & Mrs Bent & self.
Tuesday 16. At home. Farms & Grounds & various matters.
Wednesday 17. The like. Saml Jackson, Beardmore &c. The Glass purchased at Mr Whalleys Sale arrived.
Thursday 18. At home. Saml Jackson again stating Account &c. Engaged in the Grounds. Felling trees in Linley Lane Meadow
Friday 19. At home. Mr Richardson dined. Mr Audley [Jackson? . . . ?]
Saturday 20. At home. Saml Jackson, Mr Barker & Beardmore in relation to Jacksons business. Miss Wedgwood from Parkfields came to dinner.
Sunday 21. At home. Service
Monday 22. At home. Various Matters. Farm &c. Mr Butt dined.
Tuesday 23. At Newcastle. Attending again examining witnesses &c in Reference relative to Longton Coal Gutter. Returned to dinner.
Page 71, May, 1815.
Wednesday 24. At Newcastle attending Meeting of Book Society, & relative to the plan which had been proposed for forming a Permanent Book Society. Returned to dinner. Dr Belcombe dined.
Thursday 25 Miss Wedgwood left Linley Wood. Engaged with Grounds &c & various matters.
Friday 26. At home. Considering & copying part of a fresh will. In the Grounds altering small pond in the Garden at the Farm &c
Saturday 27. At home. Began a Book called Despotism which I accidentally dipped into this morning speaking of the Jesuits ways.
Under the secret standard of the Jesuit, human nature itself was to be enrolled. He had found Allies in all Stations; all younger Sons, all Men of talents without fortune, all the disaffected and fiery Spirits of the age, were at least respectable in number. "He that goeth about to persuade a Multitude that they are not so well governed as they ought to be shall never want attentive and favourable hearers". P 34
Patriotism is not always an independent virtue, and a good deal of public spirit may be produced by a little private grievance. Ibid 98.
Nations says the Jesuit are to be governed by their own humours. In France an Epigram is fatal; and in England when you want the truth not known, publish it; their Pamphleteers will immediately prove the reverse. There, with pamphlets, I make peace or war; prove Non Entities to be Realities, and Truth be a nonentity. 164.
In the Morning Mr Allen Mrs J Wedgwood & Miss Wedgwood called. In the evening Mr Wilbraham with whom engaged to dinner on Monday next.
Sunday 28. At home. [ . . . . . . ?]
Monday 29. At home. Mr Tomkinson, Sir J Heathcotes Agent, with some particulars relative to the Longton Coal Gutter Reference & with whom much discussion of this subject. Dined at Mr Wilbrahams. Mr Ford & his son, Mr [Hopingstall?] Junr & Mr Wetenhall. On my return home found Mrs & Miss Crompton & Miss Crompton & Henry.
Tuesday 30. At Trentham Inn early. Swearing Assessors to [Assess . . . ?] Taxes Assessments. Did the business myself. Sr John Heathcote who had engaged to meet me being prevented from attending. Got early Potatoes out of the common Ground.
Page 72, May, 1815.
Wednesday 31. At Stone attending Meeting of Select Committee. Mr Sparrow, Mr Simpson Mr [Knot? Knox?]& myself. Much Business & fully engaged all day.
June. Thursday 1. At Stone all Morning & till near 3 o'Clock, again busily engaged. Obtained an order for the Company Boat to convey Miss Swinnerton of Butterton to [Bramston?] on her way to London. Returned later to dinner. Found John Blunt with whom much pleased. In the course of today I met with Mr Pearson the Counsel at Stone who expressed in the strongest terms his approbation of the manner in which Stamford had gone through the business of the Sessions. Mr Sparrow of Bishton had previously done the same.
Friday 2. At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Cutting trees in the Approach &c.
Saturday 3. At home. [Mrs?] Partington on their affairs. Putting up in the Binns the pipe of Port had last year from Jones & Wilkinson. Engaged in various matters with the Workmen. Wet day.
Sunday 4. At home. Service
Monday 5. At home.
"Foreigners who read some of the party publications which swarm from the English press and particularly Cobbet, conceive, certainly, very erroneous opinions of the real state of things. I believed in America, with many others, and I know that several persons at the head of the American Government believe now, that England is on the eve of a Revolution, which, it is supposed, will free them from her maritime pretensions, and if it is possible to be thus deceived in a country so similar to England, what must it be in France , where no adequate idea can be formed of party exaggerations? Far from taking their party writers literally, I find the greatest part of the English Public look upon them only as professed wrestlers whose display of strength and abilities interests and amuses them, but whose object, besides the gratification of some malice and vanity is merely Money." Journal of a Tour &c in Great Britain by a French Traveller in 1809.
Page 73, June, 1815.
Tuesday 6. At home. Unwell with a gouty attack. Mr & Mrs Potts of Ollerton & Miss Robinson, Mrs Jos Wedgwood Miss F Allen & Jos Wedgwood dined.
