Letters, References and Notes (1811-1820) Relating to James Caldwell of Linley Wood and his daughter Anne Marsh

Letters, References and Notes (1810-1819)
Relating to James Caldwell and Anne Marsh (Marsh Caldwell)

The following is a listing of letters, references and general notes, from 1811-1820, relating to James Caldwell, his daughter Anne Marsh (nee Caldwell) and her husband Arthur Marsh . For notes relating to other years please go to Letters, References and Notes (1780-1874).

1810 James Caldwell approx 50 years old.

WM 1565 Keele University Library.

12 July 1810

Letter from Josiah Wedgwood to James Caldwell.

Letter dated 16 August 1810 from Mary Houghton to her father the Reverend P Houghton, Lambeth. With an addition by A Caldwell who is probably Ann Caldwell, sister of James Caldwell of Linley Wood. Ann Caldwell lived at Nantwich. Mary would have been about 9 when this letter was written and she appears to have been staying with the Caldwells. Her father's address is 13 Pratt Street, Lambeth, London. This letter is on the website www.coghlan.co.uk

My Dear Papa
I am much obliged to you for your kind letter Miss Caldwell came home last night & brought me positive orders from Mrs C, to right write to you today. Mrs Stamford [Miss Hannah Stamford] with Mary & Anne are to set off for Eastboune on Monday I am very well & have been many pleasant walks since I came to N [Nantwich] .
I am your affectionate
Mary Houghton

[The following has been added by Ann Caldwell onto the same page]

Mr Barman thinks Mr Eddures would have no objection to viewing the Miney at Philadelphia & transmitting it to England; & if you wish it, will mention the subject the next time he writes - but Mr B [Bent?] desires me to suggest to you that the person who has been accustomed to receive the interest may probably transact the business to your satisfaction. Mary is perfectly well & and I believe I may add perfectly happy. You may depend upon our friendship in paying her every attention in our power while she continues at Nantwich. Betsy writes in very kind remembrance with your sincere friend.
A Caldwell
Nantwich Aug 16th (1810).

A letter from Mary Houghton to her father, later in August 1810. She would have been about 9 when this letter was written. Her father's address is 13 Pratt Street, Lambeth, London. Mary was staying with the Caldwells of Linley Wood (see Linley Wood 1811) who also had connections with Nantwich. Mary's father was a Unitarian Minister (Presbyterian) so the Methodists cry is amusing. This letter is on the website www.coghlan.co.uk

My Dear Papa
I expected to here from you yesterday and hope you will write soon. Mr Caldwell has been unwell but is better. Miss Stamford Mary & Anne are gone to Ramsgate instead of Eastbourne, they intended passing through London, have you seen them? Stamford came home on Saturday. Mr Skerrett is just returned from Buxton we are going to drink tea with him this afternoon. The old houses have been blacked & white washed & look very smart on Sunday I drank tea at Miss Harwoods who lives near the Methodist Chapel I stood at the window & heard the Parson cry out Woe Woe to the Presbyterians.
I am your affectionate
Mary Houghton

WM 1565 Keele University Library.

12 July 1810

Letter from Josiah Wedgwood to James Caldwell.

19 Dec 1810

My dear Sir

I cannot refrain from offering you my hearty thanks for the very kind manner in which you have consented to my appointment of you as Executor. It is indeed a great satisfaction to me to be assured, that if I were soon to be taken from my family they would have the advantage of your protection and attention to their interests in the disposal of my property. I have endeavoured to make my will as simple as might be and if I live some years I hope to put my affairs into less cumbersome shape than they now occur.

With kind regards to your family, to all of whom I have the warmest attachment, I am

My dear Sir

Most truly yours

Jos Wedgwood

Addressed to James Caldwell Esq, Linley Wood, Lawton.

Post marked Newcastle Under Lyme Dec 19 1810.

1811.

There is a small reference to James Caldwell in the book "Ten Generations of a Potting Family" which reads as follows: "There is an interesting list of manufacturers who in 1811 subscribed to a presentation of silver to Josiah Spode and James Caldwell for their services in opposing a proposed tax on manufactures. J&J Davenport subscribed £3 3s. od., William Adams, of Stoke, £4 3s. 0d., Thomas Wolfe £7 5s 0d., William Adams, Cobridge, £8 5s. 0d., and so on".

