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 1821-1825 (191 pages).  For transcriptions of other diaries and notes please click here (Index of notes and diaries of James Caldwell).

Page 1 1821 Continued

Monday July 27 At home.

Saturday 28. At Etruria speaking to Mr. Jos. Wedgwood relative to the reference to him of the intervention dispute between Mrs. Stamford & Mr. Wood which he undertook & also relatives to the  money remaining there from the late Mr. Bann & Mr. Youall with a view to his ascertaining in what proportions the former payments had been made & which I had promised Mr. Sherratt to request him to look into.

Sunday 29. Met Sir John Heathcote at Newcastle, & proceeded with him from thence to Shrewsbury, & arrived at the Lion Inn to dinner.  Met there Dr. Bent of Macclesfield who attended as one of the Executors of the late Mr. Bent.

Monday 30. Engaged on the Concerns of the Brewery which we found in such a state as to consider it necessary that the Executors should consult with Mr. Bent's Family & that a meeting of all Parties interested should then be held for the purpose of determining upon the measures to be adopted, it being very . . . that is could no longer be considered as at present with any continual prospect of . . .. Returned that night to Ternhill where we slept D. Bent accompanying us.

Tuesday 31. Left Ternhill after Breakfast & got home to dinner. In the evening Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood of Betley came. Arthur Marsh who we had expected by the Mail did not arrive.

August Wednesday 1. Engaged on Alsager Title in consequence of the intended Inclosure of the Commons. Afterwards went to Cliffe Ville, Miller to consult Mr. Tomlinson as to the Rights of Common etc. In the evening Arthur Marsh arrived.

Thursday 2. Set off early to attend Meeting of the Select Committee at Wolseley Bridge. Taking Mr. & Mrs. Thos. Sparrow from Newcastle & Mr. Vaughan from Stone. Attended meeting & returned home at night. Found Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood gone.

Friday 3. Arthur back and our dear Anne left Linley Wood on their return to London & this closed a Family Meeting from which every Member of it had long promised themselves the highest pleasure. But,alas this is a world of tremble & disappointments!

Attended Meeting at Alsager Lodge relative to the Enclosure of the Common & believed in a Clause in waiting in the usual form. Lord C. . . & Mr. Wilbraham there.  With much pleasure and communication. The Scarlet Fever had appeared Emma caught it from a poor child - I took it from her though I flew with my children & fell ill 3 weeks afterwards at Miss Wedgwoods, the children were sent to their Aunt Maud & escaped after nursing.

Saturday 4. At Cliffe Ville again consulting  Mr. Tomlinson on Alsager business. Most tender nursing my mother brought me to Linley Wood from where Arthur fetched me.

Sunday 5.At home. Service prevented by the arrival of William & Rowland Bent to consult Marsh Caldwell on Brewery Concerns  & previous to a Meeting appointed to be held on Friday next at Stoneyfields of the Executors & other Parties. In the evening very unwell.

Monday 6. So unwell, as to be in bed all the forenoon & prevented dining at the Rev. W Mainwarings of Wolstanton, which I had been some time engaged to do, but Stamford went.

Tuesday 7. At home, so unwell as to be unable to attend the . . .  at Newcastle. Capt. Wedgwood Eliza & I also dined. Engaged making my Will & Testament & on Navigation Papers.

Page 2. 1821 August

Wednesday 8. At home. Still very unwell & in a state of great anxiety relative to the unfortunate state of the Brewery Concerns.

Thursday 9. The same. Mr. Gidman dined.

Friday 10. At Newcastle meeting Sir John Heathcote at the Roebuck & from thence to Stoneyfields meeting the three Executors of the late Mr. Bent, when after much discussion it was thought advisable that the Shrewsbury Concern should if possible be carried on under a different direction, but Mr. John Bent was requested to go to Shrewsbury to examine minutes into the actual state of of the Concerns, & to report thereon to Sir John Heathcote & myself.  This he promised to do next week. Returned to dinner not unreasonably frightened & ill.

Saturday 11. At home in the Morning ill. In the evening went with Eliza to Newcastle & executed a fresh will. Witnesses three of Miss Kinnersley's Clerks.

Sunday 12. At home & miserably ill. Service omitted but . . . in the Evening.

Monday 13. At home. Miserably ill and in bed the greatest part of the morning. Three Miss Hollands of Knutsford arrived in the Evening.

Tuesday 14. The same. Mr. Bent came from Macclesfield with whom much conversation on the Brewing Concerns & he went on to Newcastle to speak to his Brothers.

Wednesday 15. In the morning John William & Rowland Bent came. Still miserably ill Miss Hollands left  Linley Wood & went to Mare Hall in the Carriage

Thursday 16.At home. In the morning Mrs. Stamford & Emma set off into Wales. Still being ill.

Friday 17.At home. The same.

Saturday 18. Entrusted myself so far as to go to Newcastle & had a long conversation with Mr. Hand at the Brewery, when it seemed too evident that little hope remained of any arrangement by matter with a view to carrying on the Concern. On my return called upon Sir John Heathcote, who was at Talk, with whom much conversation relative to the Shrewsbury Concern but no better prospect presented itself in this case than the other.

Sunday 19. In the course of last night my Sufferings were all but insupportable & I abandoned all idea of being able to meet the Gentlemen of the Select Committee in the evening at Stone pursuant to the engagement for being tomorrow the situation of the proposed . . .

Page 3. 1821 August

Knipersley etc. but feeling some little better in the middle of the day, decided  at all accounts to go & which I accordingly did taking her. I had Mr. Sparrow with me from Newcastle

Monday 20. Set off from Stone a little after seven, having had some sleep. Went in the Boat at Etruria & from thence in Chassis to Knipersley. Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Webb, Sparrow, Potter, Vaughan, Mr. Lister not attending, & myself . . . the place & returned by Boat to Stoke, from whence Mr. Sparrow & I came by the Chassis, & I arrived at home in the Evening.  We had at first intended going to Caldon Lowe & . . . Lake, but on consideration this was abandoned, there not appearing to be any adequate object in view, & much  fatigued.

Tuesday 21. Got some sleep but much disturbed & so being very unwell. Engaged on the Navigation Papers all morning & writing to Mr. Chetwynd with further minutes for his perusal. Writing other Letters but miserable ill and fatigued in mind and body.

Wednesday 22. At home still ill.

Thursday 23. The same.

Friday 24. The same.  In the afternoon Mr. Tomlinson amongst other things Mr. . . . agreed with me that Mrs. Penlington as the acting Executor now the wife of his with me.  I . . . was the proper Party & given the Receipt for the Navigation Dividends & to transfer the Shares. In the morning we were sent to put off Mr. & Mrs. Swinton Holland 's visit to Linley Wood in consequence of my being so unwell, but being better this evening we determined to send again a request that they would come.

Saturday 25. Better, but still far from well. In the evening Mr. & Mrs. Swinton Holland with them  . . . Evans &Charlotte arrived at Linley Wood.

Sunday 26. In the  night heavy rain & a great change in the atmosphere from yesterday. Went cold. Mr. Wedgwood of  Mare Hall & Jos. dined & staid all night.

Monday 27. Ill.  Mr. Sherratt & Ann & Betsy came from Nantwich which prevented the Hollands going to Knutsford this morning as they had intended doing.

Tuesday 28. Early in the morning the Hollands went. Mr. Sherratt, Ann & Betsy went after dinner. Stamford who had arrived from Branston on Monday set off to Shrewsbury. Again unwell.

Wednesday 29. Worse. At home.  

Thursday 30. Mr. Vaughan with the Notice to Parliament & which he set off to Chester in order to get the same inscribed in the . . . Chronicle. Though very unfit for it yet forced myself to go to Betley to make an . . . before Mr. Tollet to rectify on ones take with the purchase of Stock making & Mrs. Stamford in the name of Emma . . . , Margaret, Emma Caldwell.  Eliza went with me, & we returned to dinner.

Page 4. 1821 August

Friday 31. At home ill. Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End relative to Turnpikes Gates intended to be set up on the Newcastle & Audley Road & payment of fourth part of the clearing due on his Mortgage & Bond.

September 1.

Saturday At home ill.

Sunday 2. At home. Part service being too unwell to go through the whole. Wm. Penlington relative to the payment of such of his late fathers old Debts as remained and unchanged & which he approved of being immediately paid off.

Monday 3. Still very unwell. Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Potter in consequence of my having discussed in error & had been committed in surfeit to the names of the Townships mentioned in the Notice which had been . . . in the Papers relative to the intended Navigation Bill. Also Mr. Johnson of the Hollins from whom are obtained the necessary information as to the tunnel, but Mr. Potter went to . . . to see Mr. . . .  & obtain from him the requisite appointment as to the Dane Tender.  Engaged all day on this his himself.   

Tuesday 4. Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Potter again closely engaged all morning finally settling the amended notice which required great care & attention & which Mr. Vaughan then set out with to Liverpool in order to a . . . & Mr. Chetwynd's, & afterwards assisted got . . . in the Chester Chronicle & Staffordshire Advertiser. Extremely unwell all day, being made much worse by the . . .which the above business had occasioned me.

Wednesday 5. In the forenoon ill.  . . .& Miss Sheridan called, when he informed me that he had returned & had settled on half pay & had taken the Horse at Wheelock.  Eliza was out having set off to Newcastle & spoke to Mr. Jinks about the Dining Room Chimney. In the evening Mr. Vaughan again with the Notice which he had shown to Mr. Chetwynd & which was fully apparent by him in case the facts were correct. Appointed Mr. Vaughan to make further enquiries & to come again to Linley Wood on Saturday morning next.

Thursday 6. Still very unwell but engaged much on Navigation Papers etc. Stamford arrived to dinner from Stafford Assizes .

Friday 7. Heavy rain in the night. I was unable to attend Land Tax Meeting at Trentham Inn.

Saturday 8. Mr. Vaughan again, when we finally fixed to take the Notice down to Crosby in order to settle the same Mr. Chetwynd &  to set off tomorrow morning. In the evening prevailed on Eliza to accompany me.

Page 5. 1821 September

Sunday September 9. Mr. Vaughan came to lunch first.  He & I with Eliza afterwards set off in the Carriage, but on getting within a short distance of  Holmes Chapel the Iron tree of the Carriage gave way, & we were overturned.  Fortunately however we all escaped unhurt. The horses which were from Talk on the Hill, being quiet & still. I lay myself upon one of the side sashes which was up, & which broke near me, but without doing more . . . them a very slight cut about the hip. We got another . . . & . . . from Brereton Green with which we provided  . . . coming near to Crosby one of the springs broke & we had to walk about 2 miles.  Arrived about 5 o'clock.