Wednesday 7. At home. Engaged with Mr Potts. But very unwell.
Thursday 8. So unwell with my indisposition which had turned to a severe & painful attack of Gout as to be unable to get up. Mr & Mrs Potts & Miss R left Linley Wood. Mrs Stamford & Emma went to Coole
Friday 9. In bed the greatest part of the day with great pain the Gout having settled in my foot. Reading various parts of Lord [Breens?] Works. This is a Book from which I have always felt great relief when in pain from its power of exciting thought and reflection & thereby diverting & [ . . . ing?] bodily suffering.
Saturday 10. The like. Rather better. Dr Belcome & Mr Bent dined. Considering Rules & Regulations of the proposed Permanent Book Society.
Sunday 11. The like. Gradually but slowly mending.
Monday 12. The like. Gradually better. On last observing the progress of the gout in this attack I felt convinced that the most prudent way is to leave Nature to her course, favouring her efforts, rather than by any violent means hastening or checking them. This to be sure requires the endurance of pain; but it is plucking safety out of the nettle.
Tuesday 13. Gradually but slowly better. The Girls Eliza & Ann at Trentham at Mr Butts
Wednesday 14. The like. Mr & Mrs & two Miss Woods Emma & Mary came to Linley Wood. Came down stairs for the first time but not without much difficulty.
Thursday 15. The like. Engaged with the Woods, but still confined to the House.
Friday 16. The like. Mr [B&ldots;ttel?] with the three young Men from Burslem dined.
Saturday 17. The like.
Sunday 18. The like. Service. Went out of doors for a very short time. In the evening Mr & Mrs Wood & the young women left us.
Monday 19. Again went out though unable to walk without much difficulty. Engaged making extracts from [B . . . ?] &c with a view to a printed notice to be given by the Audley Association of the forfeiture incurred by various
Page 74, June, 1815.
offences such as tippling, fishing &c &c, & which I thought might be useful in checking these practices which had of late become pregnant in the neighbourhood. Miss Sherratt of Newcastle came to Linley Wood.
Tuesday 20
Hill infirm & unable to go out much. Penlingtons affairs in consequence of Letter from Mr Sherratt
Wednesday 21. The like. Turned 3 Carp & 3 Tench had from Bostock House into the small [st . . . ?] in the Farm Garden.
Thursday 22. Mr & Mrs Rob. Sherratt & their Son Joseph dined: & returned in the Evening taking Miss Sherratt with them.
Friday 23. Rode on Horseback in the Grounds for the first time. Mr. Jos Wedgwood. Jos. & Charlotte dined. Engaged again in Penlingtons Affairs. Letter to Mrs [&ldots;?] &c
Saturday 24. At home. Dr Belcombe also dined & with whom considering & [&ldots;ting?] Rules & Regulations for the intended Permanent Book Society
Sunday 25. At home. Service. Still infirm.
Monday 26. At home in the Morning. Dined at Lawton Hall. Mr Tollett Mr Wettenhall & self.
Tuesday 27. At home. Looking over various Navign Papers previous to going to Wolseley Bridge tomorrow to attend meeting of the Select Committee
Wednesday 28. At Wolseley Bridge attending meeting of the Select Committee.
Thursday 29. The like. From thence to Fradley Junction in the Cos. new Boat surveying this part of the Canal &c. Mr Sparrow, Lister, Simpson, Webb, Robinson & Self. It being proposed to give a name to the Boat I suggested that of Waterloo in Compliment to Lord Wellington & think was immediately & unanimously adopted. Returned to Wolseley Bridge & from thence to Stone where I slept.
Friday 30. At home. Busy in the Hay. But still unwell.
July. Saturday 1. At home. The like. In the Morning Stamford arrived and in the Evening Mrs & Miss Cromptons of Eton
Page 75, July, 1815.
Sunday 2 At home. Service. Henry Crompton
Monday 3. Home. Hay Harvest in which busily engaged but still infirm. In the morning the Cromptons left us.
Tuesday 4. At home. Letter writing &c &c. Busy in the Hay. In the Evening called at Mr Wilbrahams & at Mr Wittenhalls.
Wednesday 5. Carrying Hay. Miss Tollet & Miss [Damaresque?] came to dinner.
Thursday 6. The like. Mr Wickstead came to dinner.
Friday 7. At home. Mr Wilbraham Mr Wittenhall & Mr Wickstead dined. Busy in the Hay.
Saturday 8. At home. Still lame. Busy in the hay. In the morning Miss Tollet & Miss [Damareque?] & Mr Wickstead left Linley Wood.
Sunday 9. At home. Service. Dr Crompton & Albert arrived at dinner. The former for my opinion & advice in consequence of injury done to the Brewery Warehouse let to Greaves Yates & Co by overweighting the same. Considering the Case & advising the Doctor upon it. In the Afternoon Mr Wood & Mr John Wood of Brownhills
Monday 10. At home. Busy in the hay.