Letter dated 18 February 1811, from Elizabeth Caldwell (nee Stamford), Linley Wood, to the Reverend P Houghton, Lambeth. This letter is on the website www.coghlan.co.uk

Linley Wood
Feb 18th
Dr Sir
It has been my intention to write to you every day for the last fortnight, but Miss Caldwells, & a party of other friends having been with us that time, I really found myself fully engaged, & kept delaying it from day to day. Miss Caldwells desired I would particularly remember them to you, & our dear Mary, whom they think of with great pleasure. Miss C is still extremely delicate: if she can comfortably get over this winter I hope another summer will make her strengthen, & prepare her for the next. It seems so very long since we had any intelligence of you, that I do assure you we fell very anxious for it, & I therefore hope you will write very soon, & send us every possible information about Mary. We wish to hear how she is employed, & of all her various improvements; & whether you continue to like your present situation, in that nothing can be indifferent to us that concerns yourself, & our sweet girl. We also wish much to have receive a letter from herself. This I suppose she has deferred in the hope of sending one finely written. She must not wait for this; but give us an opportunity of observing progressive improvement. We have been feasting upon the raisins and almonds you were so kind to send us, & which are indeed most excellent. Accept our best thanks for them. We bear this cold weather with more composure in the hope that vegetation will be retarded, & that we may enjoy in consequence a greater abundance of fruit next year. Mr Caldwell also bears it better than usual though he has not yet experienced the trying east winds of March. He begs to write with my sister, my girls & myself with kindest regards to yourself & our dear Mary, & I am Dear Sir
Your very sincere friend
Eliza Caldwell

26 April 1811. James Caldwell is appointed an executor in the will of John Armitstead (1764-1814) of Bawtry, in the County of York, Clerk. For more information see www.fitzwalter.com/afh/Armitstead/armitwills.htm#af00005

1812

Order from Miss Stamford at Linley Wood for some Wedgwood table ware.

1812

Letter from Louisa Caldwell to Charlotte Wedgwood.

WM 1565 Keele University Library.

1 June 1812

Letter from Josiah Wedgwood to James Caldwell.

Early 1813, Saturday morning

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).

24 June 1813

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).

1 August 1813

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

18 September 1813

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

10 October 1813

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

7 November 1813

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

22 November 1813. Extract of a letter from Jessie Allen to her sister Mrs Josiah Wedgwood. This is taken from page 41, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Dulwich and dated 22 November 1813. The extract reads as follows:

I have just been reading Anne Caldwell's play and am delighted with it. It has infinitely surpassed my expectations. She is a person of extraordinary genius I think. The poetry is really beautiful. I hardly ever read anything that filled my mind with more poetic images; the scenery is exquisite, and there is a warmth, a purity and delicacy in the sentiment I have scarcely ever met with, and that is very delightful. The songs are excessively pretty. I want to read again Miss Baillie's "Hope", which I thought the prettiest of her compositions, yet, from memory, I doubt if Anne's is not a more delightful thing [Joanna Baillie, who had then a great reputation, best known by her Plays on the Passions]. This would rank Anne very high in genius, as Miss Ballie was ranked by Mackintosh, when in India, as the third greatest living genius. Mme de Staël and Goethe the German were the two others. Extraordinary, that in a classification of this sort by such a judge as Mack, two of the three should have been women. I shall, I think, let Campbell see Anne's play if I find it succeeds with Mackintosh. Fan read it aloud on Sunday evening, and Baugh was as much delighted with it as I am.

27 November 1813. Extract of a letter from Mrs Josiah Wedgwood to her sister Emma Allen. This is taken from page 44, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Parkfields and dated 27th November 1813The extract reads as follows:

On Thursday we go to Linley to stay till Saturday and I have issued cards for a grand dinner on the 7th. Jessie's praise of Anne Caldwell's play is a very striking contrast to Dr Holland's frigid approbation. I have not read it yet, but I shall feel much interest to know what the judges with you say of it.