Monday 10. At Crosby engaged with Mr. Chetwynd on the Notice which we finally settled & Mr. Vaughan took to Chester in order to get a Proof Sheet & which it was to send to us by a messenger to correct.

Tuesday 11. Received the Proofs but which we corrected & returned to the Printer for insertion in the Chester Chronicle.

Wednesday 12. After breakfast set off on our return home & where we arrived to dinner about 5 o'clock.  Wrote afterwards to Mr. Vaughan. Though still very unwell I thought myself upon the whole . . . of the sea air while at Crosby is very fine & regretted that I could  not stay a few days longer.

Thursday 13. Wm. Penlington on other affairs being unwell.

Friday 14. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Wrote letters to Mr. Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan, & corrected & confined the intended report of the Committee to the General Assembly.

Saturday 15. At home.

Sunday 16. At home. Service. Eliza & Mr. Pascoe came to dinner.

Monday 17. At home. Much engaged on Navigation Papers.

Tuesday 18. At home in the morning. The same particularly on the Dist. of the intended Report to the General Assembly. The weather which had been very unfavourable and injurious to the Harvest for some time past rather changed for the better.

Wednesday 19. In the morning at home.  Fine drying day with wind Eliza, Emma, Stamford and I dined at Clough Hall with a large party.

Thursday 20. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to meeting Mr. Webb at Stone tomorrow. The weather has changed again to heavy Rain & so bad as to destroy all hope of ever to harvest. Eliza, Emma W Rosann Stamford & I dined at Lawton Hall.  Met Mr. & Mrs. Willoughby . . ., Mr. & Mrs. . . etc.

Page 6. 1821 September

Friday 21. Went to Stone early taking E. Roscoe to Parkfields. Met Mr. Webb at the Office with whom went through the various Accounts, Cash Book etc. & returned in the evening.

Saturday 22. At home.

Sunday 23. At home. Service. Stamford went to Chester. In the evening Mr. Roscoe & Eliza returned from Parkfields.

Monday 24. At Stone attending Meeting of the General Committee. Closely engaged all day.

Tuesday 25. At Stone attending General Assembly held this day. Returned at night after I had days of hard Service.

Wednesday 26. At home. Navigation Papers & matters.

Thursday 27. At home. Mr. Roscoe set off to Liverpool. 

Friday 28. Began to carry Wheat. Miss Norton called at Linley Wood. Eliza & I called at Trentham. Jane Loss & Lady Stafford. Very pleasant reception. Mr. & Mrs. . . . of Keele were there on a call. The weather kept pleasantly good so that on our return I found that they had been carrying wheat all the morning, but in the evening it changed to much rain. I met Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood of Betley at Linley Wood. Mr. Roscoe also came in the evening.

Saturday 29. At home. Engaged with Mr. Wedgwoodetc.

Sunday 30. At home. Stamford returned from Chester.

October

Monday 1. At Newcastle with letter received from Mr. Chetwynd & settling with Mr. Thos. Sparrow the Notices to be given in the Appeal between the Navigation & the Parish of . . ..  Finished carrying wheat & oats.

Tuesday 2. At home. Unwell & prevented attending the Mayor of Newcastle on the choosing of the new Mayor etc.

Wednesday 3. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers.

Thursday 4. At home. The same.

Friday 5. At home. The same & writing to Mr. Chetwynd in consequence of his having sent me Mr. Vaughan's opinion. Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End paying further part of money due on his Bond & Mortgage.

Saturday 6. At home. Engaged on case for Briefs in the Navigation & . . . Appeal.

Sunday 7. In the morning Service. Afterwards at Newcastle attending the Mayor to Church & dined with him. Heard the enchantingly intelligence of the death of Mr. Rennie.

Page 7. 1821 October

Monday 8. At Newcastle meeting Mr. Chetwynd for . . . & preparing Briefs in the . . . Appeal & also settling about observations to be sent to . . .   with the case for his in consideration. Engaged several hours. Dined with Mr. Chetwynd at the Northwich.  Happening that the leading Counsel Meeting at Derby were returned for the . . . , we thought it highly proper that some complaint & . . .  heard & Mr. Vaughan obtained to attend for the company layout to work on Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone tomorrow to attend upon the same.

Tuesday 9. At Stone attending meeting but Mr. Lister was not there, the letter to him not having been sent in time, have of opinion that Counsel . . . & previously bought. Returned home at night. Been of opinion that no further findings in the intended Bill & he suffered another year in consequence of the death of Mr. Rennie. On my arrival found a card from the family in Stamford communicates to me the death of Mr. Rennie.

Wednesday 10. At home. Engaged on various matters.

Thursday 11. At home. Mr. & Mrs. Goldsmith, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, Jos. W. junior, Dr & Mrs. Belcombe & Mr. Kinnersly dined.  The Wedgwood staid all night.  In the morning Mr. A. Wilson called.

Friday 12. In the forenoon at home. The two Mr. Wedgwoods went early leaving Mrs. W.  Dined at the Red Bull it being the opening of the Lawton Hunt.  At night Mr Vaughan came to me relative to the Trial of the Appeal at the approaching Derby Sessions & with . . . mention from Mr. Chetwynd. Detained long at the Red Bull till 12 o'clock on this business, writing observations & with my final instructions upon the case . . . promised this being left to my decision.

Saturday 13. At home. Wm. Penlington dined.

Sunday 14. At home. William & Roland Bent on Brewing Concerns. Afterwards Service. Stamford went to dine & stayed all night at Lord Staffords. .

Monday 15. At home. Sent the Carriage to Stoneyfields for two Miss Bents of Derby who came to dinner. Two Miss Acklands, Jos. . . . & Harry Wedgwood dined.

Tuesday 16. Miss Acklands & the Wedgwoods met after breakfast. Engaged on sundry Papers. Went afterwards to Alsager. Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Lawton called.

Wednesday 17. At home. Sent the Carriage to Stoneyfields for Mrs. Bent who with her two eldest Daughters came to dinner. Engaged in the morning on various Papers, Letters etc. Finished turning wheel in Birchen Field next to the Turnpike Road.

Page 8 1821 October

Thursday 18. At home. Mrs. & Miss Bent returned to Stoneyfields taking with them Miss Maria Bent of Derby.

Friday 19. At home. Engaged on various matters.

Saturday 20. At home. Mr. . . . Wilson dined & staid all night.

Sunday 21. At home. Mr. Wilson observed the Smoke from the Steam Engine & made a minute of its offensiveness. He went after breakfast. Service.  Stamford returned from Knutsford Sessions but not in time to see Mr. Wilson. Delivered to Mr. Wilson the account with Jane Ross, the Transfer of the Stock & sent him the balance of the account remaining due to her in order that he might finally settle this herself.

Monday 22. At home. Attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Returned at night.

Tuesday 23. Severe attack of Cold & Fever.

Wednesday 24. Confined to my Room.

Thursday 25. The same with great inflammation of the Chest.

Friday 26. The same.

Saturday 27. The same.

Sunday 28. The same.

Monday 29. The same.

Tuesday 30. The same.

Wednesday 31. In the morning went downstairs for the first time.

November

Thursday 1. Went down to dinner. Stamford & Emma returned from Mare Hall.

Friday 2. Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End consulting relative to the Title to Coats in the Lodge Estate.  Better but still suffering from the Chest.  Received  Scarfs, Hatband Elizabeth Mrs. Stamford Gloves on occasion of the death & funeral of Lady Fletcher.

Saturday 3. At home.

Sunday 4. At Talk Chapel in the afternoon Mr. Carter preached. Service at home omitted not being well enough to go through with it. Mr. Chas. Lawton relative to the Account with Anson & Porter whom the sum of £300 appeared to have been paid to them.

Monday 5. At home. William Bent & John Blunt have . . . on their way to Macclesfield. Engaged on union papers.

Tuesday 6. At home. Rode into the grounds.  Setting out draining in the Land next to the Garden at the Farm. Johnson's Deeds. In the morning Mr. Wedgwood of  Bignall End with Deeds relative to the Coals in the Lodge, so returned driving his Hanson.

Wednesday 7. At home. Men began the draining. Samuel Beardsmore etc.

Thursday 8. Eliza & I went to Nantwich to dinner.

Page 9. 1821 November

Friday 9. At Dysant Buildings. Saw Mr. Wase relative to the Mansfield of the Navigation Shares late Penlingtons & appointed to . . . . . . tomorrow. Dined at Mr. Skerratts.  Mr. Wm. Garnett & Miss Hammond.

Saturday 10. Miss French not coming to Nantwich. Determined to stay in tomorrow & go to Bates Green which I did in the evening & finally agreed to have the Draft of the Transfer with Mr. Skerratt in order that it might be inspected by such person as Miss Wrench should appoint & which she promised should be done some day in the next week.

Sunday 11. Returned home to dinner. At the Inn at Sandbach met with Col. & Mrs. . .  and stopped half an hour with them.

Monday 12. At home. Engaged with the draining etc.

Tuesday 13. At home. Began laying Limestone on the Road from the House to the Farm. First picking up& breaking the stone under. Miss Wettenhall dined on account of the death of late Lady Fletcher.

Wednesday 14. At Betley Court calling upon Mr. & Mrs. Twemlow & Miss Fletcher, Eliza Mrs. Stamford & I. Afterwards called at Betley Hall & saw Mrs. Tollet. Returned to dinner.

Thursday 15. Eliza Mrs. Stamford & Emma went to Newcastle. Called myself at Rode Hall but Mr. Wilbraham was out. Arranged Navigation Papers preparatory to the meeting on Monday.

Friday 16. Rode on horseback to Newcastle. At the Brewery, Hemmings etc. Mrs. Stamford & Eliza & I off to Nantwich.

Saturday 17. At home.  Eliza called upon Mrs. . . . at Sandbach.  Received letter from Mr. Vaughan informing me that the Executors of the Select Committee appointed for tomorrow was wished by Mr. Chetwynd & Mr Lister so he postponed.

Sunday 18. At home. Service.

Monday 19. At home. Wm. Penlington on his concerns & particularly as to the sale to Mr. Morris of . . . Land.

Tuesday 20. At home.

Wednesday 21. At home. Farm etc.

Thursday 22. At home. Closely engaged all morning on Accounts.

Friday 23. At home.

Saturday 24. At home.

Sunday 25.  At home. Service.

Page 10. 1821 November

Monday 26. At Stoneyfield meeting Mr. Walthall, John William& Roland Bent on the Brewing Concerns, which now appears a most unfortunate & serious appearance. The loss upon each being very great & such upon the whole as very materially to affect my private circumstances & comfort in life. Mr. Walthall wrote to Sir John Heathcote preparatory to communication with him relative to Shrewsbury Concern. This like the others seeming the most improbable appearance. Eliza who had accompanied me & I dined at Stoneyfields & returned at night.

