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 1827-1829 (129 pages).  For transcriptions of other diaries and notes please click here (Index of notes and diaries of James Caldwell).

 

Page 1

 

1827  January

 

Thursday 25.  Received by a Messenger a Letter from Mr. [Cririe] proposing a Meeting on the Macclesfield Canal business, & to come here tomorrow with Mr. Swetenham not being obliged to go to Sandbach, I proposed meeting them on Saturday morning at . . .at 12 o'clock.  Sent Mr. James Potter the Plan which his proposing of the Trent & Mersey Canal, & my Allens Plan of the Canals.

 

Friday 26.  At home.  Prevented going to Sandbach & wrote to Mr. J. Sherratt.  Engaged on the Penlington Papers & Accounts.  Received Letters by the Post & from Mr. [Woodward] of Coventry explaining the Resolution of the Coventry Canal Company to give their assistance in opposing the Middlewich Communication.  Letter from Mr. Lister relative to Cockshead Engine & from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here on Wednesday or Thursday next.  Mrs.. Stamford went to Eton.  Miss Wrench & Miss Dawson dined & with whom engaged on the Drawing on the Penlington Affairs & the business of the Executorship.

 

Saturday 27.  Went to Congleton.  Met Mr. [Cririe], Mr. Swetrnham & Mr. Simpson on Macclesfield Canal business.  Mr. [Cririe] stated that they had objections to the new line, particularly to the [fixation] with the T. & M. Canal & the construction of the Stop Locks & [Points].  I said I could not enter into this part of the subject not being [competent] to it.  That they were points for Engineers.  That the line etc. had been prepared by Mr. Giles, to whom their objections had better be stated, & he would then have an opportunity of explaining himself, & if any difficulty rose it must be submitted to the [counsel] and [members]of the supportive Companies.  Mr. [Cririe] said he would write to Mr. Telford on this matter and also to Mr. [Vizard] upon the Clauses.  I understood that it would be desirable that everything should if possible be settled on the [Coventry] as this might preclude the necessity of an attendance in Town.  Returned to dinner.  Found Letters from Mr. Littleton appointing to meet me at Stone tomorrow, & from Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood relative to the Middlewich Canal Communication.  Fatigued and unwell, and my spirits harassed out with this incessant labour and attention to the Navigation business.

 

Sunday 28.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 29. Went to Stone where I met Mr. Littleton by appointment & with whom I had a very satisfactory conference relative to the Opposition to be given to the Canal Communication at Middlewich.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Vaughan on various other matters

 

Page 2.  1827

 

Tuesday 30.  At home, closely engaged till late in the afternoon, having written nine Letters to various persons ( Mr. J.[Wortherly], Sir G.Chetwynd, Mr. Littleton, Mr. Lister, Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Twemlow, Mr. Giles, Mr. [Woodward] Mr. Vaughan.) on Navigation business, & which I sent by a Servant to Newcastle being too late for the Post here.  Mr. Potter called, & with whom engaged relative to the objection made by Mr. Bateman to the water being stopped to fill the Reservoir . . .a [Pond] to the mill and granted to him & which would require some Land belonging to Sir. G. Chetwynd & Miss [Sparrow], but as they had offered to let the Company have what was wanted for this purpose on the same notes as the other, & Mr. Potter stating that the quantity would be very small not more than about a quarter of an acre, & the whole expense including farming etc. not more that £100.  I thought it best in a case of so much importance to cancel the Rent to Mr. [Bateman] though forming no part of the original Agreement, & gave directions to Mr. Potter accordingly, and at all events to go on with the work as expediently as possible.

 

Wednesday 31.  Went to Sandbach where very closely engaged a long time with Mr. Sherratt upon the Penlington Affairs.  Mr. Salmon came when I told him that as soon as I had the proper Authority from the necessary Parties, there should be no delay on my part on coming to some Arrangement or other relative to his Account.  Returned to dinner but much fatigued & unwell.  Found a Letter from Mr. Lister desiring a further postponement of the Cockshead Engine Meeting till after the 11th of February.  Vexatious and troublesome delay in a Meeting having already been appointed in consequence of the previous Letters for the 7th on which account I had declined an invitation to dine at the Rev. Mr. Lawton's, but which I now sent a note to say I would accept.

 

February

 

Thursday 1.  In consequence of Mr. Lister's Letter wrote again to Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Vaughan appointing Monday 12 for the Meeting.  Afterwards engaged all morning on Navigation Papers.  Rode out for an hour on horseback, which owing to an important engagement I had scarcely been able to do in the last fortnight.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Wedgwood in reply to my former one.  Received a Letter also from the Mayor of Newcastle enclosing a Requisition to him to call a Meeting (on Thursday next but afterwards changed to Tuesday next) for the purpose of addressing His Majesty on the death of the late Duke of York, & requesting me to perform & move such Address.  Stamford went to take up his abode at his new Habitation at Kent Green.

 

Friday 2.  Wrote to Mr. Landor of [Rugley] in reply to a Letter received from him relative to Knypersley Reservoir.  Wrote also to Mr. Lister & fixed Monday 12 for the Cockshead Engine Committee Meeting, and to Thomas Collison

 

Page 3.  1827  February

 

Friday 2.  informing him that the Legacies given by the Will of Miss Penlington might now be received on the proper Legacy Receipts being given, and the duty paid.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir John [Worthesley] saying that he should be happy to see me tomorrow Morning at [Worthesley] at ten o'clock or on Monday or Tuesday at Mr. [Cotes] of . . ., where he was going.  Received Letter from Mr. Sherratt requesting me to attend a Turnpike Meeting at Sandbach on Monday next.

 

Saturday 3.  It being entirely out of my power to reach [Worthesleyl this Morning & my engagement relative to the address putting it equally out of my power to go from home either on Monday or Tuesday next.  Wrote to Sir John [Worthesley] accordingly.  Went to Newcastle to have seen the Mayor, but he was from home.  Appointed to go again, & meet Mr.. Kinnersley at 12 o'clock on Monday.  Letter by the Post from Mr. Wedgwood, saying that he would attend the Cockshead Engine Committee on the 12th .  Letter also from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here on Monday next.  In the Evening drew up the Newcastle Address.

 

Sunday 4.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 5.  Bessy left us this morning having sent the Carriage with her to Nantwich.  Went in the Gig with Stamford to Newcastle.  Called upon the Mayor & afterwards met Mr. Kinnersley to both of whom I showed the Address, & which they much approved.  On the road met Mr. Vaughan who proceeded to Linley Wood to wait my return, which I hastened as much as possible.  Afterwards engaged closely with Mr. Vaughan who staid to dinner.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir John [Worthesley] in reply to mine, & expressed in very handsome & satisfactory terms.  Very unwell at night with symptoms of a severe Cold which I  had probably [taken] by going to Newcastle in the Gig.

 

Tuesday 6.  Bad & sleepless night.  Went to Newcastle & attended the Meeting of the Corporation & Inhabitants & made the Address in a Speech which appeared to give much satisfaction, the application of it being very fully expressed.  Returned to dinner.  Received Letter from Mr. Lister enclosing for my consideration a short address to Members which Mr. Littleton had drawn up, as proposed when we met at Stone.  Very unwell, with my cold.

 

Wednesday 7.  Wrote to Mr. Littleton at some length, and returned to him the Paper which he had drawn up. With some observations for his consideration.  Mr. [Hyde] [Thompson] came with a further request that I would [furnish] him to insert my Speech into the Newspaper.  This I declined but said that I should be at Newcastle tomorrow, & I would speak to him upon the subject.  Though very unwell and unfit for it , yet dined at . . .

 

Page 4.  1827  February

 

[Cottage].  Revd. Mr. & Mrs.. . . .,Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Wood of Newcastle, Mr. [Spencer] Rogers, J.S. Caldwell & myself.  In consequence of the request I had declined a subsequent invitation to dine at Rode Hall, to meet Mr. Booth [Wilkinson].

 

Thursday 8.  Much suffering in the night from Fever & oppression upon the Chest.  Wrote Letter to Mr. [[Peel]] to accompany the Address.  Went to Newcastle though very unfit for it.  Spoke to Mr. [Mort] & Mr. [Hyde] about the mention of my Speech in the Newspaper, declining to give a copy of it for insertion, though again requested to do it.  Went to Mr. Wilkinson's Office.  Examined the Address as any of . . .on [vellum] & gave all the necessary directions for its transcription to Mr. [Peel], desiring that it might be sent to Mr. W. [Agent] in Town, & be advised by him at the Secretary of State's Office.  On my arrival at home, found Letter from Mr. Littleton with a Copy of one which he had received from Lord Clive.

 

Friday 9.  Still unwell, after an almost sleepless night.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged on Navigation Papers, & particularly those relative to Cockshead Engine, preparatory to the Meeting of the Special Committee on Monday next.  Received from Misses Edlestone & Ellwood long abstracts for my perusal of the Title to Land at Nantwich, purchased by me from the Assignees of Mr. Thomas Garnett.  Received from James Potter the Canal Plan, which we had arranged, to show the bearings of the prepared Communication at Middlewich, & wrote desiring to see him tomorrow.

 

Saturday 10.  Still unwell.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd relative to the time of the 2nd Reading of the Middlewich Communication Bill.  James Potter came, & with whom engaged on various matters, but particularly as to the Supplies of Water that might be depended upon, in case the Cockshead Engine was relinquished.  Finally settled with him the Canal Plan.  Received by the Post, Letter from Mr. [Vizard].  Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Cockshead Engine Committee on Monday next.

 

Sunday 11.  Unwell.  Service.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Littleton, & from Mr. [Landor], with the Draft of the Conveyance from Mr. Bateman, requesting my perusal of it.  Sent by this days Post Letter to Mr. [Balgery] on Harrisons business which I had written on Saturday, but had been omitted being sent.

 

Monday 12.  Went to Stone, & attended Meeting of Cockshead Engine Committee when Mr. Wedgwood & I were requested to confer with Mr. [Hales]upon the subject.  Wrote to Mr. [Hales].

 

Page 5. 1827  February

 

and appointed Friday next for the purpose, & Mr. Wedgwood promised to dine at Linley Wood on Thursday, & stay all night, that we might have an opportunity of considering the subject.  Received Letter from Mr. Bent with account of the death of his Mother which took place on Friday last.

 

Tuesday 13.  Wrote to Mr. Littleton in reply to his Letter.  Afterwards engaged on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson & sent him the Draft of the Conveyance from Mr. Bateman, & desiring him to peruse it on the behalf of the Company offering information & assistance in my power upon the subject.  Received by the Post long Letter from Mr. Littleton enclosing one from Lord Clive.

 

Wednesday 14.  Wrote to Mr. [Landor], Mr Vaughan, Mr. [Vizard] & Mr. Lister.  Sent the two last Letters by a Servant to the Post Office at Newcastle, not being in time for this Post.  Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to seeing Mr. Wedgwood tomorrow.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Hales.  In consequence of the former, & it not appearing probable that Sir G. would go to Town, next week.  Wrote a second Letter to Mr. Lister fixing the Meeting of the Select Committee to take place at Wolseley Bridge, on Tuesday next, in order that we might all confer together, previous to our Journey.  Sent a Servant again with this Letter to Newcastle.

 

Thursday 15.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Wedgwood.  Called at Rode Hall, & saw Mr. Wilkinson.  John Boughey called & by whom I wrote to Mr. Fenton relative to the nuisance caused by the new Toll House.  Mr, & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood came to dinner.  Closely engaged all evening with Mr. W. on Navigation papers & business.

 

Friday 16.  Went with Mr. Wedgwood to confer with Mr. Hales upon the subject of the Cockshead Engine, with a further Lease of 3 years from . . .next was proposed by him, upon the same terms as the present.  From thence went to Knypersley & viewed the Reservoir.  On our return looked at the return end of the Tunnel.  Returned to dinner.  Received Letter by the Post from Mr. Lister, & from Mr. Wilkinson, on the latter of which I had called this morning relative to the Conveyance from Mr. Bateman.  Engaged again some considerable time with Mr. Wedgwood on Navigation Papers & business.

 

Page 6..1827  February

 

Saturday 17.  After breakfast Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood left us, the Horses taking Mrs. W. to Newcastle.  Afterwards engaged on Navigation Business & Papers preparatory to going Town.  Wrote to Mr. Littleton & to Mr. Vaughan.  Received by the Post Letter from the former.  Very unwell with Cold & some cough.

 

Sunday18.  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.  Sent note to Mr. Morris.

 

Monday 19.  James Potter came to breakfast & with whom engaged on Tunnel, Reservoir & Birmingham Canal.  Wrote to Mr. Edleston & Ellwood & to Mr. Hales of Cobridge.  Mr. Morris called again by my request, & with whom engaged a long time on the subject of the Middlewich Committee Confirmation distances, Rates of Tonnage etc. etc.  Afterwards engaged putting up papers.  Still so unwell as not to venture out of doors.  Receiving a Letter from Sir George Chetwynd by the Post.  I sent over to Mr. Wilkinson informing him of my uncertainty as to a Select Committee Meeting being held tomorrow , & on receiving his Reply saying that he had seen Mr. Vaughan on Saturday, who informed him that there would be no Meeting till tomorrow Evening.

 

Tuesday 2o.  [Peel] called with an old Demand against against the Penlingtons of more than 30 years date, which I told him should have been made out in the life time of some of the Parties, & that it was most extraordinary that it should never have been mentioned to me before, but brought up till all the Parties who could have have explained it, were dead.  Busy preparing for Journey to London.  Papers etc. etc.

 

Wednesday 21.  Set off to London.

 

Page 7.  1827  March

 

Wednesday 21.  Arrived at Linley Wood but in still a state of much suffering though less than the few preceding days.  The nervous feverishness with which I had been so severely affected having in some measure abated.  Found Mr. Roscoe, E. Roscoe & the children at Linley Wood.  Received Letters from Sir G. Chetwynd with instruction which had arrived by the Post.

 

Thursday 22.  Had a good nights sleep by which I found myself greatly beneficial.  Rode out with Mr. Roscoe, & with whom engaged.  Called at Bougheys House & desired him to go to Mr. Peake for instructions as to Transfer of the Licence etc.

 

Friday 23.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & to Mr. Littleton.  At noon Mr. Roscoe left us but with whom I had had a previous conversation relative to . . .Bank & the Partners with whom he was engaged.

 

Saturday 24.  Eliza Roscoe & her Children left Linley Wood.  Geo. Bebbington to settle about his Rent etc. previous to leaving.  Miserably ill.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Littleton.

 

Sunday 25.  Service as usual.  But afterwards the whole subject which has much agitated and distressed me somewhat upon my thoughts & I was at night in a state of misery almost beyond endurance.

 

Monday 26.  A Dreadful night & this morning in a state of the greatest suffering, which continued through the day, but subsided in the Evening.

 

Tuesday 27.  A comfortable night, & much better this morning.  Mr. Dove & Mr. Latham with whom & George Bebbington I settled his account on giving up the possession & Licence of the Public House at Talk.  Settled London Cash Account & Eliza in my absence returned the same in the Book.  Received Letter from Mr. Lister, also from Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood.

 

Wednesday 28.  Wrote to Mr. Twemlow & to Wm. . . .Engaged on various matters.  Unwell but upon the whole, better.

 

Thursday 29.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Still unwell.  Wrote to Mr. . . .of Betley relative to the Licence to the new House at the Hollins.  Received by the Post letter from Mr. [Vizard].

 

Friday 30.  At home.  Still unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Received from Mr. [Vizard] a Print of the Macclesfield Canal Bill, & Draft of the addressed Powers & Clauses for introducing into it the favour to make the 100 yards of the Nantwich & Middlewich

 

Page 8.  1827

 

Canal being very long & complicated & of which Mr. [Vizard] desired my perusal.

 

Saturday 31.  Closely engaged almost the whole of the day, though very unfit for it, perusing & considering the Draft of the Bill sent by Mr. [Vizard], & making Minutes & observations thereon.  In the evening Fever & Headache.

 

April

 

Sunday 1.  Very unwell & severe suffering but Service as usual.

 

Monday 2.  Again looked over the Bill & returned it to Mr. [Vizard] with observations thereon & to whom I also wrote.  Received Letter from Mr. [Cririe] with a fourth proposition relative to Wharf & Warehouses on part of the Macclesfield Canal.

 

Tuesday 3.  Went to Sandbach where engaged a considerable time with Mr. Jas. Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs.  Discharged James Rigby this morning owing to irregular conduct.  On my return from Sandbach found another Letter from Mr. [Cririe].

 

Wednesday 4.  Wrote to [Mr. Cririe] repeating that the Junction as to a Wharf & Warehouse . . .for determined, as before settled, by the General Assembly of the Trent & Mersey Canal Proprietors.  Mr. Vaughan came with whom closely engaged on papers & various matters preparatory to the meeting of the Committee & General Assembly.  Mr. Vaughan staid to an early dinner & then returned.  Mr. Vaughan to write to Sir George Chetwynd with my recommendation that the General Committee should meet me the day proceeding the General Assembly.

 

Thursday 5.  At Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson on Navigation business particularly as to the delay in completing the Reservoir Business.  Received from Mr. Wilson Abstract of Title to the Lands at Nantwich purchased from the Assignees of Mr. Thomas Garnett with Mr. . . .opinion thereon.  On return from Newcastle the gate coming into the grounds having been left loose by a Boy who held it, releasing . . . & caught the Carriage, the shock of which was so great that Eliza was thrown backwards with so great violence that her head was forced through the front glass, though strong plate of glass & which is literally slivered to pieces.  I thought she must have been killed or desperately hurt, but she most wonderfully & (escaped)without the smallest injury.  The Splinter Bar was not.

 

Friday 6.  Perused Abstract of Title to Lands at Nantwich, & wrote Letter to go therewith to Misses Edleston & Ellwood with Reservations as to the completion of the Title.  Still unwell.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

 

Page 9.  1827 April

 

Saturday 7.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Mr. T. Twemlow called.  Still very unwell.

 

Sunday 8.  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined & staid all night.

 

Monday 9.  At home.  Mr. Wilkinson came bringing the Draft of the Conveyance & from Mr. Bateman which we compared with the Agreement & so far settled for there being several matters relating to Roads & with the circumstances of what I was unacquainted, I desired him to obtain the necessary information previous to the Deeds being finally settled from Mr. Potter.  Wrote Letter to Mr. J. Lawrence to go by Miss Stamford tomorrow relative to disposing of Birmingham & Liverpool Canal Shares.

 

Tuesday 10.  Miss Stamford set off to Birmingham.  At home.  Engaged on Minutes preparatory to Committee Meeting & General Assembly.  Received from Mr. Vaughan Observations as to Rates of Freight upon the Canal, & resumption of the Carrying Trade for my perusal & Consideration.

 

Wednesday 11.  Perused & considered the Observations received yesterday from Mr. Vaughan, which I returned. & wrote to him therewith, by this Mornings Post.  Mr. Potter called, & with whom engaged, when he informed me that Mr. Bateman still prevented the filling of the Reservoir with water on account of the Deeds not being completed.

 

Thursday 12.  Not having received the Draft of the Macclesfield Canal Bill from Mr. [Vizard] wrote to him for the same.  Went to Sandbach on the Penlington Affairs, & particularly relative to the completion of the necessary Deeds of Covenant & Misses Knighton & Suttton etc. when Mr. J Sherratt informed me that he had spoken to Misses Edleston & Ellwood upon the subject & that the business was in a . . .of being completed & that the Title Deeds remained in his hands till that was done.  Eliza accompanied me in the Carriage.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. [Vizard].

 

Friday 13.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged on various matters preparatory to the Meeting of the Committee & the General Assembly next week & informed me that he had seen Mr. Bateman yesterday who had consented that the Millers House & old Mill should be immediately taken down in order that the Reservoir might be filled with

 

Page 10.  1827  April

 

water.  Afterwards went with Mr. Vaughan to Red Bull looking at the Company part of the Macclesfield Canal in order to see how far the Macclesfield Canal Company could with propriety be allowed to erect Wharf & Warehouses, when it appeared to us that the power should on no account be granted to move them soon for one Wharf & Warehouse for which the proper situation would be on the western side of the proposed Canal even to the [roofing] of the Trent Canal at Limekiln Lock.  Stamford dined.

 

Saturday 14.  At Newcastle calling upon Miss [Byerley] & making arrangement relative to her House & in which she fixed to continue till Lady day next.  On my return received from Miss [Vizard] of . . ..Ellesmere & Chester Canal Bill with a long Letter & Copies of Notices to be inserted in the Paper etc. etc. & which I sent immediately to Mr. Wilkinson by a Servant.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Cririe.

 

Sunday 15.  At home.  Service.  Wrote to Mr. Cririe.  Received by Coach  Letter a printed Macclesfield Canal Bill from Mr. [Vizard].

 

Monday 16.  At home.  Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.

 

Tuesday 17.  Went to Stone early where closely engaged, although a sufficient number of members did not attend to form a General Committee.  Considered the Bill, filled up blanks etc.

 

Wednesday 18.  Again closely engaged.  A sufficient number of Proprietors were again wanting to form a General Assembly or conveyance of one which we sent for Mr. Webb, who arrived from Stafford.  Trust business gone through, & by which I was extremely fatigued being a great exertion having been required.  On my return found Letter from Mr. [[Vizard]] with Bills & Plans to be deposited with the Purchasers etc.

 

Thursday 19.  Sent Mr. [Vizard] letter with the Documents received from him to Mr. Wilkinson & wrote to him therewith.  Unwell.

 

Friday 20.  Engaged closely on Navigation Papers.  Minutes of Resolution of General Assembly relative to Wharf & Warehouses required by the Macclesfield Canal Company, & perusing & making observations on the two Canal Bills now before Parliament previous to returning the same to Mr. [Vizard].  Mr. Booth came & with whom perused the requirements for letting the Oak Farm to Mr. J. Barlow & the new Public House at the Hollins to Mr. Boughey.

 

Saturday 21.  Engaged again closely the whole of the day on Navigation Papers & business.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Cririe to accompany the Copy of the Resolution of the General Assembly & both of which I sent by the Mornings Post.  Perused & considered again the Bill now before Parliament &

 

Page 11.  1827  April

 

making further observations thereon, filled up the various Blanks, & wrote long Letter to Mr. [Vizard] to accompany the Papers & which I sent by the Express Coach in the evening to Mr. [Vizard].  Wm. [Fearn] called ,& who I consulted relative to the Macclesfield Company proposing Wharf & Warehouse & when he approved of the Arrangement I had suggested respecting the situation & the extent of [Ground] the latter of which he said was amply sufficient.  He fully explained to me the facilities by which the Ellesmere & Chester Canal might have gained access to the Trent & Mersey Canal, & expressed himself highly satisfied with the Agreement entered with.  The more indeed I enquired & hear, the more I am convinced that it was a [prudent] measure, & if we had not taken that opportunity we might eventually have got nothing.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & Lord [Ribblesdale].

 

Sunday 22.  At home .  Service.  James Bent dined.  Received Letters by the Post from Mr. Cririe, Mr. [Vizard] & Mr. Wilkinson.  Very unwell.

 

Monday 23.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. [Vizard] in reply to his Letter.  Wrote to Mr. . . .of . . .& sent him Mr. Martin's Note.

 

Tuesday 24.  Mr. Wm.[Fearn] & Mr. James Potter came early to Linley Wood, & with whom engaged relative to the situation to be promised upon for the erection of a Wharf & Warehouse for by the Macclesfield Canal Company, & afterwards went to the Offices at the Red Bull, where I met them & Mr. [Crossley] (the . . . Co.&Co. Engineer) who having proposed a situation which [Fearn] & Potter did not approve in as much as it might afford an opportunity for transshipment & the . . .of Tolls upon the Canal, & there was . . .of which objection Mr. [Crossley] fully understood, he said that he would state the matter to the Macclesfield Canal Committee at their Meeting on Thursday next.  Fatigued & very unwell & suffering from Rheumatism in the Shoulder & Arms, & which had occasioned me much pain for several days past.

 

Wednesday 25.  Considering it highly proper that Sir George Chetwynd should be finally assured of the present circumstances & the communication from Mr. [Vizard] relative to the Bill & that should consult him thereon.  Wrote a Letter to Sir G. requesting him to meet me at Wolsley Bridge on Friday or Saturday next & which I sent by a Servant to Stone, with a Letter to Mr. Vaughan requesting him to forward the former from thence.  Afterwards engaged all Morning on Papers, perusing & correcting Minutes of the Proceedings of the General Assembly & comparing the same speech etc. etc.  Received by the Post Letter from Miss . . . & [Vizard] on the Draft of a Clause comparable to that which I had . . .& sent relative to the Tolls, & which they had thought it proper to adopt.  The Newspaper contained an Account of the unfortunate result of the . . .to consider the Land of Common places.

 

Page 12.  1827  April

 

Thursday 26.  Some further instructions having occurred to me, as necessary for Wm. [Fearn]on his attending the Macclesfield Canal Company today, rose early, & wrote Letter to him which I sent by Samuel Jones.  Engaged afterwards on Navigation Clauses etc. etc. closely.  In the evening Wm. [Fearn] arrived from Macclesfield & with whom engaged, considering the plan & arrangements now proposed relative to Wharf & Warehouses & which appeared to us might be safely consented to by this Company.  Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd confirming his attending a meeting at Wolsley Bridge.

 

Friday 27.  Wrote to Mr. Cririe & requesting him to prepare a Clause comparable with the Arrangements now proposed, & the Minute of the General Assembly.  Engaged perusing & considering various Clauses received from Mr. [Vizard], & engaged on papers preparatory to meeting Sir George Chetwynd tomorrow.

 

Saturday 28.  Went to Wolsley Bridge taking Mr. Vaughan from Stone.  Met Sir George with whom engaged perusing Bill Clauses etc. when for so many  alterations being made on the Bill & the inconvenience & delay that could cause in case any confusion or difficulty were to arise on the Committee & there was nobody on the spot willing to trust as circumstances might require we determined to go to Town a day or two previous to the Bill going into Committee.  Returned at night & called upon Mr. Wilkinson who promised to write to Mr. [Vizard] relative to the Notice etc.

 

Sunday 29.  Wrote to Mr. [Vizard].  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.  Mr. Vaughan came in the Evening.  Turned 10 Cows into the field under the Garden Terrace.

 

Monday 30.  Engaged with Mr. Vaughan examining with him several Clauses contained in the printed Copy & others which I had received from Mr. [Vizard] & which I delivered to Mr. Vaughan to be perused by him at Stone.  Afterwards went with Mr Vaughan to the South end of the additional Tunnel through    Harecastle Hill when the Company's Bank, met us, in order that I might be the first to pass through it.  We entered the Tunnel at 4 minutes ( by my watch) before 12 & arrived at the other end at 27 minutes past 12 making the passage in about 31 or 32 minutes.  Mr. Hill of Stallington who had come purposely, having been informed by Mr. Vaughan, accompanied us through, the only persons on board landing being Mr. Vaughan, James Potter & myself.  At the North end we met Eliza & Miss Stamford who returned with us through the Tunnel & we went on to Etruria Locks, being desirous to show Mr. Hill as much as possible of the Canal, & with which he expressed himself highly gratified.  On our return found

 

Page 13.  1827  May

 

Mr. Thomas Salt & Mr. [James] Salt at the mouth of the Tunnel with Mr. Potter who also went through with us . . .& the two Mr. Salt's afterwards dined at Linley Wood & as they were obliged to return to Stafford that night I sent the Carriage with them to Newcastle.  We found them two very agreeable young men & over all much pleased with them.

 

Tuesday 1.  Engaged again on Navigation papers.  Wrote Letters to Sir Oswald Moseley in reply to one received from him relative to . . .Bridge & the other to Miss [Leavons] & Sons Liverpool relative to a reduction which they wanted on Staffordshire iron, being denied.  Mr. Vaughan also to write to the latter.  The Post bringing me a Letter from Mr. Cririe & another from Mr. [Vizard], the latter of which requiring considerable Notes.  Wrote to him & sent a Servant with my Letter to Newcastle in order to save the Post.

 

Wednesday 2.  Wrote to Mr. Lister.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. [Vizard] with one enclosed from Mr. Wilkinson relative to a Brief not having being given to him at Stafford Sessions & which I immediately sent a Servant to Mr. Wilkinson.  Mr. & Miss Northen called.

 

Thursday 3.  Received from Misses Edleston & Ellwood Draft of Conveyance of Land at Nantwich purchased from Mr. Thomas Garnett's Assignees & wrote to Misses E. & E.  Engaged selecting Navigation papers to take to London.  Mr. Wilkinson called in consequence of the Letters sent to him yesterday when I advised him writing to Mr. [Vizard] & informing him that as he should so soon be in Town he could then confer all with him on the subject.  Mr. W. said the Notices etc. etc. had all been duly given & the Plan deposited.

 

Friday 4.  Engaged on Papers preparing for Journey tomorrow.

 

Saturday5.  Left home & arrived at Grendon Hall to dinner.  For particulars when in London . . .

 

Wednesday 16.  Left Grendon Hall this morning.  Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.  Found Dr. & Mrs. Crompton and J.T.C.