4 December 1813

Letter from Jessie Allen (later Madame de Sismondi) (1777-1853) to Anne Marsh ( Marsh-Caldwell nee Caldwell). Addressed from Dulwich, to Miss Anne Caldwell. The letter reads as follows:

Dulwich, December 4th

I am too grateful and too much pleased with your play to trust my thanks and praise to other hands. I must thank you myself and tell you that though my expectations were considerably raised by my sister's account, and by my own conceptions of your power, they have been greatly exceeded. I do not know I have ever enjoyed an evening more than that, which, I passed in your Fairy Island. I have always a devout affection for the inspired. You teach me an additional delight in knowing and loving the person divinely touched. I do not agree with Sara in wishing the play had been all in rhyme. It would have spoilt the effect with which the songs appear now and coming in now and then they . . . and enliven the pomp of blank verse. Besides that the little details of a story, and familiar phrases of dialogue in English rhyme run some dangers of being jingling and . . . The Prince's speech on the . . . waiting for his mistress is beautiful. The scenery is delicious particularly I like the little sea apart from the Ocean on which her lover's voice is heard in the breeze. There is a delicacy and purity in the sentiment throughout that is perfectly delightful. I have handed the manuscript to Fanny to read aloud to Kitty and Mackintosh and have charged her to clear the most silvery of her tones to read it with the sweetest effect. If they do not like it I shall feel as though some little love of my own was rebuked. I shall like to show it Campbell, but that there is a jealous irritability about him that I think renders him severe in his judgements and sometimes unjust. I think he is towards Lord Byron who has just published another poem I hear more beautiful than the G&ldots;, how exactly you and I agree in our opinion about him. I would give a great deal to know what he could not tell me, the little circumstances in life that has perverted great good to evil in him. I cannot find it easy to tell you how warmly I have sympathised in all the variety of feelings that have lately agitated you, and how ardently I trust in there ending most happily of which I think there is now little room to doubt. Your description of the General is quite poetic. I have an air of romance in the history of my friends. I wish his constancy and wise taste to be rewarded by one of the best of human beings in her fairest appearance. I therefore charge you that you do not suffer Eliza to wear herself with anxious fears. She has nothing to do now but with hope "sweet hope" and it will be ungrateful in her if she has other feelings. Nothing can be happier than his destination. His rank nearly places him in safety, and his return will in all probability be speedy. Let her dress be most handsome, most tasteful, most becoming. There is more truth than you are aware of in what the Bents say about dress. I don't recollect that I have any more impertinent charges to give you but that I charge Eliza to look her loveliest and that she will never do her fretting. Sara and my Sisters have been in town since this day week and do not return till next Tuesday. They have exchanged places with the Mackintoshes children. The weather has been bad, much as I love children I find being confined night and day in a small place is no small evil. I will never marry a poor man. They did intend returning on Saturday but owing to a mistake that it will be twaddling to explain to you, they stay till Tuesday to their inconvenience and my weariness. I should be consoled if Mackintosh did not happen to be engaged out almost every day, or if any agreeable scheme offered for Sara, but she has only the pleasant feeling that I have put her off for three days out of a short visit that she had destined me. One of my evils arising out of the same error, is to go to a young ladies ball, where I shall see forty clumsy uninteresting looking children dance without grace and without spirit, with their toes so turned in, it provokes me to look at them. I have seen them rehearse and nothing has convinced me so much of the aristocracy of grace. These little butchers and brewers and grocers and gingerbread bakers have no comprehension of it (it is well Sara does not see what I write it would set her swallowing for an hour) not withstanding I have great respect for them, though they have none for my beloved Grace. They are very rich, a hundred thousand is a trifling fortune among them. They make a more liberal use of it than half our Nobility and look so contented and happy it does ones heart good to live amongst them. There is not a house in the village that does not keep a carriage and there are three that have realised in trade a hundred thousand pounds. It certainly requires little wit to make money. Wednesday. I have great aversion to returning to a letter. It always gives me a disgust to what I have written, and I feel so much more disposed to burn, than to continue it that if the Frank was not to go presently, I should write you a fresh letter. My sisters and Sara are returned from the seat of intellect and will write themselves with this, which consoles me, for sending it. I did not tell you that your brother was so good as to call on us, and was very entertaining. I was very glad to see him and was bold enough to ask him to stay dinner and to wish it. Luckily for himself he was engaged. I think you will be delighted with L Allemagne, and hope to read your critique and account of your feelings. There are some exquisite chapters, and the whole beautiful. The chapter on conjugal love and enthusiasm will above all charm you. We are going to introduce Sara this evening under that character of a great genius to Mr Allen the Warden, of the College and of Lady Holland from which offices we mean her to deliver him. Remember me most affectionately to all your family. Has the fair Emma heard anything of the interesting American Brev&ldots; [Brevoort?] or of her rich Alderman? Farewell my dear Anne. I am ever your affectionate J Allen. I wish I could have answered your dedication in verse but incapable of producing anything worthy . . . was driven to rapid prose. Fan missed your success with M . . . I enjoy it as much or more than you will y . . .