Tuesday 27. Though very unfit for it, attended Meeting of Commissioners for Measure of  Alsager Heath. Col. Peyon, Mr. Wilbraham etc. was there. The former informed me that the Lands which I had purchased  from Mr. Peats formerly part of Lord . . . Estate & under the same stipulation of  with respect to the Common & Mines as the others. Of this I had no knowledge or notice whatever as the time I purchased, I told him that I did not think it valid, as particularly  acquired a purchase as for a valuable consideration. Promise Mr. Wilbraham to dine at Rode Hall on Friday, which he wished me to do & . . . Mrs. Reade.

Wednesday 28. At home.

Thursday 29. At home. Mr. Walthall & Wm. Bent with whom engaged again on the miserable Concerns of the Breweries. They dined & staid all night.

Friday 30. In the morning engaged again with Mr. Walthall & Wm. Bent but who left Linley Wood in the forenoon. Afterwards Mr. . . . inspecting Plan of Alsager Estate taking the quantities of the Land with a view to ascertaining the proportion of Common to be allotted  in respect of it & the Mines of The Manor and draining Common myself. Mr. . . . assured me that no other use should be made of the particulars or copy of the Plan which he had taken. Dined at Rode Hall met Sir Thos. Reade, Mr. & Mrs. Swettenham, Rev & Mrs. Gregory a Mr. Tillend a Nantwich Gentleman, Mrs. . . . etc.  I had dined with Sir Thos Reade at Rode Hall about nine years ago. Having here a principal  share in the country of Bonaparte at St Helena. I had much conversation with him after dinner relative to that extraordinary Person. He said that he was dreadfully . . . of his Confinement & was continually intriguing to get the Courts of Europe to interfere for his Liberation. That & Maria was his great agent. They have found one letter served up in a piece of Tatton Park of a young Boys . . .coat who was to be sent from the Island & which had nearly been affected. Bonaparte was

Page 11. 1821  November

moderated in his eating & drinking. He drank daily about three parts a bottle of Claret. That whatever he said or did had design it . . . Sir . . . Reades expression he did not move his little finger without design. That he gave his illness the pain attending which must have been very great, with great fortitude never endured acknowledging that he supposed pain for that said he was present when the Body was opened. That the Stomach was conceived he being the breadth of two hands. That his life had been perceived for some time in a most  extraordinary manner by the look of the liver being sucked into & filling up a hole in the stomach nearly large enough to admit the little finger, & which had been eaten by the disease. That Bonaparte was quite aware of the nature of his complaint which I think was a family one & that it would be fatal to him & directed his body to be opened to see whether from the inspection any . . . could be devised that might be useful to any other of his family who might be. That he so willingly spoke of his illness as a Liver Complaint  brought on by his confinement & which was the plight  he made  as in for his liberation or removal of the . . . affected by it. That he was very anxious to complete his . . . to the Courts of Europe interposing on his behalf. Remains of which he did & the transcript was delivered to . . . & he sent to the family. But that . . .having got possession of the . . .  still contains it, with a . . . as is supposed to the publication of the . . . for his can . . . . . ., and . . . to give it up.  He said Bonaparte's private fortune was . . . & . . . the efforts for his liberation & . . . was totally disregarded. He stated his fortune at 97,000,000 of  Francs or upwards of £4,000,000 . . ..  He said  . . . was a very clever man, but of  . . . he spoke in terms of great reprobation. Sir . .  said he did not  think Bonaparte had much or any religious belief, but he  professed the Roman Catholic.

December

Saturday 1. At home. Liverpool Brewery Papers. Draft of final Return etc.

Sunday 2. At home. Service. The noise & smoke of the steam engine particularly offensive & . . . the same all day & being unwell myself.

Monday 3. At home. Engaged again on Liverpool Brewery Papers.

Page 12. 1821 December

Tuesday 4. At home. Jas.. Massey relative to taking the House & Land n the holding of Moses Barlow. When I . . . him to . . . whether  Moses intended to leave it this day. Mr.  Massey said that on coming to the House this morning the smoke & smell from the Steam Engine was very disagreeable & offensive. Sent letters & Draft of Return to Mr. Denison. Mrs. Stamford & Emma returned from Nantwich.

Wednesday 5. At home. Engaged slowly in morning on Navigation Papers of the late Mrs. Tollets.

Thursday 6. At home.

Friday 7. At home.

Saturday 8. At home. Closely engaged all morning with Mr. Robert Heath on the Plans of the Mines in Harecastle Hill through which the intended new Tunnel would pass. Estimates of the Coals etc. etc.  Mr. Heath received the Woodfield Colliery Engine with me.  Said the smoke & noise might easily be prevented.  Considered them great nuisances. After Mr. Heath was gone serviced the Plans etc. but finding some difficulty in reconsidering my calculations relative to the Coals with Mr. Heath's. Sent to desire that he would come over again tomorrow morning. After dinner received from Mr. Thomas Sparrow intelligence of the death of his Brother who died at about half past ten o'clock this morning without any suffering. He had had a slight cold for some days, but was not so unwell as to go out the least oppression was about an hour before his dissolution.

Sunday 9. Mr. Heath came again with whom engaged a considerable time when we reconciled the differences between his calculations & my own & which was owing to his not having . . . one that allowance to smoke  for the . . . of the Mines. Afterwards dined as usual. Set off in the afternoon to Stone. Called upon Mr. & Mrs. Sparrow. Got to Stone 6& 7 0'clock  & engaged all evening with the Mr. Vaughan on . . . papers etc. preparatory to the General Assembly tomorrow.

Monday 10. At Stone. Attending General Assembly with much difficulty prevailed upon Lord Harrowby to take the chair.  Long & . . . engaged . . .  in explaining the Plans of the Mines. Calculations etc. which I was must . . .in doing by a little Sketch which I had myself drawn & which with my observations seemed to be much approved. Lord Harrowby . . . expressing himself on very handsome & gratifying terms. Dined at Stone & returned at night.

Tuesday 11. Closely engaged all day particularly on the . . . & navigation dispute as to the . . . from Mr. Wood to Mrs. Stamford. Went to Mr. Wedgwood to whom it had been referred thereon. Went also to Mr Tomlinson & Mr. Kinnersley. To the latter on the tithe compensation.  Mrs. Barlow & Mr. Boardman relative

Page 13. 1821 December

to continuing or quitting the Public House at Talk but did not decide any thing today. Mr. F.Twemlow called.

Wednesday 12 Closely engaged in morning on papers relative to the regulations dispute of Mrs. Stamford's Interest. Stamford came to dinner.  Received a Card requesting my attendance at the Funeral of the late Mr. Sparrow on Monday next at 12 o'clock

Thursday 13. At home. Engaged again on Papers closely the whole of the day.

Friday 14. At Cliffe Ville relative to the above matter, when it was agreed that I should meet Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Tomlinson on Wednesday next at 12 o'clock. Called upon Mr. Smith at Newcastle & delivered to him the Navigation Report with instructions relative to the printing. Sent a card by Stamford to Mr. Kinnersley excusing my not dining with him today to mark the Mayor & Consort of Newcastle as he had invited me to do. Wrote to Mr. Lister declining a very kind invitation to dine & sleep at Armitage Park on occasion of my attending the Funeral of the late Mr. Sparrow.

Saturday 15. At home.

Sunday 16. In the morning William & Roland Bent came, chiefly relative to the advertisement of the Salopian Brewing Shares belonging to the late Mr. Bent,  & which I instructed. They dined & I afterwards went to Stone on my way to Bishton. to attend the Funeral of the late Mr. Sparrow. Took to Mr. Thos. Sparrow from Newcastle. In the evening engaged with Mr. Vaughan.

Page 14. 1821 December

Monday 17. Went from Stone to Wolsley Bridge & from thence on to Bishton. On my arrival was sent for by Mr. Chetwynd  with whom a Mr. . . .. I spent the greatest part of the morning. The latter particularly kind & friendly & expressed great pleasure at seeing me again. Mr. Chetwynd said that I was requested to go in the Mourning Coach with the three Executors, Mr. Littleton, Mr. Sneyd of Ashcombe & Mr . . . of Anglesey as the particular private friend of the late Mr. Sparrow & the Family & which I accordingly did. Then proceeded to Colwich where Mr. Sparrow was interred in a vault in the Churchyard containing the remains of the late Mrs. Macdonald consisted of . . . .  Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Macdonald, Thos. Sparrow & Mrs. Chetwynd & . . . followed in another Mourning Coach by the three Executors & myself  & there was also a Mourning Coach with family servants. The Principal Persons who attended were Mr. Lister, Mr. Webb, Mr. . . . of Stafford, Mr. Hales of Cobridge who followed us, T. Swinnerton of Newcastle & a great number of Tenants etc. The whole was being proper & handsome. At the request of the Family I had agreed to stay the night, but Mr. Thos. Sparrow having . . . to return I thought it upon the whole . . . to come back with him & we accordingly returned to Stone. Mrs. Sparrow however having expressed a wish to see me. I went to her. She was greatly affected at seeing me and used many strong expressions as to the regard & esteem entertained for . . . & constantly expressed by the late Mr. Sparrow. Our assignations which had been of long standing, having commenced in February 1777 then I was a Clerk to him. He was in his 85th year which he would have completed on the 6 of February next. In the course of conversation in the morning Mr. Littleton said,'I may tell you Mr. Caldwell for your interpretation that that the Grand Junction Canal is considered to be the best conducted of any in the Kingdom.'

Tuesday 18. Engaged with Mr. Vaughan & afterwards returned home to dinner. In the evening engaged on Papers previous to meeting Mr. Wedgwood tomorrow morning in Cliffe Ville on the . . . & variations dispute relative to Mrs. Stamford's interest.

Wednesday 19. At Cliffe Ville. Met Mr. Wedgwood. Long explanation of the the business to him, showing him the Deed of Dissolution etc.&  returned to dinner, faded & fatigued with the having of this & the proceeding days & far from well.  Left with Mr. Tomlinson at the request of Mr. Wedgwood my Accounts Book with the later Partnership of Wood & Caldwell.

Thursday 20. At home. Engaged on various matters & Papers. Wrote to Mr. Simpson of Birmingham relative to Canal Act received from him & to Mr. Vaughan.

Friday 21. In the morning went to Newcastle finally connecting with Mr. Smith the Proof Sheet of the Navigation Report, and giving directions for the  printing. The morning being wet & stormy, took the Talk Chaise & Eliza  accompanied me to Newcastle.

Saturday 22. At home. Mr. Charles Lawton dined & staid the night. 

Sunday 23. In the morning attended service at Talk Chapel.

