Letters, References and Notes (1856-1874) 
Relating to Anne Marsh (Marsh Caldwell)

The following is a listing of letters, references and general notes, from 1855-1874, relating to Anne Marsh (Marsh-Caldwell) and her family.  For notes relating to other years please go to Letters, References and Notes (1780-1874).

14 February 1857.  Letter from Anne Marsh to Mrs Matilda Francis Milman, later Lady Matilda Frances Milman (nee Pretyman, 1820-1890). 

My dear Mrs. Milman
The girls have been coming down every day to enquire after Dear Sir William  but the rain has made it impossible - I hope you will be able to send us a better account by my messenger and a comfortable one of you all - If the rain holds up Louisa is forced to go to her school today and tomorrow we go to church so there is no chance of getting down ourselves just at present - I hope your brother George  keeps well - I thought he looked delicate the day he was up here with Mr Milman and that all your darling little creatures are thriving.  I have such a pen I cannot write.
. . . Affectionately yours
Anne M.
Eastbury, Feb 14th
How is Maria - not . . .  . . . ? I hope 

8 March 1857.  Letter from Anne Marsh to Mr William Milman, later Sir William Milman, 3rd baronet (1813-1885).

March 8th
My dear Mr. Milman
It would be conferring a favour on me if you would dine with us upon the Friday 13th as well as upon the 12th as Mr Clarke of Swankeleys dines with us on the latest? D - and I am particularly conscious he should have a pleasant day which I know I shall secure if he meets you - I hope dear Mrs. Milman and her little jewels are thriving.
Always
Very truly yours
Anne Marsh
12 past 7 oclock is our hour on both days

The following is an extract of a letter from Harriet Martineau to Erasmus Darwin, addressed from Ambleside and dated 2nd February 1860.  The extract is a short reference to the death of Anne's brother James Stamford Caldwell and the subsequent dispute in settling his will regarding the ownership of the Linley Wood estate.  The extract reads as follows:

Poor Mrs Marsh!  She has not learned self-knowledge or modesty since the old days when she used to scold me for the laws of political economy, as if they were my making. - I have looked in vain for the decision on the miserable Caldwell will case.  Judgement was deferred; and I don't see that it has been pronounced yet.  If Fanny remembers, next time she writes, I should like to know.

Extract of a letter from Emma Darwin (1808-1896) to her niece Snow (Francis Julia Wedgwood 1833-1913).  This also contained a copy of a passage from Emma Holland's (nee Caldwell) diary.  WM644 Keele University Library.  No date but presumably 1880s or 1890s.  The letter reads as follows:

My dear Snow
I cannot tell you what vivid pleasure this letter has given me, if only in putting me in mind of that ride, which was a great honour to a little girl of course.  I remember my wonder at Emma [Holland nee Caldewell] being able to force herself (she was very tall and not slender) into Eliz habit, and I wonder that Eliz herself could have worn some make shift I suppose.  I remember Harry's high spirits and the short gallop we took up the little pitches of the pretty wood we were skirting.  It is that Jos excited some interest in her mind.  I doubt whether common sense can be learnt by education, no doubt it can be improved.  There would be no liberty at Linley Wood while Mr Caldwell was in the room.  He was narrow and nervous and self conscious and is the only man I remember my father disliking.  A high Tory and I have no doubt those clever daughters had all sorts of liberal crotchets.  Mrs Caldwell was genial and delightful.  The brother [James Stamford Caldwell] the most disagreeable man (except Villiers Surtees) I ever saw.  He was always half in love with Charlotte, and kept her on the tender hooks of avoidance.  There was the same want of liberty at Shrewsbury whenever the Dr was in the room . . .
[It should be noted that while Emma Darwin says that her father (Josiah Wedgwood, 1769-1843) disliked James Caldwell, this was certainly not the case in the early 1800s when there was a great friendship between the two families.  Presumably the fall of the Marsh bank in 1824 and the decade of financial and legal turmoil which then followed, very much embittered the relationship between Josiah and James.]

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

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