8 December 1813

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875), to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed from Dulwich, to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood, Lawton Cheshire. Post marked Dec 8, 1813. The letter reads as follows:

Dulwich. December 8th

My sweet affectionate Anne has deserved my thanks some weeks for her letter by Sarah. I have been putting off the answering it, in the hopes that I should have a whole morning to give you, but as usual I am condemned to give you scraps. I am as sorry for this, as in the strength of my vanity I can suppose you to be, as I have a great deal to talk to you on many subjects, and writing in a hurry frightens all subjects out of ones head. I am indebted entirely to your warm imagination for the charms you have supposed belong to my character. I would not for a good deal however, that this illusion should be dispelled, both you and I should suffer for the distraction of Armidas Palace in which your affections dwell, therefore (as much depends on my exertions) I shall endeavour to preserve the enchantment unbroken. I have told you and Eliza I believe more than once what good your affection has been of to me. I mean particularly the exaggerated opinion you have both of me, therefore I shall say nothing more on that head, but to thank you for my honorary seat. I have told you before I think that you did me injustice in supposing that I did not like you, when you almost adored me. I always approached to loving you, and if you had been frank enough to have given me a hint that my friendship would have been of value to you the first week I ever passed at Linley, I would have given it and sought yours with great delight. This might seem strange to you as you might reasonably think that being older than you to do. Baugh was so interested in the story, that he is very desirous that it should be brought on the stage, so don't be surprised if you should soon hear that a new play of "The Enchanted Island" is to be brought out at one of the theatres, remember your tragedy. Your notion about Mme de Staël is not quite correct. She is the very creature of society, and she finds fault with the English with their want of lightness and brilliancy in society. She is delightful in conversation and exceedingly playful. There is something not right in her character and disposition that offends me every now and then. If I had time I would give you a better notion of her than I have yet done. Sarah is very amicable. I was sorry that the party at K&ldots; was so large as to prevent Sarah's hearing anything of Mme de Staël. Her friend Rocca who is certainly the most handsomest man I ever saw, talked to me a great deal. He told Kitty to bring him up. I was si embilie that he should scarcely know me. You do not know what a compliment this was, not the words quoted but his speaking at all. He is le fiere hippolite and scandal has named the Phedic languages, but this is too profligate to be suspected, he scarcely speaks to any woman. Paris and London are the two most detestable places in his mind. Mackintosh was a good deal at home this last week, which I was very glad of for Sarah's sake. We returned here yesterday and the last three days he was at home every evening. He is much more the fashion and much higher spoken of than Mme de Staël. His two articles in the last ER [Edinburgh Review] are very much prized, particularly his E'Allengane. Lord Byron was moved almost to tears at his character of him in the article on Rogers. He wrote him an excessively interesting letter with the Bride of Abydas saying it had been written for a week, and has been to distract his mind from the realities of an existence that is almost painful and odious to him. Praise has done Lord Byron more good, than any blame ever could. Lord Byron is my pet of Poets. I have displaced Campbell for his sake. He is the clever man of Parnafsus. I am also fond of his character or what I think is his character. Tell me honestly how you like E's bonnet and gown. I met Stamford once in the Street. He gave me a flying shot about W Clifford. I have written him two very discrete notes, but I think it has shocked him a little. I shall however write him another in defiance of his prudery, to insist on his taking down Eliza's writing case. I have scarce had the ER [Edinburgh Review]. Bentham is by Brougham and the article on libel. The two Spanish articles one by Mrs Allen and Mrs J have told. We had a pleasant party at the Marriott's in George Street. Last week it ended in a dance when we had abundance of men and I had to my share so gallant a man that in the country I should have thought something of him, but here I have almost forgotten him now. He was rather pleasant. I had very snug day with Mrs Warren in Bedford Square, only her husband she and I. Tonight we go to Baugh's Chambers to meet Allen of the house, now for my scheme with him and Sarah. Sarah is preparing a hand for Mr Allen . . . . . . . . . My tenderest love to all your family. Sarah's love and thanks to E. I am delighted that Eliza is going with Kitty to Exeter for James sake and her own. Adeiu my tres chese &ldots; in greater haste than I like to be with you. Yours most warmly tenderly and affectionately. These are adverbs enough for and all true.