 

Thursday 17.  The Doctor left us.  James Potter came with whom engaged relative to the 

 

Page 14.  1827  May

 

Estimates of the part of the Macclesfield Canal & the . . . at Middlewich in order to there being sent to Mr. [Vizard] to be deposited.  When he promised to prepare & to them bring on Sunday Evening next in order that they might be forwarded to Town.  Fine showers of Rain which was much wanted.  Particularly Potatoes.  Much fatigued & unwell from too great exertion & anxiety.  No days that I ever passed in London having been more toilsome & harassing than those of the last week.

 

Friday 18.  Engaged on Navigation papers.  Afterwards went to Sandbach to have seen Mr. J. Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs, but he being from home I appointed with his Brother to go there again on Monday next.  Still labouring under extreme fatigue, & harass of mind & thought.

 

Saturday 19.  Wrote long Letter to Mr. Lister.  Went to Newcastle & saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Navigation & other matters necessary or the Committee of the Lands.  Note from James Potter in conveyance of which appointed him to come here tomorrow Evening between 5 & 6 with the Estimates.

 

Sunday 20.  At home.  Service.  In the evening James Potter who brought the Estimates of the Part of the the Macclesfield Canal & the 100 yards at Middlewich, which considered & examined with the him.  Wrote a Letter therewith to Mr. [Vizard] & [Lawson], & which I sent indeed in the Parcel containing the Estimates & a Print of the Bill & which James Potter took to Newcastle in order to get the same looked & forwarded by tomorrow Mornings Mail.  For greater safety wrote a line to Miss 's E & E by the Post informing them of the Papers being sent.

 

Monday21.  Went to Sandbach to confer with Mr. James Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs, when I requested him to see Miss Wrench in order that the Authority from the insolvency [Divisions] to the Executors for payment of the Debt might be signed, & which he promised to do this evening.  Eliza received by the Post Letter from Lady Chetwynd requesting that I would come to Grendon to dinner on Saturday next.  Turned the Carriage Horses out to Grass.

 

Tuesday 22.  In the night some fine light rain.  Changed the Cows to the Pool Field.  At home.  Mrs. Wilbraham of Rode Hall & Mrs. Antrobus called.  Eliza wrote to Lady Chetwynd.

 

Wednesday 23.  Wrote to Misses Edlestone & Ellwood relative postponing the completion of the Nantwich business till my return from Town.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt relative to late Mr. C. Hill in order to ascertain the . . . of Ann Marsh . . . Went to Harecastle Tunnel.

 

Page 15..  May  1827

 

Rode over the Hill from the North to the South end to see what soever [doing] with the Railway etc.  Saw James Potter at the office.  Gave him instructions for a small Plan of Middlewich Junction etc. to be ready to show if necessary to the Committee of the House of Lords.  Stamford dined.

 

Thursday 24.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers etc.  In the evening Mr. James Potter brought the Estimates to be sent to Mr. [Vizard], from whom I had received a Letter by this Post informing me that Lord . . .& Mr. [Strong] would not allow the Tonnage Clause and never should but to confirm the Tonnage solely to Goods etc. passing along the new cut of 100 yards.  Engaged with James Potter examining Estimates till eleven o'clock, when he took . . . to Newcastle to be sent by the Morning's Mail to Mr. [Vizard], to whom I had previously written this afternoon in reply to his Letter, & had sent mine by a Servant to Newcastle to save the Post.  I had at first determined to set off to Grendon tomorrow morning in order to get to Town as early as possible, but Mr. James Potter not being able to get the Plans which I wanted proposed before tomorrow morning & . . .this if we got to Town on Saturday we could do nothing on the following day being Sunday.  I determined to wait till Saturday & then go to Grendon according to my previous appointment

 

Friday25.  Engaged on papers & various matters preparatory to leaving home tomorrow.

 

Saturday 26.  Set off to Grendon Hall on way to London.  I arrived from this time to Tuesday 12 June when I again arrived at Linley Wood.

 

June.

 

Tuesday 12.  Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.  Found Miss Ralph of Halifax.

 

Wednesday 13.  Went to Newcastle & got from Kinnersleys the money to pay for the purchase of the two fields at Nantwich bought from the Assignees of Mr. Thos. Garnett, & the completion of which business had been promised for tomorrow at Nantwich as per Letter from Misses Edleston Ellwood which I found on my arrival at home yesterday.

 

Thursday 14.  Went to Nantwich & completed the business of the purchase.  Dined with Bessy at Mr. Sherratts, & returned home in the evening.

 

Friday 15.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Giles in reply to a Letter from him with Enquiries respecting Mr. Pritchard.  Rode over the Farm.  Stamford came to dinner.  Received Letter from Mr. Lister.

 

Page 16.  1827  June

 

Saturday 16.  At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Mrs.. Holland went to Nantwich the Horses taking her to Sandbach.  Wrote to Mr. Lister.

 

Sunday 17.  At home.  Service.  Attack of Gout.

 

Monday 18.  At home.  Engaged on sundry Papers.  Will of late James Caldwell of Manchester etc.  Gout better.  Mrs.. Holland returned in the evening from Nantwich.

 

Tuesday 19.  At home.  Better.  Mrs. Holland, Mr. & L. Holland left us the Horses taking them to Newcastle.  Light shower of Rain.

 

Wednesday 20.  Engaged on various papers.  Miss Grundy called upon Miss Ralph & brought message to me from Mr. Bateman of Knypersley Hall  that everything was going on well at the Reservoir.

 

Thursday 21.  Wrote to Mr. . . .of Bath & included Bill for half a year's interest & to Wm. Caldwell in reply to Letters received from Mr. Clarke.  Went to Harecastle Tunnel where I found everything in good order.  Saw James Potter & desired him to be prepared with his Estimates for Macclesfield Canal & Middlewich Canal on Thursday next.  Stamford came to dinner.  Delivered to him the Counterpart of the Lease to Mr. [Matthinson]of the House on Gower Street in order that he might arrange the business of a further Lease with Mr. Wilson & Mr. Bruce in London for which plan he proposed selling off on Saturday next.  Received Letter by Post from Mr. . . .

 

Friday 22.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & making Minutes of business for the Select Committee at their Meeting on Tuesday next.  Cold, with light Showers  Used Fires.

 

Saturday 23.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. . . .Engaged again Navigation papers.  Mr. Vaughan came & with whom considered & finally arranged business for the Select Committee.  He staid to dinner & returned home in the evening.  Mr. Booth with whom stated All of [Bankers] Rents etc.

 

Sunday 24.  At home.  Service.  In the afternoon Eliza, Mrs. & Miss Ralph went to Talk Chapel.

 

Monday 25. Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Mr. . . .went to [Moreton].  Called at Bradwell & sat sometime with Mr. Sneyd, who I found still quite . . .from his accident.  Began mowing the Meadow.

 

Tuesday 26.  Went early to Stone.  Engaged all day on Select Committee.  Mr. Lister attended but went home at night, appearing to have suffered much from the [last] event in his Family.

 

Page 17.  1827  June

 

Wednesday 27.  Returned from Stone, bringing Sir George to Cobridge.

 

Thursday 28.  At home.  Engaged on various matters particularly the Penlington Papers, in consequence of Letters received from Mr. Thos. Collison & Miss Wrench, preparatory to going to Sandbach tomorrow, to see Mr. Sherratt.

 

Friday 29.  Went to Sandbach where I had a conference with Mr. Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs, when he promised to discharge immediately the legacies due to Mrs. Penlington & [Mrs.] Collison and to mention the debt due by Award from Mr. Collison [Snr].  We also agreed that it would be proper for the Executors to meet & settle the Accounts up to this time.  Returned to dinner.

 

Saturday 30.  Wrote to Miss Wrench.  Resumed Mowing which was begun on Monday last but had been stopped on account of the weather, & engaged in the Hayfield.  Letter from Mr. [Leman].

 

July

 

Sunday1.  At home.  Service.  In the morning Rain.  Received Letter from Mr. [Leman].

 

Monday 2.  Went on with Mowing.  The Crop appearing remarkably heavy & beginning to suffer from standing, but stopped again in the afternoon from the unfavourable the weather.  Went with S. Beardmore to the . . .& gave directions for building wall from the Stables to the Gate.

 

Tuesday 3.  Received Navigation Papers from Mr. Wilkinson.  . . . Book of . . . of Shares, & of Certificates, under the late Act of Parliament for my consideration.  Miss Ralph left us after breakfast on her journey to Gloucester.  Perused papers received from Mr. Wilkinson.  Busy in the Hay.

 

Wednesday 4.  Went on Mowing & very busy in the hay, the morning being fine, but between 11 & 12 o'clock Rain came on & stopped us.  Mr. Twemlow of Alsager relative to the Road across Mr. Jacksons Land from the small piece of Land on the [holding] of & his desiring his Land such . . . & promised when I told him that it was a general Horse & Carriage Road for all purposes from this point of the Alsager Estate & that I should insist upon it accordingly, & be not omitted that it against Bond & hoped I would desire [Proctor] to do as little damage as he could help on passing it.  Wm. [Fearn] called relative to the . . . Assignment for the Highway in the Township of Sandbach, & the proposition of that purpose & to be taken by the committee of the Turnpike Road, when after much [deliberation] upon the subject I desired him to state the business to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach.

 

Page 18 1827  July

 

Thursday 5.  The weather having cleared up, very busy in the Hay.  Mr. Wm. . . . called to solicit my vote on his offering himself as a Candidate for the office of situation of Surgeon to the North Staffs Infirmary on the resignation of Mr. Thomas . . .

 

Friday 6.  Unwell as I have been for the last two days.  Very busy in the Hay & carried out of the upper part of the Meadow 27 Loads.  Mr. Sparks Surgeon of Newcastle called, bringing a Note from Mr. Fenton requesting my vote for Mr. Sparks at the election of Surgeon for the North Staffs Infirmary.

 

Saturday 7.  Went to Red Bull Wharf & saw Mr. Fairbanks.  Busy again in the Hay & finished carrying to the [Fast] Road across the bottom of the Meadow, on which space we had on the whole 49 cart Loads.  We carried 27 yesterday & 22 today, & which was all stacked in excellent time.  Stamford arrived to dinner on his return from London.

 

Sunday 8.  At home.  Service.  James Bent dined.  After dinner Stamford set off to Knutsford Sessions.

 

Monday 9.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Corrected & Copied afresh the Minutes of the Proceedings of the last Select Committee Meeting for insertion in the Book.  Finished Mowing the lower part of the Meadow & the Crops at the Farms.

 

Tuesday 10.  Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson & returned him the Certificate of . . .having previously made an Alteration thereon by substituting the word name "Number" for the . . ."N" the former being used in the Act of Parliament.  Wrote to Chas. Lovell of [Leicester] on the Penlington Affairs & requesting a Deed of the principal & Interest appearing to . . .& on the Nantwich profession.  Mr. Randle Wilbraham & Mr. Chas. Wilbraham called.  Busy in the Hay.  Mowed the Meadow behind the Farm Garden.

 

Wednesday 11.  Wrote to Dr. Holland sent him a Draft for £50 Call on my Birmingham & Liverpool Canal thence.  Went to Rode Heath & met Miss Wrench on the Executor-ship business of the late Miss Penlington, whom we agreed to request Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach to attend there on Friday Morning next with the Papers, Accounts & vouchers, & I wrote to him accordingly.  Wm.  [Fearn] called, & informed me that the . . Road had begun to . . .Turns by way of formation as to

 

Page 19.  1827  July

 

Water.  Again busy in the Hay, & finished this grass Harvest, except about 2 Loads left at the bottom of the Meadow.

 

Thursday 12.  At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Miss Morgan called.  Mr. Sherratt not being able to attend at Rode Heath on Friday next, wrote to him again & appointed Monday Morning.

 

Friday 13.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him the Minutes of the two last Select Committee Meetings.  Sent the Papers to Mr. Fairbank to be forwarded by him.  Wrote to Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood on Mr. . . .business.  Confined to the House with an attack of Gout in the right foot.  Mrs. T. Twemlow & Miss . . .called.

 

Saturday 14.  Confined with my complaint, after a feverish night.

 

Sunday 15.  Rain abated.  Service.

 

Monday 16.  Restless night with considerable pain.  Mr. Pritchard called early relative to the Balance of the Account remaining due to him for work at the Harecastle Tunnel, & his proposal to undertake the the Macclesfield Canal Cut, when I told him that the farmer would be understandingly considered by the Select Committee, & recommended it to him to transmit the latter as early as possible for their consideration.  Engaged on papers & making Memorandums of business preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow Evening & perusing from thence on the Survey of the Southern end of the Canal.  Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Rode Hall & Clough Hall.

 

Tuesday 17.  Bad night with considerable Fever & much pain, but dined at Newcastle Sessions with the Mayor & afterwards went to Stone & met Sir George Chetwynd previous to setting off tomorrow Morning on Survey of the southern end of the Canal.

 

Wednesday 18.  Rose at 6 o'clock, & left Stone at 7, & proceeded that night to Burton upon Trent, where we slept.

 

Thursday 19.  Went to Shardlow.  Viewed the Wharf etc.  Saw Mr. Sutton.  Returned to Burton at night.

 

Friday 20.  Viewed the Bridge at . . ., & gave directions for the alteration requested by Sir Oswald Moseley, the passage being narrow & [inconsiderate], Sir George left us at Burton going by the way of . . .Mr. Lister & I proceeded in the [Rocket] Carriage, where I set him down.  Took a Chaise from Wolsley Bridge & arrived at home at night.  Found Stamford there was ill owing to a kick from a Horse on Thursday last.

 

Page 20.  1827  July

 

Saturday 21.  At home.  Much fatigued.  Received Card to attend the Funeral of my late old & highly [respected] friend Mr. Spode on Wednesday next the 25 as Pall Bearer.

 

Sunday 22.  At home.  Service.  Wm.  Bent dined.  Emma & her 3 Children arrived in the Afternoon.

 

Monday 23.  At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan with a Letter received from Mr. Kinnersley relative to the Tonnage of Coals.  Mr. Chas. Lawton called.  Asked me to dine there today with the Rev. Willoughby [Crewe], but which I declined not being very well.

 

Tuesday 24.  Wrote to Mrs. Penlingtom & remitted Mrs. . . .interest.  Sent Invitation to Mr. Tollet to dine in the [1] of August to meet  Sir George & Mr.  Lister.  Wrote to Mr. Peake . . . Dale to continue my assessed James Composition the same.  Charles & Arthur Holland came.

 

Wednesday 25.  Attended the Funeral at Stoke of the late Mr. Spode.  The age upon the coffin was 72.  Pall Bearers, Mr. Barber of Liverpool, Hugh Booth, Mr. Kelsall of Newcastle, Robt. Williamson, Tomlinson, [Coupland], Birch,(I think) & myself.  A considerable number of other friends & Neighbours also attended, on the whole thirty or were upwards in our apartment thereabouts.  Returned to dinner Lady & Miss Mackintosh, Revd. Mr. Bagot, Jos. & Elizabeth Wedgwood dined, & staid all night.  Received Letter by this Post from Mr. [Balgery] with Statements of the Claim set up to late Harrisons property by [Garston].

 

Thursday 26.  After breakfast the Party left us.  Sent Servant with Enquiries after the Family to the [Mount].  Heavy Rain the the greatest part of the day.  Engaged on sundry matters, Derby business etc.  In the evening Stamford went to Kent Green being much recovered from his Accident.

 

Friday 27.  Engaged on Harrison's Papers, & afterwards wrote to Mr. Mr. [Balgery].  In the evening Eliza, Miss Stamford, Emma & I went to Kent Green & took tea with Stamford.

 

Saturday 28.  Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Returned to dinner.

 

Sunday 29.  At home.  Service, but unwell.  Received Letter from Mr. [Balgery] informing me that Notice of the [Trial] had been given in Harrison's business.  Went to Kent Green in the Evening to mention the matter to Stamford, when he agreed an opinion that the Fine was a Bar.

 

Page 21.  1827  July

 

Monday 30.  Went to Sandbach to request Mr. James Sherratt to attend on the [Trial] to prove the handwriting of the late Mr. Penlington who was one of the [subsiding] Witness to the Deed declaring the . . .of the Fine, & which he promised to do.  On my return, very unwell.

 

Tuesday 31.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt to request that he would also [enable] himself to prove the business of Mr. Penlington & James Edwards the other [subsiding] Witness by obtaining the necessary copies of the Registers etc.  In the Evening went to Stone to proceed upon Survey of the Knypersley Reservoir & Harecastle . . .Tunnel, & met Sir George Chetwynd, & Mr. Lister also arrived sometime after me.

 

August

 

Wednesday 1.  Sir G.C., myself & Mr. Vaughan left Stone about 9.  Went to Knypersley Mr. Potter & Mr. J. Potterr met us & viewed the Reservoir, which we found in a state of great [feverishness] & were fully satisfied of the great importance & ability of the work.  Saw Rev. H. Williamson.  Called at his House & took some Lunch.  Proceeded from thence to the Tunnel, where the Boat was ready to receive us.  Saw Mr. Pritchard who delivered proposals for executing our part of the Macclesfield Canal.  Received also proposals from [Buckley] & [Dutton] who had been employed at Knypersley.  Passed through the Tunnel with which Sir. G. & Mr. C. were highly gratified.  From thence to Linley Wood, where Mr. Tollett, Dr. Northen & Stamford dined with us, & the Party went off very agreeably & well.  Sir George & Mr. L. who were to have staid all night returned in the Evening to Stone on account of some particular engagement & of Sir G., Mr. Tollet & Dr. N. also returned in the Evening.  Received by  the Post Letter from Mr. [Balgery] relative to Harrisons [vexation] business.

 

Thursday 2.  At home.  Engaged on various matters & papers preparatory to going to Derby tomorrow on occasion of the approaching Trial on Harrison's Affairs.

 

Friday 3.  Went to Derby.  Long Consultation with Mr. [Balgery] who expressed his strong & [divided] opinion that the [Fine] was a Bar & to the [Clause] of the Plaintiff & that as the . . .were the . . . & . . .Relatives of Mr. Harrison & Family an . . . communication had long . . .notice the Families . . .the Plaintiff was . .

 

Page 22.  1827  August

 

Changes & Persons of whom he had not [cause] of knowledge.  I could see no Claim whatever upon the . . .to relinquish the Property, but on the contrary consisted thereon the Parties most justly . . .to it having both the moral & legal Right.

 

Saturday 4.  Breakfasted with Mr. [Balgery].  Called upon Mr. [Horrocks] but he was not at home.  Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt, & sent a Subpoena this Evening to him by Samuel Jones.

 

Sunday 5.  At home.  Service.  In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Eliza.

 

Monday 6.  Thos. Alcock came to arrange about his journey to Derby.  Went afterwards to Sandbach to see Mr. Sherratt with whom I made the necessary arrangements for the journey of both.  Attended at Sandbach meeting of Trustees of Linley Lane Turnpike.  Returned to dinner.  In the Evening Thos. Alcock again with whom I finally arranged his Journey.  Mr. Sherratt having promised to take him in his Gig to Newcastle & from whence they were to proceed on a Post Chaise to Derby.

 

Tuesday 7.  In the morning at home.  Dined at the [Culinary] at the Roebuck at Newcastle  Left afterwards & went to the Race Ground.  Mr. Kinnersley called in the morning relative to the reduction of the Tonnage of Coals going upon the Canal North of the Tunnel.

 

Wednesday 8.  At home.  Fatigued & unwell.  Miss Stamford & Emma went to the Race Ground.  Engaged myself all morning with James Bladon (Mr. Wilkinson's Clerk) setting the Company Seal to a number of Certificates of Shares & Mr. Wilkinson [Mortage] for £1000, all of which, with a [Mortgage] to Mr. G. . . .for £5000, was returned to Mr. Wilkinson by Bladon.

 

Thursday 9.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. Tomlinson.  Engaged on Accounts.  Miss Morgan dined.  The Post brought a Letter to Emma from Dr. Holland announcing the death of Mr. Canning, of whom he expressed himself in terms of the highest admiration & respect.  He said that Mr. Canning died a Christian.  In the observations of mind with which his Demise (internal inflammation) was accompanied, he was continually speaking of his Country & the welfare of which seemed to be his last thought.

 

Page 23.  1827  August

 

Friday 10.  Miss Morgan went after breakfast.  Engaged on sundry matters, Accounts etc.  In the evening received a note from Mr. Sutton ( who had arrived at the Salt Works & had seen Mr. [Balgery] as he was passing through Derby) informing me that we had . . . me I said.

 

Saturday11.  In the Farm and at home.  Eliza went to Kent Green & brought Stamford back, on account of the . . . on his knee.  Miss Stamford, Emma & I staid at Clough Hall.  Dr. & Mrs. Mackenzie, Revd. Mr. Bagot, Mainwaring, 2 Johnstones from Birmingham, Mrs. Antrobus & a Stranger, a friend of the Mackenzies.

 

Sunday 12.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 13.  Went to the North Staffordshire Infirmary, & attended the Election of a Surgeon to the Institution in the room of Mr. . . . , when Mr. Sparks of Newcastle for whom I voted for myself, & being Privy for Miss Stamford was chosen was chosen by a very sizeable Majority.  The other Candidates were Mr. Ball of Burslem & Mr. Wm. [Crewe] of Newcastle, & went afterwards with Mr. Tomlinson to view the Navigation Bridge near Stoke, which it was wished to change the situation of, in order to accommodate the new Streets intended to be laid out.  Afterwards dined at Cliffe Ville.  Miss Stamford & Emma went to Maer Hall.

 

Tuesday 14.  Mr. Booth came on business matters.  Proposed Agreement for a Lease of the Tithes of Land in my acceptance in Alsager, Bankers Rent etc.  Wrote to Mr. [Balgery] & Mr. Tomlinson.

 

Wednesday 15.  Wrote to Mr. Potter relative to the Bridge at Stoke & desiring him to report thereon, to the next Meeting of the Select Committee.  Received Letter from Mr. Tomlinson, as to the power of Executors in the Trent & Mersey Canal Company, in reply to the one I had written to him.  Rode over the Farm etc.

 

Thursday 16.  Mr. James Potter, with whom engaged relative to Sale of Articles at Harecastle Tunnel remaining [indisposed] of the power of Agreements to be entered into for execution of our part of the Macclesfield Canal the Application to be made to the Landowners etc.  Thunder with Rain.  Mrs Stamford & Emma returned from Mare Hall.

 

Friday 17.  At home.  Slight attack of Gout.  Eliza, Emma & Miss Stamford called at Betley Hall & Betley Court.

 

Saturday 18.  Considerable pain.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach for Mr. Bickerton on the Penlington Affairs, & the Debt to Chas. Cope of Birmingham. James

 

Page 24.  1827  August

 

Massey called relative to the advertisement of the work at the Hollins, when I proposed Mr. Potter to look over the same on my part, & that if Mr. Massey chose it he might appoint another to act with him.  Paid  him £100 on account.

 

Sunday 19.  Gout.  Service as usual.  Received 2 brace of Grouse from Mr. Charles Lawton.

 

Monday 20.  Considerable pain, which increased through the day & became severe at night, attended with all the symptoms of regular Gout in the Foot.

 

Tuesday 21.  Mr. Davenport came.  Regular & severe Gout.  Removal into the . . .Room.

 

Wednesday 22.  Ill in bed till Evening.

 

Thursday 23.  The same.

 

Friday 24.  The same.  Dr. Holland arrived.  Recommended me on no account to repel the Gout if I could bear the pain, promising it to be a . . . regular Fit . . & sent as would be proper for a healthy man of thirty five.  He considered it as indicating the big one of the constitution & extraordinary at my age.

 

Saturday 25.  Still ill.  Dr. Holland.

 

Sunday 26.  The same.  On asking Dr. Holland as to my future mode of living he advised me to drink 4 or 5 Glasses of Wine every day after dinner, but not to mix Wines, but to take one kind only.  That as to the quality or sort of Food he thought of little consequence, but to be careful not to eat so much at a time as to occasion any weight or overloading of the Stomach.  It was this that did all the mischief.  The excess occasioning a frustration that produced . . .the . . .The great case of Gout etc.  The Doctor left us at noon on his way to Scotland.

 

Monday 27.  Ill.

 

Tuesday 28.  The same.

 

Wednesday 29.  The same.

 

Thursday 30.  Rather better.  Went into the Dressing Room.

 

Friday 31.  Not so well.  Considerable Return of Pain.

 

September

 

Saturday 1.  Rather better.  Mr. Vaughan came & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.  He staid to dinner but returned in the Evening.

 

Page 25.  1827  September

 

Sunday 2.  Still ill.

 

Monday 3.  The same, but better.

 

Tuesday 4.  Great deal improvement.

 

Wednesday 5.  The same.

 

Thursday 6.  The same, but still slow.

 

Friday 7.  Better, & in the evening came downstairs.

 

Saturday 8.  Better, & Mr. Davenport discontinuance of his visits.

 

Sunday 9.  Better, & downstairs but did not venture out of doors.  In the evening Service as usual.

 

Monday 10.  Went to Stone, though very unfit for it, & having engaged closely all day on Select Committee.  Bad and almost sleepless night.  In my absence Mr. Wilkinson had called.

 

Tuesday 11.  At Stone.  Closely engaged all day on General Committee.  Returned home in the evening, but unwell & much fatigued.

 

Wednesday 12.  Unwell, & unable to walk out.  Engaged on Navigation Papers,. Minutes etc.  Stamford returned to Kent Green.  Miss Stamford arrived in the evening from Eton.

 

Thursday 13.  At home.  Still unwell.

 

Friday 14.  At home.  The same.  Miss Ralph came from [Blacon].  Miss Stamford having met her at Middlewich.

 

Saturday 15.  At home.  James Potter came with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Macclesfield Canal, the Agreement to be entered into with Miss Pritchard & Hoof Sale of Materials at Harecastle etc. etc.  For the first time since my illness got on horseback & rode to the farm & a little about the grounds, but not without considerable difficulty.

 

Sunday 16.  Still very unwell.  Service as usual.  Wm. Bent came to dinner & to consult me on several matters, & with whom engaged in the afternoon.  He particularly wished to know into what other professional hands the Newcastle Brewery Causes should be placed in . . . of the late unfortunate affair of Mr. [Ward] & whether I could approve of Mr. Wilkinson, whom I expressed my personal confidence and great opinion of that . . .& Mr. Bent . . .and undertook to consult Mr. Walthall on the part of the Executors.

 

Monday 17.  At home.  Better, & rode on Horseback in the Grounds.  Letter from Sir George Chetwynd, requesting me to settle & agree with Mr. Pritchard for the execution on our part of the Macclesfield Canal, as it would not be on Mr. Sinclair's power to give me his opinion in doing this, or finish the Report in time.

 

Page 26.  1827  September

 

Tuesday  18.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan.  Also to Mr Smith Stapeley.  Sent to James Potter, who came to Linley Wood, & with whom made Arrangements for the next . . . completion of the Macclesfield Canal & I desired him to set out the Ground this week in order that the quantity to be taken, might be ascertained & the Land Owners agreed with.  He said that he was to meet Mr. Heathcote & settle on Monday morning & I directed him to call again upon Mr. Lawton, to see Mr. Wilkinson today & request him to get the Drafts of the Agreements prepared, & that I would call upon him tomorrow or the  request him to fix an early next day to look them over, & James Potter also undertook to write to Mr. Pritchard by this Post & request him to fix an early day for meeting me at Newcastle to complete the Agreement.

 

Wednesday 19.  Went to Newcastle.  Saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Agreement etc. & mentioned into with Pritchard & when he promised to send me tomorrow for my perusal & instruction, the Draft of an Agreement & bond to be executed by them.  Saw Mr. Tomlinson & delivered to him a Copy of the Order of the Select Committee relative to the removal of the Canal Bridge at Stoke.  Called at the Mount, & saw Mr. & Mrs. Josiah Spode.  Returned to dinner.

 

Thursday 20.  At home.  Unwell.  Eliza, Miss Stamford & Miss Ralph went to Congleton.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan.  The Draft of the Agreement did not arrive.  Referenced the Minutes of Select Committee & Committee.

 

Friday 21. At home.  Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Potter & Mr. James Potter with whom engaged a considerable time to the Agreement with Pritchard & Hoof & Son of Nantwich at Harecastle, Arrangement with Land Owners etc. & when I fixed to meet them at Newcastle with Mr. Pritchard when the Agreement (not yet received) was ready for execution, & it might be convenient to Mr. P. to attend.  Delivered to Mr. Vaughan for entry in the Books, fair Copy of the Minutes of the proceedings of the Select Committee & the Committee, which I had made entry this morning for this purpose.  In the afternoon received Draft of the Agreement being very long.

 

Saturday 22.  Engaged perusing & considering the Draft of the Agreement received from Mr. Wilkinson.  Mr. & Mrs. [Sudworth] of [Blacon] came to dinner.

 

Sunday 23.  At home.  Service as usual.  After which took Mr. & Mrs. [Sudworth] to Harecastle Tunnel which they were desirous to see, & with which they were much gratified.  Heavy showers of Rain.

 

Page 27.  1827  September

 

Monday 24.  After breakfast & Mr. & Mrs. [Sudworth] & Miss Ralph left us on their return to [Blacon].  Engaged on Navigation  Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Wilkinson tomorrow.  Mr. Mrs. & Miss Crompton of Lane Villa & Mr. B. Crompton called at the door on their way to London, but could not be prevailed upon to stop here all night.