Page 15. 1821  December

Monday 24. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers etc. & preparing Case & information relative to the Company's Laws to purchase Land without measuring the population of the . . . Act.

Tuesday 25. At home. Christmas Day

Wednesday 26. Set off early to Stone to attend meeting of the Select Committee. Met Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Lister & Mr. Webb. Mr. Sneyd of . . . also there. Mr. Chetwynd on the behalf of the Executors of the late Mr. Sparrow delivered into my hands the Seals of the Company as Chairman of the Committee in the . . . of Mr. Sparrow. Engaged all day &  slept at home, the other Gentlemen going away after dinner.

Thursday 27. Engaged again with Mr. Vaughan. Afterwards went to Bishton to call upon Mr. & Mrs. Sparrow, both of whom seemed much pleased with the attention. Long conversation Mrs. Sparrow who used many strong expressions of support & . . . for me, and spoke much of the respect  entertained for  me by the late Mr. Sparrow. Found Mrs. Chetwynd & Miss Moreton at Bishton & Mr. Sneyd of . . . & Mr. Lander. Returned to Stone. Mr. Vaughan with whom I had again business dined with me at the farm & I returned home at night though very dark & wet.

Friday 28. At home. Closely engaged all morning on Navigation & other matters. Mr. . . . Mr. Jno. Sneyd of . . . & Mr. Clement, & Mr. Jno. Kinnersly of Loxley came to dinner & afterwards went with Eliza & Emma, Mrs. Stamford & Stamford to Newcastle Assembly.

Saturday 29. Again closely engaged. Wrote long letter to Mr. Tomlinson relative to the Reference & usual other Letters. Stamford & I dined at Lawton Hall. Met Col. . . . , Mr. Kinnersley etc.

Sunday 30. At home. Service.

Monday 31. At home. Closely engaged at the desk all morning.

Page 16. 1822  January

Tuesday 1. At home. Engaged again closely with various papers. In the evening paid & painted with James Walley.

Wednesday 2. At Newcastle with Navigation Case & Observations to be at first at Mr. Sparrows Office, in order that I might send them up & be laid before Mr. Butler. At the Brewery - where I saw Robert Mellor, who was desirous to take the Public House at Talk, which was as Barlow is quitting. On enquiring his Character Mr. John Scott of the Roebuck informed me that he was a very steady man & such  as he thought I might safely take as Tenant. Returned to dinner, Eliza, Emma . . . accompanied me to Newcastle.

Thursday 3. At home. Busily engaged all morning sorting last years Cash Account, arranging Letters & papers etc.

Friday 4. At home. Various matters. Letter from Mr. Hastings to Mrs. Stamford on the subject of the Insurance. Far from well myself.

Saturday 5. At home. Wrote to Mr. Wilson with papers relative to the Navigation Case to be laid before Mr. Butler. Mrs. & two Miss Kinnersly & Mr. Thos. Kinnersly, Col. & Mrs. . . ., & Mrs. Northam dined.  Mr. Kinnersly, D. Northam& Mr. Chas. Lawton, who went . . .  of the Party did not come.

Sunday 6. At home. Service. Frost & Snow in the night.

Monday 7. At home. In the morning Mr. Vaughan with whom engaged several hours on the Navigation Business, particularly the approaching Trial with the Parish of . . . ..  Mr. Sherratt with Ann & Betsy arrived to dinner.

Tuesday 8. At home. Mr. Roland Bent & Mr. George Fielding relative to the Public House & Land in the holding of Moses Barlow, when I agreed to let the  same to the latter, he having brought a good recommendation from Mr. Brandon of Cheadle & Moses Barlow being ready to give up the profession. Engaged with Mr. Sherratt, James Farndon paying his Rent. A fine frost having set in, busy on the Farm carrying out Manure.

Wednesday 9. At home. Mr. Sherratt.

Page 17.  1822   January

Thursday 10. At Newcastle finally settling on the Brewery the Balances remaining due to Dr Crompton on account of the late unfortunate Partnership, & getting . . . from . . . for the amounts in order that I might remit the same to Dr Crompton. Also at Mr. Sparrow's Office finally settling the . . . of the Navigation Transfers from Mrs. Sutherland previous to there being engaged etc. Rode on Horseback, the Carriage taking Emma & Stamford to Mare Hall. Returned to dinner but a good deal fatigued the Roads being in an unusable state owing to the going of the Park. In my absence Mr. Darling , Mr. Garnett's man, had been at Linley Wood throughout the Chase. Frost gone.

Friday 11. At home. Engaged on late Crompton & Co Partnership business.  Wrote Letter to Dr Crompton inclosing Balances remaining due from myself & the Executors of  the late Mr. Bent. Wrote also to Mr. Donison. In the evening Eliza Mrs. Stamford & Betsy went to Newcastle Assembly.

Saturday 12. At home. Closely engaged all morning perusing and considering sundry Birmingham Canal Acts, which had been sent to me a short time ago by Mr. Edward Tennison, & making extracts therefore with a view to assist me in forming Clauses relative to the Mines etc. which it may be proper to introduce into the Bill for making the intended Law.  Tunnel through . . . the Hill.  From midday more resembling . . . than January.

Sunday 13. At home. Service.

Monday 14. Set off early to Newcastle where took up Mr. Thos. Sparrow & forwarded to Uttoxeter where we met Mr. Chetwynd & Mr. Lister & Mr. Vaughan & proceeded from thence to Derby to attend the Trial as the Sessions of the tax of the Navigation Co. & . . .. Mr. . . . met us at dinner at the Lion  King's head.  Mr. . . . came late in the evening with whom long conversation was entered to the Case & final consultation at nine o'Clock tomorrow morning.

Tuesday 15. Up early. Attended consultation at Mr. . . .  Junior counsel Mr. Moore & Mr. Williams. After the consultation called upon Mr. . . . with whom much conversation relative to Harrison's business. When we finally agreed that an Entry should be made upon Barristers promised for the purpose of . . . the . . . . which had been levied by him. Attended Trial which took up several hours.

Page 18. 1822  January

Tuesday 15. When order was confirmed although the Chairman Mr. . . . was clearly of opinion & delivered his judgement that it should be quashed. A case was  however granted in order that the opinion of the Court of Kings Bench may be retained. Immediately after the Trial set off on our Return home, . . . to Uttoxeter from whence Mr Lister & Mr Chetwynd proceeded home, leaving Mr. Thos. Sparrow, Mr. Vaughan & myself at Uttoxeter where we slept.

Wednesday 16. Having turned on my thoughts Harrison's business, & considerable doubts having occurred to me as to the of provenance & . . .  of making an actual Entry as Mr.  . . . had recommended. I returned to go back to Derby, on the chance of seeing Mr. . . ., or if he had set off the day before as he proposed doing to London, to get his . . . so that I might . . . to him by the day . . .. Got up early & set off to Derby accordingly. Saw Mr. . . gone but had a conversation with his Partner Mr. Porter, who agreeing on my view of the Case. I wrote a long Letter to Mr. . . . from Derby, & then set off on my return home when I arrived about 8 or 9 o'Clock, after three Days of great mental  & bodily exertion & fatigue.

Thursday 17. At home. Roland Bent relative to the Public House at Talk on the Hill. Engaged closely on this & other matters all morning. Afterwards engaged with Mr. Sherratt. At night very unwell from exhaustion & fatigue.

Friday 18. At home. Engaged on various matters & papers. Roland Bent again with George Bebbington who worked to take the House & Land at Talk & with whom as Mr Vaughan a good Character from Mr. . . . of Somerford & finally agreed. In the forenoon Mr. Sherratt left us on his return home.

Page 19.  1822   January

Saturday 19. At home. Closely engaged all day on Harrisons business & other matters & writing long Letter to Mr. Bal . . . Wrote also to Mr. Denison & Mr Lock.

Sunday 20. At home. Service.

Monday 21. I this day completed the 63rd year of my Life.  It has been marked by great & numerous . . . & several appointments arising from the unfortunate state of the Brewery Concerns, the consequent heavy loss of property & other harassing circumstances whilst the Navigation Business & other affairs have required the greatest attention and execution. Of the sufferings which I have endured no-one can form any idea , but those who with a depressed & wearied mind like mine . . . & maintained the struggle have been compelled to make the mark . . . till . . . has sometimes sunk under the conflict. The old age to which I am now fast approaching, and which I had fondly hoped would have been calm & serene, all perhaps be little more than a contained & painful period of the harass & frustration and the fruits of a life which I may at last be allowed to hope, has not been unsuccessful, & disappointment and a wounded spirit. For myself I trust that I could bear it all to patience and resignation. But there are others to whom happiness and welfare are my toil labour have been directed.

Page 20.  1822   January

Monday 21. Set off early to Stone. Took Mr. & Mrs. Sparrow from Newcastle. Closely engaged all day attending Select Committee. Received Letter from Mr. Lister of excusing his non attendance. Staid at Home all night in order to proceed to Derby the next morning.  Mr. Chetwynd & Mr. Webb went also in the morning.

Tuesday 22. Set off early to Uttoxeter where I met Eliza & Mrs. Stamford & from whence we proceeded together to Derby. Finding that a Letter had arrived there from Mr. Balgerly.  Long consultation with Mr. Porter & Mr. Barker when we finally determined that it would be most advisable and expedient to defer making the Entry on the property in Bannisters profession. Determined to return to Uttoxeter, but Mr. Horrock calling . . . . before we went to Stafford, & a long conversation taking place with him, we determined to stay all night. Henceforward as that the Chair of the Staffs & was not given up but the most active & minute enquiries were making in order to . . . it.

Wednesday 23. Left Derby about nine o'Clock, & reached Linley Wood between 2 & 3. Mr. Kinnersly called being unwell with fatigue & . . . .

Thursday 24. At home, but very unwell. Engaged on various matters .

Friday 25. Though very unfit for it, went early to Trentham Inn to attend Deputy Lieutenancy Meeting reviewing Militia Lists etc.  In about an hour after my arrival Mr. Booth came, at which time I had waited without being able to proceed to business. No other Dep. Lieutenant attended, being long & fatiguing day of business not getting home till six o'Clock at night.

Saturday 26. At home.  Engaged mostly all day on various matters & papers. Mr. Penlington with a copy of the agreement entered into with Mr. Morris for late  of the Lands in Thurlwood.

Page 21. 1822  January

Sunday 27.At home. Service.

Monday 28. At home. Engaged on various matters.

Tuesday 29. At home. The like.