F Allen

All here send their love.

WM 109 Keele University Library.

January 1814

Two letters from Louisa Caldwell to Charlotte Wedgwood. One dated Sunday January 1814.

7 January 1814

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

24 March 1814. Extract of a letter from Fanny Allen to her niece Elizabeth Wedgwood. This is taken from page 49, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Dulwich and dated 24th March 1814. The extract reads as follows:

I heard from Anne [Caldwell] to-day - her letter was written under the influence of joy and grief and it was difficult to say which predominated. The grief you know [Gen Skerritt, engaged to her sister, had just been wounded]; and the joy was caused by Madame de Staël's billet, which you will see. I am delighted it has given her so much pleasure and that it should come at a time when it was so acceptable. She says: " You would have been pleased if you had seen the ray of pleasure that Mme de Staël's note threw upon yesterday's gloomy evening - I had the delight of reading it to my father". I wish there was any chance of her being in town this Spring. She would then be introduced to her Goddess and Mack would remind Mme de Staël to say something to the clever Miss Caldwell which would place Anne in heaven. I had the note from Mack a week ago, but I did not like to send it immediately on the account of Gen Skerritt's being wounded. I am rejoiced it arrived at such an à propos time as it seems to have done.

18 August 1814

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

8 November 1814

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

28-20693

26 November 1814

Letter from Wood & Caldwell to Mr Wedgwood regarding a house with a mortgage.

10 January 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Anne Caldwell, J Wedgwood Esq, Banning Place, Exeter.

11 March 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Basing Place.

5 April 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Post Office, Dawlish, Devon.

WM 1565 Keele University Library.

9 May 1815 (or 1818?)

Letter from Josiah Wedgwood to James Caldwell regarding Gilbert's plan for a canal tunnel.

9 July 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875), to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed from Baring Place, to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood, Lawton, Cheshire. The letter reads as follows:

Baring Place

July 9th

My dear Anne

Your letter gives me great pleasure. The account of yourself was even better than I expected. I do now indeed hope that you will give &ldots;ed happiness to your friends. If health returns to you, you will amply repay them for the anxiety they have suffered for you the last 12 months. Let me have continued reports of your well doing. Jane heard again from Tom last night, a letter that would have given me even more pleasure than his first. His active life has brought out his character, and has shown very delightful qualities. His letter details his feelings on first going into action. Those tremendous days of the 16, 17 and 18th of last month. It is very interesting and does him great credit. He says he felt nervous when he was ordered out on the 16th. It was unexpected and his mind was not prepared for it, but that on the following day, he was very easy. It is in his favour that he felt a good deal at first, in such a business. It would have seemed a brutal courage and insensibility, if he had been nervous at such a time. The day before the battle of the 18th, he had procured a little food which he partook with 5 other officers of his regiment and he was the only one left alive on the following day. He says the muster of the 19th was the most melancholy thing he ever saw. Nothing like half their numbers. John and Jane may very justly feel satisfied with Tom. His first letter has met with very great acceptance. Macintosh was mentioning at Brooks his account of the battle, and Lt. Lansdowne said he should like to know what young man it was that gave so clear an account, on the day of such a battle. Lt. Re Sigmour was so pleased with his letter, that he put it into his packet to show the Duke of York and the Prince Regent, but he did not see them till the matter had become old. What pleases me the most in Tom, is his attention in writing to his mother and the tone of sincere affection that goes through the whole of his letters. The fault I always thought he had, was never being serious. He had a kind of copied jocularity which did not show mirth, and prevented your ever knowing what he was. It is the most effectual mask for the character that you can put on. This letter I intend as a carte du pays, therefore I shall go through the whole of the family though I shall run the risk of disappointing you or making you angry. There is nothing in the world that I admire so much as that part of your character that takes as fact all the appearances of good that is presented to you and instantly believes in sudden and great changes. I am sure it is a proof of great excellence of character. I have been so unlucky in the examples that have been shown me that I am a little incredulous, but you and Emma once more deceived me in Caroline. I find her the same girl, immensely disagreeable, uncommonly insolent to the Drewes, with not a spark of diffidence in her character, and her manner to Sally still disagreeable. Sally seems fond of her, therefore I suppose she is much mended in her manners towards her. You will think me also unjust to your pet, but I cannot advise Bob the least. He is importunate and affected, there is nothing that I make way against so much as affectation. Machintosh used to say this was a fault of ours, and I believe it is in a slight degree, but it prevents me from liking a child, if it had otherwise no fault. Jessie I still like, I believe it is because she is very fond of me and I am not proof against that. I shall therefore say nothing against her. Another thing that displeases me with all here except Sally is that they bully and are very insolent to the Dewes of the next house. I mean to observe this more closely, though I am very nearly satisfied that this is the case. . . . that are at home now have an humbled manner, that is almost affecting. Caroline I hear from more than one, is very insolent to them, and has really done Charlotte's temper great mischief. They have been bullied so much about by Elizabeth that they seem to be afraid of her. She however with her usual sweetness is encouraging them and they are not looking so frightened. Georgina has still a cough and looks hectic but she seems otherwise strong. Louisa is very . . . and timid. They are nice girls from what I can see of them. They are alarmed at me too I believe. They seem good here . . . and affectionate to a . . . I look at Caroline as a stranger. I have been so little with her in the course of my life, and I feel the effect she must produce on others exceedingly agreeable. I enjoy her society very much. I am &ldots; I look at her family, that there is not much repose for her mind's health of almost all the younger children must keep her in a constant state of anxiety. I am glad to observe that Frank is very much improved since I last saw him. And now for Sally and Dr Miller and him also I shall disappoint you, but I am sorry to tell you, that from what I have been able to observe, I think that Dr Miller, has not the least fancy that way. I have only been in their company twice, which is not time enough to make accurate observations. He made two long morning visits here lately, but as there seemed to me nothing in the business, I deserted my post of observer and did not go into the room where they were, as I was engaged in writing. He seems to me very amicable, but not agreeable. I shall have a better opportunity of judging soon as the l . . . begin tomorrow week. Horner is engaged to dine here the same day, and Dr Miller will be asked to meet him, but I can prophesy, that I shall pay more attention to my old acquaintance Horner, than to the benevolent purpose of watching Dr Miller and Sally. I must not omit to tell you that I believe Sally most entirely. She is very amicable and is a general favourite. Jane talks of going to the . . . immediately after the . . . we . . . is Emma and I remain with Caroline here. We have seen none of the neighbours yet, we know only the High Street and the ditches which they will name roads about here. I heard from Jessie this morning. She is enjoying herself very much, but I suspect poor . . . is is sighing for the end of her two months. They are dancing almost every night and have to be running to all the soirees within their reach. Jessie has fallen in love with a long Irishman who says little or nothing and looks very ill, but he is charming and Sarah thinks so too. I abstain from politics altogether. I do not think like anyone, the anxiety I have felt for our army and Tom, makes me dislike this war more than ever. I have scarcely ever been more shocked at any time than the death of poor Whitbread. How extraordinary that he above all men with everything to make life delightful would have loathed it so much as to commit suicide. We have lost one of two bills and the most useful public man we have. He was so constantly on the right and on the generous side that I feel as if we had lost a portion of virtue. I hope your bisiton turned out agreeable. I beg nothing of Miss Duma. It was not likely that Stamford would take your recommendation and choose to flirt with Miss D when Miss Tohill was at hand. My kindest love to Eliza and Emma. Tell the . . . the lovely Fanny has not warn her lovely gown yet. God bless you.

Yours Affectionately F Allen.

Remember me to Mr & Mrs C and all. Jane's love and bids me tell you that she will desire Bessy to send Tom's letters to you as she is sure you will all be interested about him. Adieu.

8 August 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

13 August 1815. Extract of a letter from Mrs Josiah Wedgwood to her daughter Elizabeth. This is taken from page 76, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Etruria and dated 13th August 1815. The extract reads as follows:

. . . It was Miss Louisa's debut, and Lady Harriet I was told was in the greatest fuss about their dress that could be; but I am sure it was fuss thrown away, as it generally is, for nobody seemed to observe how they were dressed. Charlotte was very well off in partners, as she danced with the steward, Stim, Dr Belcombe, and a Capt Vincent. There were but four sets danced. Joe danced with Eliza Caldwell, Fanny Crewe and Anne Caldwell. Joe is much improved in his dancing. I can't say much for my Hal in that way, but I was surprised he went at all. As for me, I yawned in company with Mrs Caldwell till about 5 in the morning, but I think I was rather in request too, as I was asked three times to dance. The handsomest girl there was a Miss Evans, the Innkeeper of Wolverhampton's daughter, whose beauty did not redeem her parentage from many a sneer, and "Do you know who she is?" soon passed from one end of the room to the other.