 

Tuesday 25.  Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson on the Agreement to be entered into with Mr. Pritchard, & showed him the Minute which I had prepared & which he approved.  Left with him the Draft which he had prepared & sent to me.  On my return home found Mrs. Bannister of Derby who came to speak to me on Ruth Harrison Affairs, when I told her that the business had throughout been committed to Mr. [Balgery] & this I could agree to say nothing upon the subject, but that my Representation coming though Mr. [Balgery] & which he might think as proper to transmit, would receive all clear instruction.  Mr. Joseph Peake & Mrs. Peake with their three Daughters & Mr. Thomas Peake came to dinner.  Stamford came in the Evening.

 

Wednesday 26.  Engaged early on Navigation Papers & drew afresh the Draft of an Agreement between Miss Pritchard & Hoof & the Company for making the Canal from [Hall] Green to Hardings Wood Lock.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Peake

 

Thursday 27.  Sent note to James Potter with enquiry after Pritchard, & the setting out of the Canal.  Engaged with our Friends.

 

Friday 28.  Mr. Pritchard & Mr. James Potter came, with whom engaged making arrangement relative to the Contract to be entered into for making the Canal & to whom I sent the Draft of the Agreement which I had proposed & which Mr. Pritchard approved.  Mr. Hoof being expected today, we settled to meet tomorrow Morning at Mr. Wilkinson's Office, [formally] to arrange & complete the business.  In the afternoon received a Note from James Potter informing me Mr. Hoof could not leave London, so as to be here before Tuesday next, in consequence of which I desired the former to call here tomorrow Morning.  Took Mr. Peake & his Son to look at Harecastle Tunnel.  Mrs. C. Lawton called.

 

Saturday  29.  Rose early.  Revised & Copied afresh the Agreement.  Mr. & Mrs. Peake etc. left us

 

Page 28.  1827  September

 

after Breakfast.  James Potter came to whom I read now the corrected Copy of the Agreement & which he approved.  Desired him to get everything settled with Mr. C. Lawton relative to the Land as quickly as possible & found Wednesday Morning next for meeting Mr. Pritchard & Mr. Hoof at Mr. Wilkinson's Office to complete the Agreement & afterwards wrote to Mr. Vaughan requesting his attendance this time.  Stamford returned to Kent Green.

 

Sunday 30.  At home.  Service.

 

October

 

Monday1.  Went to Newcastle to see Mr. Wilkinson again relative to the Agreement, when I finally fixed to request James Potter & Mr. Pritchard to meet me there tomorrow Morning in order finally to settle the Draft of the Agreement herewith to have made an offer of . . . on Martha . . . but which was postponed.  Took Miss Stamford in the Carriage & Proceeded with her to Maer where I went for the purpose of calling upon Sir James Mackintosh, with whom & Mr. Wedgwood I sat an hour.  On my return sent a Note to James Potter requesting is & Mr. Pritchard's attendance tomorrow.  Eliza informed me of Stamford having taken the House at Rode Heath.

 

Tuesday 2.  Went again to Newcastle & met Mr. Pritchard & James Potter by Appointment.  Mr. Hoof also arrived.  Went over & considered the Draft of the Agreement & specification but the Plans & Drawings not being there, & it being necessary to see Mr. Vaughan to settle the payments for the work etc. I fixed to meet them & Mr. V. tomorrow Morning at Newcastle.  Miss Stamford made the offer desired before Mr. Wilkinson.

 

Wednesday 3.  At Newcastle again meeting Mr. Pritchard & Mr. Hoof, Vaughan & James Potter when the Agreement was finally settled, & the payments fixed.  Afterwards called at Lawton Hall to have seen Mr. Charles Lawton but he was not at home.

 

Thursday 4.  Miss Stamford set off to Crosby.  Received Note from Mr. Chas. Lawton saying that he would call upon me today about one or two o'clock or tomorrow at eleven, which I answered giving him the option, but he did not call today.

 

Friday 5.  In the morning Sherratt Edwards & Samuel Beardmore whom I sold this Years Dairy to the farmer at 64 per . . .  Received Message from Mr. Chas. Lawton that he decided

 

Page 29.  1827  October

 

not to call today  but would call on Monday.  Called at Rode Hall & left cards for Mr. Wilbraham & Mr. Randle Wilbraham, they being out.  Afterwards called at Rode Heath to arrange with the Ladies a Meeting of the Executors to examine& settle the executor-ship Accounts, & which was paid to take place when Miss Wrench came to Rode Heath, where she was shortly expected.

 

Saturday 6.  Received a Note from Mr. Chas Lawton appointing to call today at 2 o'clock, & which he accordingly did.  He informed me that Mr. [Rimmer] had valued such part of the Land proposed to be take for the Macclesfield Cut as lay on the South side of it at 150 [Guineas] per Acre & such part as lay on the North side at 80 [Guineas] per Acre, but on my professing my surprise at this he said that he would send me the Valuation, & which I promised to lay before the Committee on Tuesday next for their Consideration.  On my stating the necessity of the Work being immediately begun, & that the purchase might be settled afterwards, he said that he had no wish to throw any Obstacle in the way & that this would make no difference.  On my mentioning that the Company would probably get Mr. Heaton to look at the Land, & arranging whether it would leave the price to him & Mr. [Rimmer] he declined this but he said said that as to the commencement he & would be satisfied with Mr. Heaton.  I observed that if the Parties could not agree upon a price the alternative Resort was to a . . .& which he said, he (agreed) to be the case.  Emma Holland & her 3 children arrived to dinner.  Mr. Ledward came with Letter from Mr. Wilkinson relative to a further . . .being made for Rent of Newcastle Brewery & which I replied to by . . .

 

Monday 8.  Went again to Newcastle finally settling the Draft of the Bond from Pritchard & Hoof with Mr. Wilkinson.  Mrs. & Miss Tollett & Miss Eliza came to dinner.  Revd. Mr. [Batt] called after my return from Newcastle.  Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.

 

Tuesday 9.  Went to Stone.  Engaged all day on Select Committee.  Mr. Lister returned home in the morning.

 

Page 30.  1827  October

 

Wednesday 10.  Sir George went after Breakfast.  Engaged with Mr. Vaughan myself on various matter of business.  On my return called at Trentham to make enquiry after Lord Stafford who had been ill & left my Card.  Arrived at home to dinner.

 

Thursday 11.  Not well.  At home.  Heavy Rain.  Revised Minutes of Select Committee.

 

Friday 12.  The same.  Samuel Beardmore paying his half year's Rent.  Ledward relative to the satisfaction to be made by the Navigation Company for a Mare killed by the making of the Harecastle Tunnel, when I promised to speak to Mr. James Potter upon the matter.

 

Saturday 13.  Still unwell.  John Boughey paying his Rent.  Walter Barlow with Amount of Stone taken by the Navigation Company from Talk Quarry from Mid 1826 to Mid 1827.  Engaged on sundry papers & matters.  Eliza & Emma called at Rode Hall.  Stamford came in the evening.

 

Sunday 14.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 15.  At 8 o'clock this morning our dear Emma & her Children set of on their return home, the Horses taking them to Newcastle.  James Barker paying money on account of Rent of Alsager Oak Farm.  Stamford set off to Knutsford Assizes.  Considered & sketched a Letter to Sir George Chetwynd relative to J.T.L. & the T.& M Navigation Company.

 

Tuesday 16.  At home.  Quiet day.

 

Wednesday 17.  Went this morning to Lawton, & viewed with Mr. James Potter & Mr. Hoof the commencement that had been made of the part of the Macclesfield Canal, & which was begun on the 10 instant.  On my return met Mr. Morris, & mentioned to him the Land at Rode Heath, late Penlington, the Rent of which, I reminded him, had been fixed by himself at £5.5 a year.  He said that he had an . . .Mr. Penlington which I desired him to make out, in order that the matter might be settled, & which he promised to do.  Soon after I got home, Mr. Wilkinson arrived with Mr.Bailey & a valuation of the Mines in the Land belonging to Mr. Heathcote, to be taken for the part of the Macclesfield Canal, & by this amount of which he said that Mr. Heathcote had himself been greatly astonished it being as left then £14000 I

 

Page 31.  1827  October

 

sent a Note to James Potter who came in the evening, & who I delivered in writing to see Mr. Robert Heath & request him to breakfast here tomorrow Morning in order that I might confer with them upon the business.  Miss Ball of Newcastle called with a request to take the House upon the [marsh] late occupied by Miss Byerley, & of which I promised her the refusal in case it was not wanted for the Newcastle Brewery.  I told her the Rent was £25 a year.  In the evening James [Wicker] paying his half year's Rent.

 

Thursday 18.  Mr. Rob. Heath & Mr. James Potter came to breakfast, & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Mr. Bailey & Valuation, which Mr. H. promised to be erroneous & extravagant in the highest degree, but for greater certainty, I finally requested that he would attentively consider Mr. Baileys  Statement & furnish me with a Report in writing thereon, & which he promised to do in a few days.  At home the remainder of the day.  By the Post received Letter from Mr. John Lawrence with intimation of a proposed extension of the Birmingham Canal to the Oxford Canal.

 

Friday 19.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Went to the Hollins to make enquiry from Mr. Johnson relative to Mr. Heathcotes mines that would be affected by the Canal, when he told me that he knew the mines perfectly well, no other person better, having had the management of the Colliery.  That there were no Mines of any value the compensation could be required for, the Coal having been already got, except the 7 feet Mine, for a small part of which we might have to pay, but this would be understandable.  The Coal at the Land being bad.  He quite discounted Mr. Hardings valuation, & said he would not give half the amount for all the Coals in the Woodshuts Estate.

 

Saturday 20.  At home.  Engaged all Morning with Miss Willaims & James Barker settling Accounts of Rent due from the late Daniel Johnson & of Rents due from them for the Oak Farm, & whom Mr. Booth also attended & the respective Accounts were finally adjusted.

 

Sunday 21.  Miss Dawson called this morning to inform me that Miss Wrench was coming to Rode Heath this week, & Miss D. promised to see Mr. Sherratt, & fix a day for meeting at Rode Heath, to settle the Executor-ship Accounts.  Service.

 

Monday 22.  In the morning engaged settling Cash Book & other Accounts.  Sketched out Report to be made to Mr. J & the General Assembly.  Rode over the Farm with Samuel Beardmore, considering several Arrangements.  Stamford came to dinner late & to stay the night.

 

Page 32.  1827  October

 

Tuesday 23.  Copied, & sent by Post Letter to Mr. . . . , which I had before written, in reply to one from him informing me of a proposed Canal from the Birmingham & the Oxford Canal.  Mr. James Potter came on sundry matters, & when I desired him to request Mr. Heath to see Mr. Johnson relative to Mr. Heathcotes Coals.  Stamford went.  The Morning Herald of yesterday has the following observation which has often occurred to my own mind & though here perhaps too strongly expressed, yet desiring of serious consideration.  "Of all the folly that the Church or the Rich have entered into, that of universally educating the poor is the greatest, except, after they had educated them, they could give them employment suitable to the now expectations they are sure to have in conequence of New education.

 

Wednesday 24.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & proposed Report.  Letter from Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach appointing Saturday Morning next for meeting at Rode Heath in Penlingtons Affairs.

 

Thursday 25.  In the morning engaged on various matters, Farm etc.  Afterwards dined at the Rev Mr. Andertons, with Party.  Bagot, . . ., [Caseless], John [Latimer], Dr. . . .& Ladies.

 

Friday 26.  Farm etc.  Mr. Rimmer relative to composition for Alsager Tithes, when I told him that Mr. Booth would speak to him upon the subject  Received Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd on Navigation business.

 

Saturday 27.  Went to Rode Heath being there at ten o'clock, pursuant to appointment & where engaged with Miss Wrench, Miss Dawson & Mr. Sherratt on the Executor-ship Accounts & Affairs till near four o'clock, when I returned to Linley Wood to dinner.  In my absence James Potter had called & left a Letter which he had received from Mr. Telford, of his intention to be at Lawton on Wednesday Morning next to survey Harecastle and Mr. Turner, & desiring James Potter to inform me of it.

 

Sunday 28.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 29.  James Potter making Arrangements relative to Mr. Telford.  Afterwards looked with Samuel Beardmore, at the House at [Moor] lake with a view to the accommodation of James Walter, one of Mr. Pritchards principal men employed on our part of the Macclesfield Canal, & arranged the same accordingly.  Stamford dined & staid all night.  He this morning killed a fine woodcock in Swallow Moor Wood.

 

Page 3. 1827  October 

 

Thursday 30.  At home.  Engaged on Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Telford tomorrow.

 

Wednesday 31.  Went to the Red Bull at but Mr. Telford did not come till near 11.  Walked with them & James Potter to the Tunnel & had much conversation with him.  I desired him not only to survey & report upon the Tunnel, but also to the Knypersley Reservoir & which he promised to do.  I requested him to admit in his report to the Causes of the great excess of the actual expense of the Tunnel above his Estimate, the former amounting £122,000 which the latter was only including the Labour about £70,000, and in the Survey of the Reservoir to consider whether the Dam was so constructed as to admit of its being raised in case further supplies hereafter wanted.  Stating that I had particularly requested that in the making of the Dam this should be provided for.  Mr. Telford declined my passing invitation to dine & take a bed at Linley Wood, being obliged to go part of the way to Birmingham tonight, but said that he intended to come & see me, & should bring his Friend Sir Henry [Parm] along with him, they being appointed to report upon the improvements of the Roads, & on which business they were shortly coming down into this part of the Country.

 

November

 

Thursday 1.  In the House, much troubled with a Boil upon my arm.  Eliza had a Note from Mrs. Wedgwood accepting on the part of themselves, & Sir James Mackintosh an invitation which we had sent them to dine & stay all night on Thursday the 8.

 

Friday 2.  Sent notes to Dr. Northen & Mr. T Twemlow inviting them to dinner on the 8.  Wrote to Mr. Bent including  a Deed. for Macclesfield Canal Cut  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan on sundry Navigation matters, & for appointing a Meeting to examine & settle Cash Book & Accounts.  Land Chaise weighed 117 weighing together 1.12lb delivered to Sherratt Edwards.  Miss Stamford returned in the Evening by whom I received Letters from Mr. Roscoe relative to . . .  . . . ,particularly in the United States, & on other subjects.  Arm still very troublesome.  Began the repair of the Cottage at the Farm.

 

Page 34.  1827  November

 

Saturday 3.  Arm still troublesome.  At home.  George Bebbington with whom settled Account of Rent etc. late of Roebuck Public House.  James Barker paying further money on account of Rent of Oak Farm.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan on Navigation business.  Also from Mr. John Lawrence with Canal Dividend.

 

Sunday 4.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 5.  At home.  Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood called.  Arm so indifferent that Mr. Davenport came to examine & dress it.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan tomorrow as had been appointed.  S. Boardman purchased for me a brown colt 3 years old at a Cattle fair.

 

Tuesday 6.  At home.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & engaged on Navigation business, who being absent had left with me the Cash Books for my examination previous to Meeting.  Soon after Mr. V. was gone I received Letter from Mr. James Lawrence informing me that Mr. Telford & Eyre Lee were then in Town preparing for an Application to Parliament the next Session for making a Canal from Birmingham to the Grand Junction Canal.  Made a Copy of this Letter, & wrote one to Mr. Vaughan desiring him to see Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Lister on the subject, & to suggest a meeting of the Select Committee.  Began with the Cash Book & Stamford dined & staid all night.

 

Wednesday 7.  Wrote to Mr. Roscoe in reply to his Letter on the subject of reformatory [person] Discipline.  Sent by Stamford Letter to Mr. Vaughan inclosing a copy of the one received fro Mr. J. Lawrence.  Arm very troublesome.  Mr. Davenport who had been here on Monday came again.

 

Thursday 8.  Arm still very troublesome.  Mr. D. applied the borax Caustic.  Engaged afterwards on Navigation Papers & intended Report.  Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, Eliza & Charlotte & Mr. T Twemlow came to dinner & stay all night.  Sir. James Mackintosh (on whose behalf the Party was formed) prevented coming by a swollen face & other indisposition.  Dr. Northen & Jos. Wedgwood also prevented coming.  By the Post received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

 

Friday 9.  Our friends left us.  Mr. Davenport came, and after using the probe & the [scissors] again applied the Caustic.  Closely engaged afterwards on Navigation Cash Book, the additions of which I went through preparatory to meeting Mr. Salt.  Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson inclosing one from Mr.

 

Page 35.  1827  November

 

Heathcote relative to the Mines, & for building an Entry upon the Land.  Sent a Note to James Potter requesting to see him tomorrow morning.

 

Saturday 10.  Mr. Davenport came to breakfast & pursued the same Treatment as yesterday.  Uncomfortable day, & being unfit for business spent the greater part of it in reading.  Eliza sent a Letter to Miss Bent at Basford.

 

Sunday 11.  At home.  Mr. Davenport came.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan & Letter from Mr. Telford inclosing his Report of Harecastle Tunnel & Knypersley Reservoir, & also his Account.

 

Monday 12.  Mr. Davenport again.  James Potter came early with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the Macclesfield Canal, Mr. Heathcotes Mines etc. when I desired him immediately to see Mr. Rob. Heath & obtain his Report upon the latter.  I also desired him to inform Mr. . . .that the part of the Macclesfield Canal must not be [hurried], (he having mentioned to Mr. Vaughan that they should finish it the next Summer), but must be done so as to give time for the Embankment to settle, & in my report to the satisfaction of the Company Engineer.  That it would take the m 2 years or nearly so, as stated by Mr. James Potter & which I desired him to report to Parliament.  I also sent to James Potter Mr. Telford's Report & directed his attention particularly so that part which stated that care & attention must be shown to the Dam, particularly till it had thoroughly settled, & particularly during the oncoming Winter.

 

Tuesday 13.  Mr. Davenport again.  Arm rather better, but still very troublesome.  Closely engaged for several hours upon the Navigation Cash Book which I completed so as to be in readiness for final examination & statement tomorrow.

 

Wednesday 14.  Went to Stone early. Where engaged closely several hours with Mr. Thomas Salt & Mr. Vaughan, examining & settling the Numerous Account & which we completed.  But being obliged to return home on account of my arm, Mr. V. & I had not time to finish the examination of the other part of the Cash Book, & I therefore appointed to go again to Stone on Tuesday next the 20 & of which I requested Mr. Vaughan to inform Sir Geo. Chetwynd & Mr. . . .by this Post, in order that if they thought it proper they might then meet, to consider if the intended new Junction Canal from Birmingham, & of which Notice had appeared in the last Birmingham Newspaper.

 

Page 36.  1827  November

 

Thursday 15.  Mr. Davenport came again & dressed my arm to which, though going on well, he again applied the blue Stone which occasioned more pain than when applied before.  Wrote to Mr. Lister in reply to a Letter from him which I found on my arrival at home last night.  Wrote to Mr. Chas. Lawton in reply to an Application which I found from him for payment of part of the purchase monies of the Land taken for on part of the Macclesfield Canal.  Engaged all morning closely on Navigation business, Letters etc.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir. Geo. Chetwynd, also from Mr. Lloyd Chairman of the Birmingham branch Canal Committee.  Unwell at night.

 

Friday 16.  Mr. Davenport.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd at some length in reply to the Letter received from him yesterday.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach & sent him a Cheque on Thursday for £300 on account of the Penlington Affairs.  Closely engaged all morning at the Desk.  Sent the Letter to Sir Geo. Chetwynd by a Servant to Newcastle, it being late for the Post from the Red Bull.

 

Saturday 17.  Mr. Davenport.  Went again to Mr. Samuel Johnson's to consult him further relative to Mr. Heathcotes Mines, when he confirmed me every particular which he had before stated, & which I said to him, having committed it to writing.  Wrote & sent a Note to James Potter suggesting yo see him on Monday next, & that he would in the meantime obtain Mr. Rob. Heath's Report relative to the Mines, in order that the matter might be considered by the Select Committee on Tuesday next.

 

Sunday 18.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 19.  Mr. Davenport.  Afterwards James Potter, with whom engaged on various matters preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow, but he had not been able to obtain Mr. Heaths Report.  Men busy shifting the Trees from the Plantation at the House to the Ground at the Entrance from the new Road.  Received Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd.

 

Tuesday 20.  Went early to Stone where engaged all Morning with Mr. Vaughan completing the examination of Cash Book & Accounts.  Mr. Lister came & with whom afterwards engaged on Select committee.  Returned in the Evening.  Surrounded by dense fog.

 

Wednesday 21.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & to Mr. Vaughan.  Revised Minutes of Proceedings of yesterday & other papers.

 

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Page 37.  1827  November

 

Thursday  22.  Prevented going to Newcastle to see Mr. Wilkinson, as I had intended by a heavy Snow which fell this forenoon accompanied with a sharp Frost, which set in last night.  Wrote to Mr. John Lawrence of Birmingham relative to London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  Being too late for this Post, the Letter was dated 23rd (tomorrow).

 

Friday 23.  At home.  Engaged closely on Navigation Papers.  Revised, corrected & copied afresh the proposed Report to the General Assembly the [Draught] of which I had shown to Mr. Lister at Stone & which he much approved.  Afterwards engaged with Mr James Potter preparatory to his going to Warwick, to take a Copy of the Plan of the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal deposited in the Clerk of the [Peace's] Office.  Considered with him the . . .of his looking over the line of the proposed Canal & also viewing the the Oxford & Birmingham & Warwick Canals etc. with a view to assist the General Committee & General Assembly in judging of the steps project in agitation, & the best measures to be adopted for the protection of the [Tixall] Canal I directed him particularly to attend to the shortenings that might be made of the Oxford Canal between Longford &[Banneston] & gave him a Letter of introduction to Mr. John Lawrence of Birmingham requesting him to give J. Potter any information & assistance in his power in this business.  Mr. Heaths Report relative to Mr. Heathcotes Coals & was not yet obtained, but J.P. informed me that both Mr. H. & Mr. Sherratt were of opinion  that they were not worth £500.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Giles informing me that the Plan for crossing the Mersey at [Fiddlers] Ferry would not be prevailed on at present, & also relative to the projected London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  Hard Frost.

 

Saturday 24.  At home.  Engaged all Morning perusing & considering various Navigation Papers, & making sundry additions to the Report.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Sunday 25.  At home.  Service as usual. Stamford.  Thaw.

 

Monday 26.  At home.  Still troubled with a fresh Boil.  Revised & Copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee & engaged on other papers previous to seeing Mr. Vaughan who had sent me word that he should be at Linley Wood tomorrow Morning.

 

Page 38.  1827  November

 

Tuesday 27.  Mr. Vaughan came early, and with whom I engaged all Morning on various Navigation Business, & arrangements preparatory to the General Committee & General Assembly.  Had an early dinner on account of Mr. V. who afterwards returned to Stone,

 

Wednesday 28.  At home, again engaged on Navigation Papers.  Revd. Mr. Mainwaring called.  Received Letter from Mr. John Lawrence relative to London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  At night, violent Storms of Wind & Rain.

 

Thursday 29.  At home.  Considered Letter received from Mr. John Lawrence & drawing additional observations relative to the proposed Canal.  Mr. Davenport came again to look at my arm which still continued troublesome.

 

Friday 30.  At home.  Finished the Observations,& copied them afresh.  Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Lawton Hall.  Sent the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting to Mr. Vaughan & wrote to him.

 

December

 

Saturday 1.  At home.  Engaged on Papers etc. preparatory to General committee & General Assembly.  Rain the greatest part of the day.  Eliza went to Kent Green Stamford not being well.  As a singular instance of . . .Run of Cards I mention that in playing an unusual Game of [Prequiet], Eliza in the course of a few successive Evenings won 30 Games out of 34.

 

Sunday 2.  At home.  Service.  Received intelligence by a Note from Mr. Wilkinson of the death of my old friend Mr. Sparrow who died about 2 o'clock yesterday & expired apparently without suffering.

 

Monday 3.  Went to Stone early.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson.  Engaged at Stone all day on General Committee.

 

Tuesday 4.  At Stone.  Engaged closely & arduously on the General Assembly, me being in the Chair, & one of the fullest attendances I had ever witnessed.  Long consideration of the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  Select Committee requested to attend a Meeting of Delegates from several Canal Companies at

 

Page 39.  1827  December

 

Birmingham on the 13 instant, & General Assembly adjoined to the . . . to receive their Report of the Meeting.  Returned in the evening & found Stamford who came to L. Wood yesterday, & to whom I communicated the wish of the Committee & General Assembly that he would undertake a Consolidation of the Trent & Mersey Navigation Acts.  Stamford went.

 

Wednesday 5.  At home but unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him the Draft of a circular Letter to the Proprietors & for insertion in the the Newspapers.  Revised the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee & General Assembly.

 

Thursday 6.  At home.  Engaged on various papers, Accounts etc.

 

Friday 7.  Engaged again on sundry papers.  Rode out & met Mr. Vaughan who said he intended calling at Linley Wood but having discussed what business now necessary with him he proceeded home with his son who was with him.  I directed Mr. Vaughan to send a circular Letter to all the Proprietors informing them of the adjourned General Assembly.

 

Saturday 8.  Went to Newcastle & attended the Funeral as Pall Bearer, of my late Friend W. Sparrow, who was interred at Newcastle.  The age upon his coffin was 77.  (Sketch of coffin)  Left side John [Nicholson], Mr. Meagh, Mr. Fenton, Mr. Caldwell.  Right side Mr. Hales, Revd. Mr. Anderton, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Kinnersley.  Sir. G. Chetwynd, Mr. Wilkinson & his son.

 

Sunday 9.  In the morning Eliza & I attended the Service at Talk Chapel.

 

Monday 10.  At home.  James Potter with whom engaged a long time relative to the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal, & drawing up particulars of the information & Calculations which I wanted preparatory to the Meeting of Delegates at Birmingham, & which he promised to furnish me with tomorrow night.  Unwell & confined to the House all day.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Page 40.  1827  December

 

Tuesday 11.  At home.  Still unwell but engaged closely on Papers preparatory to setting off to Birmingham tomorrow Morning.  In the evening James Potter came with sundry Calculations of distances, Lockages etc. which I had desired him to make & when I finally suggested him to accompany me to Stone tomorrow to take correctly some particulars from the Copy of the Plan which had been deposited in the Clerk of the [Peace's] Office & to breakfast with me at 8 o'clock.

 

Wednesday 12.  James Potter came to breakfast accordingly after which we set off together.  Called at Mr. Wards at Newcastle who informed me that he had [contained] in his hands the Title Deed of the property on which the family for the £3000 . . .for the Executors of the late Mr. Bent & the other Parties has to be given, . . .to their undertaking & agreement.  Saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Transfer to Miss Stamford.  Arrived at Stone when James Potter having completed the Documents, Mr. Vaughan & I set off to Birmingham & where we arrived at about half past five & found Mr. Lister & his younger Son & Sir George Chetwynd.

 

Thursday 13.  The Meeting took place at 12 o'clock, when I was called to the Chair.  Delegates attended on the part of the Oxford, the Coventry, the Birmingham & Warwick & the [Warwick] & [Napton] Canals, when everything was conducted & [considered] in the most satisfactory manner, the Gentlemen delivering on the part of the several Companies which they represented, their determination immediately to make the much wanted improvements on their several Canals, by means of which the present . . .of inland Navigation between London, Liverpool, Birmingham & where . . .would be returned 10 [Commendations] & Liverpool to the Public as to supersede the majority of any of the Projects now brought forward & particularly that of the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal, & that on this ground, the most strenuous opposition should be given to the Bill, & if brought before Parliament.  Taken ill at dinner with a painful attack in the Stomach & Chest, as to be obliged to leave the Chair & remain in another afterwards, all the evening, or till nearly bed time, when I had a little further conversation with Sir George & one or two other of the Gentlemen, Mr. Lister & his son having gone away.

 

Friday 14.  Sir George, Mr. Vaughan & I breakfasted together after which we all set off on our return home.  I waited however till [just] past ten in the expectation of seeing Mr. Barker the Solicitor of the Birmingham & Warwick Canal Company, but he did not come.  Arrived at home a little before 6 o'clock.

 

Page 41.  1827  December

 

Saturday 15.  At home, but much fatigued & unwell.  James Potter called to consult me on several matters.  Engaged from 9 o'clock in the morning till half past 3, revising, copying & arranging papers & other Documents for the adjourned General Assembly on Monday next.  My arm still very troublesome.

 

Sunday 16.  At home.  Service.  Afterwards Mr. Rob. Heath, Mr. Sherratt & Mr. James Potter with Report on the Mines on Mr. Heathcotes Land & with whom engaged a considerable time.

 

Monday 17.  Went to Stone.  Closely & fully engaged all day at the adjourned General Assembly to whom I had to speak (about) the Proceedings of the Delegates at Birmingham etc. etc. & which I did in a speech of some length, and being unwell requiring much effort.

 

Tuesday 18.  Engaged on Select Committee.  Afterwards returned to dinner to Linley Wood bringing Mr. Wedgwood of . . .along with me.