Tuesday 11. The like.
Wednesday 12. At Trentham calling upon Lord Stafford who I saw & also Lady Stafford & long & pleasant conversation with them. Finished carrying hay out of the Meadow.
Thursday 13. At home. Heavy shower of Rain.
Friday 14. At Stafford attending the Assizes. Summoned on the Grand & two special Juries but so numerous an attendance that I did not serve on the former. Consulted by and Much engaged with Mr Lister in relation to an application made to him to offer himself for the Borough of Newcastle in the room of Lord Gower who had accepted the Chilton Hundreds in consequence of Lord GL Gower being called up to the House of Peers. Also engaged with Sir John Chetwode on the same business & to whom a similar application had been made from Newcastle as that to Mr Lister. Declined by both.
Page 76, July, 1815.
Saturday 15 At Stafford. Much Conversation with Lord Gower & afterwards accompanied him to the Clerk of the Peace Office to fix the day of nomination for the County & which was postponed to Monday the 24 in order that due notice may be given in the County Paper. Invited by him to stop & dine at Trentham on my return from Stafford, but declined this: promising to take another opportunity of doing it. The Special Jury Causes on which I had been summoned being compromised left Stafford about 2 o'Clock & came with Mr [Tho?] Sparrow to Newcastle & who dined with me at the Roebuck. Introduced to Reginald [Heb&ldots;?]who accompanied Mr Wilmot the Candidate but did not see the latter owing to his being so unwell as to have gone to bed.
Sunday 16. At home. Service. In the evening Mrs Jos Wedgwood Charlotte & [Jos?] Wedgwood Junr on their way to Liverpool.
Monday 17. At home. Various matters
Tuesday 18. At home. Mr Josiah Potts on his return home and with whom engaged.
Wednesday 19. At Burslem. Returned & dined.
Thursday 20. At Macclesfield with Mr Bent with Plans of intended new Brewery, looking over the Ground &c with Kirk the Engineer & Stringer the Bricklayer. Also engaged with the Books.
Friday 21. At Goyt Quarry inspecting & examining the Stone with a view to its being used for the Tuns & Coolers instead of Wood.
Goyt Quarry belongs to Mess Pickfords who have here an Estate of the extent of 5000 Acres.
It is situation on the extreme verge of the County of Chester adjoining to Derbyshire, about 9 miles from Macclesfield and 4 from Buxton. It is approached by a new Road of about a Mile in length, branching from the great Road, and which [running?] round the Hills & with
Page 77, July, 1815.
a precipice on one side of considerable depth, in some places 45 feet, & without any fence whatever, presents rather a formidable appearance to the eye.
The mine of Stone is about 5 yards in thickness , the perpendicular height of the facing about 18 yards and the whole length now gettable about 185 yards: but the Stone is supposed to be almost inexhaustible.
The Stone appears to be a kind of silecious grit Stone, very hard and capable of a fine Polish; perhaps the only equal to Marble.
The blocks are got of great size; we saw one 12 feet by 8 & about 3 ½ or 4 inches thick. (Note in margin: A Stone was pointed out to us as gettable that cd be 26 feet in length.) The Stone is used for flags, Tombstones Staircases &c. The chief demand is to London, but a great obstruction to its use is the expence of Carriage; its nearest point of Communication with any water Conveyance being that with the Leek Canal which at the nearest point is a distance of not less than about 13 Miles.
The price of the polished Stone in the Quarry ¼ delivered in London is about 2/4 per foot: of common flag Stones 9d in London. But the account of prices was so vague, that I have desired to be furnished with more accurate information.
The Stone is polished by a floor being laid of it, which is ground by other stones worked over the surface by a water wheel resembling the action of grinding flint. In the polishing common sand is applied. The polishing takes up a week, working day & night except the polishers which being constantly moving take up only about half the time. The Wheel is a Cast metal wheel 36 feet in diameter & 3 feet on the Sole.
Above 65 or 70 persons are here constantly employed. Returned to Macclesfield to dinner much gratified with our Excursion, & Afterwards saw Mr Poulson Messrs Pickfords head Clerk who happened to be at Macclesfield & who promised to furnish an estimate of the expense of the Stone for the purpose intended.
Saturday 22. Engaged all Morning on the ground with Kirk & Stringer & the Plans. & returned to Linley Wood to dinner.
Sunday 23. At home. Service.
Monday 24. At home. Various matters. Mr Twemlow of Alsager, with whom conversation as to exchange of Lands with Mr Jenks, & to which he thought there could be no objection, as it would be beneficial to both Estates.
Page 78, July, 1815.