Short note from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). 1815?

No date 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

No date 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

No date 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

No date 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

22 October 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

5 November 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).

22 February 1816?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).

13 May 1816

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood. Redirected to 33 St James Place, St James St, London.

16 September 1816

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

20 January 1817

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

26 February 1817. Extract of a letter from Sarah Wedgwood to Jessie Allen. This is taken from page 106, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Etruria and dated 26 February 1817. The extract reads as follows:

I cannot take your advise in the regulation of my feelings about my friends. Friendship is to me a much more serious thing than it is to you; with me, I may almost say, it is the only thing. I must be happy in friendship or do without happiness. I do not mean "or be unhappy", because I have found more than once that by changing myself from a feeling to a thinking being, I can go on pretty well, but I am unfortunately subject to relapses. What a friend I could make out of two of mine. If I could add the agreeableness, the charming and interesting qualities of Mrs S [Mary Ann Schimmelpennick] to the fine understanding and excellent and high qualities of heart and soul of Anne Caldwell, and if this superb creature would condescend to be my friend, I should think I had found such a treasure as the world never saw. But the gods are as likely to annihilate space and time to make two lovers happy, as to work the miracle that I desire at their hands.

Anne has been spending some time with me lately, and I have had a great deal of writing intercourse with her besides. The result of a more thorough knowledge of her has been an increased love and admiration of her. I don't think people in general are aware of the very great superiority of her understanding; I know you are, so I am not afraid of saying to you what I think of her. Besides her understanding, I have a great admiration of her wisdom. I don't mean that she is able always to act wisely herself, but she has a great deal of wisdom when she is not led astray by her feelings, or nerves, or anything of that sort. One thing that I value very particularly in her as a companion, is that I have never any thought or feeling de trop in my intercourse with her. With almost everybody one feels, "This part of my heart and mind and soul finds an answering heart, mind and soul in this person, but there is another part of me which is of no use in this friendship, that part I must reserve for such another person", but with Anne no part need wait. What ever mood I am in, I find something in her that suits that mood; and I never have to keep back any thought or feeling from the consideration that some other person will be more likely to enter into it. This is partly owing to the richness and fulness of her mind, and the strength of her feelings, and partly to our ways of thinking and feeling being alike. I think you will be surprised after all I have said in Anne's praise, that I should not be perfectly satisfied and have no longings for this compound friend composed "of every creature's best": you will perhaps, still think me very foolish when I have explained myself, but that is a thing I never minded with you, and this letter is entirely for your own eye. It is my misfortune to be not of an affectionate disposition, though affection is almost the only thing in the world that I value; I don't know why I should be ashamed to own that I cannot possibly help, an extreme fastidiousness about charm and agreeable qualities; there are very few persons in the world who are agreeable and charming enough in appearance, manner, and conversation to give me a lively pleasure, and I seem as if I could not feel affection enough to satisfy me without that. It is partly owing I suppose to my so seldom feeling a lively affection, that I feel its sweetness so very sensibly when I catch it, and that I seem almost as if I could not bear to be without it.

17 May 1817. Letter from John Chetwode to James Caldwell. The outer envelope is addressed to James Caldwell, Linley Wood, Lawton, Cheshire. It is postmarked 17 May 1817. The letter reads as follows:

London May 17 1817

My dear Sir

I enclose a letter I have received from Lord Sidmouth, by which you will learn, that the Newcastle address has been most graciously received.

Believe me

My dear Sir

Yours very sincerely

John Chetwode

25 August 1817. Extract of a letter from Mrs Josiah Wedgwood to her sister Emma Allen. This is taken from page 111, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Etruria and dated 25 August 1817. The extract reads as follows:

The Caldwells are exceedingly pleased with this match of Anne's, and I like him very well [Arthur Cuthbert Marsh]. She is I believe now entirely attached to him. Nobody ever took more pains to be in love than she did, but she has succeeded, and will, I hope, be very happy. All bridegrooms are Nonsuches, but he really does seem very amiable.