 

Wednesday 19.  At home.  Engaged with Mr. Wedgwood & Mrs. & 2 Miss Kinnersleys, Revd. Mr. Bagot & Miss Bagot dined.  The two latter staid all night.  Stamford dined also & staid all night.

 

Thursday 20.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Revd. Mr. [Forton] & the Revd. Mr Mainwaring dined.  Mr. . . .Clerk of Nantwich, with the conveyance of Shaw's Estate on which the Newcastle Brewery had a [Society] & which I executed by the direction of Mr. Ward of Newcastle as per Letter from him.

 

Friday 21.  Fatigued & unwell.  Mr. [Forton] went after breakfast.  The Wedgwood's left us at noon, going to Mare Hall.  Stamford went to Newcastle.

 

Saturday 22.  At home.  Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers & revising, correcting & copying Circular Letters proposed to be addressed to the Proprietors relative to the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal.

 

Sunday 23.  At  home.  Service.

 

Monday 24.  At home.  Busily engaged on Papers preparatory to the Meeting of Delegates at Leamington.

 

Tuesday 25.  At home.  Engaged as yesterday.

 

Wednesday 26.  Left Linley Wood between 8 & 9.  Taking our [main] horses to Newcastle.  Took up Mr. Vaughan at Stone.  Called at Bishton & sat with Mrs. [Sparrow] & Miss S. [White] while the Horses were changing at

 

Page 42.  1827  December

 

Wolsley Bridge.  From thence to Grendon Hall where I arrived about a quarter before 5.  Mr. Lister had arrived about half an hour before.  Found Sir George, the two Miss Chetwynds, George & William from all of whom I experienced the most kind & hospitable Reception.  Lady Chetwynd & Miss Georgia [Anne] set off to Bishton where I had undertook they were expected from Mrs. Sparrow who proposed we must stop there on my return.

 

Thursday 27.  Breakfasted at Grendon Hall.  Proceeded in a [Berouche] to Leamington.  Met with the Foxhounds which presented a fine sight though the field was not fully appreciated.  Arrived at Leamington nearly an hour before the Meeting which took place at 12.  Again called to the Chair.  Closely engaged on our business which was carried on & concluded in the most harmonious & satisfactory manner.  We afterwards dined together at . . House the Royal Hotel.  I was surprised at the size of Leamington & the Style of the Baths, Bar Room, Hotels etc. with such . . .expectation.  All are upon a great Scale & we found the  [conversation] at . . .very good.

 

Friday 28.  Set off a little before 8 on our return & got to Coventry to Breakfast, & continued to Grendon Hall where we stopped  . . . .Sir George & Mr. Lister approved & suggested . . .to sign on behalf of the Select Committee & Chairman sent out as early as possible Letter which I had proposed to the Trent & Mersey Canal.  Mr. Lister & I here parted & I arrived at home about ½ past 7, finding Mr. Sherratt & Bessy, who had come from Nantwich to stay.

 

Saturday 29.  At home.  Engaged correcting the Circular Letter which I had proposed for the Printer.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Sherratt & on various matters.  Stamford came in the Evening.

 

Sunday 30.  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.

 

Page 43.  1827  December

 

Monday 31.  After breakfast went to Newcastle with the Draft of the circular Letter & made arrangements with Mr. Hyde relative to the printing of it.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson & pointed out to him the Clause in the Set of Parliament relative to the appointment of Clerk & suggested the propriety of obtaining the opinion of Mr. Harrison thereon.  Saw Mrs. & Miss Sparrow.  Also met with Mr. Ward at Mr. Kinnersleys & had some conversation with him relative to the House upon the Marsh, which Mr. [Heathcote] wished to have, but I told him how I was . . . with respect to Miss Bent & that if she wished to have it& a . . .. . . was given & for payment of the Rent & repairs I feel myself bound to let her have it, but which I would enquire about if Mr. N. H. to whom he said he would write should continue to wish for it.  Mr. Ward said he held the Bent Deeds in hand for me & proposed my purchasing Stoney Field in order to get the Affairs  finally settled.

 

 

 

 

 

Page 45. January  1828

 

Tuesday 1.  At home.  Mr. Hughes' Assistant with the Proof Sheet of the circular Letter, which he left for my revision and correction, and on which afterwards engaged.  Engaged also on annual Accounts etc. etc.  Stamford dined.

 

Wednesday 2.  Went to Newcastle again, with the proof sheet of the circular Letter & giving directions for various Corrections etc.  Called also upon Mr. Wilkinson & considered with him the Clause in the Act 6. Sec. 3 relative to the appointment of Clerk, when we considered, that for further safety it would be right to the opinion of Mr. Harrison upon it.  Stamford dined.

 

Thursday 3.  Mr. Hughes Assistant brought the proof sheet as corrected which I again carefully perused & still found some vital alterations necessary, which I made & then returned him the proof & of which he promised to to let me have another this Evening .  Mr. Booth came & with whom engaged on various matters respecting the Buildings at the Hollins, Alsager Farm etc.  In the evening Mr. Hughes assistant brought the corrected proof Sheet.  In the morning Stamford went to Newcastle.

 

Friday 4.  Perused & finally settled & corrected the Circular Letter.  Mr. James Potter came with Notice which he had received from Mr. Heathcote not to enter upon his Land for making the Macclesfield Canal till satisfaction was made for the Mines which he was about to get.  Considered the business carefully with James Potter & then directed him to call immediately upon Mr. Wilkinson, as the Company's Solicitor with the Notice, for his consideration on their behalf expressing at the same time my opinion that the purchase Money for the Land according to the valuation delivered by Mr. Booth as the [Referee] of Mr. Heathcote, should be immediately . . .,& that the boat might then be safely proceeded with a request that he would put down Miss Stamford's name & my own for £5.5 each as subscribers to the erection of the North Staffordshire Infirmary Fever Wards, & to Miss Ball relative to the House upon Newcastle [Road]

 

Page 46.  1828  January

 

requesting to know in whose name an Agreement was to be entered into, & who was to be Security for the payment of the Rent etc. in order that the matter might be finally settled in some way or other.  Sent these Letters by Mr. James Potter, to be put in the Office at Newcastle.

 

Saturday 5.  Thinking it proper to confer with Mr. Wilkinson relative to the business with Mr. Heathcote,went to Newcastle early, & considered the matter with him & showed him the Report made by Mr. Heath & Mr. Skerratt, when he said that he would see Mr. Heathcote & which he expected to do in the course of the day.  Called on Mr. Hyde & finally settled as to the printing etc. of the circular Letter.  Wrote from Newcastle to Mr. Vaughan requesting to see him on Monday morning next on this & several other matters, & for which purpose, I wrote to Mr. Bent postponing my engagement at Macclesfield to Tuesday the day following.  Mr. Skerratt left us on his return to Nantwich.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Sunday 6.  At home.  Service.  Stamford.

 

Monday7.  Mr. Vaughan came early, & with whom engaged closely all Morning, signing 400 circular Letters & arranging with Mr. Vaughan the sending them out etc.  Wrote also to Sir George Chetwynd & desired Mr. V. to send my Letter, with 20 of the circulars to Sir George.  Mr. Vaughan . . .but could not stay to dinner.  Afterwards engaged preparatory to going to Macclesfield tomorrow on annual Settlement of Brewery Account.  Delivered to Miss Stamford the Declaration of Trust Transfer etc. from J. G. Caldwell of the Navigation Shares, in . . .of these transferred by him to Mr. Spode.

 

Tuesday 8.  Went to Macclesfield & engaged all day examining Brewery Accounts.  Wm. Bent, James & I & afterwards dined at the Hotel, where I slept.

 

Wednesday 9.  Finally settled annual Accounts & signed the Balance Sheet as usual.  On my way home called at Lawton Hall, & arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.

 

Page 47.  1828  January

 

Thu 10.  At home.  Mr. James Potter came relative to Mr. Heathcotes Mines & the regulatory Lock with whom engaged some time & lent him my Macclesfield Canal Act, desiring him again to see Mr. Wilkinson, & request his intention to the business of the Mines.  Afterwards engaged arranging Account, Rents etc. of the Mortgage.  Wrote to Mr. Balgary.  Mr. Henshall paying Rent of the piece of Land called the the Broadbent.  Fine frosty day.  Miss Stamford & Bessy went to Newcastle.  Men busy carrying out manure.  Letter from Revd. Mr. Aitkins requesting allowance of Tonnage on Nantwich for a new Church at [Hanley].

 

Friday 11.  Wrote to Mr. Ball per Samuel Jones accepting him Tenant of the House upon the Marsh.  N.B. In the night Snow.  Closely engaged all day on Accounts.  Mr. Vaughan who had engaged to dine here on his return from Runcorn did not come.  Severely cold day.

 

Saturday 12.  Went to the Revd. Mr Aitkins.  Also to Dr. Holland.  Engaged again on Accounts.  Sudden Thaw.

 

Sunday 13.  In the last night violent Rain.  At home.  Service as usual.

 

Monday 14.  Copied afresh the Proceedings of the late adjourned General Assembly, & of the last Select Committee, & sent them by Post to Mr. Vaughan with a Letter to him.  Read & considered at the request of J.T.C. The Brief which he had received from Mr. Tomlinson (& who he also desired my perusal of) & from the appeal at the next Sessions against the Poor Rate in the Parish of Stoke upon Trent, & making observations thereon.

 

Tuesday 15.  James Potter came to Breakfast & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the cause to be pursued with respect to Heathcotes Mines & other matters.  Mr. H. having suggested a Reference to Mr. Heath & Mr. Boughey, I referred this to the consideration of the Select Committee, & desired J.P. to go down & inspect the Pit first opened by Mr. H. & also to see Mr. Daniel Eardley & obtain any further information in his power relative to the value of the Coals.  Perused & considered again Mr. Tomlinson Brief & finished observations theron for J.S.C. who came to dinner, & to whom I delivered the same.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan, also from Mr. J. Phillips, Mayor of Newcastle requesting my attendance at the Sessions on Tuesday next, there being much business & several Cases Of Felony.

 

Wednesday 16.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. . . .[Birth] & remitted Mr. Caldwell's Interest.  Mr. Smith & Mrs. Baddeley to consult relative to property at Mear Lake.  Engaged on final Settlement of Gower Street Account.

 

Page 48.  1828  January

 

Thursday 17.  At home.  Engaged closely all Morning on Gower Street & Miss Stamford's Accounts which were finally arranged, settled & signed.  Samuel Jones consulting me on the Will of John Griffiths, When I promised to write to Mr. Smith of .Eccleshall, as to the receipts of a [surrender] to the use of the . . .the property being copyhold.

 

Friday 18.  Wrote to Mr. Smith.  Engaged on Trademens Accounts & drawing orders on Kinnersleys for the same.  Mr. Potter & James Potter came & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Mr. Heathcotes Mines, & other matters preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee on Monday next.  Afterwards engaged making Minutes & . . .of the Business to be brought before the Meeting.  Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd from . . .,with a Plan of the Canals, informing me also that no notice had been put upon the [Sessions ]Development of the intended Canal & mentioning that Mr. Booth & Mr. . . .very highly approved of my Circular.

 

Saturday19.  Went to Newcastle.  Saw Mr. Wilkinson, when we agreed that the best course to be pursued with respect to Mr. Heathcotes Mines was to take all the regular steps for bringing the Case before a Jury, comparably to the direction of the Act of Parliament.  Paid off Tradesmens Annual Bill.  Saw the Mayor with whom I had some conversation relative to the Cases of Felony to be tried at Newcastle Sessions on Tuesday next, & when I promised to attend.

 

Sunday 20.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 21.  I this day completed the 69th year of my age.  Went to Stone where engaged all day on the Select Committee.

 

Tuesday 22.  Brought Sir George Chetwynd in the Carriage to Newcastle.  Attended the Sessions at Newcastle. 2 Convictions for Felony & one for assault.  Dined afterwards with the Mayor at the Castle Inn.  Speaking of the Battle of Waterloo with Captain Blacklands who was present, he said that if [Groundings] Corps had attempted to go into the Action, there was a Corps prepared & sending to intercept them.  Returned home at night & found Stamford who had just arrived from Stafford.

 

Wednesday 23.  Fatigued & not well.  Perused & considered the Oxford Canal Case.

 

Thursday 24.  Received Letter from Mr. Twemlow relative to the [Misinformation] contained in the Chester Chronicle of January 11, as to Licences, Tonnage etc. upon the Trent

 

Page 49.  1828  January

 

Mersey Canal & wrote to him.  Engaged on sundry occasional matters.  Again Rain.

 

Friday 25.  At home.  Looked over Papers preparatory to observations in reply to Mr. Stantons Letter in the Chester Chronicle, in case any notice of it to be deemed proper.  Mrs. Martin & Wm. Martin came to dinner.  Sent the Carriage for them.  Began the alteration of the Flower Garden before the Dining Room window.

 

Saturday 26.  At home.  Unwell.  In the house all day.

 

Sunday 27.  At home.  Still unwell.  Service.  Received Letter from Mr. Ball proposing to meeting with the House upon the Marsh.  In the evening Stamford went to his new habitation at Rode Heath.

 

Monday 28.  James Potter came relative to entering upon Mr. Heathcotes Land & valuation of Mr. Lawton's Land & Mines etc. etc. when I directed him to see Mr. Heathcote again previous to doing anything on his Land, though I had understood Mr. H. when I accidentally saw him at Newcastle on Tuesday last, that he should not object to our going on with the work.  Directed James Potter also to apply again to Mr. Heaton for his valuation of Mr. Lawtons Land & Mines.  The two Mr. [Gaytons] to consult me on the matter in Chancery of [Cartlick] a [Locomotive], & to request me to . . .the Committee of his [Estates] etc. but which I declined entirely.  Still unwell, & confined to the House all day.  Wrote to Mr. Ball by the Post in reply to his Letter & declining to take the House into my [overheads].  Mrs. [Trent] requesting my assistance in procuring [attention] for her son.

 

Tuesday 29.  Still unwell.  Revised & copied afresh the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting.  Again looked over Mr. Stantons Letter in the Chester Chronicle.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan thereon, & correcting Minutes, but Mr. Vaughan unexpectedly coming to dinner, to consult me on several matters I delivered the Minutes & Letter to him.  Engaged with Mr. Vaughan who returned home in the evening.

 

Wednesday 30.  Still unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Ball.  Engaged on private Accounts.  Miss Stamford & I dined at Dr. Northen's.  Met Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood, Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Butt, Miss Moreton & Miss Charlotte Chetwynd & Capt. Neale.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Wilkinson relative to Mr. Heathcotes Mines.

 

Thursday 31.  James Potter, to whom I communicated Mr. Wilkinson's Letter, & another matters.  Suggested to him his Father's Resignation.  Afterwards called at Lawton Hall

 

Page 50.  1828  January

 

Thursday 31.with Eliza, & to have spoken to Mr. C.L. about the Land for the Canal, but Mr. & Mrs. Lawton were out.  Received in the evening Mr. Heatons valuation of such Land from James Potter.

 

February

 

Friday 1.  At home.  Engaged selecting & arranging Papers relative to the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal, to be in readiness for the next Meeting of the Delegates.  Mrs. & Miss Wedgwood of Maer Hall came to dinner.  Spoke to John Davies, & agreed to give him a Trial as Butler in the room of John Dickinson.  At night storm of Rain with Thunder & Lightening.

 

Saturday2.  At home.  Mrs. & Miss Wedgwood went after breakfast.  Mr. Wicksteads Foxhounds met at Lawton, & having found . . .the Fox to the Earth in the Firwood, affording a fine view of the Chase, The Fox coming into the Ground before the House, when I accidentally located him, & he then passed through Linley Meadow.  Having found another Fox in Alsager . . .he took the same course, the Fox & the Hounds coming again before, & almost close to the House, but the earth in the Firwood having been stopped at Mr. . . .request, the Fox was killed in the [Silver] Wood just below.  Very fine day & a large Field of Horsemen.  Received Votes from House of Commons.  Mr. Latham of Talke brought his Boy, & who I engaged.  Wages left to me . . .of him.

 

Sunday 3.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 4.  At home.  Settled & found John Dickinson's Account on his leaving his place.  Perused papers with a view to preparing a Case on behalf of the Navigation Company, to be in readiness if wanted this Session.  Engaged on the Farm.  Mrs. Moreton & Miss Charlotte Chetwynd called.  Dickinson went.

 

Wednesday 6.  Arranging & perusing various Navigation Papers.  Went to Lawton & called upon James Potter, relative to the Valuation of Mr. Lawtons Mines, when I desired him to see Mr. Skerratt again, & call upon me on Saturday in order that I

 

Page 51.  1828  February

 

might be prepared to trust with Mr. L. for the Land.

 

Thursday 7.  Went to Betley Court to dinner.  Met Mr. & Mrs. Tollet, Miss Tollet & Miss F. T., Revd. Mr.& Mrs [Fieldon] & Revd. Mr. Mainwaring.

 

Friday 8.  Returned home to dinner.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd relative to the Meeting of Delegates.

 

Saturday 9.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  James Potter came relative to the Agreement for Mr. Lawtons Land, when I desired him to see Mr. L. & show him Mr. Heatons valuation & say that I should be happy to confer with Mr. L whenever it might be convenient to him.

 

Sunday 10.  At home.  Service.

 

Dr. Foster observes "that where Mystery begins, Religion ends."Pol. Dist. Vol 1683.  Mr. G. Dawson in his Speech on the Catholic Claims 5 July, describes the principle of Protestation to be _______' that every Man has a right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, and to exercise his judgement freely in matters of religious beliefs.'  This is what I call the distinguishing feature National Dissent.

 

Monday11.  Mr. James Potter relative to the completion of purchase of Lands from Mr. Lawton, who had promised again to consult Mr. [Rimmer].  Engaged on the Perlington Papers.  A heavy snow had fallen in the night accompanied with Frost.

 

Tuesday 12.  Received & considered Plans & Reports in order to ascertain whether any or what shortenings could be expediently made on the line of Canal from  [Findley] to Preston Brook, in order to having prepared to speak to this point at the next Meeting of Delegates.  At home all day.

 

Wednesday 13.  Engaged all morning selecting & addressing Navigation Papers with a view to a general arrangement of them.  Letter from Sir George Chetwynd by Post.

 

Thursday 14.  Violent Shower of Snow & Wind.  Engaged on various matters.

 

Friday 15.  At home.  The like.

 

Saturday 16.  Wrote to Wm. Bent, & sent him the further [call] of 10 per share on my 10 shares of the Macclesfield Canal standing in his name.  Frost.  Stamford came late at night.  Mr. Latham came to his place as post boy.

 

Sunday 17.  Service.  Stamford.  Letter from Mr. [Lawrence], L & B proposed Canal.  "Let us always remember that the great and principal thing the

 

Page 52.  1828  February

 

Gospel requires, is not Speculation, but Practice, that it does not aim so much at the rectifying our opinions, as the regulating of our measures.  Let us therefore find Religion on its true foundation, & place it in the heart more than the head.  We shall then cast off all nervousness of spirit which cramps our thoughts and confines  our Understandings to the particular system of this or that sect and party of Christians, and thus ,and this only, may we hope to see primitive Christianity restored amongst us."  Mr. Hagley D.D.

 

Monday 18.  Severe Frost.  James Potter, with whom I made an arrangement for finally completing the purchase from Mr. Lawton's purchasing of the Land for the Canal.  Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.  Stamford left us.

 

Tuesday 19.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Lister.  Wrote also to Mr. [Balgary].  At home.  Revd. James Armistead & the Revd. Edward Powys called with presentation of the former Vicarage of Sandbach vacant by the death of the late Mr. Salmon & which I executed as a to Trustee with Mr. Tollett of this Presentation under the Will of the late Revd. Mr. Armistead.

 

Wednesday 20.  Frost & Snow continuing to go very finally.  At home all day.  Received Letters from Mr. Lister appointing to meet at Leamington on the Evening of the 27th & from Sir George Chetwynd inclosing a Copy of a Resolution of the Oxford Canal Company at a Meeting held on the 13, adopting Mr. . . .Report, according to which a Shortening of about 12 miles might be affected on their Canal, & for applying to Parliament in the next Session.

 

Thursday 21.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & to Mr. Vaughan.

 

Friday 22.  At home.  Affected by a pain in my side, which I had full some days.

 

Saturday 23.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & drawing Minutes of a Resolution to be submitted to the Meeting of Delegates at Leamington on the 28 inst.

 

Page 53.  1828  February

 

Sunday 24.  At home.  Service.  Received by Post a Letter from Mr. Thomas Lister dated yesterday informing me of the illness of his Father, who had been seized suddenly on Wednesday Morning with a severe [bilious] attack, & which had confined him to his Bed & which would prevent his meeting me at Leamington.  That being me desirous not having the operation intended, a second Physician had been called in, but that there was no fever or apparent tendency to inflammation.  A Letter, however from Mr. [Landor], received also by this Post & dated dated today, informing me of the melancholy event of Mr. Listers death this morning.

 

New page, no number.

 

Monday 25.  At home.  Busily engaged all morning on Navigation Papers preparatory to the Meeting at Leamington, & drawing Minute of Resolution to be submitted to the consideration of the Delegates, but feeling sensibly the loss which I had sustained by the death of W.L. & whose place it will be found very difficult to fill up.

 

Tuesday 26.  At home.  Again engaged on Navigation Papers etc. etc.

 

Wednesday 27.  Set off early.  Took up Mr. Vaughan at Stone & arrived at Leamington about ½ past 5, travelling by the way of Coleshill & Kenilworth.  Found Sir George Chetwynd & with whom engaged all the evening.

 

Thursday 28.  At Leamington.  Interview & Conversation with Mr. Bennet, who laid before us the Plan of the Improvement of the Oxford Canal & appeared to have to be

 

(Loose piece of paper.)

 

One

Whose likeness was not taken

What, though no Artists hand assayed to trace

Some dear, though faint, resemblance of thy face,

Memory, to find affection ever true

Reaches each lovely feature,fresh to view,

And tells though every chain and grace combined,

Beauty or but the Portrait of the Mind.

 

(Inserted in James Caldwell's diary 1828 18 February -28 February Page 52.)

 

Another piece of paper in the form of a Bill.

80300

B 3500

D Cost 1000

M 450

G.T. 840

W.B. 270

B. . 500

Total 86,860

 

 

Page 54.  1828  February

 

to be quiet & intelligent.  He was the Inventor of the Block [Machinery] at Portsmouth.  Meeting took place at 12.  In the Chair.  Considered Mr. [Bannels] Plan & Report which were approved, but there being some points relating to Tonnage remaining to be to be settled between the Oxford Canal Co. & the Birmingham & Warwick & W & B Canal it was resolved to report what had been done to our respective Proprietors & to meet again at Leamington on the 1st of May.  Strange circumstances stated, & strong observations made upon the Conduct of Mr. Eyre Lee.

 

Friday 29.  Sir George set off after breakfast.  Called upon the Wilbrahams of Rode, who were at Leamington.  Left Leamington at ½ past 10 with Mr. Vaughan, & arrived at home in the Evening.

 

March

 

Saturday 1.  Fatigued & unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Grove in reply to his Letter informing me of poor Mr. Listers death.  Stamford came in the Evening.

 

Sunday 2.  At home.  Still unwell.  Service.

 

Monday 3.  At home.  Unwell.  Stamford went.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd informing me that Mr. . . .declined acting upon the Select Committee.

 

Tuesday 4.  At home.  Still unwell. Engaged with various Navigation Papers & arranging the same.  Received Letter by the Post from Col. [Madan] relative to the filling up of the vacancy in the Select Committee.

 

Wednesday 5.  At home.  Wrote to Col. [Madan].  Still unwell.  Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Newcastle.

 

Thursday 6.  At home.  Again engaged on Arrangement of Navigation Papers.  Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Clough Hall.

 

Friday 7.  At home.  Engaged on various papers & afterwards on the Farm.

 

Saturday 8.  At home.  Still not well.  Engaged with various Papers.  Mr. Ward of Newcastle called with a Brief for Stamford in the . . . Cause & handing for . . .at Stafford, Bent & others . . .an act of a Distress made for [Rest] of Newcastle.

 

Page 55.  1828  March

 

Brewery.  Mr. Ward left the Brief with me after an explanation of the C and J executed a Release to Mr. Ward (which had already been executed by the Executors of the late Mr. Bent) in order to make him a competent Witness, & . . .him £15 being my ¾ share of £60 advanced in Acc. of the Trial.

 

Sunday 9.  At home.  Service.  Stamford called in the afternoon & to whom I gave the Brief.  Let us learn, - not to judge of Men and their Religion so much by their faith, as by what they do; to consider not so much whether their Opinions are, in our particular judgement right and sound, as whether their Actions are, in the judgement of all Men, good and precise worthy.  [Herring] Bishop of Bangor.  Sermon the parable of the good Samaritan.

 

Monday 10.  At home.  Engaged again in Selection & Arrangement of Navigation Papers.  Afterwards on the Farm.  Mr. Wedgwood called after dinner.  "No extraordinary assumption of power on the part of the House of Commons has been long viewed with an astonishing apathy, whilst a constitution and jealousy of the Eccentric is displayed on every occasion which can afford the slightest ground for suspicion.  It must be familiar to the Reader, that the Assembly entertain a thorough contempt for the rules of Evidence which regulate the Courts of Law: and that their organisational power could enforce an explanation of the particulars of private life under the penalty of immediate consignment to his Majestys gaol at Newgate.  It maybe said that absolute power must be lodged somewhere in every Country, but some can doubt that our Constitution places it in the three Estates of Parliament.  . . .Lords and Commons, and not in the hands of any one of the three.  We shall rejoice to see the Borough of East [Ratford] receive the first reward of Crompton, but such advantage would be already bought if purchased by the exercise of Authority assumed by our third of the Legislature, from which, like the Clergy of who they claim exemption for their Order:"  Sun Newspaper March 8. 1828.

 

Tuesday 11.  At home.  Engaged with the Men thinning & cutting down Trees in the Plantation under my Room Window, & planting where space is sufficient.  Revd. Mr. Carter called relative to an intended publication of some music, by Miss Salmon of Sandbach & to which Eliza & Miss Stamford & I subscribed.  Mr. A. Minton of Stoke called relative to the intended Bazaar in aid of the Subscription towards the erection of the North Staffordshire Infirmary Fever Wards.  Very fine mild day.

 

Wednesday 12.  Mr. Kinnersley called to submit his Application for a reduction of of the 

 

Page 56.  1828  March.

 

of his boats going north of the Tunnel for the supply of his Wharfs in Cheshire when after much discussion he said that he would propose a [Interest] of Facts in writing & appointed to see me again with Mr. Rob. Heath, previous to the next Meeting of the Select Committee.  Engaged afterwards on sundry Papers, Navigation etc. etc. & on the Farm.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Thursday 13.  At home.  Engaged on the Farm etc.  Letter from Mr. Wilkinson requesting. . .for Mr. Potter to take the Levels of an intended Rail Road from Mr. . . .to the Court, & which I gave accordingly.

 

Friday 14.  Miss Stamford went to Brook Farm.  Engaged again on the Farm.

 

Saturday 15.  At home.  Remarkably fair Weather, more resembling April or May, than March.  What . . . . . .we would choose  To Paint the Rainbow varying hues,  Unless to mortal it were given,  To dip his brush in dyes of Heaven.  Tennison

 

Sunday 16.  At home.  Service.  Received from [Mr. Balgary] with Conveyance from Miss Stamford to J. S. Caldwell of her . . .of late Richard Harrison's property & which she had desired, might be prepared & also relative to the Amount etc. etc. in these affairs.  Wrote to Mr. Balgary.  "Calvinism, that such faith, which stripping God of mercy and mass of power, has made Christianity an instrument of torture to the timid, and an object of doubt or scorn to hardier Spirits."  Channing.  Sermon at New York December 7. 1826.

 

Monday 17.  It seeming to me that Wednesday next, the day on which I had proposed going to Derby will be the assizes.  Wrote to Mr. [Balgary] again postponing my Journey.  Perused papers in the Affairs of Harrison.  Engaged on the Farm etc.

 

Tuesday 18.  Eliza went to Nantwich.  Engaged on Accounts & various matters.

 

Wednesday 19.  At home.  Engaged on various matters.

 

Thursday 20.  Mr. Potter called & with whom engaged some time on Navigation business.  Went to Nantwich.  Dined in Dysant Buildings.

 

Friday 21.  At Nantwich. Dined at Mr. Skerratts.  Cold with Sleet & Snow.  In the morning viewed the B. & L. Junction Canal, only no such access of the Chester Road.

 

Saturday 22.  Dined in Dysant Buildings & returned home in the Evening with Eliza.

 

Sunday 23.  At home.  Service.  " There is scarce any Man, perhaps, who is not sensible, that 

 

Page 57.  1828  March

 

the greatest turns that have happened to him  in his fortunes, have been owing to such a set of conspiring circumstances as he would not any ways have foreseen, nor can yet account for; and for there are I believe, who have not by the same happy coincidence of things, in that their for knowledge or care, escaped great dangers."  [Atterbury].  Sermon on Amnisty.