Wednesday 30. At home. Examining Navigation Transfers & which I afterwards sent by a Messenger to Nantwich in order that they might be executed by Mr. Sherratt ,Mr. C . . . . & Miss. Marsh. Whilst sending my Letter to Mr. Sherratt word was brought me that a Man had been found in almost a dying state near the Water Wheel. Immediately came down & found him extremely ill. He had dropped down suddenly from I suppose more exhaustion as he afterwards told me that he was on his Journey from Blackwall to Chester & had travelled all yesterday & at night without having had any food except a raw Turnip. I immediately got him some bean soup of which we let him take but very little at a time & got him removed to the Farm. Porter the surgeon soon afterwards came who said he had tested him in the . . . manner & in a few hours he was quite recovered. The person who found him  Mr. Withenshaw of Boss  Lane came & said that from the manner in which he lay he would have been suffocated in a few minutes. I asked the Man whose name was William Sampson to have staid all night, but he was so much better & so anxious to get to Chester where he had a Brother to meet him, and after giving meat & money to take along with him he proceeded on his Journey.

 Thursday 31. At home. Engaged on various papers & matters.

February

Friday 1. At home. Engaged on Navigation Minutes & other papers Making a copy of the forms & sent it to Mr. Vaughan, then busy in draining under the Hole below the Fir Wood.

Saturday 2. At home Engaged closely on Navigation Papers & drawing up additional observations relative to the Rating of the Canal to the Poor, on the ground of the Land taken, having been continued in the old assessment of living  therefore been entered & having paid accordingly, not withstanding is separation from the other lands of which it originally formed a part.

Sunday 3. At home. Service.

Monday 4. Set off early to Stone. Took Mr. Thos. Sparrow from Newcastle. Closely engaged all day on Select Committee. Dined at the Office. Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Lister, Mr. Webb. Returned at night. Anne & Betsy left Linley Wood this morning & returned home.

Tuesday 5. At home. Engaged on various matters & papers.

Page 22.  1822  February

Wednesday 6. At home. Engaged on various papers. Eliza, Emma & Mrs. Stamford went to Newcastle.

Thursday 7. At home. Mr. Chas. Lawton relative to the Act of Parliament etc. then I referred him to Mr. Tomlinson on whom he promised to call.

Friday 8. At Trentham Inn attending Meeting of Comms. for hearing Appeals the assessed Idea. Went early & closely engaged all day, not getting back in between 6 & 7 o'clock. Mr. Booth & Mr. Bourne also attended. On my return found a Letter from Mr. George Martin in consequence of the Action which had been brought against him for the News arrived at the Woodfield Coking.

Saturday 9. At home. Thomas Cope called for an answer to Mr. Martin's Letter when I told him that I could not write to Mr. Martin the matter being in the hands of my Attorney Mr Tomlinson & there it was for Mr. Martin to consider what he had to do. In conversation with Cope he said the Smoke was a great nuisance, & the Brick Kiln has a very . . .  action as no good to anyone. Engaged all morning closely at the Desk on various matters & papers. Wrote long Letter to Mr. Tomlinson on Wood Mr. Stamford's business office & also to D. Compton with a Bill on discharge of the principal & Interest Owe on my Bond for  £1000, being the money lent me by D. Compton & make my original at once into the . . .  Concern  at . . . .  .Moses Barlow & afterwards George Bebbington relative to the House at . . . .. The farmer with his Bill for Iron Work which I told him should be settled in his Rent Account.

Sunday 10. At home. Service.

Monday 11. At home. Farm & union matters. Rev. Mr. Mainwaring called.

Tuesday 12. Engaged all morning at the Desk. Dined at Mr. Tomlinsons, where I met Mr. Coyney, Mr. George Clifford, Mr. Walter . . . . & Mr. Edwd. Birch. Eliza, Mrs. Stamford & Emma went to Mare Hall.

Wednesday 13. In the morning early Mr. Potter with whom long conversation on Navigation Affairs. Mrs. Stamford & I wrote to Mr. Wedgwood on taking him to prevent on the Reformer in the matter with Mr. Wood & sent the Letters previously to Mr. Tomlinson for his appreciation.

Page 23. 1822  February

Thursday 14. At home & on the Farm. Mr. Penlington sent 4 Carp, 4 Tench, & 6 perch which turned into the Pond in the Farmyard.

Friday 15. At Newcastle early with Transfer of Navigation Shares from Mrs. Sutherland & others to myself, in order to get an error in the . . . . corrected at Mr. Sparrows office which I got done & sent the Transfers to Mr. Denison, to be represented by Mrs. Penlington, Mrs. Timmis & Mr. Collison.

Saturday 16. At home. Unwell.

Sunday 17.At home. Mr. Roland Bent came in the morning & dined. Service. Afterwards much Conversation with them relative to the Brewery Concerns when I promised to see Mr. Ward tomorrow or the next day, with a view to the necessary arrangements provision to the Executors coming soon.

Monday 18. At home & being a Fair at Newcastle deferred going there till tomorrow. Unwell, but employed myself a short time in the Grounds, & planted 52 privet in the new Plantation at the House.

Tuesday 19. At Newcastle. Called upon Mr. Ward with whom had a long conference on the Brewery Concerns & preparatory to the Executors coming again the next week finally to settle the same. Returned to dinner.

Wednesday 20. In the morning closely engaged Letter writing etc.  In the afternoon at Newcastle with Navigation Transfers to consult Mr. Sparrow on the error but I discovered in such Transfers but which he thought of no consequence.

Thursday 21. At home.

Friday 22. Eliza & I went to Nantwich where I got the Navigation Transfers requested by Mr. Sherratt, Miss Marsh & Mr. Chase.

Saturday 23. Returned from Nantwich to a late dinner. Roland Stamford who had . . .  Land on Farm 

Sunday 24. At home. Service.

Monday 25. At home. John Bent & Mr. Walthall dined. Engaged all morning on Brewery Concerns with the former. Mr. Walthall staid all night.

Tuesday 26. Engaged with Mr. Walthall on Brewery Concerns, after which he returned to Newcastle.

Wednesday 27. At home. Engaged on various matters & papers. At the Farm men busy carrying out . . . .

Thursday 28. At Newcastle meeting all Executors of the late Mr. Bent & making . . . consequence to your bringing the Brewery Concerns to a . . . .  Dined at Stoneyfields with them.

Page 24. 1822  March

Friday 1. At Newcastle with Mrs. Stamford attending on the Reference made to Mr. Wedgwood relative to the half year's Interest in dispute between her & Mr. Wood. Eliza went with us to Newcastle. Saw Mr. Walthall on the Brewery Concerns . Returned home to dinner. The weather having been dry for the last 2 or 3 days we then had been busy on the Farm carrying out Manure & wheat was finished to day, no opportunity from the continued wetness of the Season having occurred for doing this time past now.

Saturday 2. Called upon Rev. W. Mainwaring at Wolstanton & from thence to Stoke calling upon Mr. Spode, who was gone out, but met him in his carriage on my return, & found him full as well as I had expected, but a great deal changed in his appearance. Met also on the road Sir John Heathcote with whom I agreed to go to Shrewsbury whenever it most proper.

Sunday 3. At home. Service.

Monday 4. Went early to Stone whence engaged on Select Committee. On my return home met with Mr. Telford at the Roebuck, with whom a long conversation relative to the Survey of the Tunnel etc. when he engaged to . . . at Linley Wood tomorrow morning. He informed me that he had seen Mr. Johnson & Mr. Rob. Heath at the Red Bull that day & had a very satisfactory communication with them relative to the . . .  . . . .

Tuesday 5.  Mr. Telford & Mr. Potter breakfasted at Linley Wood after which explaining to Mr. T . the principal objects in view. Long conversation with them on the intended Tunnel & other works & then accompanied them to the Tunnel, on the Survey of which Mr. Telford commenced. Called upon Mr. Johnson as my custom who expressed himself much satisfied with Mr. Telford. Gave up going to Betley Hall where we managed to drive in order that I might see Mr. Telford again & communicated more fully with him. Met him again at the Red Bull where I dined with him & Mr. Potter & had another long & satisfactory conversation with him & particularly so far as related to the present Tunnel of the safety of which he said he was satisfied & that with proper care & attention is expected that . . .  of it no apprehension need be . . . as to its permanent security,

Page 25. 1822  March

but that he was equally satisfied of its insufficiency for the purpose as of the Canal, & that he considered a 2nd Tunnel indispensable. Mr. Telford set off to Newcastle between 7 & 8 o'Clock & we parted I company extremely satisfied with each other, his expressions towards myself & the past I had taken in their . . .   from . . . . . . gratifying. Eliza & Emma & Mrs. Stamford went to Betley Hall to dinner & staid all night.

Wednesday 6. At home. Engaged on Navigation matters etc. Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood ,Jos. Elizabeth & Charlotte Lady & Miss Macintosh, Miss Wedgwood of Parkfield & Rev. W. Mainwaring dined & staid all night except Mr. Mainwaring.  Mr. Jos. Wedgwood came in the evening.

Thursday 7. In the morning at home. Wrote long Letter to Mr. Chetwynd. The Party left us in the forenoon leaving Eliz. & Charlotte. Jos. came again to dinner, Eliza,Emma, & I dined at Rode Hall met on occasion of it being the Birthday of Mr Booth Wilbraham ,met Honourable Mrs. Booth Grey & Miss Grey, Mr.& Mrs. William  Egerton, Mr. & Mrs. & Miss Roses & Mr. 7 Mrs. . . . .  A very agreeable & pleasant day. Much pleased with Mrs. William Egerton her person & manners being particularly pleasing & interesting. I sat next to her at dinner & had much conversation with her relative to India, where she had lived more than ten years. Mr. Wm Egerton is a singular instance of the fine English dearness & . . . of complexion by personal in spite of climate having resided 24 years in India & come back without ever having been affected by Liver complaint or any change in the colouring of his countenance more than the ordinary . . . . . . from age. The weather was today very stormy, with occasional snow & mist.

Friday 8. A good deal of snow had fallen in the night. At home.

Saturday 9. At Newcastle with Navigation Transfers Sutherland to Penlington.

Sunday 10. At home. Very unwell insomuch as to prevent my going through the usual Service.

Monday 11. At various . . . in relation to the Navigation forms etc. Returned to dinner. Eliza & Emma had gone with me to Newcastle.

Tuesday 12. At Trentham Inn attending Dept. of Lieutenancy Meeting.  Mr. Kinnersly & Mr. Booth also attended. Stamford  & Emma went to Nantwich ,the former to get the Navigation Transfers executed.

Wednesday 13. Stamford returned bringing along with him the Navigation Transfers, but I had in the meantime  . . . a . . .  confirm in the same. Determined to .  .. .the same Mr. Duke  At home all day.  Ill.