15 May 1818. Extract of a letter from Mrs Josiah Wedgwood to her sister Fanny Allen. This is taken from page 117, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Paris, Rue Caumartin, No 19, and dated 15th May 1818. The extract reads as follows:

The Caldwells are here and are as busy as possible, but I am afraid they lose some enjoyment in their eagerness not to miss any. Mr Clifford took them a little in dudgeon at first, as he feared they would interfere with the snugness of this place, but he went with us yesterday to Hotel Tamise, rue de la Paix, where they are to drink tea, and liked them very much.

Extract of a letter from Elizabeth Wedgwood to her father in England. This is taken from page 119, of Vol 1 of "Emma Darwin, A Century of Family Letters" published 1915. The letter is addressed from Paris, Rue Caumartin, and dated 24th May 1818. The extract reads as follows:

We had a dutiful day with the Truanderie last week. They came and drank tea as well as the Caldwells. Mme Collos refused an invitation to our soirée, which I was glad of I confess.

9 July 1818. From the book "The Wood Family of Burslem" by Frank Faulkner, published 1912. James Caldwell sold his share of the pottery company to Enoch Wood. The name of the company was then changed from Wood & Caldwell to Enoch Wood & Sons. Extracts from Enoch Wood's diary record the following:

July 9th 1818 This is the date of my letter offering to Mr Caldwell terms to buy or sell the property of Wood & Caldwell.

July 17th 1818 A note occurs to the effect that a dissolution of the firm of Wood & Caldwell was to take place.

Anne Caldwell married, 13 July 1818, in St James, Audley, Arthur Cuthbert Marsh (1786-1849) son of William Marsh (1755-1846) and Amelia Marsh (nee Cuthbert, 1765-1793).

25 December 1818. James Caldwell selling land to William Bent. Large parchment document in the Staffordshire Record Office D593/B1/13/63/3. Dated 25 December 1818. Sale of land by James Caldwell. Convergence by grant and release from James Caldwell Esq to William Bent Esq of an undivided fourth part of a close of land in the lately inclosed Stoney Fields. Consideration £187.9.3

3 June 1819. Letter from James Caldwell to Edward Littleton Esq. This was presumably a copy, as on the back of the same piece of paper is another letter sent to someone else connected with the content. The letters reads as follows

Linley Wood, 3 June 1819

Dear Sir

I am truly sensible how much I ought to apologise for the liberty that I am now taking; but being desirous to render any Service in my power to a family whom I have long and intimately know, and who have been great sufferers from the conduct of France towards British Subjects. I hope you will excuse my begging your permission that the Bearer Mr &ldots; [Fagle?], who is a gentleman of great respectability, may explain the circumstances to you; and if you can then, with perfect satisfaction and convenience to yourself, afford any facilities or assistance to Mess: Hollins[?] with the Commissioners for adjusting the British Claims upon France. I shall feel myself personally and particularly obliged. I have the honour to be Dear Sir,

Your faithful and

Most obedient Servant

James Caldwell. Edward Littleton Esq

Linley Wood, 4 June 1819.

Dear Sir

Enclosed is the letter to Mr Littleton, of which I have also sent a copy on the other side, thinking that it might be satisfactory to you and to Mr &ldots;[Fagle?] to know what I have said.

I do not at present recollect any other application that I can with propriety make; but shall be sincerely glad if the enclosed be of use, and with my best wishes for your success I am,

Dear Sir

Your very obedient Servant

James Caldwell.

23 June 1819. Letter from Edward Littleton to James Caldwell. The letter reads as follows:

Audley Square

June 23rd 1819

My dear Sir

Mr &ldots;[Fagle?] delivered to me your letter of the 3rd of this month, this morning. And I have given him a letter to Mr Mackenzie who is at the head of the Commission for the liquidation of British Claims in France, and with whom I am well aquainted. Your own recommendation of Mess: Hollins[?] and the excellent character Mr Davenport, who was accidentally present when Mr &ldots;[Fagle?] called, gave them, enabled me to write to Mr Mackenzie respecting them in such terms as you would have . . . I remain my dear Sir

Yours faithfully

Edward Littleton.

If you have any information to add to what is listed please contact me on jj@jjhc.info

(Home) (Jame Caldwell) (Ann Marsh-Caldwell) (Arthur Marsh) (Letters References & Notes 1780-1874)