 

Monday 24.  At home.  Mr. Kinnersley & Mr. Robert Heath called & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the reduction of the Tonnage of Coals going North of Harecastle Tunnel, & with a Statement in writing which I promised to lay before the Select Committee at their next Meeting & there I desired Mr. Heath would attend.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Peake & sending back the Fee in the Cause . . .against Bent & others which had been paid to him with his Brief at Stafford, & which he had returned by a Clerk on his Banker £10.10.  Mr. Wickstead called.  Stamford returned off the Circuit, & arrived a few minutes before Mr. W.

 

Tuesday 25.  At home.  Mr. Williams called relative to Mr. Lawtons Land taken for the Canal, when I finally requested that an Abstract of the Title might be sent to Mr. Wilkinson.  Mr. Williams informed me that all the Lawton family arrangements are satisfactorily settle & that they should go to Parliament the next Session: & that I might also point that the Swallow Moor Wood Title would then be perfected, & that in the meantime they were proceeding to get the necessary additional [Reservoir] supplied in Staffordshire & Cheshire.  The Fox hounds came again.  They had turned out at [Motress] & killed one Fox.  They found again in Swallow Moor Wood, but the Fox continued to get into the Earth in the Fir Wood, although I had caused it to be carefully stopped.  The Fox coming direct across the grounds from Swallow Moor to Stone Cliffe Wood with the Hounds in full cry, close after him, afforded a fine view of the Chace.  The Hounds were then drawn off, but in the evening came again with another Fox, but which they also lost here.  Mr. Wickstead, with two other Gentlemen who I did not know, called & took a Glass of wine, whilst their Horses were refreshed with some meal & water, & the Huntsmen & the Hounds were in the Stable Yard; but all seemed much exhausted having had a very long & hard day.  The weather very fine.  Received from Miss B yesterday by a Messenger the Key of the House upon the Marsh: & also the Half years Rent due this day.

 

Page 58.  1828  March

 

Wednesday 26.  At home.  On examining the the Fox earth this morning, Samuel Jones informed me that he had concealed himself in the Straw with which it was stopped, not having been able to make his way through it, & then if the Huntsmen would have waited for a further removal of the Straw, with which he had stopped, they would have got have got at the Fox.  Engaged on sundry matters.  Mr. Tollett called, & to whom I mentioned the above.  Stamford went to Rode House.

 

Thursday 27.  At home.  Sundry matters.

 

Friday 28.  Made short Minutes of Business for the next Meeting of the Select Committee.  Mr. Mayor . . .of Newcastle came to consult me relative to the draining & improving of Newcastle Mill Dam, when after much conversation, I recommended it to him to consult the [Mayor]as to calling a Meeting of the principal Inhabitants, an application from whom to Mr. Sneyd, who . . . stated not to be adverse to the measure, would probably find the matter in the most effective  thereon.

 

Saturday 29.  Proposed going to Newcastle, but Eliza not being very well we postponed it.  Samuel Beardmore settling ½ years Account of Rent etc.  Miss Dawson on the Perlington Affairs when I wrote to Mr. Morris of Lawton requesting payment of his Rent & Arrears. & also relative to a Gate which he had removed from the Land he held, & desiring that it might be replaced.  Afterwards called upon Mr. Sneyd of Bradwall who I was sorry to find ,still incapable from his Accident, of walking, & suffering also from Gout & Asthma.  Such is the life of Man!  Received Letter by the Post from Mr. Vaughan, proposing to come to Linley Wood on Monday next to confer with me on Navigation business.

 

Sunday 30.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined on his return from Leek.

 

Monday 31. At home.  Mr. Vaughan came pursuance to Appointment, & with whom engaged on various Navigation Business.  Mr. V. dined & staid all night.

 

Page 59.  1828  April

 

Tuesday 1.  Mr. Vaughan went early.  In the forenoon Mr. Brunel arrived & with whom afterwards engaged.  We went to the new Tunnel, of which Mr. B expressed the highest admiration & approbation: & pronounced it to be the best & finest work of the kind.  He particularly examined & considered the [lockivity] of the Banks.  On our return we stopped at the embankment of the Macclesfield Mile of Canal, which we reviewed.  Saw Mr. Pritchard who promised to come to L. Wood in the evening.  Returned to dinner, having much conversation with Mr. Brunel.  In the Evening Mr. Pritchard & James Potter, when we had a further long & satisfactory discussion relative to Harecastle Tunnel & when Mr. B. gave us a long & particular Account of the Thomas Tunnel.  He attributed the last misfortune to 3 ships having accidentally moored just over the weak part, when the [inspection] took place.  He seemed to . . .no doubt at all of success, if the necessary Funds could be provided.  The Length of the Tunnel is about 1060feet.

 

Wednesday 2.  Mr. Brunel & I walked out together & had much further conversation particularly mentioning to him the dropping of water in the new Tunnel, he said it was impossible altogether to avoid this, that these three were Springs, the water could make its way through the Bricks or Mortar but that it was not of the smallest consequence & would in time most probably reach up.  The water might be drained & carried off backward not worth the expense of draining it.  He again spoke in the strongest terms of the [exchange] of the work, the ground that it was impossible in making Estimates of works of this kind to pursue or ascertain the actual expense.  Mr. B being obliged to be at Liverpool this evening I took him in the Carriage to the Red Bull from whence he proceeded in the Mail.

 

Page 60.  182 April

 

Thursday 3.  Went to Newcastle to have seen Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Title to Mr. Lawtons Land, & on other matters, but he as not at home.  Eliza accompanied me.  In the Evening Miss Stamford, Miss Elizabeth Holland of Knutsford arrived.

 

Friday 4.  Good Friday.  At home.

 

Saturday 4.  At home.  Reconsidered & made afresh Minutes for the Select & the General Committee on Monday & Tuesday next.  Miss Stamford & Miss E Holland called at Maer Hall.

 

Sunday 6.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 7.  Went in good time to Stone.  Arrived there before 11.  Engaged with Mr. Vaughan & afterwards Sir George Chetwynd who came about 12.  On Select Committee all day & again at night.

 

Tuesday 8.  At Stone. Engaged on General Committee.  Returned10 home at night.  Found Stamford who had come on Monday.

 

Wednesday 9.  At home, but fatigued & unwell.  Sent to James Potter, who came to L. Wood & with whom I had a particular conversation relative to the defects in Knypersley Reservoir, which had been stated to the Committee yesterday by Mr. Sneyd of Ashcombe that the locks would only admit of a certain & insufficient quantity of water being discharged per day of 30 Locks: or thereabouts & that the Paddle was bent so as to prevent its being used.  All this J. Potter satisfactorily explained to me as the result of accident.  That the former was occasioned by some pebbles having got behind the valve, & the latter by the necessary sinking of the Dam: but that the whole would be made quite perfect in a single day, the first time the water was drawn off: & that in the meantime any quantity of water might if wanted, be drawn off by drilling a few holes in the valve.  He said he knew the Quarter in which the effects to prejudice him in the good opinion of the Company originated & which satisfied, as I am of his ability, merit & the faithful & able of his party discharge I cannot but much condemn.  He fixed to go tot he Reservoir, & furnished me with the exact particulars together with an explanation in & request.  Miss Stamford & Miss E. Holland went to Newcastle Bazaar.  James Barker, paying the half years Rent due at Michaelmas last, & to whom I made a donation of £10, in addition to £5 given before on account of the late bad time for the Farmers.

 

Page 61.  1828  April

 

Thursday 10.  At home.  Looked over the Minutes of the Proceeding of the Select Committee & the General Committees.  The Fox hounds again down Swallow Moor Road, where they formed, but navigated & missed the Fox in the wood.

 

Friday 11.  Mr. James Massey with whom I settled this Account relative to the new Buildings at the Hollins, & paid  him the balance in full.  Afterwards, engaged on sundry matters, & on the Farm.  Spread Salt at the rate of about 800cwt to the Acre upon the Bank adjoining the Linley Lane Turnpike Road, & also on the rough Bank at the bottom of the House Field.  This by way of experiment.

 

Saturday 12.  Miss Holland went to Maer Hall, the Horses taking her & Miss Stamford to Newcastle.  "Latterly, however a species of spurious philosophy has gained ground among the Members of a particular school of political economy, which justified the formation of the advantage of one Class of the Community at the expense of another; which justifies the crushing of an individual, or a body of individuals, provided some plausible thing can be advanced to show, that from his mind an advantage will result to the just of the Community."  Corn Lane.  Quarterly Review..  March 1828.  It is to be observed, however, that by universal assent, the Individuals must give way to the interests and the necessities of the Public and that it is in the . . .the excess of this principle that the mischief and the injustice consist.  If as has been of late so frequently and flagrantly the case, provide property, & particularly that overlooked in established public Works, has been sacrificed to crude and interested Projects and suggestions, without sufficient probability or certainty appearing of their intimately proving adequately beneficial to the community, then it may fairly be asked, is it just, is it moral, is it constitutional, or is it wise, to deprive one Man, or Class of Man, of the prosperity of which they are legally proposed, to confer it upon others? And in such cases, the Observation of late, may but too [truly] applied to English Statesmen, Speculators and Projectors, "Liberalitas nondemum appellation alina bona largire."

 

Sunday 13.  At home.  Service.  Fine Showers.  The importance of the Duties of Morality appears equally from Reason & from Sacrifice.  "What doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to have mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"  What more comfortable to Reason, for what more conducive to the happiness of this life, than the performance of these Duties?"  We must therefore be above all things, careful to entrust these virtues in ourselves, & make our belief of the doctrines  of the Gospel, & our attendance on the external instructions of it subservient to this purpose; and we are never to

 

Page 62.  1828  April

 

Sunday 13.  imagine ourselves religious because we believe truly, and pray frequently, and read the Scriptures every day, & take all occasions of partaking of the Lords Supper.  The [word] of Religion does not consist in these things, but in those upright, humane and generous disposition with respect to Mankind, and that servant and obedient transfer towards God, which they are intended to raise and innocuous."  Sermon by the Revd. John Orr.

 

Monday 14.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Gregson Canal Officer ,Lancaster, acknowledging receipt of Dividends on my 7% shares for the years 1826 ,1827, 1828.  NB. 1824 & 1825 remain still unpaid.  Inclosed in Mr. G. Letter that to be paid hereafter.  Engaged with the Men pulling down Iron Hurdles below the flower garden, in line of the Posts & Chain.  Fine Showers.

 

Tuesday 15.  Sent the Carriage to Maer Hall for Miss E. Holland who came to dinner.  Mr. Kinnersley & Dr. Mckenzie called relative to a Ball intended to be given to the Ladies who had contributed to the Bazaar held at Newcastle on Wednesday & Thursday last in aid of the erection of Fever Wards at the North Staffordshire Infirmary, & the receipts of which amounted on the whole to (blank) when I contributed 5 [Guineas] to the Sale, having previously subscribed to the Fever Wards.  Fine Rain the greatest part of the day.

 

Wednesday 16.  At home.  Engaged with the Men completing the change & putting down afresh the Iron Hurdles in the front of the House, & round the Plantation etc.  Fine April weather.  In the evening received 3 of the intended Ball Tickets for Eliza, Mrs. S & myself.

 

Thursday 17.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Revising Minutes of proceedings of the last Meeting of the Select & of he General Committee etc.  Two Miss Kinnersleys & Mrs. Mackenzie of Newcastle called.  Showery day.  Miss Holland left Linley Wood early this morning, the Carriage taking her to Newcastle, on her way to Nottingham.

 

Friday 18.  Went to Lawton to have seen James Potter relative to Knypersley Reservoir etc. but he was out.  Rain.  James Walker paying his half

 

Page 63.  1828  April

 

years Rent due at Lady day last.  Engaged on sundry matters.

 

Saturday 19.  At home.  James Potter came & with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation business & when he more fully explained & confirmed his former statement relative to Knypersley Reservoir.  He also stated the wish of the Macclesfield Canal Company to change the situation of their calculated Warehouse, when I told him that I would lay any application that they might think proper to make before the Select Committee.  Stamford came to dinner from Stafford Sessions.  "Creeds or Dogmas in Religion, are the explanation given by the Priest of that which is least known to us, and often of which is incomprehensible.  Our understandings may submit, but no more, since real belief is only in proposition to comprehension.  Religion is a Feeling not a Science.  Faith cannot mean the knowledge of that which is beyond attainment.  But Faith we are told, is exercised on the historical part of Revelation, this is not the case; the history of Revelation is history, it requires deep research, vast evaluation, the talent of estimating both and appreciating evidence, it is founded on the knowledge of Man, which explains the size of opinions, and on the knowledge of languages, which enables us to correct the errors of translations to their source, and compare them.  In short, it is a Science, and one of the most vast and complicated that can be investigated by Man.  Now, Religion, the homage of the creature to its Creator, cannot be a Science, for it is a want of our nature, it is both a pleasure and a duty to all: & has its source in the heart, and cannot be denied to the ignorant and uninformed."   Sisamondis progress of Religious Opinion.

 

Sunday 20.  At home.  Service.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

 

Monday 21.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Made Minutes of business preparatory to seeing him tomorrow, when he proposed coming to Linley Wood.  Engaged with the Men now gravelling the Walk to the Turning.  Stamford went to Newcastle & returned in the evening.  Rain.

 

Page 64.  1828  April

 

Tuesday 22.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast, & with whom closely engaged the whole of the morning on Navigation business, & sundry matters requiring particular consideration.  Appointed to meet Mr. Salt at Stone on Tuesday to examine & settle the Treasurers Accounts, & proceed from thence to Leamington the following day.  Stamford went to Burslem.  Continual Rain all day.

 

Wednesday 23.  At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Wrote to Mr. Ward of Newcastle relative to a small piece of ground upon the Marsh appertaining to the House, & expressing my readiness to accommodate him with it.  Wrote also to Mr. Balgary & appointed to be at Derby on Friday the 20 May, on Harrisons Affairs.

 

Thursday 24.  Having received a Letter from Mr. Ward relative to an application made to him for the House upon the Marsh, informed him by Post that I would call upon him tomorrow morning.  Engaged on sundry matters: & with the Men who completed the Ground Walk.  Wrote to Miss . . .Liverpool.

 

Friday 25.  Went to Newcastle to see Mr. Ward, & also to call upon Mr. Wilkinson on Navigation Business.  Settled with the former to see him again on Tuesday Morning, he proposing to see the Party who applied for the House in the meantime, & learn further particulars.  Mr. Ward promised to put an indorsement of my second Mortgage of the Stoney field Estate for £3000 settlement upon the Deeds in the proposals of the first Mortgage.  I stated to Mr. Ward my great doubts as to the Cause with . . .& the expediency of proceeding with it.  I saw Wilkinson on sundry Navigation matters, Mr. Campbells opinion as to . . .being upon stamps.  Lawton Title to Land being taken for the Macclesfield Canal, and desired him to write to Mr. Wilkinson etc.  brought back the Company's Seal which had been delivered to Mr. Wilkinson to be affixed to Certificates of Shares by order of the Committee.  Rain all day.

 

Saturday 26.  At home.  Eliza Roscoe & her 5 children came to L. Wood.  Fine Morning, but heavy showers in the afternoon.

 

Sunday 27.  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.

 

Monday 27.  At home.  Closely engaged all morning on Navigation Papers, perusing & selecting & arranging the same preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow, & from thence to Leamington on Wednesday.  Fine warm day, with light showers.  Cut Cabbages

 

Page 65.  1828  April

 

Tuesday 29.  Went to Stone.  Met Mr. Thomas Salt with whom & Mr. Vaughan closely engaged examining & settling the Treasurers Account, and also engaged with Mr. Vaughan examining the Company's Cash Book & comparing the same with the various receipts & vouchers from the 27 of October to the 19 of April inclusive.

 

Wednesday 30.  Set off with Mr. Vaughan from Stone to Leamington.  On my way I stopped at Armitage Park & sat a short time with Mr. Lister, who seemed much pleased with my calling upon him.  I mentioned that Lady Ribblesdale had the day before given birth to a son.  Arrived at Leamington a little before six, & found Sir George, Miss Charlotte & Miss Georgina Chetwynd.  We all dined together, & afterwards Sir G.,Mr. V & I were engaged on the business of tomorrow.

 

May

 

Thursday 1.  Mr. . . .Mr. [Durell], the Revd. Mr. . . ., Mr. [Beech] & Mr. Sharpe attended & arrived in good time; but no Delegates attending on the part of the Birmingham & Warwick or the Warwick & Napton Canal or from being any Consideration whatsoever, I took the Chair at one o'clock , at which time we waited, & then proceeded to business, which we went through with the most perfect harmony & cordiality coming to a Resolution to give the most strenuous support to the Bill intended to be brought before Parliament in the next Session, by the Oxford Canal Company, for the shortening and improving their Canal.  Strong observations were made on the conduct of the B & W &W & N.  There being reason to apprehend great duplicity & that the object now was to make their own Canal the line to unite with the B & W Canal.

 

Friday 8.  After breakfasting with Sir George & the Ladies, we parted.  They proceeding to Oxford, & Mr. V. & I on our return home.  At [Lisfield] Mr. V & I separated as I went from thence to Derby.  On my arrival sent a Note to Mr. Balgary & another to Mr. Horrocks inviting the [Cutters] to breakfast the next morning.  The former came in the Evening & in the chase I had a long & satisfactory conference, Mr. B speaking with the most perfect Confederation of the Title & the Time, & assurance that both might be relied upon.  He recommended selling some parts of the property.

 

Saturday 3.  At nine o'clock Received a Message that Mr. Horrocks was not at home, but was expected in the course of the day.  Called upon Mr. [Belgary] & we afterwards called at some of the Houses.  Saw Mr. Hill, Miss Bennet &

 

Page 66.  1828  May

 

Miss Richardson to each of whom we promised the Refusal of their respective Houses in case of Sale.  Saw Mr. Greaves, the Solicitor who had purchased the interest in the Unity of Bannisters House, & which he promised to put upon a valuation for our consideration, in case we wished to purchase.  He said that the Parties meant to try again to set aside the verdict & defeat the Fine & he had been so informed by their Solicitor himself.  On asking Mr. [Balgary] whether there was any defect in the Fine of which advantage could be taken he assured me there was not, & in case of Sale advised me strongly to guarantee the Title, rather than make any allowance on account of it.  Wrote to the Revd. Mr. Hope again requesting payment of his Arrears of Rent £123.10s.  Mr. [Balgary] said he was going to Town, but should be back in a fortnight at the furthest & would send me his Account & a Draft for the Balance in . . .upon his Return.  Left Derby at about ½ past one, called & saw two Miss Bents, & arrived at Linley Wood a little after 7, but much fatigued with the exertions of the last 5 days.

 

Sunday 4.  At home.  Service.  James Bent who had sent word that he would dine here today, did not come.  Much fatigued & very unwell.

 

Monday 5.  At home.  Very unwell.  Arranged Papers, & engaged on sundry matters.  The Gardener cut Asparagus.

 

Tuesday 6.  Turned 16 Milking Cows & a Bull into the Ground below the Flower Garden.  Unwell & much Suffering.  Rolled Linley Meadow, which we had used as a [Bowsey] Pasture.

 

Wednesday 7.  Wrote to Miss [Carbonell] & Son, London, & to Miss Woodhouse Liverpool & remitted their respective Accounts for wine.  Mr. Potter called & with whom engaged a considerable time.  He fully confirmed the Statement made by James Potter as to the obstruction in the discharge of the Water out of Knypersley new Reservoir, its trifling importance & easy . . .He said that he had himself informed John Trubshaw that he might have any quantity of Water he wanted & at any time.

 

Page 67.  1828  May

 

Thursday 8.  At home.  But unwell.  Mr. C. Lawton & Miss L. Belmont called.  Fine day without rain.

 

Friday 9.  Drew special Notice of the next Trent & Mersey General Assembly, pursuant to the Resolution of the last General Committee in order to the same being sent to the Proprietors.  Still far from well.  Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe dined at Clough Hall.  In the forenoon rode over the Farm.

 

Saturday 10.  At home.  Eliza R. went to Camp Hill.  Sent the Carriages & Horses, with her.  Unwell.  "There is much good natural reasoning in the following Speech of an Indian in reply to a Sermon preached by a Swedish Minister at an Indian Treaty, & which might afford a salutary Session to Missionaries as to the manner in which they . . .divine Truths  Do you then really believe, that we and our Forefathers are all, as you would teach us, condemned to suffer eternal torments in another World, because we have not been taught your mysterious Novelties?  Are we not work of God?  And can the Almighty not manifest his Will, without the aid of your Book?  If this be true, and God is just, then how is it consistent with his justice, to force life upon ua without our consent, and then to condemn us all to eternal damnation, because we did not meet with you."   [Stilmans] Expedition in . . .

 

Sunday 11.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 12.  Sent the Navigation Notice to Mr. Wilkinson by Mr. Bickerton & wrote to him, requesting him to get it printed, & send me a proof Sheet.  Cattle turned into the Ley.  Changed the milking Cows to the House field.

 

Tuesday 13.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Farm etc,  Eliza Roscoe returned from Camp Hill.  The Carriage meeting her at Newcastle.  Received Letter from the Revd. Charles Hope of Derby on Harrisons Affairs.

 

Wednesday 14.  At home.  Mr. Thos. Salt , Revd. Mr. Mainwaring,, Jos. Wedgwood & Stamford dined.

 

Thursday 15.  Mr. Salt & Mr. J. Wedgwood who had staid all night went after Breakfast.  Sent Mr. J. Wedgwood by by Jos. a Copy of the Resolution appointing the Special Committee

 

Page 68.  1828  May

 

Thursday 15.to inspect & report upon Knypersley Reservoir.  James Potter came with a Letter from Mr. Tomlinson relative to the Canal Bridge near Stoke being removed when I referred him to Mr. Vaughan requesting that he would look at the order in the Book.  Mr. Roscoe came to dinner.  Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd with account of his proceedings in London.

 

Friday 16.  Miss Stamford, W & E Roscoe & Eliza went toe Maer Hall.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Called at Lawton Hall, but Mr. C Lawton was out.

 

Saturday 17.  Wrote to Sir G Chetwynd in reply to his Letter.  Went to Newcastle on sundry matters.  Met there Mr. Vaughan, who was coming to Linley Wood on Navigation business.  After some conference with him he fixed to come to Linley Wood on Thursday or Friday next further to consult & arrange with me [sound] matters now in hand.  Mrs. S etc. returned from Maer Hall at night.

 

Sunday 18.  At home.  Service.  Dr. Crompton, Henry C & Jas. Bent came to dinner.  Wrote to Mr. Bent for J.B.

 

Monday 19.  The Doctor & Henry left us after breakfast on their return home.  Engaged afterwards perusing & considering Navigation Proceedings since the last General Assembly & for which purpose Mr. Vaughan had furnished me with them.  Received Letter by the Post from Mr. Wedgwood of Maer relative to his Trustee-ship under Anne Marsh's Marriage Settlement.  Looked out & perused Papers previous to replying [thence].  Stamford came to dinner with Mr. Roscoe who had called upon him & a message which arrived from Emma Holland today.  Unwell with Headache.

 

Tuesday 20.  Wrote to Mr. Jos. Wedgwood in reply to his Letter, & wrote also to Arthur Marsh sending him a copy of it.  Unwell.  Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd.

 

Wednesday 21.  At home.  Mr. & Mrs. F. Twemlow, Miss Fletcher, Mrs. C Lawton, Mrs. [Milner], Miss L Balcombe, Revd. Mr. & Miss Bagot & Mrs. Moreton dined.  Stamford also & Mr. & E Roscoe.  Received a second Letter from Mr. Wedgwood.

 

Thursday 22.  Engaged in the morning with Mr. F. Twemlow, who with Mrs. F & Miss Fletcher staid all night.  Mr. Roscoe went to [Barton].  Very unwell myself, with great suffering.  Received Ayre & Caldon Navigation Bill.

 

Friday 23.  Miserable night with great suffering through the day.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.

 

Saturday 24.  Great suffering in the night.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd in reply to his Letter.  James Potter came relative to Mr. Heathcote's Coals, & the

 

Page 69.  1828  May

 

valuation of the same & the Notice to them not to get, when I desired him immediately to see Mr. Rob. Heath, & Mr. Wilkinson, & which he promised to do today.  So unwell as to be unable to dine at Lawton Hall, & sent a Note to Mr. C Lawton by Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe, who with Mr. Roscoe who had returned today dined there.  Received by the Post Letters from Arthur Marsh & Mr. [Delmar].  Wm. Bent & Mr. Vaughan.

 

Sunday 25.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 26.  Sent to Mr. Wedgwood by Samuel Jones the Letters received from Mr. Delmar & A. Marsh, together with one from myself.  Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged all morning on various Navigation Business.  James Potter came after Mr. Vaughan was gone, relative to Mr. Heathcotes Coals, & to inform me that Mr. Rob. Heath would act if necessary as Representative for the company, with the consent of Mr. Kinnersley to whom he wished application to (be) made.  Mr. Heath confirmed his former Statement as to the tripling value of the Coals.  I desired James Potter to call today on Mr. Wilkinson in order that he might consider the Notices or other steps necessary to be taken under the Act of Parliament.  Looked over various Letters & Papers relative to A. Marsh Settlement & Deed of Indemnity.  Mr. Skerratt & Bessy arrived at noon.  Mr. Roscoe afterwards left us on his return home.  Miss Sarah Wedgwood dined & brought me from Mr. Jos. Wedgwood the Copy of the Petition to the Chancellor on Marriage Settlement business.

 

Tuesday 27.  Mr. Skerratt left us after breakfast on his Journey to Buxton.  Also Miss S. Wedgwood & Stamford.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged perusing & considering the Petition containing all the facts of the Marsh Case & the Particulars of Trust property that Mr. Wedgwood had actually signed in March last though he had never given me the smallest intimation of the matter till his Letter of the 18 May requiring an Indemnity from me, & although he had in the meantime written to me on other business.  Received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood by the Post with the Letters which I had sent to him on Monday last.

 

Wednesday 28.  Engaged again on the Marsh Papers.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Wedgwood on reply to the one received from him yesterday, & returned him the Copy of the Petition by Saml. Jones who took my packet to Etruria.  Still far from well & suffering much in Mind & Body from the present loss of my circumstances.

 

Page 70.  1828 May

 

Thursday 29.  Engaged all morning closely at the Desk, though very unfit for it; upon the Marsh Papers , & making Copies of all the Letters which had passed between Mr. Wedgwood & myself, to be sent to Mr. Delmar.  Received by Post Letter from Miss Bennett of Derby a Tenant of one of the Houses late Robt. Harrison.  Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe went to Betley Hall.

 

Friday 30.  NB. This day got early Potatoes for dinner in the open Garden.  Engaged again on the same business & writing long Letter to Mr. Delmar to accompany the Copies of the Letters.  Copied the Letter to Mr. Delmar & sent the whole by Saml. Jones to Newcastle to be forwarded by the London & Liverpool Mail.  Signed in the presence of an Excise Officer (Robert Barratt) of Newcastle.  Macclesfield Brewery Entry.

 

Saturday 31.  James Potter, who brought me a Model of the Machinery for the delivery of the water out of Knypersley Reservoir, & with whom engaged a considerable time.  He said he had seen Mr. Wilkinson relative to Mr. Heathcotes Coals.  Miss Stamford & E. Roscoe returned from Betley.  Wrote to Miss Bennett of Derby in reply to her Letter.  Stamford dined.

 

June

 

Sunday 1.  At home.  Service.  Received by Post a further Letter from Mr. Wedgwood "harassing & needless".  Letter also from Mr. Hollinshead of Liverpool excusing his attendance at the Navigation General Assembly.

 

Monday 2.  At home.  Engaged again in this wretched business of the Marsh's & wrote to Mr. Delmar with a Copy of Mr. Wedgwoods last Letter.  Unwell after a feverish night.  Wrote to Mr. Hollinshead.  Eliza, E.R. & E.C. Called at Stamford's.

 

Tuesday 3.  At home, but far from well.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Revised, corrected & copied afresh the Draft of the intended Report to the General Assembly.  Bessy returned to Nantwich, the Carriage taking her.

 

Wednesday 4.  At home.  Still the same.  Engaged on sundry matters.  John Boughey's wife to excuse their non payment of the Rent due, when I gave them till   Midsummer next to pay it, & told her that if they were not satisfied with the situation, they should be at liberty to leave it.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan, he will come to Linley Wood on Friday next.

 

Thursday 5.  Very unwell.  James Potter & John Cope came & with whom engaged a considerable time, where Cope confirmed all that James Potter had before stated relative to the delivery the water out of Knypersley Reservoir, & the little foundation that there was for the complaints that had been made.  Wrote to Anne Marsh.  Read part of Collingswood Letter.

 

Page 71.  1828  June

 

How well do the following words expressing me of my own sad list of impurities " I am quick and hasty in my temper: my sensibility is touched sometimes with a trifle, and my expression of it sudden as gunpowder: but it is a misfortune which, not having been sufficiently restrained in my youth, has caused me much pain."

 

Friday 6.  At home.  Still unwell.  Mr. Evans with Statement of Work done by him at Knypersley Reservoir, when I told him that I knew nothing of the matter myself, but would mention it to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged making observations in the Settlement Business.  Mr. Vaughan came & with whom engaged a considerable time on various matters preparatory to the Select Committee & General Assembly.  He declined staying (to) dinner & all night, as he had agreed to do, & after taking some refreshment, returned to Stone.  Mr. V. thought there was no grounds for Evans Claim, that he had been sufficiently paid already.  Note from James Potter, relative to John Copes attendance at Stone, on Monday, but which I informed him that I thought necessary.