Page 26. 1822 March

Thursday 14. Very unwell but called at Lawton Hall to speak to Mr. Chas. Lawton relative to the Act of Parliament etc. & returned him the Copy of the Agreement which had been kept secret at the time of my purchase & which had never been known to me like the proceedings for going to Parliament & made  same paragraph last year. I told him that if my were settlements were . . . I want . . . a Bill on Chancery. He said that he . . .recommendations obtain the Opinion of Court . . . far the Agreement was which as to the Party to it. Eliza & Emma called with me. In the evening very ill with a violent nervous Attack.  Stamford set off in the morning to Stafford Assizes.

Friday 15. At home & unwell.  In the evening received a full & satisfactory opinion from Mr. Peake relative to the Navigation Transfers. Planted on back later out of Swallow Moor in the bottom row of the Plantation before the House being the from the Gate. Also planted 2 Summer Damsons in the now enclosed in Linley Meadow.

Saturday 16. Still far from well but rode out & engaged on several matters relative to the farm. Received Scarf etc. in memory of Mr. Storm . . . who had married one of the Daughters of Mr. Crompton of Lime Kiln, and is lately dead.

Sunday 17. In the morning attended Service with Eliza & Emma at Talk Chapel, but in the evening unwell.

Monday 18. A bad night. Sent Navigation Transfers again to Mr. Dennison to be executed by Mrs. Penlington & Mrs. Timmis, & wrote Letter to Mr. Peake.  Very unwell.

Tuesday 19. At home. Unwell but better than yesterday. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan opportunity Thursday next for seeing him here on Navigation Accounts etc.

Wednesday 20. At home. Engaged on various matters.

Thursday 21. At home. Engaged all morning with Mr. Vaughan on Navigation Affairs & papers. Afterwards planted Larch at the Top of the Fir woods in the spaces where the Trees had been some time ago blown down. Began sowing oats in the Hollins Ground.

Page 27. 1822 March

Friday 22. At home. Mr. Potter called early & with whom engaged on Navigation Transfers a considerable time. Afterwards rode with him & spoke to Mr. Slater, Mr. Telford's man of who is employed in taking a Survey of the Roads relative to the best line to be taken & he said that there was no instructions. whatever of crossing the Linley Wood Estate as had been mentioned to me a short time ago by Mr. Kinnersly. On my return finished planting Larch in the Fir Wood, making in the whole 100. Emma went to dinner at Parkfield to join Lady & Miss Mackintosh, on her way with them to London in the . . . Mail, which was to take them after Stone.

Saturday 23. At home. Engaged on the Farm & other matters. Mr. Jones of Wheelock called, but not being in the house at the time, I did not see him.  Stamford returned from Shrewsbury Assizes. Sent Navigation Transfers which I received back yesterday again to Mr. Denison the witness to the executor by Mrs. Penlington & Mrs. Simms having omitted to sign the Alteration.

Sunday 24. At home. Service.

Monday 25. At home. Stamford went to Cliffe Ville to consult with Mr. Tomlinson relative to the action brought by Marton . . . , & to fix a day for the examination of the . . .  Engaged myself drawing a State of the Case.

Tuesday 26. At Newcastle in consequence of a Letter received last night from Mr. Bent to make an arrangement relative to the intended Journey of Sir John Heathcote, Mr. Wetheralll & myself to Shrewsbury, when Mr. Bent promised to see Sir John today & inform me of the Result.   On my return gathered in  the Ground below the Terrace a Cowslip in flower. Finished yesterday sowing the oats in the Hollins Ground.

Wednesday 27. At home. Engaged on various matters.

Thursday 28. At home. Engaged all morning on drawing Case relative Martins Colliery & Steam Engine. Wrote also to Mr. Telford acknowledging the Rev. of his Report.

Friday 29. At home meeting Mr. Webb examining the Half years Accounts which we completed.

Saturday 30. At home. Engaged completing Case relative to the Steam Engine & Brickiln & preparing for Journey tomorrow with Sir John Heathcote to Shrewsbury he having fixed this day.

Sunday 31. Set off to meet Sir John according to appointment at eleven.  Proceeded with him to Shrewsbury.  Dined at Ternhill & arrived in the Evening at Shrewsbury.

Page 28. 1822  April

Monday 1. Closely engaged with the Books & Accounts the examination of which we completed.  The Balance Sheet presenting a miserable appearance of the prospect of a heavy loss.

Tuesday 2. Left Shrewsbury after breakfast & arrived at Linley Wood to dinner much fatigued and unwell.

Wednesday 3. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers & other matters previous to going to Stone tomorrow.

Thursday 4. Went to Stone. Took Mr. Sparrow in the Carriage from Newcastle. Engaged closely on the Select Committee & returned at night.

Friday 5. At home. Good Friday.

Saturday 6. At home, Mr. Tomlinson came about eleven to take the examinations of the Witness in the Causes relating to the Steam Engine & Brickiln, & with whom engaged already all day. Eliza Roscoe with her two children arrived before dinner.

Sunday 7. Mr. Tomlinson who had staid all night left us after breakfast. Service as usual. James Walley came this morning . Confirmed all his former evidence relative to the Steam Engine & Brickiln.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Monday 8. At home. Mr. Morris relative to a Reduction on the Canal in the Tonnage of Rock Fall from Roster which I promised to submit to the consideration of the Committee at Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 9. Set off to Stone early. Took Mr. Thos. Sparrow from Newcastle. Engaged closely all day on the Committee. Lord Harrowby was there & at my particular request took the chair. He also staid for dinner. I sat next to him & had most pleasant conversation with him & he said may consider things. Mr. Littleton was also there & staid all night. He showed me much interest & attention.

Wednesday 10. At Stone. Engaged again on the committee of which I took the chair as usual. Afterwards engaged on the General Assembly, which was very satisfactorily attended, & in which I was also in the chair. The Business of both days went off perfectly well, everybody appearing to be pleased & satisfied & many handsome things were said to me.

Page 29. 1822  April

as to the management of the Concerns which Mr. Listerton in moving a vote of thanks to me said it was considered to be one of the best conducted Public Concerns in the Kingdom. Returned home at night but much fatigued, the business having required great attention and exertion.

Thursday 11. At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers correcting & copying Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee agent assembly to be sent to Stone to be entered. Received at night from Mr. Chetwynd copy of the Case in the . . . matters as finally settled by Mr. Robert W. Clarke.

Friday 12. Went to Mr. Vaughan with Minutes & to Mr. Chetwynd.  Afterwards at Newcastle meeting Sir John Heathcote & Mr. Walthall relative to the Shrewsbury Brewery when it was determined to advertise the same for Sale & that Mr. Ward should prepare a Deal of an advertisement & send it to me for perusal.

Saturday 13. At home. In the morning Mr. Peake of Lawton relative to my share of the . . . for the Land in Lawton purchased from Mrs. Lawton Snr on Account of which he promised to make our land corner. He said that the Farm which he held from Mr. Lawton was something more than 200 acres about 208 or 210.  His Rent 532 a year includes all Taxes etc.

Sunday 16. At home. Service.

Monday 15. At Newcastle with the Probate Copy of the Will of the late Mr. Mawdsley which I showed to Mr. Thos. Sparrow who made the necessary Minute for registering the same. Observed that in the Transfers to myself  the date of the Will is omitted being mentioned to be the 7th instead of the 10 January 1798.  There is also an Error in all the Transfers on Mr. Sutherland being called Mr. Lister instead of the Name of Mr. Mawdsley. Drew up an Memorandum explanatory of all this which we thought would be sufficient if in as much upon the Transfers  but which I determined to send back to Mr. Wilson. Saw Mr. Ward & mentioned to him again a Notice of the . . . relative of the late Partnership of Mr. Bent &  Co being inserted in the Gazette which he thought should be done & said that he would speak again to Mr Walthall about it. Afterwards sorted out the Brewery & from there went to the Candle Inn to meet Mr. Booth on some Dept. . . .  business but Mr. Kinnersly coming along with him my staying was unnecessary.

Page 30. 1822  April

Tuesday 16. At home. Writing long Letter to Mr. Wilson. Called afterwards upon Mr. Morris & delivered to him a bundle of papers which he had left last week at Stone. E.R went to Betley to dine at Mrs. Twemlow's, & continued in the carriage bringing back with her Mrs. Wedgwood.

Wednesday 17.  At home. Sent Navigation Transfers by Mail to Mr. Wilson. Engaged on various Papers, Advertisement of Salopian Brewery etc.  Mr. Wedgwood of Betley came to dinner.

Thursday 18. At Newcastle with Advertisement of the Salopian Brewery as I had altered & corrected it & which I left with Mr. Bent to be shown to Mr. Ward & afterwards to be sent to Sir John Heathcote. Returned to dinner & engaged with Mr. Wedgwood.

Friday 19. At home. Engaged with Mr. Wedgwood etc.

Saturday 20. After breakfast the Wedgwoods left us. At home. In the evening Mr. Bent with Letter received from Mr. Martel relative to purchasing the Salopian Brewery, when I appointed to meet Sir John Heathcote at Newcastle on Monday next on this business.

Sunday 21. At home. Service.

Monday 22. At Newcastle to have met Sir John Heathcote who did not come having sent word that he would be at the Brewery. I saw Mr. Wallhall who promised to see Sir John when he came tomorrow. Allowed meeting to hear a Case of unpaid Taxes at the Castle Inn, Mr. Booth & self. Returned home to dinner.

Tuesday 23. At home. Unwell.

Wednesday 24. At home. Samuel Boardman went to Congleton to . . . Miss Barlow's . . .  . . . relative to Carriage of Stone with Mr. Lockett. Wrote Letters to Mr. Wilson & Mr. Vaughan. Stamford set off to London at night by whom I sent the copy of the Case & Opinion received  from Mr. Wilson relative to the Navigation Transfers.

 Thursday 25. Went to Cliffe early to give instructions for Declaration in the Action brought by Mr. Martin it being thought then the whole might be intended in an action by him alone. Left with Mr. Tomlinson the Case which I had some time ago prepared, the Minutes of the . . . reserve taken on the 6 inst.& the Letter which I had received from Mr. Martin on the Action being brought. On my return home went

Page 31. 1822  April

to Red Bull Wharf & looked at the Warehouses with a view to the . . . of them. Mr. Roser arrived this morning on his return from London.

Friday 26. At home.

Saturday 27. At home. Unwell with a cold & attack upon the Chest.

Sunday 28. So unwell as not to go through the Service. Read the Illustrations of the life of Lorenzo de Medicci  just published by Mr. Rosere an indication of his work from the observations made upon it principally by Simonde . . . & which Mr. R. Ledham so good as to present to me. As far as I am competent to . . . . . appears and only to have been hasty & . . . in what he has said but to have wanted sufficiently deep knowledge of his subject to warrant his observations & particularly the tone & manner in which they are made & therefore that he will . . . the . . . which Mr. R . . .   There are two or three little things . . . which I promised on to W.R. & if the Work goes to a second . . . the Letters etc. which form the the appendix & which are almost entirely in Italian ought to be translated as they in . . . referred to in support of the original work & therefore what every Reader should he enabled to . . . .