Tuesday 25 At home. Writing letter to Mr Jenks proposing exchange of Lands, with a sketch of the same. Farm &c. For the first time since my attack of Gout put on a common Shoe.
Wednesday 26. At the treble Locks speaking to Mr Faram & looking at a small Brook [wished?] to be taken by Mr Wilbraham. From thence to Rode Hall with Faram on this business, when it was settled that Mr Faram should make a report to me on the subject in order that I might lay the same before the Select Committee. Mr Faram informed me that when the treble locks at Middlewich were finished he calculated that there would be a saving of 400 locks of water per week. The general weekly consumption on the canal is 1000 locks per week ['which is to be understood' is placed between 2 lines here] 1000 from the Summit north & 1000 from the Summit south: The saving will therefore be 4/10.
From Rode Hall, home by the Alsager Farms
Thursday 27. At Stafford attending nomination for the County when Lord Gower nominated by Mr Chetwynd & seconded by Mr Tenant. Returned to Newcastle & dined at Mr Thos Sparrows who had accompanied me to Stafford with Mr Chetwynd.
Friday 28. At home. Various matters.
Saturday 29. At home.
Sunday 30. At home. Service. Edward Wood dined.
Monday 31. At Stafford early attending Election of Lord Gower which took place between ten & eleven. Signed the Return & afterwards dined at the Swan, where there was a numerous party of Lord G friends.
Tuesday 1 August. Dined at Rode Hall. Elizth Self Eliza & Emma. Dr & Mrs Jackson but did not see the former owing to his being unwell. 2 Miss [ . . . ?] Wettenhall & G Kinnersly
Wednesday 2. At home. Engaged on the grounds & various matters.
Page 79, August, 1815.
Thursday 3. At home. Unwell, with some return of Gout.
Friday 4. At home. Letter writing. William Penlington on their affairs. Delivered to him Conveyance for part of old Linley Lane to be shown to Mr Darlington. Ann & Betsy arrived to dinner from Nantwich.
Saturday 5. At home. Stamford arrived at home. Dr Holland also came.
Sunday 6. At home. Service but unwell with Symptoms of returning Gout.
Monday 7. At home. Unwell. Consulted Dr Holland who considered the swelling & inflammation on my leg as gouty. Sparrow of Bishton, relative to the Agreement for Cockshead Mine & Engine water & with whom long Conversation & afterwards considering this subject. Looking over the papers previous to writing to Mr Sparrow. Dr Holland left us about noon.
Tuesday 8. At home. The inflammation & swelling on my leg so great as to confine me to the Sopha & prevent my attendance at Newcastle Races. Wrote a note by Stamford to Sr John Chetwode excusing my attendance. Elizth & the three Girls with Betsy at the Ball. Read in the Evening when alone King Lear: of the beauties of which I think I never before so sensibly felt. Wonderful, indeed, is the Degree in which the Mind whatever be its mood, may find in Shakespeare thoughts and expressions expressly fitted to pipe the tune of it.
Wednesday 9. Still confined. In bed the greatest part of the day.
Thursday 10. The like with violent pain in my side & back.
Friday 11. The like. Pain abated. Mr Robinson of Stone dined.
Saurday 12. The like
Sunday 13. Went in the Carriage to Stoneyfields with Eliza where we drank tea. Mr Wood dined.
Monday 14. At home. Various matters previous to going to Brockton Lodge & Bishton. Mr Sherratt of Nantwich came from Buxton.
Tuesday 15. At Brockton Lodge with Mr Thos Sparrow where we dined & slept
Wednesday 16. At Bishton, where we dined & slept
Thursday 17. Returned home to dinner after a very pleasant & satisfactory excursion having met with the greatest
Page 80, August, 1815.
Kindness & hospitality both at Brockton & Bishton.
Friday 18. Mr Sherratt & my visitors left us. Mr Trubshaw
Saturday 19. At home. Mr Tomkinson with the Draught of Deeds to be executed by Mr Thomas Wedgwood of Burslem, but which he refused doing unless approved by me. Perusing & considering the Deed & writing to Mr Wedgwood with my approval.
Sunday 20. At home. Service
Monday 21. At home. Mr Chetwynd & Mr Wettenhall dined. The former staid all night. Mr Tho Sparrow who was to have been one of the party, prevented coming.
Tuesday 22. Mr Chetwynd & Stamford left us, setting off to attend the Assizes at Chester.
Wednesday 23. At home. Dr Holland, Mrs Holland of Knutsford and two Miss Hollands (Elizth & Lucy) came to Linley Wood & with whom engaged.
Thursday 24. Engaged with Dr Holland. Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood & Charlotte dined.
Friday 25. Engaged with the Hollands. The first board laid in the Drawing Room floor and into which I drove one of the first nails on the left hand side
entering the Room.
Saturday 26. Engaged with the Hollands. Dr & Mrs & Miss Holland Eliza & Emma dined at Etruria