 

Saturday 7.  At home.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Marsh Sutherland Papers etc. etc. Mr. Pearson relative to taking the House on Newcastle Marsh when I engaged to meet him at Mr. Wards on Wednesday next.

 

Sunday 8.  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.

 

Monday 9.  Went early to Stone.  Delivered to Mr. Wedgwood Copy of my Letter to Mr. Delmar & Mr. Coopers answer thereto.  Also my private observations.  Engaged on Select Committee, & afterwards on the General Committee all day, & with Sir George till late at night preparing addition to the Report.

 

Tuesday 10.  Engaged on the General Committee & afterwards at the General  Assembly.  Mr. Wedgwood on the motion of Mr. Twemlow seconded by Mr. Ralph [Bourne] who's in to second the late Mr. Lister on the Select Committee & Mr. Twemlow in the motion of Mr. Ralph [Bourne] on the General Committee.  After two various (long) & laborious days returned home in the evening, bringing Stamford back with me to Linley Wood.

 

Wednesday 11.  Wrote to Wm. . . .desiring to see him tomorrow, or on Friday Morning.  Went to Newcastle with the Seal to be affixed to Certificates of Shares & saw Mr. Wilkinson.  Saw Mr. Pearson relative to the House upon the Marsh, but Mr. Ward being from home we deferred coming to any conclusion till tomorrow.

 

Thursday 12.  Went again to Newcastle.  Saw Mr. Ward, & left it with him to agree with Pearson at such Rent as Mr. W. should approve.  Soon after my return home

 

Page 72.  1828  June

 

John [Franklow] arrived with Letter from Mr. Wedgwood relative to Knypersley Reservoir, & not long after Wm. [Fearne]arrived in consequence of my Letter, to him.  Long conversation with them, & then directed them to proceed immediately to the Reservoir, at their request gave the instructions in writing as to the matter, & which their attention was to be directed.  A very harassing & fatiguing day.

 

Friday 13.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Eccles of Manchester in reply to his Letter relative to Stamford's attendance on a [Confession] of Lunacy.  Mr. Booth of Kent came & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the Oak Farm, Boughey, House & Rent, Linley Lane, Road & Tollgate etc. etc.  In the evening W. [Fearne] came with his & Trubshaw's Report, & on which business engaged with him a considerable time.  Received by the Post, another painful & harassing Letter from Mr. Wedgwood on the Settlement business & saw what could not but excite (to say the least) my great surprize.

 

Saturday 14.  Wrote to Mr. John Lawrence of Birmingham in reply to a Letter received from him requesting my great [Opinion] with other Delegates relative to the non attendance of the Delegates from Birmingham & Warwick & Warwick & Napton Canal Companies at the last Meeting at Leamington.  Wrote to Mr. Fred. Tomlinson in reply to an invitation to J.S.  Copied [Fearne] & . . .Reports & then wrote to Mr. Wedgwood, & sent him the original by a Messenger to Etruria.  Closely engaged writing all morning, though unwell, & very unfit for it.  In the afternoon Mr. Ward Junior with Estimates of Reports of the House upon the Marsh, let to Mr. Pearson, whom I paid to go to Newcastle on Monday morning on this business.

 

Sunday 15.  At home.  Service.  Unwell.  "Application to weighty business, and the necessary anxiety which it occasions, affect the health and spirits of the strongest men, and overwhelm the weak."

 

Monday 16.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast, and with whom engaged all morning on Navigation business & being prevented thereby from going to Newcastle.  I sent a Letter to Mr. Ward by a Messenger.  Received back from Mr. Wedgwood the papers in Marsh's business & which I had delivered to him on Monday last.

 

Tuesday 17.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. Wedgwood.  Miss Stamford went to Nantwich.  Engaged on Navigation papers & making Observations on recent proceedings.  Letter from John Tomlinson with full Report of Knypersley Reservoir.  Revd. Mr. . . .called on his way to [Artherley], & engaged to see him here of Friday next, & stay all night.

 

Page 73.  1828  June

 

Wednesday 18.  Wrote to Jos. Wedgwood inviting him & [Frank} to dine here on Friday, also to Wm. Bent.  At home.  Rain with Thunder.  Engaged on sundry matters.

 

Thursday 19.  Called on James Potter but he was not returned from Lichfield.  From there to Macclesfield Canal Aqua lock,. . .the same.  In  the afternoon heavy Rain with Thunder.  George Davenport offering himself as [Farming] Man.

 

Friday 20.  At home.  Mr. Potter called, & with whom much conversation relative to the Reservoir in Knypersley.  He accounted for the escape of water by the . . discharging Paper having been bent or broken by the sinking of the Paddle, or possibly by the forcing of the Canals when examined, but that when the water was discharged, this would be seen, and in the meantime there was no danger.  He said he had just been at Knypersley.  The water was about 9 feet below Level & would be discharged in about 3 weeks.  Received by Post invitation to meet the Bishop & attend the laying of the foundation Stone of the new Church at Burslem on Tuesday next the 24.  John Blunt came to dinner.  Rain & Thunder.

 

Saturday 21.  At home.  John Blunt left us after breakfast.  Weather the same as for several days past, & very unfavourable for the Hay Harvest.  Engaged on various matters.

 

Sunday 22.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 23.  At home.  Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers, & considering various matters to be brought before the Select Committee at their next Meeting.  Weather to all appearances taking up, the day having passed over without Rain.  Gave directions for beginning to mow tomorrow Morning.

 

Tuesday 24.  At home.  Began mowing.  James Potter came & with whom engaged relative to Knypersley Reservoir & considering the escape of Water etc. & where he confirmed the opinions which I had previously entertained of the real Cause, & the inconvenience that had risen from the interruptions given by Mr. Bateman & others when the Dam & Paddle were making.  Considered also the Map of the Canals directed to be made by the General Committee, when he promised to sketch out the sewer, & see me with it on Friday next.

 

Page 74.  1828 June 

 

Wednesday 25.  At home.  Engaged again on Navigation Minutes for the next Meeting of the Select Committee.  Sent James Potter at his request Smith's Map of the Canals.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here tomorrow evening.  Fine day, & the People busily employed in the Hay, having six mowers at work.  Received Letter from John Trubshaw with further Report of Knypersley Reservoir.

 

Thursday 26.  At home.  Engaged on papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan.  Received further Report of Knypersley Reservoir from John Trubshaw.  Fine Summer day & very bust in the Hay.  Mr. Vaughan came to dinner, & with whom afterwards engaged me on Navigation business.  Delivered to him Mr. Giles, three Reports, in order that he might show them to Sir George Chetwynd, & to whom I wrote therewith.

 

Friday 27.  Wrote to Mr. Sudworth of Blacon Point in reply to an invitation received from him.  Received from John Trubshaw a further & unfavourable Report of Knypersley Reservoir, in consequence of which I went immediately to James Potter, who satisfactorily explained several particulars, but said he would send Buckley the operative person who had done the work to me.  Busy in the Hay, & carried 13 Loads.  Buckley came ,& with whom spent a satisfactory conversation but for greater satisfaction I appointed to go Knypersley on Monday Morning & inspect the Dam, & which he & John Trubshaw wanted me to see.  Buckley attended the fault to the instructions given by Mr. Bateman, Mr. Williamson & Sir George C. when the work was carrying on whereby it was done by intervals & a investigation setting of the Dam & Paddle occasioned.  Men there all day believed to be the true Cause.  Received from James Potter small spaniel whelp.

 

Saturday 28.  At home.  Very busy in the Hay & carried 12 more Loads.  Looked over Navigation Minutes with a view to considering Mr. Leigh's Case as to Consall Forge.  Received Letter from Wm. Roscoe in consequence of Mr. Wedgwood's having applied for an Abstract of his Settlement Deed.

 

Sunday 29.  Wrote to Mr. Roscoe, requesting him to send the Abstract, or a Copy of the Deed, to Mr. Wedgwood.  Service.

 

Page 75.  1828 June.

 

Monday 30.  Went to Knypersley Reservoir taking James Potter with me, & Mr.  John Trubshaw with whom & Buckley carefully inspected the Works: & examining into the various matters stated in the Report of the Special Committee, & making Minutes in writing.  It appeared to me to be necessary for perfect safety, that the Paddle should be cut down to the [discharging] pipes, where there is a possible defect arising most possibly from their having been . . .the Settlement t of the Paddle.  Talked over with John Trubshaw, Mr. Leigh's Claim relative to Consall Forge.  When he promised to prepare a Plan & bring it to Linley Wood on Thursday next.  Stamford came at night.

 

July

 

Tuesday 1.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & [Memorandum] for Select Committee.  Men bring in the Hay.  Received Letter fro Revd. Mr. [Aitkins]  Wrote to Dr. Holland.  Stamford went.

 

Wednesday 2.  Wrote to Mr. [Atikins] in reply to his Letter which contained a further Application for . . .of the Tonnage of Stone etc. for building the intended new Church at Shelton.  Afterwards engaged closely all Morning on Navigation Papers.  Copied the proceedings of the Select Committee, the General Committee & the General Assembly on the 9 & 10 June last for entry in the Books.  Revised & Copied Observations made on my inspection of Knypersley Reservoir on Monday last, & making further observations preparatory to seeing Mr. John Trubshaw & Mr. James Potter at Linley Wood tomorrow.  Busy in the Hay.  Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Lawton & Mrs. [Milner] called.  Miss Stamford returned from Nantwich to dinner.

 

Thursday 3.  At home, expecting John Trubshaw & James Potter agreeably to their appointment but neither of them came.  Weather changed to Rain which prevented doing any thing in the Hay, but of which not much remained, having already carried 54 Loads cut of the Meadow.  Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Lawton Hall.

 

Friday 4.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. [Balgary] of Derby.  Busy again in the Hay & finished in the Meadows carrying 4 more Loads, making in the whole 58 loads.

 

Saturday 5.  At home.  Mr. John Trubshaw came with the Plan of Consall Forge, Perused etc. & with whom engaged a considerable time on this matter, & further consideration of Knypersley Reservoir.  Busy in the Hay.  In the evening James Potter came with further plan of the Dam etc. at Knypersley, also with the proposed map of Canals, & all whom engaged a long time.  He promised to dine here tomorrow.  Finished the Hay Harvest, carrying 5 Loads out of the Garden Croft & making in the whole 63 Loads.

 

Page 76.  1828  July

 

Sunday 6.  At home.  Service.  James Potter & Stamford dined.

 

Monday 7.  Went early to Stone where closely engaged all day on Select Committee.  Mr. Wedgwood attended for the first time since his appointment as one of the Select Committee.  He returned home in the Evening.  Sir Geo. & I staid all night.

 

Tuesday 8.  Returned from Stone bringing Sir George to Cobridge.  On my arrival at home found an invitation to dine today at Lawton Hall, & where Miss Stamford & I dined accordingly, meeting Mr. & Mrs. Tipping of Davenport.  Revd. & Edward Powys also dined.

 

Wednesday 9.  Engaged closely all Morning on Navigation Papers.  Revising & copying afresh for entry into The Books.  The Minutes of the Proceedings of the Select Committee on Monday next.  Wrote to the Revd. Mr. [Aitkins], Hanley & sent him Copy of the Minute relative to the [revision] of Tonnage of materials for the intended new Church at Shelton.  Rain almost the whole of the day.

 

Thursday 10.  Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Eliza accompanying me.  Saw Mr. Ward who said that Mr. Walklate highly approved of the advice I had given to make the offer of a Reference in the Cause with . . .approved.  Engaged with Mr. Ward to pay off the final Mortgage on the Stoney fields property, & to take a Mortgage for the whole of this, & which I had clearly advised upon it, making together £5000.  Mr. Ward undertook to give the necessary Notices to the first Mortgage.  Returned to dinner.  Received Letter from John Trubshaw with an unfavourable account of Knypersley Reservoir, in consequence of which I wrote by this Post to Mr. Telford urging again his immediately coming down.  Evans called with his dispirited comment for [lock down] at the Reservoir, but being particularly engaged writing to Mr. Telford etc. I could not see him, now is this a matter for me to interfere in.

 

Friday 11.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged on Consall Forge papers, & drawing observations on this case for the consideration of the Select Committee.  Mr. Evans called again with a Letter from James Potter relative to his Account, when I told him that I could not do more than bring the matter before the Select Committee, & which I would do on his claim to having property as then [listed].  He took back the Account for this purpose.

 

Saturday 12.  At home.  Engaged again on the Consall Forge Papers, & making Minutes of Business for our approaching Survey of the Canal.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan informing me that nothing had been heard from Mr. Telford.  Rain & so cold that we had a Fire.

 

Page 77.  1828  July

 

Sunday 13.  Heavy Rain in the night, & which continued the greatest part of the day.  At home.  Service.  Stamford came from Maer Hall late to dinner.

 

Monday 14.  Went to Stone.  Met Sir George & Mr. Wedgwood.  Considerable discussion relative to Knypersley Reservoir on intelligence having been received of Mr. Telford & the Rain continuing to fall in Torrents.

 

Tuesday 15.  Sir George & Mr. Wedgwood relinquished their engagement of dining at Linley Wood, on the plea of it being necessary to be at Stone in case Mr. Telford should arrive, in consequence of which I returned home to meet Dr. [Nothen] & Mr. Wilkinson who had agreed to dine to meet Sir G. & Mr. Wedgwood, & also in expectation that Mr. Telford might call upon us here.  Late in the evening James Potter brought me a Letter from Mr. Telford, & his Report upon the Reservoir.  Stamford also came from Knutsford Sessions purposely to dine & meet Sir George & talk to him about the Consolidation Bill.

 

Wednesday 16.  Returned to Stone.  Sir George very vexatious in his observations & manner, & so as to excite great dissatisfaction in my mind.  It was finally determined to relinquish the Survey of the Canal for the present.  Returned home to dinner.  B. left with Mr. Vaughan at Stone the whole of the Report, which I had  from time to time drawn up together with the bundle of Papers containing Mr. . . .& Mr. Telford's Reports & Estimates, consideration etc.

 

Thursday 17.  At home.  Fatigued & unwell but engaged on Navigation Papers & particularly looking out the papers proper to be deposited in the Office at Stone.

 

Friday 18.  Engaged as yesterday, though still very unwell.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with Copies of the Minutes made on the Mr. Leigh's & Mr. Williamson's appointing to the Select Committee.  Wrote to Mr. [Chiltern] relative to Stoke Wharf.

 

Saturday 19.  Wrote to Mr. Leigh & Mr. Williamson, & sent them Copies of the respective Minutes received from Mr. Vaughan.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan who proposed coming here on Monday next, with proposed Statements of Accounts for my consideration, & requesting to see him accordingly.  Went to Newcastle with Eliza.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Wedgwood with account of his interview with Mr. Telford.

 

Sunday 20.  At home.  Service.  Received Letter from Mr. . . .relative to a proposed Steam Navigation Company for Carriage coastways from Liverpool to London.

 

Monday 21.  James Potter called, & was going to the Reservoir being desirous to know the exact state of which I asked him to breakfast here tomorrow Morning.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.  Engaged on Navigation papers etc.  Received by Post a Letter from Sir George with

 

Page 78. 1828 July.

 

Copy of a Letter from Mr. [Beech] of Coventry relative to the projected Steam Navigation Company.  Mr. Vaughan came to dinner & staid all night, & with whom engaged on Navigation business.  Wrote by this Post to Mr. Martin in reply to a Letter from him.

 

Tuesday 22.  Mr. Vaughan went very early.  James Potter came to breakfast, when we recommended that it would be hard for him to see Mr. Telford again before he left the county.  Engaged all day at Newcastle Sessions as Recorder, Two Convictions.  One assault the other Felony.  Dined with the Mayor & Corporation at the Roebuck.  On my arrival home found Letter from Mr. Vaughan with a Statement of the Company's Accounts for my consideration.  Miss Stamford had arrived from her Journey to Chester & Blacon Point.

 

Wednesday 23.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. B. . .& to Sir George Chetwynd.  Sent James Potter the Section of Knypersley Reservoir Dam.  Miss Dawson called with a Notice which Mr. Wilbraham had given them to [quit] the small piece of Land opposite to their House on the 25 March next.  Application for subscription to G. . .D. . .of England, which I said I would consider of

 

Thursday 24.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation papers considered proposed Statement of Accounts sent by Mr. Vaughan etc.  Unwell.  Miss Stamford & Eliza called at the Hill.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood proposing to travel together to Leamington, & to take him in the Carriage from Stone.

 

Friday 25.  Unwell.  Engaged on Navigation Minutes, which Mr. Vaughan had sent for my inspection.  Heavy Rain.

 

Saturday 26.  At home.  Revised & Copied afresh Minutes of the Proceedings of the Select Committee at their last Meeting.  Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Newcastle & called upon Mrs. Furnival & Mrs. Thorpe at Miss Swinnerton's.  Received by Post Letters from Mr. Ralph Stevenson relative to a Memorial from the Inhabitants of Cobridge to the Navigation Corps, & which I replied to.

 

Sunday 27.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 28.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to Journey to Leamington, making copies of sundry Minutes & other Documents to take with me.  James Potter called to report the result of his further Communication with Mr. Telford at Ellesmere & who had reported that he could be of no use till the water was discharged out of the Reservoir, & that he would revisit it directly upon hearing from me.  Mrs. Furnival, Mrs. Thorpe & 3 Miss Swinnertons of Newcastle all dined.  Sent the Carriage to Newcastle for them & I which also went with them back.

 

Page 79. 1828  July

 

Tuesday 29.  Engaged on sundry matters previous to leaving here on Journey to Leamington.  Having some matters to arrange with Mr. Vaughan, went to Stone in the Carriage.

 

Wednesday 30.  Mr. Wedgwood joined me this morning, & with whom proceeded to Leamington.  Called on the way at Bishton Hall with Mr. Wedgwood joining me, & sat half an hour with Mrs. Sparrow & Mrs. Moreton, Miss Sparrow was out.  Arrived at Leamington about 4 o'clock, & were soon after joined by Sir George, who was accompanied by Miss Chetwynd & Miss Georgina.  Mr. Vaughan had been obliged to go to Stafford, having been summoned as a witness.

 

Thursday 31.  Mr. Vaughan arrived early.  Afterwards engaged at the Meeting as Chairman, & the business of which eventually went off satisfactorily to all Parties, though attended with some on whom . . . at first from the . . . reappearance of the B. & Warwick & .  .& Napton Canal Delegates.

 

August

 

Friday 1.  Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Vaughan & I returned home.  Mr. V. travelling on the Bas. . ., Mr. W. & I called at Col. M. . . .but he & Mrs. M. being at [Brigstone] I left my card.  Dined with Mr. W. at Stone, & arrived at home in the evening.  In Warwickshire the Corn harvest was begun, some talk of Wheat being cut, & the Crops upon the whole having a fair appearance.

 

Saturday 2.  At home, but fatigued and unwell.  Engaged on various & on arrangement of the Papers etc. to be taken to Leamington, & other matters.

 

Sunday 3.  At home.  Service.. Eliza & Mrs. S. attended at Talk Chapel in the afternoon.

 

Monday 4.  At home.  James Potter came to inform me that he had received instructions from Mr. Telford to cut down to the discharging Pipes.  When I repeated to him the importance of strictly following & abiding by Mr. T. directions.  Received Letters by the Post from Sir George Chetwynd expressing strongly amongst other things his approbation of my conduct in the Chair at the last Meeting at Leamington, & the satisfactory result of the Meeting in conveyance of it to all Parties.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Tuesday 5.  Went to Newcastle in the Morning pursuant to appointment with Mr. Ward to review as one of the Principles the possession of the Newcastle Brewery from

 

Page 80.  1828  August

 

the Magistrates, under a proceeding in . . .Bankruptcy, & which the Trustees Mr. Hatton & Mr. Hall delivered to me accordingly.  Afterwards called at the  Revd. Mr. Bagots at Wolstanton but he was not at home.  Dined at the [Ordinary] at the [Carth] Inn & afterwards attended the Race, which afforded much amusement, there being 4 heats for one of the Places.  On my return found Letters from Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Bent.

 

Wednesday 6.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Bent.  Wrote to John Trubshaw in reply to a Letter received from him relative to Knypersley Reservoir, & informing him that the Select Committee had put the reservations entirely into the hands of Mr. Telford.  Wrote also to Mr. B. . .informing him of the Scheme for the carriage of Goods by Steam Express [return]Liverpool & London being abandoned.  Stamford came to L. Wood at night from Newcastle Races.

 

Thursday 7.  At home.  Engaged on sundry papers.  Stamford went to the Pottery Races.  In riding this morning into [Banky] Swallow Moor, I got a fall from the bay Pony, occasioned by a sudden & violent Start driving to John Cross by jumping very suddenly from the [Rail] place very near to the horses face & having  before quite hid from sight by the Hedge.  I fell upon my back, & the Horse, though he had been very gay before, never moved a foot after I fell, nor stirred till I was completely seated again in the saddle, though left for sometime entirely loose.  He seemed almost to be considering whether he could give me any assistance.  I never saw a more beautiful instance of fine temper & sagacity.  I had a severe shake, & suffered a good deal of pain in the muscles, but which was much relieved by an embrocation, the recipe for which had been given to Stamford by Mrs. Adderley of Barlaston.

 

Friday 8.  Had an indifferent night , suffering considerable pain, but better this morning.  Referenced Leamington & other Navigation Papers.

 

Saturday 9.  Still unwell from my accident, & with so much pain,as added to the indifferent state of the weather made me relinquish my intention of calling today at Trentham Hall.  Mr. Williams called again relative to the proposed . . .efficient Dictionary, & left me his address at Congleton.  Looked over various Navigation papers, with a view to a small Map, showing the Lengths & Lockages  of the several

 

Page 81.  1828  August

 

Saturday 9.  Canals connected with the Trent & Mersey Canal, & also of the projected Canals.  To this should also be added a Table of the rates of Tonnage, & the amount of such Tonnage between the [promised] places on the line of the Canals.

 

Sunday 10.  Pain much increased.  Service.

 

Monday 11.  In pain still continuing & having had a bad night, sent for Mr. Davenport, who upon his arrival recommended Leeches, 12 of which were applied to the part.  In bed the greater part of the day.  Mr. Johnson of the Hollins called to mention that Mr. Shaw was willing to accommodate me in respect of his Land, & said that he would see him again

 

Tuesday 12.  Rather better night, but still much pain.  Mr. Davenport came again.  In bed all morning.  Stamford called on his way to Trentham to call upon Lord Stafford.  Mrs. Wilbraham, Mr. Randle Wilbraham & two of the younger Miss Wilbraham's called, but I did not see them myself, being too unable to move without much difficulty.

 

Wednesday 13.  A better night, but still in considerable pain.  Mr. Davenport came again.  Better but still considerable pain.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & making out Memorandum of the various matters for attention on out approaching Summary of the Canal.  Mr. Davenport came again.  Mr. Wilbraham called with invitation to dinner at Rode Hall on Thursday next.

 

Thursday 14.  Indifferent & still considerable pain.  Mr. Revd. Heath called to ask leave on the part of Mr. Kinnersley, to stop the Boats passing along the new Tunnel (but which he hoped would not be necessary, or if so, not exceeding one hour) in order to carry Bricks for the repair of the Water way by which the Water from Mr. K'.s Mines pass into the Tunnel or . . of the Canal, & which if not done would push the Water into the Mines & occasion great injury, as well as deprive the Canal of a valuable . . .  Under these circumstances, I did not hesitate to give my consent.  Mr. Heath said he should very shortly fix a day for the Reference relative to Mr. Heathcote Coals.  Eliza & Miss Stamford went after breakfast to Rode House.  Wrote to Mr. Balgary requesting to know if my Letter of the 4th of July last had reached his hands.  In the evening James Potter came.  He said that if Mr. Kinnersley's water way was not repaired, it might be injurious to the Tunnel.  Appointed him to meet the Select Committee at the Tunnel Mouth on Monday morning.  Said he should write to Mr, Telford by this Post.  The water was leaving fast, & of course be out in about a fortnight.

 

Page 82.  1828  August

 

Friday 15.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged selecting & arranging papers & plans to take on the approaching survey of the Canal, making further Minutes etc.  Afterwards called at Trentham.  Saw Lord Stafford, by whom I was received with great courtesy & kindness, I had a pleasant conversation with him.  He said Lord Anglesey was very popular in . . ].  Afterwards called at the Revd. Butts & spent half an hour agreeably with him & Mrs Butt.  Returned home to dinner.  Found Letter from Mr. Vaughan.  Still considerable pain from the effects of my Fall.

 

Saturday 16.  Still pain.  Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Eliza accompanying me.  [Executed] at Mr. Kinnersley's Country House.  Letter of Attorney for Sale of 2 . . .Cut Carrots, & which I might have with me.  Received from James Potter improved Section of Knypersley Dam etc.

 

Sunday 17.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 18.  Set off on Survey of the Canal.  Met Sir George, Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Vaughan at Stoke Wharf from whence we proceeded together along the Canal & arrived at Middlewich about ½ past 8.

 

Tuesday 19.  Left Middlewich at 6 & arrived at Runcorn about ½ past 12.  After a long & satisfactory conference with Capt. Bradshaw, & viewing the new Locks we set off on our return & arrived at Middlewich about 9.

 

Wednesday 20.  Sir George ,Mr. Landon & Mr. Vaughan set off on their return about 6 & Mr. Wedgwood & I about ½ past 7.  He set me down at Swallow Moor  Wood & then proceeded homewards.  Still suffering considerable pain from my accident.

 

Thursday 21.  Engaged revising & arranging Navigation Papers, Minutes of Survey etc. etc.  Mr. Thos. [Eld] called with subscription to defray the Costs of the Magistrates in the matter of Smith on [Solent] & towards which I subscribed £5.  Afterwards dined at Rode Hall.  Met Mr. Stacey, Revd. Mr. & Mrs. [Barnes], the latter a sister of Mr. Wilbraham & Mrs. . . .,Mr. Randle Wilbraham & Mr. Charles were also at home.

 

Friday 22.  At home.  People busy cutting the Wheat on Flat Swallow Moor, which they began a day or two ago.  Wrote Letters to the Revd. Josiah Wood. &

 

Page 83.  1828 August

 

Mr. Hollinshead of Liverpool pursuant to the arrangement made by the Select Committee.  Still feeling the effects of my Accident.

 

Saturday 23. Wrote to Mr. Whieldon relative to the Wharf at Stoke but thinking it proper to see Mr. Wilkinson previous to sending my Letter, went to Newcastle & saw him when he fully approved of which I have written.  On my return called at James Potters, to whom spoke to him about the Reservoir, but he was gone to Knypersley.  Called upon Mr. Johnson of the Hollins, who fixed to look at Mr. Shaw's Land proposed to be exchanged on Tuesday next & to meet me for that purpose.  Received by Post a harassing & vexatious Letter from Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Marsh's & Eliza . . . Settlement.

 

Sunday 24.  At home.  Service.  Wm. & Roland Bent came to dinner.

 

Monday 25.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood in reply to his Letter.  Mr. [Faram] came with whom engaged on Navigation business.  In consequence of what had been thought advisable by Mr. Wedgwood & myself on our late Survey, I told [Faram] that if there were more time, another closer Look might be completed this year.  Wm. [Faram] said that the double Locks, when completed,would make a saving of 5 hours of time between Preston Brook & Harecastle Tunnel, & of 4 hours between Middlewich & the Tunnel.

 

Tuesday 26.  Mr. Samuel Johnson called pursuant to appointment & with whom looked at the Land proposed to be exchanged with Mr. Shaw.  James Potter called relative to Knypersley Reservoir to which he was going & would call here again tomorrow.  Miss Dawson called in consequence of a pointed Letter which they had received, concerning a Meeting of the Trust holders to consider if Mr. Wilbraham's late inclosure of Robert Heath, when I told her that they are unwilling to interfere on my own account of it as Miss Wrench had an equal continual interest with myself.  I should not think it right to do, or to neglect any thing by what they might be prejudiced.  I therefore recommended it to her to show the Letter to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach as the Solicitor concerned for all Parties in the Perlington affairs.  In the Evening Stamford came from Buxton.

 

Wednesday 27.  At home, but unwell, as I have been for some days past.  James Potter again called to mention to me that on such examination as was afforded he found the Masonry Work which was said to be faulty, perfectly right and good, & he mentioned it would appear that no fault was . . .in the execution of the Work.  Stamford set off

 

Page 84.  1828  August

 

to Chester Assizes.  John Boughey came to inform me of Mr. Shaw's intention to build a public House at the Hollins, & to consult me on some business of his own.

 

Thursday 28.  Still far from well.  Miss Stamford & Eliza went to Newcastle, James Potter again called to inform me that on further inspection he was satisfied that the injury at the Reservoir had been occasioned solely by the leaking of the discharging Pipe, occasioned by the necessary sinking of the Paddle, or the force that had been applied in [censuring] the valve, & that he should write to Mr. Telford by this Post.  Received Letter from Mr. Whieldon relative to Stoke Wharf.  Wrote to A. Marsh relative to the indemnity required by Mr. Wedgwood.