Monday 29. Still being unwell. Wrote to Mr. Littleton in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the intended Bill for amending the Statutes concerning Commissions of Sewers, and recommending that the operation of it should not extend to Inland  Counties, notwithstanding Mr. Dickinson the member for Somersetshire who had proposed the Bill had consented to a Clause intended on being for the production of Canals.

Tuesday 30. After breakfast Mr. Roscoe with his wife & Children left Linley Wood, the Carriage taking them to Brereton Green. Cut Asparagus.

Wednesday 1. Wrote Letter to Mrs. Sheridan in reply to announcing that the Deputation of the Manor of Alsager which I have had for some years past would in future be given to Col. Tyson.  Rode to Red Bull & spoke to Mr. Peake relative to the . . . papers not being regularly determined when he said that he had received a Letter from the Gen. Post Office & asking him to enquire into the matter. He believed the fourth day at Newcastle when the Letter s are sorted.  Dined at Dr. Northons.  Eliza ,Mrs. Stamford & myself.  Met Mr. & Mrs. Twemlow of Betley Court, Miss Fletcher. Mrs. Marsh, Miss Marston & Capt. . . .

Page 32. 1822  May

Thursday 2. Mr. Penlington with Charles Cowell & his wife the two latter of whom had called yesterday relative to the Money due to them from the Estate of the late Dr. Penlington to the late Mr. Ralph Audley when I explained the whole circumstances to them & referred them to Mr. Anthony Mainwaring Executor of Ralph Audley who alone has power to act. Wrote Letter to Mr. Vaughan relative to the postponing the stoppage of the Canal as requested by the Birmingham Canal Company.

Friday 3. Eliza went to Newcastle. Rode part of the way up Mow Cop but found it so very rough & stoney as to be unable to ride & having no one to take care of my horse I returned.  I saw enough however to satisfy me that the view from the summit must be magnificent.  A great deal of Stone is got for the Roads, & the tile stone Quarries are still worked.  But I mean to take the first opportunity to revisit this fine mountain. They told me that a great many people come every Summer.

Saturday 4. A home. Mrs. Stamford returned from Mare Hall where she went on Thursday.

Sunday 5. At home. Service,

Monday 6. At home. Mr. Beardmore settling Rent & other Accounts. Completed the Farm against the Meadow.  In the evening Mr. Boardman consulting me relative to his taking Mr. Shaw's Land.

Tuesday 7. Turned 15 Milking Cows out this morning into the Ground below the wood. Eliza & Mrs. Stamford went to Congleton. Engaged on the Farm.

Wednesday 8. Went to Harecastle Farm to look at Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersly's stock of fat cattle advertised to be sold today. The fat Bullocks & Cows were very fine some of the former would weigh. I should suppose from 20 to 25 stone per Quarter. I was told that one of the Bullocks shown last year & which then weighed only 12 stone to the Market, was killed a few days ago & weighed 19 stone 10 lbs. per Quarter. The price was of course low, though I was told they reached 5s. per lb. I understood afterwards that some of the larger Bullocks were sold .

Thursday 9. Greatly engaged all morning drawing afresh the Bill for the intended New Tunnel & Reservoir. Mr. Wilbraham called & engaged to dine with Mrs. W. at Linley Wood in the first week in June.

Page 33. 1822  May

Friday 10. Set off early to Stone to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. Took Mr. Sparrow from Newcastle. Closely engaged all day & returned at night. During my stay at Stone & on my return the Rain was excessive.

Saturday 11. At home. Engaged all morning arranging & copying Minutes of the Proceedings of yesterday to be sent to Mr. Chetwynd & writing Letter to him therewith  In the morning changed the milking cows to the Land before the House.

Sunday 12. At home. Service. William & John Bent came to dinner.

 Monday 13. At Cliffe Ville early with the copy of the Declaration in the Action against George Martin, considering the same with Mr. Tomlinson & settling consternation to be sent for the amendment of the Declaration, & laying the same with the Custodian before Mr. Peake.  Afterwards called at Rode Hall but Mr. & Mrs. Wilbraham were out. Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End to request me to look over for him the various Bills of Costs which had been delivered to him by Mr. Ward  Sol. Burslem on the business with Gallaman etc. etc.& as of which he left with one 

Mr. Tomlinson told me this morning that the Parish of Stoke contains about 7000 Cases. That his Tithe did not average 5/- an acre, out of which were to be  paid . . . Rates & Taxes. That he had offered to compromise at an average of 6/8, he continuing  to pay the Rates & Taxes.

Thursday 14. At home. Searched over Mr. Wedgwoods Bills of Costs.  Engaged also on other papers, Salopian Brewery.  In the evening received by the Mail a Letter from Mr. Chetwynd with a Bill now in Parliament for permitting Goods imported to be served on Wardens without payment of Duty on the first Entry  & containing a Clause restraining the Removal of Goods from Port to Port to a . . . by a coastwise although by a previous Clause they were declared to be removable by coastwise or by Inland Navigation but informing me that the Chancellor of the Exchequer & Mr. Walthall whom he had seen along with Mr. B. . . the Grand Junction Canal Company Agent had promised to exchange the latter Clause Received also Mr. Chetwynds bags . . . Bill as amended by the Committee. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd this morning in reply to his Letter.

Page 34. 1822 May

Wednesday 15. Went to Betley & attended Sale of Mr. Talbot's Flock consisting 20 Devon & other fat Cattle. They reached an average according to my calculation about 5/- per lb. were very handsome & in prime condition. The highest price given was £19.10.  Afterwards dined at Betley Court . Mr. Twemlow, Mr. Wedgwood & Robert, Mr. Hodgson.  In the evening examined a Letter from Mr. Peake strongly urging my attendance at . . . Farm the next day it being a Meeting of Commissioners of Land & assets.

 Thursday 16. Having engaged to Call at Betley Hall this morning wrote a note to Mrs. Talbot to excuse myself in order that I might go to . . .  Went accordingly but to my own disappointment & this of the great number of persons who were in attendance no other Commissioners came.  Returned home to dinner having fixed Thursday next for another Meeting.

Friday 17. At home. Looked again over the Bills of Costs left by Mr. Wedgwood. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan on the Minutes of last Committee Meeting to be entered in the Book. Wrote also to Mr. Simpson of Birmingham in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the Gloucester & Berkeley Canal. Bill now in Parliament. Turned the two Riding Horses out to grass. Weather very warm.

Saturday 18. Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Bills of Costs but which as they related so much to Law & Chancery Business, I recommended to him to have looked over by some respectable practising Solicitor to be approved by himself & Mr. Ward.  Received afterwards a Letter from Mr. Wedgwood informing me that he should pay in £4000 on the 19 of . . . next part of the money remaining due on his Bond & mortgage.

Sunday 19. At home. Service. In the Morning Thunder & lightening with light Rain.

Monday 20. At home. Fine thunder Rain. The country in great beauty.  Engaged on sundry papers.

Tuesday 21. At home. Engaged on the Farm. In the evening a fine shower. Changed the Milking Cows to the Ground next to the Terrace.

Wednesday 22. At home.

Page 35. 1822 May

Thursday 23. At Trentham Inn attending Meeting for receiving Land & assessed Taxes Assessment.  Mr. Booth & myself.  Interesting day.

Friday 24. At home.  Sundry matters preparatory to being home tomorrow.

Saturday 25. Eliza & I went to Coole taking the horses to Nantwich.  Eliza upon for Miss Kenwood who was very ill.  Arrived at Coole to dinner.

Sunday 26. At Coole.  Rain which prevented any of the Party going to Audlem Church.  Much conversation with Mr. Sherratt relative to the conduct & affairs of his Brother & Nephew by which he said that he was made very unhappy.  He complained much of the misapplication of the money which he had advanced.   He requested that I would furnish him to nominate me the Sole Executor of his Will, but to which I stated to him the objections.  In the evening I read prayers.

Monday 27. In the morning went in Mr. Sherratts Rig to Nantwich to speak to Mr John Garnett again relative to the the money remaining due to the Executors of the late Mr. Wedgwood from the Estates of the late Mr. Benn & the late Mr. Youall, when he promised to send on that day to the Rev. Mr. Brassington.  Returned to Coole to dinner.

Tuesday 28. Received Letter from Mr. John Garnett enclosing one from Mr. Brassington requesting a Statement of the transaction & which I returned to Mr. John Garnett with a Copy of the Account.  Mr. Sherratt let off his Fish pond in which he found a great deal of fine growing fish.  Dined at 2o'clock & afterwards returned home.  Miss Kenwood having expressed a wish to see me I called with Eliza upon her, as we from all appearances for the last time, she being . . . in a . . . declining state.

Wednesday 29. Eliza & I went to . . . to call upon Col. & Mrs. Tegson, who we found at home & invited to meet the Wilbraham's etc.etc.at dinner on Wednesday next the 5 of June.

Thursday 30. Mr. Potter with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation Matters particularly as to the intended Tunnel & Reservoir.

Friday 31. At home.  When Dr Witt was once asked How he was able to transact such a multiplicity of affairs& He replied 'By doing only one thing at a time'. Mod.. . . Hist.

June

Saturday 1. Wrote to the Rev. Wm. Turner Newcastle upon Tyne informing him that I should pay off the £1550 & inst. due on my Bond to him at Christmas next. At home all day.

Page 36. 1822  June

Sunday 2. At home. Service.

Monday 3. At Newcastle with Eliza.  Bearing Concerns etc. Returned to dinner.

Tuesday 4. At home. Closely Engaged all morning Redrawing Bill for the new Tunnel & Reservoir, with special clauses relative to Coole.

Wednesday 5. At home. Mr. Wilbraham & Miss Emma W., (Mrs. Wilbraham being prevented coming by indisposition.) Mr. &Mrs. Eliza Tollet, Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood of Betley, Rev & Mrs. . . . dined. All the party but the Wilbraham's staid all night.

Thursday 6. After breakfast the Party left us. At home all day. The heat has been for several days past excessive.

Friday 7. At home. In the morning Mr. Potter, Mr. Robt. Heath & Mr. Johnson by appointment considering the compensations to be made to the Proprietors of the Coal that would be taken in making the new Tunnel & . . . to be left for the occasions of the same, the Clauses which I had prepared for making satisfaction at such times . . . as the Coals would in the course be worked, if not agreed & paid for in the first instance, and which they fully approved.  Finished the amended Dec. of the Bill.