 

Friday 29.  At home.  The collection of the Taxes (Falkener) called relative to 2 Clerk's [notice] paid for by the Navigation Company in Lawton, when I directed him to write to Mr. Vaughan & enquire on what ground the Payment was now objected to.  Mr. Chas. Lawton called, respecting the Repair of the Water course through his Land, & by which the water passes into the Canal, when he said that he would direct James [Faram] to call upon & inform me of the particulars.  Received Letter from Mr. Hollinshead of Liverpool in reply to mine of the 22nd .  Finished carrying Wheat.  The young Ladies from Rode Hall called.

 

Saturday 30.  James [Faram] came, also having stated that the water course at Lawton was of the greatest importance to the Company, as the only means of scouring or discharging the [Car] & other deposit out of the Tunnel; & that it had heretofore been supplied by the Company I directed him to do the necessary repairs without delay.  Mr. Pickford of Manchester called relative to the Carriage of Cotton [Wood] from London to Manchester Coastways via Hull by . . . . . at 2/1 interest of present rate of 3/6 or 4/-, & at which Rate he showed me a Contract that had been entered into.  He represented the necessity of a Reduction of Tonnage in order to meet the Case when I observed that it must be by a mutual Sacrifice with part of the Carriers as well as the Canals.  To this case a general principle he did not object.  I promised to talk to Mr. Vaughan upon the subject, & we parted after a good deal of Canal Conversation.  Mr. P expressed the highest satisfaction at the double Locks, which he had just come through, & considered them as the greatest improvement after the Tunnel that had been made.  He said he had no doubt this thing would occasion a Saving of several hours between Preston Brook & Harecastle Tunnel.  Mr. P. stated the number of Horses to be 400.  He mentioned as a matter desiring our consideration the state

 

Page 85.  1828  August

 

of the Carriage between London & Bristol, a considerable part of which never goes Coastways.

 

Sunday 31.  At home.  Service.  Unwell.

 

September

 

Monday 1.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood in reply to his Letter.  Still unwell, & suffering severely from my wretched nervous Malady, much increased by the vexatious correspondence with Mr. Wedgwood.  Wrote to Mr. Hollinshead of Liverpool in reply to his Letter requesting my opinion of the Macclesfield Canal.

 

Tuesday 2.  Engaged on Navigation Papers , & making Minutes of business for the Select & General Committee at their next Meeting.  Eliza & Miss Stamford went to call at Lawton Hall, but met Mrs. Lawton on the Road.  In the meantime Mrs. Morton called.  Suffering a great deal from an inflammation of one of my eyes, which renders writing or reading painful.

 

Wednesday 3.  Though my eyes still continue very troublesome, yet revised & copied the Minutes of the Select Committee their late Survey of the Canal to be sent to Stone for entry in the Book.  Hearing nothing from James Potter relative to Mr. Telford's coming to the Reservoir on Monday next, went to Lawton to have seen him, but he was gone to Knypersley.  Stamford came to dinner from Chester Assizes.

 

Thursday 4.  James Potter came with Letter from Mr. Telford.  Afterwards wrote Letters to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Wedgwood informing them that Mr. Telford would not be at Knypersley on Monday next, but appointing to be myself at Stone at 11 on Monday, from whence we might proceed to the Reservoir if thought expedient when we went.  Stamford set off to the [Quarterly]Meeting at Stone.  Began clearing the brushwood at the bottom of the Walk working to Lawton in order to gain a more extensive view of that side of the country.  James Potter came late at night to enquire at what he must permit a Mr. Hamilton who had been sent by Mr. Sneyd, of Ashcombe to measure the dam, calculate the quantity of soil removed etc. to examine the same, when I desired him to give Mr. Hamilton every facility & information in his power.

 

Page 86.  1828  September

 

Friday 5.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him by Post the Minutes of the Select Committee for entry in the Book.  Received Note from Wm. [Farnam] appointing to see me at 12 o'clock tomorrow.  Eyes still very troublesome.  Engaged with Chesters & the Gardner at the Stone Cliff Wood.  Afterwards made out & copied afresh Minutes of Business for Select Committee on Monday next.

 

Saturday 6.  Wm [Farnam] Came pursuant to his appointment, & bringing with him his Report as to the practicability of a Communication being made between the Macclesfield Canal & the Stockport.  Received by him Letter from Mr. Vaughan.  Received by the Post a most unsatisfactory Letter from A. Marsh, informing me that he could not at present come down.

 

Sunday 7.  Miserably bad night.  Service.  Received Letter from Mr. Littleton relative to a reduction of the Tonnage of Iron from . . .

 

Monday 8.  Up early.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood in consequence of A. Marsh 's Letter.  Afterwards went to Stone.  Sir George afterwards came, when we proceeded to Knypersley Reservoir.  Mr. Wedgwood not having met us at Stone.  Inspected the Dam etc.  Returned to Stone to dinner.  Wedgwood having in our absence arrived.

 

Tuesday 9.  Engaged on Select Committee.  Afterwards in General Committee etc. fatiguing day, & an inconsideration being shown by some Members that I think anyone no good to the interest of the . . .Dined at Stone, & returned at night.  Soon after my arrival at home Anne Marsh arrived with her seven Children.

 

Wednesday 10.  Tired & unwell.  Wrote to Mr. F. Twemlow accepting an invitation which he had given me to dine at Betley Court on Friday to meet Sir Thomas Boughey & his Brother.  Wrote to Mr. Littleton in reply to his Letter.  Received Letter from Mr. Yates with Draft of an Agreement relative to the right of way along the Towpath as observed.

 

Thursday 11.  Wrote to Mr. Yates in reply to his Letter.  Looked over papers relative to Consall Forge.  Violent Shower of Rain.  Far from well, & my eyes very troublesome.

 

Page 87.  1828  September

 

Friday 12.  At home.  Rain.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Unwell & the same as yesterday.  Mrs. C. Lawton called.  Mr. Shaw & Mr. Booth called relative to the proposed Exchange of Land, when it was thought it proper first to ascertain whether Mr. Shaw's Land was Copy hold or Freehold, & which Mr. S. undertook to do.

 

Saturday 13.  At home.  Received Letter from Mr. Booth with Notices to John Boughey to quit the House at the Hollins at Ladyday next, which I required, & returned to Mr. Booth.  Still unwell.  Nerves, which are accessible to that morbid degree of . . .,by which the mind is incited not only without the consent of our reason, but can contrary to its dictates, occasion of that lead to a sinking of the Heart which so frequently . . .with the angers from part of imaginary evil, whatever is in its immediate tendency protective of present pleasure, or promising future happiness. (Hoffmans Case).  Stamford came to dinner.  Received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood, Marsh's business business.  The little dog given me by James Potter, & which had become a great favourite with us all, was found dead by the fireside this morning

 

Sunday 14.  At home.  Service.  "Let us leave from this Story of our Saviour not to judge of them & their Religion so much by their Faith, as by what they do, to consider not so much whatever their opinions are in our particular judgement right and sound as whether thei actions are good and praiseworthy."   Herring Sermon on the parable of the Good Samaritan.  Received a Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.

 

Monday 15.  Wrote to Sir George in reply to his Letter.  At home.  Laid out new Walk in Stone Cliff Wood.  Engaged on various other matters.  Received Letter from Mr. Potts of Chester relative to the completion of the Field Cos. . .of the drive from Heald Green to Middlewich.

 

Tuesday 16.  Went to Newcastle as Recorder to meet the Bishop at the Public Breakfast given by the Mayor & Corporation on occasion of the Consecration of the new Church called St. Georges & afterwards attended the Service in the Church.  Returned to dinner.  Found two Miss Holland's on their return.

 

Wednesday 17.  Wrote to Mr. Potts of Chester.  The Hollands left us at noon , the Carriage taking them to Brereton Green.  Went to the Red Bull Wharf to have seen an experimental Canal Boat propelled by Steam now on her passage from London but she was not [arrived].  Called at the Revd. Mr. Mainwaring at [Biddenhall] but he being from home left an Invitation to dinner on Saturday next.  Just as I had finished

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 88.  1828  September

 

received a Note from Mr. Gordon the Inventor of the Steam Boat inviting me to come & look at it near the Red Bull Wharf.  Went immediately & looked over the Boat at the 2 Lock.  Found Mr. [Gorton] & a Sir Thomas [Jenkins] to whom he introduced as a Gentleman who had accompanied him to observe the operation of the Boat, considering that the invention might be highly important.  I had time only to ask a few leading Questions but I was by no means satisfied as to the success of the thing, either as it relates to comparative expense, or the Stowage Room, the latter of which would be diminished about one third, & of the former, or what I thought still more extraordinary the necessary consumption of Coal they could give me no account.  The principle is the same as the Common Steam . . .but the wheels being within instead of outside the Boat, no . . .arises from this occupying Space, & the injury to the Sides of the Canal from immense Action of the Water seems sufficiently guarded against.  The average speed 3 miles an hour, but this might, it was said, be increased to 4 or 4.5 mph without injury to the Canal.  The Engine on board this Boat was a 6 horse power.  From my observation of this Boat I do not think the Convenience can answer any of the purpose, but I arranged to see attempts making to apply Steam to Canal Navigation, though I greatly doubt the ultimate success, but there is no setting limits to human ingenuity in the application of one the most powerful Agents of nature.  James Potter came late in the evening relative to an arrangement being made for Mr. Telford's inspection of the state of the work at Knypersley Reservoir & which he said would be ready for that purpose by the 29 instant, when I desired him to breakfast here tomorrow Morning & that I would in the meantime consider what would be the most [desirable]to be done.  A. Marsh went to Parkfields.

 

Friday 19.  James Potter came to breakfast when we finally fixed Saturday the 4 as the most convenient time for convening a Meeting of the Committee to confer with Mr. Telford upon his inspection of the work, & I afterwards wrote to him accordingly & delivered my Letter to James Potter at the Red Bull in order to it being forwarded from . . . there being no Post to London this day.  Saw Mr. Johnson again relative to exchange of Land with Mrs Law.  He said there were no Coals in his Land at all worth getting.  Mrs. Twemlow & Miss [Fletcher] called.

 

Page 89.  1828  September

 

Saturday 20.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast, & with whom engaged a considerable time on various Navigation business.  Mrs. Sparrow, Mr. & Mrs. Wilkinson, Revd. Mr. Mainwaring & Revd. Mr. Carter dined.  Ann returned before dinner from Camp Hills.

 

Sunday 21.  Very unwell with a severe cold & inflammation of the Chest.  Service.

 

Monday 22.  The same.  John Boughey called in consequence of the Notice with which he had been served to quit at Lady day next, when I told him that his staying would do no good it being for himself as one & that he must go.  He also brought a Quarters Rent but which I declined receiving further till I had seen Mr.. Booth.  Wm. Brittain to inform me that Mr. Benjamin Eardley had begun to sink for Coal in Mr. Shaw's Land.  Having in his History of [Manners] etc. from 1485 to 1575 says Gaming became more [subordinate] and [resinous] but let not Cards be therefore depreciated, unhappy invention, which, adapted equally to every capacity, sometimes the invitations determinations of mature, [listens] on fools the pre-eminence of genius, or redresses wit and wisdom to the levels of folly.  Henry Hart . Vol12. P385.  E. Roscoe & her eldest Boy arrived at Noon.  Mrs. & the youngest Miss Northen called.

 

Tuesday 23.  At home, but still so unwell as not to (go) out of doors.  Charles Cowell came to consult me on the Will of the late Miss Jane Audley of Nantwich when I advised him to see Mr. Wm. Tomlinson the Justice [under] the Will.

 

Wednesday 24.  Better & went out.  Wrote to Mr. Hugh Williamson relative to Knypersley Reservoir.  Revised & Copied afresh for Entry in the Book the Minutes if the Proceedings of the Select Committee on the 8th & of the Committee on the 9th of June last.  Anne Marsh & E. Roscoe went to Betley & returned later to dinner.  Samuel Beardmore came in the evening to inform me of a design of getting Coals in the Meadow in his holding belonging to Talk Chapel.

 

Thursday 25.  Mr. Potter & James Potter called to inform me that they had now got down to the discharging pipes & that it now appears that a great deal of the ones which had been done by the forcing of the Pipes & the too sudden discharge of the water & which if the management had been left to them they could have been prevented so that better . . .expense would have been incorrect.  For the correction of this Statement they should refer to Mr. Telford whom he had inspected the work.

 

Page 90.  1828  September

 

Thursday 26.  Wm. Brittain came again relative to Mr. Shaw's sinking for Coals at Talk.  Afterwards went with Saml. Beardmore & looked over the various Grounds to inform against as to the publishing of any work being established that might be injurious to Linley Wood by Engines, Rail Roads etc. & the result of which proved satisfactory in this information.  Mr. Brittain said there was a lump of Coal in Linley Meadow, but none worth getting in the Chapel Lands, & fraction in the Meadow next above Linley Meadow.  In this he agrees in what Mr. Johnson says.  Mrs. & two Miss Tollets, Mrs. & Elizabeth Wedgwood of Maer called, the two latter staid to dinner & returned at night.

 

Friday 26.  At home.  Revd. & Mr. & Mrs. Butt, Miss Edwards, Mr. Daniel Whalley & Dr. Northen dined.  Late in the evening James Potter came to inform that Mr. Telford was in the neighbourhood & would inspect the Reservoir in a day or two.  Presuming that he had not received my Letter communicating the wishes of the Committee, & desired him to tell Mr. Telford that I must at all events see him.  I gave J.P. the Copy of my Letter to show to Mr. T.  I received by this evenings Post one of the most truly kind & friendly Letters from Sir George Chetwynd, that ever came to my hands, & by which I cannot but feel  highly gratified as demean to [strive] of his esteem & request for me.

 

Saturday 27.  At home.  Sent early to James Potter expressing my wish to see him, but he was not at Lawton.  Engaged afterwards on various matters on the Farm.  Received Letter from Mr. H. Williamson in reply to mine of the 24.

 

Sunday 28.  At home.  Service.  Received by Post Letters from Mr. Telford & Mr. Wedgwood of Maer.

 

Monday 29.  My Eyes painful, & troubled also with a Boil upon my arm.  Engaged perusing & selecting papers preparatory to going to Leamington& making Minutes of matters to be considered by the Select Committee.  Mr. Jas. Potter came to inform me that Mr. Telford had inspected the Reservoir on Saturday last, that he had not received my Letter of September 19 owing to his absence in North Wales.

 

Page 91.  1828  September

 

J. Potter stated that he had delivered to Mr. Telford my [way] out request to see him & my offer to see him any where that he would appoint.  Mr. T. having expressed a doubt whether in his Report he was to notice the Causes of the misfortune at Knypersley Reservoir, I wrote to him by this Post, requesting that he would furnish me with a full Report, both as to the Causes as well as the Remedies, thinking this necessary for the satisfaction of all Parties concerned.

 

Tuesday 30.  Again busy on Papers preparatory to leaving home tomorrow.

 

October

 

Wednesday 1.  Set off on Journey to Leamington to attend Meeting of Delegates.  Mr. Wedgwood met me at Stone, with whom & Mr. Vaughan proceeded to Grendon Hall in the Carriage.  Called on our way at [Bishton]. & sat half an hour with Mrs. & Miss Sparrow, & Mrs. Moreton who happened to be there.  Arrived at Grendon Hall a quarter before 5, & met with a most kind & truly friendly reception from Sir George & Lady Chetwynd, the young Ladies, & Mr. Chetwynd who was there with an Oxford friend, a Mr. Ellison who we found a very agreeable & Gentlemanly young man.  There was  also a Mr. Webb an artist from Tamworth, who was painting some Horses for Sir George, & which promised to be a pleasing & good picture.

 

Thursday 2.  Breakfasted early at Grendon Hall & proceeded to Leamington taking Kenilworth Ruins on our way, which we got out of the Carriage, & walked over from there by [Gorge] Cliff to Warwick & Leamington when we arrived about ½ past 11.  Full Meeting of Delegates, but the Birmingham & Warwick& the Oxford Canal Companies not having affected an arrangement of their Tonnage we adjourned to the 26 November next.

 

Page 92.  1828  October

 

Friday 3.  Left Leamington between 7 & 8.  Breakfasted at Coventry.  Stopped ½ an hour at Grendon which I promised again to revisit on the 26 of November.  Called at [Bishton], & arrived at Linley Wood about 6.  Distance in 10 hours at 75 miles including stoppages.

 

Saturday 4.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him the Minutes of the Select Committee & Committee for Entry in the Book.  Received Letter from Mr. Gordon, with further particulars relative to his Steam Boat.  Received from Mr. Wilkinson the papers relative to Consall Forge Water for my further perusal & consideration.  Made Minutes of the Order of the Select Committee relative to the executing of the Middlewich Communication in consequence of the Letter received from Mr. Potts.  My eyes painful & troublesome, & fatigued with the Journey & exertion of the last 3 days.

 

Sunday 5.  At home.  Service.  In the evening James Potter  who I had sent for with whom engaged relative to his inspecting the Steam Boat, on its return on Tuesday next.  Also relative to Mr. Telford's Report & the Communication at Middlewich, which he said it would be early enough to begin upon in the Spring, & that it might be done by our own people.

 

Monday 6.  Revised, corrected & made sundry additions to the observations relative to Consall Forge & copied them afresh for the use of Mr. Wedgwood.  Boils upon my hand & arm very troublesome.  Wrote note to Mr. Gordon to be sent tomorrow morning.  In the evening Edward Crompton arrived.  Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson requesting me to send the Plans etc. over before Wednesday next.

 

Tuesday 7.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood, & Mr. Wilkinson with the Consall Forge Observations & sent them with the Plans etc. to Mr. Wilkinson by Samuel Jones.  Sent note to Mr. Gordon.  The Boils became so troublesome that I sent a note to the Mayor of Newcastle excusing my dining with him today as I had engaged to do.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan relative to the Steam Boat etc.  Received further Letter from Mr. Gordon relative to the arrival of the Steam Boat at the Red Bull this day instead of yesterday.

 

Page 93.  1828  October

 

Wednesday 8.  At home.  Still troubled by the Boils & which made writing inconvenient.  James [Weather] paying his half year's Rent.  Mentioned that Mr. Tollet was beginning to get Coals in the Land held by Thos. Hollins, & close to the Road side.  Mr. [Frederick] Tomlinson dined & brought the Assigned from Miss Stamford to J.S.C. of the . . . of the Houses in Gower Street.

 

Thursday 9.  At home & in the House all day.  Mr. F. Tomlinson went after breakfast.  My hand still very troublesome, & with considerable pain & which prevented writing.

 

Friday 10.  Still very unwell, & unfit for business, but walked out a little in the middle of the day with Eliza.

 

Saturday 11.  Better, but still unwell.  Looked over and arranged the various Navigation Reports which I had prepared & read to the General Assemblies from the year 1820 inclusive.  Received Note from the Mayor of Newcastle requesting to see me at the Sessions on Tuesday next, & which I answered by the Messenger promising to attend.

 

Sunday 12.  Still better, but my Arm & Eyes very troublesome.  Service as usual.  In the evening Mr. Davenport to look at my hand & Arm.

 

Monday 13.  Edward Crompton left us after an early breakfast, on his return home.  Stamford who had been here since Tuesday last also returned to Rode House.  Hand & arm better but still troublesome.

 

Tuesday 14.  Went to Newcastle, & attended the Sessions.  One conviction for Larceny.  Saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Consall Forge business.  Dined with the Mayor at the Castle Inn & returned home in the Evening.  In the course of the day saw Mr. Booth, who I requested to call upon John Boughey & make some arrangements for his leaving the House at the Hollins.  Mr. Booth again expressing his opinion that he was not fit for the situation.  Saw also Mr. Sneyd of Bradwall, who was passing through Newcastle, & would . . .as to be able to go about in his open Carriage.  On my return found Letter from Wm. Bent with an account of the Registration for the . . .of the Newcastle Brewery to Miss . . .[Lewis] & [Fitzjohn].

 

Page 94.  1828  October

 

Wednesday 15.  At home.  Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd informing me that the differences between the Oxford & the Birmingham & Warwick Canal Companies had not been settled & wishing to have my opinion as to the course & [direction].

 

Thursday 16.  Considered attentively Sir George 's Letter, & as he expressed a wish that I would talk the matter over with Mr. Wedgwood, wrote Letter to him this morning, inclosing Sir George's, & sent them by a servant to Etruria.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan.  At home all day.  Better but still not well, my hand continuing troublesome.

 

Friday 17.  Perused & considered the Leamington Papers, & making observations relative to the Tonnages in difference between the Oxford & the B & W & W & N Canal Companies preparatory to conferring with Mr. Wedgwood.  Received from Mr. Vaughan in the evening the Birmingham & Warwick & Warwick & Napton Canal Acts, which I had requested him to peruse for me.  At home.

 

Saturday 18.  At home.  Engaged on Navigation.  Perused & considered the Acts of Parliament. 33,34,&36 Gov. 3, received from Mr. Vaughan & particularly with a view to the proposed Reduction of Tonnage.  Afterwards wrote long Letter to Sir George Chetwynd, Mr. W. having sent me back Sir G. Letter, informed me that he had written to him, in which [needed] our Meeting appeared to be rendered necessary.  Anne Marsh returned from Camp Hill having sent the horses for her this morning.  Received Letter from John Lawrence informing me of a Report that Mr. [Tawney] had . . .with Eyre Lee.

 

Sunday 19.  At home.  Service.  James Bent came to dinner.  Received by the Post a Letter from Mr. John Lawrence informing me that the Oxford Canal Company had consented to a jurisdiction of the proposed London & Birmingham Canal with their Canal at [Brinklow].

 

Monday 20.  At home.  Eyes still very troublesome.  [Bottled] the Pipe of . . .had from [Carbonell] & Sons, & of which Mr. Bent had me think 54.5.  Stamford called on his return from Stafford Sessions.  Looked over papers previous to replying to Mr. Lawrence's Letter.

 

Page 95.  1828  October

 

Tuesday 21.  Wrote to Mr. Lawrence.  Mr. Skerratt & Bessy came before dinner.  Anne Marsh + 3 dined at the Revd. Mr. Butts.  Also Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood & Miss C. Wedgwood Mr. & Capt. . . .

 

Wednesday 22.  At home, engaged in the morning with Mr. Skerratt.  Mr. Wedgwood came on the Navigation business of the Oxford Canal etc. & with whom engaged a considerable time.  The [Roadmarks] down Swallow Moor Wood, & Millend.  Mr. Wickstead & Mr. Clive afterwards called.  Received by Post a Letter from Sir George Chetwynd in reply to mine, & of which he expressed great appreciation.  In the evening William [Faram] with his Report upon an actual Survey which I had desired him to make,of the Line of the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal, & with whom engaged a long time.  Stamford dined & staid all night

 

Friday 24.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Wedgwood inclosing for his perusal the one received yesterday from Sir. George.  Took Mr. Skerratt in the Carriage to Newcastle where I put my Letter to Mr. Wedgwood into the Post office.  Perused & considered [Farams]Report.

 

Saturday 25.  At home.  Wrote to William [Faram] relative to his Report.  Engaged with Mr. Skerratt & on purpose relative to a Codicil to his to his will.  Received  Letter from Mr. Wedgwood, returning Sir George's.

 

Sunday 26.  At home.  Service.  Received Letter by the Post from Sir George also from Mr. Vaughan proposing to come to Linley Wood to confer with me.  Mr. Davenport came & who I consulted about my Eyes.  He advised me to write as little as possible.

 

Monday 27.  Received Letter from Mr. [Faram] with reply to my Queries upon his Report.  Wrote to Mr. Lawrence of Birmingham.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan requesting to see him at dinner on Wednesday next, & to stay all night.  Copied & delivered to Mr. Skerratt . . .relative to a Codicil to his Will for the consideration of Mr. [Edleston].  Bessy & Mr. Skerratt left us on their return home, &sent the Carriage with them.  Writing rendered very troublesome by the Complaint in my eyes.  Considered Sir Georges Letter & determined not to call upon Mr. Wedgwood at Maer today as I had at first intended, but to wait till I heard again from Sir George.  Called at the Red Bull Wharf, & appointed by tomorrow morning for seeing Wm. [Faram].

 

Page 96.  1828 October

 

Tuesday 28.  Wm. [Faram] came & with whom engaged a long time on his Report, & finally desired him to enquire into & examine the Supplies of Water could be obtained for the Birmingham & Liverpool & the Chester & Ellsemere Canals, in order to ascertain their ultimate capacity to compete with the T & M Canal.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood & sent him Sir Georges Letter of the 25.  Afterwards engaged on Papers & making further observations relative to the Oxford & W & N & W & Birmingham Canal Tonnages.  Mr. Davenport.  Eyes rather better, but still far from well.

 

Wednesday 29.  Received Letter from Mr. [Faram] with Plan of Land & Buildings adjoining the T & M Canal at Middlewich, the purchase of which he had strongly recommended when here yesterday.  James Potter called & reported upon the progress making with the work at Knypersley.  Mentioned also his Salary & said that if appeared by the Select Committee, he had no objection to be on this to be satisfied by Mr. Telford.  Mentioned also James Trubshaw having been to Knypersley on Wednesday the 21 with Mr. Trubshaw looking at the [work] & who said that he came by order of the Special Committee.  Mr. Vaughan came about eleven o'clock, & with whom engaged with them on various Navigation business, on which he wished to consult me.  Suffered a good deal today from my Eyes.  Weather remarkably & beautifully fine.

 

Thursday 30.  At home.  Made Minutes of business for next Meeting of the Select Committee.  Mr. Davenport came.  My Eyes very troublesome.

 

Friday 31.  At home.  Still suffering much from my Eyes.  Eliza & Ann Marsh went to Newcastle & Wolstanton.  Received by the Post Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & from Mr. Lawrence, the former containing a Copy of a Letter from Mr. [Tawney] with the most desired contradiction of his having had anything to do with Mr. Eyre Lee.

 

November

 

Saturday 1.  Eyes still very troublesome, but wrote to Mr. Wedgwood, & sent him by a Messenger , Sir Georges Letter.  Wrote also a long Letter to Sir George.  In the House all day, being fearful of the cold on account of my Eyes.  In the evening received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood returning Sir Georges.

 

Page 97.  1828  November

 

Sunday 2.  Again in the House all day on account of my Eyes, but Service as usual.  Stamford came to dinner, & staid all night.  Sent my Letter to Sir George by this Evenings Post, it not having gone by the last nights.

 

Monday 3.  At home.  Stamford went after breakfast.  My Eyes nearly the same as yesterday, and so as to prevent much writing or reading.  Looked over sundry Navigation Papers, & wrote a Letter to be sent to Mr. Telford if I do not hear from him in a few days.  Walked out with Eliza a short time, but found the air too sharp for my eyes, though the Weather continues uncommonly fine.

 

Tuesday 4.  Still the same.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Lawrence inclosing W & Napton & W & Birmingham Canal [Development], & also relative to the present Canal differences.  In the evening worked my eyes with vinegar & water preparatory to using a prescription of Mr. Alexanders.

 

Wednesday 5.  Found benefit from the vinegar & water.  About a teaspoonful of the former to about half in Teacupful of cold water, with which wash the eyes in the morning & at night.  Wrote to Mr. Lawrence.  Used Mr. Alexanders Lotion, 2 or 3 times in the day.  Writing or reading still very troublesome.  Weather cold, which left me almost the whole of the day in the House:  "How truly may be applied to many of the Schemes with which the Public suffered themselves to be deluded." Drydens observation as applied to Peoples in Poetry. "like a screaming demonstration in mathematics, very spacious in the Diagram but failing in the mechanic operation". A good practical point of universal use & application!

 

Thursday 6.  Mr. Davenport came, Anne Marsh being much indisposed.  He approved of the vinegar & water & the Lotion for my Eyes, but advised me by all means to abstain from writing for some days.  Received from Miss Dawson a Letter from Miss Wrench, referring it to Miss D & myself to do what we should judge best relative to the late inclosures of Rode Heath, & the proceedings of the Freeholders.  Returned the Letter to Miss D, but desired her to take care of it as our Authority.

 

Friday 7.  My Eyes somewhat better, but avoided writing as much as possible, & in the House almost the whole of the day, the weather being very windy & cold.  Eliza & five of the Children went to Rode House.  Looked over sundry Navigation papers & Papers in Perlington Affairs.

 

Saturday 8.  At home, but a dull idle day, thinking it better from the state of my Eyes, neither to write nor read.  Mr. Davenport came again to see Anne Marsh.  Responded my [entertaining] to use Mr. Alexanders Lotion & to use my eyes as little as possible.  Received a Band of . . .from Mr. B Hollnshead.  Wrote to Mr, Vaughan to fix the 25 for settling the

 

Page 98.  1828  November  

 

Treasurers Account.