 Saturday 8. The anniversary of the happy day that united me with my ever dear Eliza. The anniversary of . . .   At home all morning.  At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Select Committee at Stone on Monday next. Purchased from Mr. Thorley of the Horse Shoe Public House Lawton Heath a cream colt 3years old. Son of Atlas out of a Mare of Mr. Bakewells breed of Leicestershire.

Sunday 9. At home. Service.

Monday 10. Set off early to Stone to attend Committee Meeting.  Met Mr. Tomlinson at the Roebuck Inn Newcastle after . . . who being . . . with him the . . . Copy of Declaration in the Action . . . as finally settled by Mr. Peake. Took Mr. Sparrow in the Carriage to Stone where we arrived at 10 o'clock. Closely engaged from that time after this

Page 37. 1822 June

on business. Mr. Ricketts dined with us. On our return Mr. Sparrow & I walked toTrentham Pool to view the cleansing of it, on which a great number of Men, I think between 3 & 400, have been for sometime been employed. I walked almost entirely west of the Pool on the Planks which were laid for wheeling upon.  It is a heavy & expensive piece of work, the Pool having been so much filled up with mud as to be little use as I have been told than about 10 inches deep.  When cleansed I should suppose it will be 4 or 5 feet deep or perhaps more.  The expense I have heard completed, at £10,000.  Mr. Potter said that if it was cleansed to the depth of the bottom of the River it could cost £12,000.  On my arrival at home found a long Letter from Mr. Tomlinson & later to his disputed Land Tax with the Parish of Stoke & stating that the collections had that day come to . . . and as a warrant of distress signed by myself Mr. Booth.  Knowing that there must be some mistake I determined to go over in the morning & speak to Mr. Peake. This evening heavy storm of thunder, Lightening & Rain. The Lightening was the most vivid, being great streams of flame which made distant objects distinctly visible. That I ever . . . waterfall.  The thunder . . .& continued.

Tuesday 11. Went early to Silverdale & saw Mr. Peake, when I found that the Warrant which Mr. Booth & I had signed had a relation only to Rivers of Stafford Taxes & had nothing to do with the Land Tax. The mistake seems to have provided from the Collectors having insisted on the same list both the Defaulters of Land Tax & assessed Taxes, instead of making separate Lists, as they ought to do. Wrote on my return to Mr. Tomlinson. Wrote also to Mr. Chetwynd . . ., business for my return from Silverdale stopped at Newcastle & subscribed £5.5s  to the relief of the . . . Irish.

Wednesday 12. At home.Changed the Milking Cows to the front of the House.Went up to Talk to settle with Bebbington relative to the . . . . . . by Moses Barlow. Thought him unreasonable & all he showed me I was this time apprentice.

Thursday 13. At home. Engaged revising & copying Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee, which, sent to Mr. Vaughan to be copied into the Book. Finished sowing Turnips in the Hollins ground.

Friday 14. At home. Wrote to Mr. Lockett of Congleton in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the affairs of the late Mrs. . . . & declining to act as an Executor.  First arranging to see him & Mr. Lowndes on Monday next.

Saturday 15. At home. Engaged considering the Copy of a Petition to Parliament of the . . . . . .  Merchants etc. of Gainsborough for an outline repeal of the Talk Tax, which I received last night with a letter from Mr. Vaughan, and writing to him tomorrow.  At night some Rain.

Page 38. 1822  June

Sunday 16. At home. Service. Mr. Bent came to dinner. Conversation on Brewery Concerns. In the evening Letter from Mr. Chetwynd, informing me that the Argument on the . . . last was adjourned to Wednesday next & wrote to Lewis on safety.

Monday 17. At home. Mr. Lockett & Mr. Lowndes did not come. The late Bishop Watson calls patriotism, 'a scandalous game played by public Men for private ends, and frequently little better than a selfish struggle for power' or as I fear one may add that ignoble objects of the enrolments of Offices.

Tuesday 18. At home. Eliza went to Parkfields in the expectation of meeting Emma but she did come.  Letters at night from Dr Holland & Anne.

Wednesday 19. In the morning at home. Wrote to Dr Holland.  Mr. Lockett & Mr. Lowndes called with abstract of the Title to an Estate near Congleton, later the property of Mrs. Steadman & of which I had been approved a Trustee under her late will with the Revd. Salmon.  They left the abstract with me in order that I might consider of executing a shortage of the Estate pass . . . to the like.  Eliza & I dined afterwards at Rode Hall, Mrs. Stamford who had been invited & did not go being unwell.  Met Mr. Willoughby C. . .Mr. & Mrs. Ford, Mr. & Mrs. Swettenham.  An agreeable day, & many kind of professions of regard for Mr. & Mrs. Wilbraham in consequence of their approaching Departure for the Continent. My thoughts & findings much enjoyed & interested all day, in consequence of the Letter received last night from Dr Holland.

Thursday 20. At home, perused the Abstract left with me by Mr. Lockett.

Friday 21. Began mowing the Meadow. Mrs. Stamford & Eliza went to call at Parkfields. Engaged on the Hay.

Saturday 22. Measured this Morning a large Hawk or Gland which the Gardener shot on Thursday last in Swallow Moor Wood. It measured from the tip of one wing to the other, something more than 53 inches & from the Beak to the tip of the tail, 27 inches. Went to Congleton seeing Mr. Lockett & Mr. Lowndes relative to the Trusts of Mrs. Thomas Will & to the former of whom I returned the Abstract which he had left with one of the Title to Doors Green Estate.  I usually permit that Mr. Lockett  send another Det. of the intended mortgage for £700  I . . . to be envied by the . . . .   Returned to dinner.  Letter from Dr Holland.

Page 39. 1822  June

Sunday 23. At home. Service. Thundering & Lightening, with heavy Rain in the Evening.

Monday 24. Stopped on the Hay by the weather which continues showery.  At home all day.

Tuesday 25. Called at the Revd. Mr. Mainwarings of Wolstanton, but he was out & returned home. Afterwards at Newcastle on various matters. Returned home to dinner.

Wednesday 26. Received Letters from Mr. Holland of Knutsford.  Mr. & Mrs. Twemlow of Betley Court, Miss Fletcher. Mr. & Mrs. & Chas. Lawton , Miss Moreton & Wm. Penlington dined.  The Twemlows & Miss Fletcher staid all night.

Thursday 27. After breakfast the Twemlows & Miss Fletcherleft.  Wrote to Mr. Holland of Knutsford in reply to his Letter on the interesting subject of our dear Emma & his son.  Mr. Potter called & Mr. . . . accompanied to view the line of the intended.  I viewed Mr. Banks Coal Road etc. and which engaged all the morning.  We returned by the Towing path over the Hall & received the point where the Tunnel will come to the North side of Harecastle.  Busy carrying Hay. Letter from Mr. Tomlinson monitoring a suggestion from Mr. Vernon of the matter with Martin being settled without going on to a . . .

Friday 28. The weather again changed to wet. Mr. James Potter making Plan & usage of the Colliery Brickiln etc. etc. for this purpose of the . . . of the Cause at  Stafford.

Saturday 29. Engaged again with Mr. James Potter who breakfasted too.

Sunday 30. At home.  Service.

July

Monday 1. At Stone early & engaged closely all day attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Took Mr. & Mrs. Sparrow from Newcastle & Returned at night.

Tuesday 2. In Consequence of a Letter received this morning from Mr. Thos Sparrow, went to Newcastle to meet Mr. Challinor of Leek, the Solicitor concerned for the Parish of Caldon in order to settle with him & Mr. Chetwynd various companies on the Trial of the Cause. Returned to dinner.

Wednesday 3. Again at Newcastle engaged with Mr. Chetwynd settling the Brief etc. it appearing to me that from various circumstances it . . . be explained to from there the . . . of the Cause to Michaelmas Session, sent a Messenger with a Letter from us. Thos. Sparrow to Mr. Challinor to enquire whether this would be aggreable to him.

Page 40. 1822  July

Thursday 4. At Trentham Inn early attending Meeting for hearing Land Tax Appeals & particularly the long agitated ones of Mr. Tomlinson in agr. the assessments for Penkhull etc. The Inspector  General of the Taxes, Mr. Leigh, came all the way out of . . . to the present & the Meeting was attended by Mr. Tollet, Mr. Twemlow, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Bourne & myself. We were closely engaged from between 11 & 12 to near 8 at night, having carefully investigated the matter.  We finally returned the assessment to the several . . . in vain that they might be commended & returned to us at a Meeting appointed to be held  for that purpose on the 1st of Aug next. Mr. Tomlinson & Mr. Minton qualified as Commissioners. Violent Rain with Thunder & Lightening. On my return found Mrs. Martin at Linley Wood.

Friday 5. Engaged all morning correcting & copying the Minutes of the last Meeting of the Committee on Monday last & writing therewith to Mr. Vaughan.

Saturday 6. Mr. Tomlinson having delivered to me on Thursday a Letter which he had received from Mr. Vernon with some propositions for an advisable settlement of the Action by against Martin, engaged sketching sent an answer thereto & afterwards at Cliffe Ville considering & settling the same with Mr. Tomlinson in order that he might transmit it to Mr. Vaughan. Returned to dinner. In the evening Mrs. Martin left us, Eliza taking her home.

Sunday 7. Service. John & William Bent came to dinner.

Monday 8. At Cliffe Ville early organised . . . dining again the answer to be given to Mr. Vernon & completing the same.  On my return home, stopped at Newcastle on various matters, & on getting again into the Gig my foal slipped off the iron steps against which my shin then struck & was considerably hurt.  Got home to dinner. Met Mr. Vaughan at Talk who had come over to see me relative to the Caldon Appeal.

Tuesday 9. At home confined to the House by the hurt on my leg. Eliza & Mrs. Stamford called upon Mrs. Chetwynd at Wolstanton.

Page 41. 1822  July

Wednesday 10. Still confined. Revd. Mr. Mainwaring called.

Thursday 11. Though unfit for it went on the Carriage to Stoneyfields  where engaged with the new Partnership Books & Accounts all morning. Instructions were given to Mr. Ward for Partnership Articles. Dined at Stoneyfields & on my return at night found Stamford who had arrived from London.

Friday 12. At home. Laid up with my leg.

Saturday 13. At home. The same. Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. Vernon & Mr. George Martin met at Linley Wood to try to settle the Cause stopping for meal at Stafford where I made certain propositions to which they were to give an answer on Monday morning next at furthest. Mr. Vaughan also called.

Sunday 14. At home the same. Unable to go through the Service but which was done by Stamford.

Monday 15. At home the same. In the evening letter from Mr. Tomlinson missing one from Mr. Vaughan, when he informed me that I would see him tomorrow morning.

Tuesday 16. Though unfit for it  went to Cliffe Ville at last to let the Trial of th