 

Sunday 9.  Much the same, but Service as usual.  Sent Letter to Mr. Vaughan

 

Monday 10.  Eyes rather better.  Mr, Davenport came again.  Found Anne better.  Mr. Tollet & Miss Ellen called, on their way to Liverpool.  Eliza had this morning sent a servant to Betley Hall postponing Mrs. & the Miss Tollets intended visit tomorrow to Linley Wood, on account of Anne's indisposition.  Mrs, & Miss Willbraham called.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

 

Tuesday 11.  Eyes not so well.  Received note from Mr. Wedgwood informing me that he should set off to London on Thursday next, but would meet us at Leamington on the 27th , said he thought Mr. Vaughans attendance there unnecessary !!!!  What can Mr. W. mean? But of some Persons, as with things, one can only feel & exclaim " Nil admirandum".  Received a Birmingham Newspaper by the Post containing the Notice of the intended London & Birmingham Junction Canal from [Brinklow] to the Stratford Canal signed by Eyre Lee.

 

Wednesday 12. Eyes much the same , I kept in the House all day.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd, & another from Mr. Lawrence, relative to the Oxford & the W & Napton Canal differences.  Stamford came to dinner & staid all night.  Mr. Davenport came twice to see Anne Marsh.  Wrote, & sent by Samuel Beardmore.  Letter to Mr. Shaw giving him Notice not to sport upon my Lands in the parishes of Audley & Barthomley, he having very uncivilly said that he would do so till he had regular Notice to the contrary, & having on other respects [Lakewood] unhandsomely by taking improper person with him etc.

 

Thursday 13.  Still nearly the same, but my Eyes rather better.  Mr. Davenport came.  Sent Servant to Stamford to request Mr. Holland would see Anne Marsh Mr. D thinking this might tend to tranquillize her mind.  Received Letters by Post from Mr. Vaughan, & also one from Mr. Ward informing me that the Court had refused to [disturb] the verdict obtained at the Assizes in the Course of B. . .& others . . .Mr. Davenport came again in the Evening & staid all night.

 

Friday 14.  Mr. Holland of Knutsford came to breakfast, & brought us the painful intelligence of the illness of Dr. Holland.  Eyes rather better.  Wrote long Letter to Sir G. Chetwynd.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. Ward of Newcastle.  Mr. Davenport came again in the evening, & staid all night.  Rain.

 

Page 99.  1828  November

 

Saturday 15.  Eyes gradually improving.  Arthur Marsh arrived by the Mail, & brought a favourable account of Dr. Holland, who had been pronounced out of danger.  Mr. Davenport came again in the Evening, & staid all night.

 

Sunday 16.  Service.  Sent to Mr. Holland of Knutsford requesting him to see Anne again.  Mr. Davenport came in the evening, but could not stay all night.

 

Monday 17.  Engaged on Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan tomorrow.  Mr. Holland came to dinner & staid all night.  Received Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd with copy of one from Mr. [Groom} the Receiver general of the county relative to the Land ton chargeable upon Canals.  Eyes not so well.  Mr. Davenport came.

 

Tuesday 18.  Mr. Holland went after breakfast.  Mr. Vaughan came, & with whom engaged on the Minutes & proceedings of the Select Committee, & Committee, & making Memorandums & Arrangements for the General Assembly etc.  Engaged till late in the Evening.  He left with me the Cash Book, in order that I might examine the Casting of the [Columns] previous to meeting Mr. Thos. Salt on Tuesday.  Mr. Davenport came.

 

Wednesday 19.  Mr. Vaughan went after breakfast.  Wrote to Mr. Telford.  Began examination of the Cash Book.  Arthur Marsh went about ½ past one on his return to London.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.

 

Thursday 20.  Eyes still indifferent.  Finished the Cash Book.  Stamford dined.  Mr. Davenport came.

 

Friday 21.  Engaged all morning on various Navigation Papers selecting the same & making Minutes preparatory to the Meeting at Leamington etc.  Mrs. & Miss C. Wedgwood of Maer, Mr.& Mrs & Miss F Northen the Revd. Mr. Mainwaring & Stamford dined.  Mrs. H [Balcombe] who was to have dined, was prevented by the death of Dr. Balcombe Snr.  In the evening Eliza Roscoe arrived, having been detained by an . . .of the Coach at Knutsford, but from who sustained no further injury than a sprain of the wrist.

 

Saturday 22.  James Potter came by my appointment to report upon the state of the Knypersley Reservoir & with whom engaged a considerable time.  Afterwards Wm. [Faram] brought his Report of the Supplies of water on the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction &

 

Page 100.  1828  November

 

Chester Canals & with whom also engaged a considerable time.  Mr. Holland of Knutsford again to see Anne.

 

Sunday 23.  Service.  " Upon the whole: if we have any regard to plain reason, and natural equity, if we wish peace and prosperity either to our fellow creatures, or ourselves, if we have any concern for the glory of God, and the honour of his dispensations: let us not presume to exercise dominion over other men's faith, or take any steps towards opposing their understanding, or impairing their liberties - even remembering that divine rule of 'dealing' with others,as we would be dealt with ourselves".   Balgary

 

Monday 24.  How well does the above apply to the personal agitation of the Catholic Question.  At home.  Engaged with Papers etc.  preparatory to leaving home tomorrow morning on Journey to Stone & Leamington.

 

Tuesday 25.  Went to Stone early.  Met Mr. Thos. Salt with whom  & Mr. Vaughan engaged all day settling Treasurers & other Accounts.

 

Wednesday 26.  Went to Grendon Hall, taking Mr. Vaughan with me, & where we arrived about 3, having called at Bishton,& saw Mrs & Miss Sparrow, on my way, also called upon Mr. Landon at Rugeley & with whom I had a conversation relative to the redemption of the Land Tax.  Long conference with Sir George, Mr. Wedgwood  not being there.  Met at dinner Mr. & Mrs. [Banebridge], Mr. Henry [Banebridge], & Mr. Grove, who Sir George had requested to meet me in order that we might confer upon the subject of the Redemption of the Land [ton] payable in respect of the Canal.  In the evening long conversation with Sir George & Mr. Grove, having previously perused & considered a Case which had been prepared by Mr. Landon, & which he desired to meet at Rugeley with the opinion of Mr. . . .thereon.

 

Thursday 27.  Left Grendon Hall after an early breakfast & arrived at Leamington at 12.  On our way we had seen Mr. [Barker] of Coventry, & I had had some conversation with him, but he arrived soon after us.  Meeting of Delegates formed, & on which attentively engaged as Chairman.  [Much] went of transfer shares by some of the Partners, but which was the

 

Page 101.  1828  November

 

[length] principal & a Resolution came to [trust] application of all present that undertook application I had, be made to the Landowners by Mr. [Barker] of Birmingham.  Mr. Wedgwood had arrived at Leamington just before ourselves.

 

Friday 28.  Left Leamington at 8 this morning bringing with us Miss Emma Wedgwood, who was on her return from Clifton, [Back]. . .at Coventry.  Stopped half an hour at Grendon Hall from where I brought Mr. & Miss E Wedgwood in the Carriage to Stone.  Arrived at home at 7.  Mr. Vaughan had gone by the way of Birmingham.  Found A. Marsh who arrived on Tuesday last.  Stamford also came on Wednesday.  The bay horse which I previously purchased from Mr. . . .had been stolen out of the Pastures on Wednesday night last.

 

Saturday 29.  Engaged closely on Navigation Papers from 9 0'clock till half past two.  Selecting & arranging the same, making Minutes & Memorandums for Select Committee, Committee, & General Assembly, preparing Resolution to be submitted to the General Assembly relative to the Oxford Canal Bill etc. etc.  Late in the evening received from Wm. [Faram] Letter & Statements showing the . . .of timely means of the 4 double Locks now in operation.

 

Sunday 30.  Wrote to Wm. [Faram] & James Potter to attend at Stone on the Committee & General Assembly.  Service.

 

December

 

Monday 1.  Went to Stone where engaged all day on the Committee.  In the Chair Lord Harrowby who attended, & who I had requested to take it, delivering it from any who were pleased to explain greater friendship & acquaintance with the business.  I earnestly & urgently requested his Lordship to [please] us with his attendance & to take the Chair of the General Assembly tomorrow, saying that I should consider it as a personal obligation, as indeed I should, being aware of the importance of the business that would be under consideration, & of that I continue that at, be given by his Lordship's House.  .He said that as his House was for the Company he would not promise, but he would come if he could.

 

Tuesday 2.  Lord Harrowby came & took the Chair, but the General Assembly not being able to get through the whole of the business, it was necessarily    adjourned to tomorrow.  A . . . which I do not recollect ever to have received before.  In the evening revised the Resolution which had been sent to

 

Page 102.  1828  December

 

for the purposeof being sent to the Proprietors, & wrote a Letter to Lord Harrowby to be taken to his Lordship tomorrow morning by Mr. Landon, with a Copy of the Resolution.  Engaged on this business till 11 o'clock at night.

 

Wednesday 3.  Adjourned General Assembly.  In the Chair.  Got through the minutes of the business.  Received back the Resolution from Lord Harrowby, signed by His Lordship, after adopting a small alteration which I had suggested.  After the General Assembly broke up, engaged on the Select Committee.  Left Stone about 2 o'clock, & arrived at home to dinner, but sadly jaded & fatigued, having been almost exhaustingly engaged on Navigation business, both in body & mind, for the last nine days.  On my arrival at home found long Letter from Mr. Harding, clerk to the Trustees of the Burslem Turnpike Road, relative to the exemption of Stone used for the Road working exempt from Tonnage & requesting my attention thereto.  Stamford at Linley Wood in my absence.

 

Thursday 4.  Revised Minutes, but unwell.  Mr. Booth & Mr. Watson came, & agreed to the Letter . . . the White Lion Public House at £100 a year.

 

Friday 5.  At home.  Engaged closely from 9 till near 3 o'clock revising & copying for Entry in the Book, the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee, General Assembly, & Select Committee, proposing & making a point.  Copy of the Resolution ordered to be sent to the Proprietors, for the Printer etc. etc.  Received two Letters by the Post from Mr. Wedgwood relative to his intended conference with Mr. Telford, & requesting me to direct James Potter to meet him at the Reservoir on Monday next, & to bring the Plan & instructions which he had received from Mr. Telford along with him.  Wrote & sent a Note to J.P. desiring him to call upon me tomorrow Morning.  Received Letter from Mr. Landon relative to Stockport intended Railway.

 

Saturday 6.  James potter came & with whom engaged a considerable time & gave him instructions to meet Mr. W. & take the Plan etc. as requested.  Afterwards wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.  Wrote, & sent him

 

Page 103.  1828  December

 

a Copy of the Resolution of the General Assembly.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & requested him to meet me at Newcastle on Monday next to confer on several matters requiring immediate attention.

 

Sunday 7.  In the morning at Talk Chapel.  Received last night a Scarf etc. in memory of my late friend John Pilkington of Bolton.

 

Monday 8.  Went to Newcastle to meet Mr. Vaughan, to whom I delivered copies of the Minutes of the Committee & General Assembly, gave him instructions to wait upon Lord Harrowby & obtain his Signature of the Books, & arranged various other matters with Mr. V.  Delivered to Mr. Hyde the Copy of the Resolution & settled with him the [Type] Paper etc.  He promised to send me a proof sheet on Wednesday morning.  Returned to dinner.  Mr. Holland of Knutsford dined.

 

Tuesday 9.  Breakfasted early with Mr. Holland who went soon afterwards.  Wrote to Mr. Harding of Burslem in reply to his Letter relative to Burslem Road Materials & on which subject I had spoken to Mr. Vaughan yesterday, amongst others.  How much may not some late circumstances have fallen under my observations be considered, as a "frivolous and teasing warfare of petty details, in which little minds exalt, because it is over them, and these alone, that such minds can attain even a temporary semblance of Mastery."  Looked over & selected various Navigation Papers relative to expenses on Journies to London etc. etc. etc.

 

Wednesday 10.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan relative to the purchase of the Land & Building at Middlewich, ordered by the General Assembly, & suggesting his Meeting Mr. Holford the [convener] at Middlewich to agree for the same.  Mr. [Lamb] brought a proof Sheet of the Resolution, & which I consented.  Received paper from Chas. [Cowell] in Perlington Affairs.  Stamford came to dinner & staid all night.  Late in the Evening received a corrected Proof Sheet from Mr. Hyde.  A. Marsh received an Account of the Court having decided in his favour in the case of Mrs. Harding's Will.

 

Thursday 11.  Carefully revised & corrected the Proof Sheet, making sundry alterations in the punctuation, Capital Letters etc. etc. & sent it by a Messenger, with a Letter to Mr. Hyde.  Stamford went.  Distressing Interview with Anne Marsh on account of Mr. Marsh's proposed Journey to Town, & which was afterwards relinquished.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan relative to the purchase at Middlewich & appointing his Son to come

 

Page 104.  1828  December

 

at 11 o'clock tomorrow morning with the Minutes of Proceedings of the Select Committee etc. for my signature & on other matters.  Anne having in the course of the Evening changed in her Sentiments & Feelings relative to Arthur's Journey to Town, he set off about 7 o'clock, the Carriage taking him to the Lawton  Arms.  Received another Proof from Mr. Hyde with my last corrections.

 

Friday 12.  Finally perused & examined the Proof Sheet, which finding correct I sent by a Messenger to Mr. Hyde with a Letter to him.  Anne Marsh went out in the Carriage.  Mr. Wm. Vaughan came pursuant to Appointment with the Minutes of Proceedings, which after having carefully examined, I signed, in order that the Proceedings of the General Assembly might be taken to Lord Harrowby for his signature, & wrote to Mr. Vaughan thereon.  Received by the Post a very long Letter from Mr. Wedgwood in consequence of his conference with Mr. Telford.  Went immediately to James Potter's lodgings to have seen him, but he being out I left a Note desiring to see him on his return.  He came later in the Evening when I communicated to him such of Mr. Wedgwood's directions as were mentioned particularly as to the Cost, not being [found] upon the Pipes, & directing that this should not be done till further instructions considered.  Unwell from over hurry, anxiety & vexation.

 

Saturday 13.  Being doubtful after James Potter left me last night, whether I had sufficiently conferred some of the Observations made to him, rose very early & sent a Note desiring to see him again at 8 o'clock.  He came soon after 8, when I repeated what I had before said.  He intimated that being aware there were certain Proprietors who were hostile to him, it was his intention to tender his Resignation as soon as the Reservoir was completed.  Still unwell, having had a miserably bad night.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood expressing my wish & opinion that Mr. Telford should immediately come down.  Before Sealing my Letter received another Letter from Mr. Wedgwood with a Packet containing observations etc. of Mr. Telford, but . . .the Rest of these in my Letter to Mr. W. & again urged Mr. Telford coming down.  Sent immediately a Note to James Potter desiring to see him in consequence of Mr. W. Letter, but he was gone from home.  Mr. Davenport came, & staid all night.  Mr. [Cole] and Kinnersley called.

 

Sunday 14.  At home but very unwell.  Service.  In the Evening Mr. Holland came & staid all night.

 

Monday 15.  Breakfasted early with Mr. Holland previous to his Return.  Engaged on papers & Letter s received from Mr. Wedgwood, & wrote Letter to Sir George Chetwynd.  Afterwards went to Sandbach, when engaged a long time with Mr. . . .

 

Page 105.  1828  December

 

in the Perlington Affairs, [Cowells] Debt etc.  Discharged my Bill for the purchase Deeds from Miss H. . . .& Miss Wolfe & [Hand].  Afterwards engaged again on the Reservoir Papers etc. preparatory to seeing James Potter again tomorrow Morning.  Left with Mr. Skerratt the will of the late Ralph Audley.

 

Tuesday 16.  James Potter came to breakfast, with whom engaged a considerable time on the Observations & Instructions received from Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Telford, & which I delivered to him for his guidance.  Afterwards engaged revising Papers etc. on this harassing business.  Received some pointed Copies of the Resolution of the General Assembly from Mr. Hyde.  Kept at the Desk all morning though unwell & very unfit for it.  Arthur Marsh arrived by the Mail.  Received a further Letter from Mr. Wedgwood, also from Mr. Vaughan, to whom I wrote in reply relative to my journey to Birmingham on Monday next.  Received from Mr. Salt a Barrel of . . .

 

Wednesday 17.  Wrote to Mr. Salt.  Wrote also to Chas. Cowell on Perlington Affairs.  Received back from James Potter postponing his seeing me till tomorrow.  Called upon Mr. [Everard] Kinnersley at Clough Hall.  Selected & managed Letters etc. relative to the Reservoir.  Unwell.  Stamford dined and staid all night.

 

Thursday 18.  James Potter came, but not having completed his observations on the paper delivered to him on Tuesday last, but he said that he would bring them on  Saturday.  Looked over sundry papers preparatory to going to Birmingham & making Minutes of [Business] for the Select Committee.  "Daily am I observing the truth of the three following beautiful. . . .and now fully known I am a better occasion experienced that of the [fruit] How truly constant charitable, and helpful Is woman unto woman in affairs I had truth affection and the peace of Spirit!  But Man to Man how crooked and unkind."

 

Friday 19.  Engaged again on sundry papers.  Received from Mr. Wedgwood with further instructions for James Potter.  Letter also from Mr. Ward of Newcastle relative to the payment of the Stoney fields Mortgage money, & my joining in the Conveyance of Mr. [Stathams] Brewery property at Shrewsbury.

 

Page 106.  1828  December

 

Saturday 20.  Wrote to Mr. Ward.  Engaged again on Papers preparatory to going to Birmingham.  James Potter who was to have dined, did not come till Evening when engaged with him upon the Papers received from Mr. Wedgwood, &  his observations thereon, which he said he would complete & bring to me tomorrow Evening.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 

Sunday 21.  Service.  Received Letters from Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Telford.  Wrote to the latter requesting him to dine & sleep here on his proposed visit to Knypersley Reservoir on the 27.  James Potter came & brought me the papers received from Mr. Wedgwood with observations thereon.

 

Monday 22.  Set off on Journey to Birmingham to attend the Meeting of Delegates tomorrow.  Took Mr. Vaughan from Stone.  Arrived at Birmingham between 4 & 5 .  Mr. V. returned that evening.  Dined alone.  Mr. Wedgwood not arriving till about 8 o'clock.

 

Tuesday 23.  At Birmingham.  Meeting of Delegates at 12.  In the Chair, & a busy day.

 

Wednesday 24.  Mr. Wedgwood & I returned home together.  Called at . . .,& saw Mr. Littleton, to whom I showed the Plans, & the dissent of the Landowners, when he said that with such a number of Dissents, he had never known Parliament pass a Bill, nor did he think they ever would.  Arrived at home about 8.  Mr. Wedgwood & I having taken a hasty dinner at Stone after which we parted.  Found Letter from Mr. Telford.

 

Thursday 25.  Revised Papers.  Stamford dined, & staid all night.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

 

Friday 26.  Wrote to Mr. Barker, & returned him the Plan of the intended Junction Canal.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged on Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Telford tomorrow at Knypersley Reservoir.  James Potter came previous to his meeting Mr. T. this evening at Newcastle.

 

Page 107.  1828  December

 

Saturday 27.  Went to Knypersley, where I met Mr. Mr. Telford & with whom & Mr. Wedgwood engaged inspecting the Reservoir.  Mr. Wedgwood & I signed a Paper containing a Statement of the various Defects inspected to the work, for Mr. Telford's consideration, & also requesting his opinion as to the indirect Causes of the [Fracture].  I read to Mr. Telford the part of the Memorandum which I had made on the 30 of June, expressing my concerns as to the Causes & which he said so perfectly coincided with his own, that he should be at a loss how to vary the works.  He repeated, that I was quite correct in the view that I had taken of the subject.  Called at Mr. Williamson.  Returned home to dinner.  Mr. Holland came in the evening.

 

Sunday 28.  Over hurried in Mind & Body, & suffering much.  Service as usual.

 

Monday 29.  At home.  Very unwell.  Mr. F. Twemlow called, & with whom conversation on Navigation subjects.  He mentioned his having received a Letter from Mr. [Vaughan] a day or two ago, stating that the Paddle was 13  feet below the top of the Dam at Knypersley Reservoir, and that the Paddle was a bad Paddle.  I told Mr. Twemlow that Mr. Wedgwood & I had met Mr. Telford there on Saturday last, that the Paddle was only about 5 feet below the surface of the dam, as nearly equal to the Top water Level, and that Mr. Telford had promised the Paddle to be as great a Paddle as could be made.  On his observing this it was understood & supposed of that Mr. Telford had not paid the attention to me which he ought to & that there was some misunderstanding between us, I told him that there was no foundation whatsoever for this.  That although Mr. Telford & myself were opposed to each other on sundry important matters, such as the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal etc. yet this had not occasioned the smallest personal animosity, & that I hoped each of us had too much candour & good sense even to furnish this to be the case.  Engaged afterwards perusing papers & making Minutes with a view to preparing a case insufficient  of the intended Oxford Canal Bill.

 

Page 108.  1828  December

 

Tuesday 30.  At home.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Still unwell.

 

Wednesday 31.  James Potter came this morning bringing a Letter from Mr. Telford, which he requested might be shown to me, containing his directions as to the matters requiring the most immediate attention at the Reservoir, & which I desired James Potter to forward with accordingly, but for the satisfaction of all Parties, I suggested that it might be proper that John Trubshaw should look at what was done, & which I desired James Potter to communicate to him accordingly.  Mr. Trubshaw too had been approved by Mr. Telford.  Mr. Holland came in the evening, & staid all night.  As a proof of the still mentioning mildness of the Season, the whole of the Farming Stock & Horses are now lying out, never having yet been tied up at night or taken into the Stables.  When I rode on horseback today in the Grounds under Prefect Hill, I found it so warm, that I went to the Summit in order to have the benefit of a cooler breeze.

 

Page 109.  1829  January

 

Thursday 1.  The morning which brought in the new year, cloudy and rainy, but ended in a mild day.  Mr. Holland went after breakfast.  Unwell myself & in the house all day.  Engaged on private annual Accounts etc.  Wrote to Mr. [Spier], [Bath], & sent Wm. Caldwell's half years Interest.

 

Friday 2.  Engaged again on the Oxford Canal Case, which I nearly completed.  Received by the Post another harassing Letter from Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Marsh's Trusteeship, and asking for a General Bond of Notoriety from me & a cause equally unreasonable, unprecedented and irregular, and which I feel myself harassed not to comply with, having already done everything for his satisfaction that the most scrupulous sense of honour and integrity on my part could require, or that could occasionally and and justly he asked on his.  On mentioning the matter to Mr. A. Marsh he expressed his strong disapprobation of my giving my Bond, and said that in giving the Indemnity which I had already done, he thought that I had done too much, at least till it were ascertained whether the Trustees had insomuch any liability or not.

 

Saturday 3.  Looked over the Marsh's papers, & wrote a Letter to Mr. Wedgwood, delivering again the proposed Bond.  Selected & arranged Papers etc. preparatory to going to Macclesfield on Monday next.

 

Sunday 4.  Unwell.  Service.

 

Monday 5.  Went to Macclesfield & engaged all day on annual Brewery Accounts.  Dined & Slept at the Hotel.

 

Tuesday 6.  Up early, Breakfasted at the Hotel.  Afterwards met Mr. Bent at the Brewery.  From thence walked to look at the Macclesfield Canal, which appeared to be in good progress.  Called at Sutton Hall, where the Carriage met me & from thence returned to Linley Wood.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Barker of Birmingham relative to the proposed B & London Canal, with a Birmingham Newspaper containing a List of the dissenting Landowners to which the [farm] of Lord Hertford had been added, in pursuance of directions given to Mr. Barker by his his Lordship from . . .

 

Page 110.  1829  January

 

Wednesday 7.  At home.  Fine mild Frost, which had commenced on Monday last.  Engaged again on annual private Accounts.

 

Thursday 8.  At home.  Received by the Post Mr. Telfords Report relative to Knypersley Reservoir.  Also another harassing Letter from Mr. Wedgwood on the Marsh's business.

 

Friday 9.  Unwell.  Considered Mr. Telford's Report.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Wedgwood.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan requesting me to fix a day for my seeing him here.  Mr. Holland came in the evening & staid all night.

 

Saturday 10.  Re-copied Letter to Mr. Wedgwood so sent by the Post & to get here with one from A. Marsh, & another from him to me received in last  meeting containing the proposition of the Indemnity to . . . . . . In the House all day.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & fixed Thursday next for seeing him.  Mrs. Wedgwood & Elizabeth W. came to dinner & by whom I sent the above Letters to Mr. Wedgwood.  She said that [Hensley] W had been at Maer a short time.  This I strongly suspected !!!

 

Sunday 11.  Service as usual.  Arm still continuing in a state of great suffering, we determined upon a consultation of Dr. Northen & Mr. Holland, & for this  purpose Eliza wrote a Letter to Mr. Holland & which though it was afterwards thought better to defer sending for another day.

 

Monday 12.  Eliza in having been called upon to[serve] at 2 o'clock this morning to Anne, & finding her not in the least better, the Letter to Mr. Holland was sent by Thomas Latham by this fast coach & which passed about 5 o'clock.  Engaged on sundry matters & accounts preparatory to going to Newcastle tomorrow.  Wrote to Mr. S. Peake relative to Money payable under Anne Marsh's Settlement.

 

Tuesday 13.  Went to Newcastle where engaged attending the Sessions.  Two Cases only for Trial, one for Larceny, W. Glover, a Boy not quite 12 years of age & the other for an assault.  Both found guilty.  The Boy having been already confined 2 months, I gave him a good lesson in passing sentence, which was imprisonment for 3 days in the common Gaol of the Borough.  For the Assault 7 days in the same place.  Afterwards dined with the Mayor etc. at the Roebuck.  Having first discharged the Tradesmen's Bills in Newcastle.  On my arrival at home found a Letter from Mr. Sneyd of [Byrley] Lodge on Navigation business, & another from Mr. Barker with a Birmingham Paper containing the Prospectors of the proposed London and

 

Page 111.  1829  January

 

Birmingham Junction Canal.

 

Wednesday 14.  Engaged on Navigation business in consequence of the Letters received last night & considering the Answer to be given to Mr. Sneyd.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Wedgwood in consequence of one received from him by Arthur Marsh.  In the afternoon Mr. James Trubshaw called & with whom engaged some time relative to Knypersley Reservoir, when I desired him to furnish me with his further observations, in Writing, to which he promised to do.

 

Thursday 15.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Sneyd.  James Potter called, & with whom engaged a considerable time, reading to him Mr. Telford's Report & taking down his observations & explanations thereon.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Vaughan, who came between 11 & 12 going through Minutes of the Select Committee & considering various matters preparatory to Miss . . .on Monday next.  Closely engaged upon Navigation business from Breakfast to nearly 4 o'clock without quitting the Desk.  Consultation took place between Dr. Northen & Mr. Holland, attended by Mr. Davenport on Anne's Case, when they strongly recommended her Journey to Town, & fixed Monday next for that purpose.  At night, unwell.

 

Friday 16.  Unwell & in the house all day.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers & business though, from late circumstances became doubly harassing and   troublesome to me.  A. Marsh mentioned his having received a Letter from Stamford!!!

 

Saturday 17.  Again engaged on Navigation Papers, & wrote to Mr. Barker of Birmingham.  Selected & arranged Papers & made Minutes of Business for the Select Committee on Monday next.  Received by the Post another harassing, & almost insulting Letter from Mr. Wedgwood, though accepting the proposition made on my last.  Received at the same time Letter from Mr. James Trubshaw relative to Knypersley Reservoir & another from Mr. S. Peake relative to the payment of the money made in Eliza Roscoe's Marriage Settlement.  Dr. Northen came in the Morning to see Anne, for a state of great suffering myself, being almost to be [down] with vexations & execution of one kind or other.

 

Monday 18.  At home.  Service.

 

Page 112.  1829  January

 

Monday 19.  Went early to Stone, where engaged all day on Select Committee.  In the evening Mr. Wedgwood proceeded to London, where I understand to be on Tuesday the 10 of February.  Saw Miss Moreton, who invited me to dine with Sir George, on Wednesday next.

 

Tuesday 20.  Engaged again with Sir George Chetwynd, settled on Case for the. . .& brought with me a Plan of Canals to be [prefixed] to it, whereon [endured] more complete by Mr. James Potter.  Brought Sir George to Cobridge, & arrived at home to dinner, but harassed & oppressed in mind & body & very unwell.

 

Wednesday 21.  I this day completed the 70 years of my age.  James Potter came, & with whom engaged relative to the proposed Plan of the Canals,& when he promised to call upon Sir George Chetwynd this evening at Wolstanton.  Received Copy of the Case as settled by Sir George & myself from Mr. Vaughan.

 

Thursday 22.  Engaged all Morning on the Case received from Mr. Vaughan & making various alterations & additions which on a further perusal, & consideration it appeared to require.  Copied & sent to Mr.Vaughan by Post, the Resolution of the Select Committee relative to the intended application by the Inhabitants of Gainsborough for perusing that plan to be in another Post.

 

Friday 23. Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Made a fair Copy of the Proceedings of the last Meeting of Delegates at Birmingham.  Wrote to Mr. Ward of Newcastle relative to the Mortgage of Stoney fields to me for £5000.  Received Letter from the Mayor of Newcastle requesting my assistance in completing purchasing & supporting a Petition to Parliament against any practical power being granted to the Roman Catholics, but which I entirely declined, stating that I was by no means satisfied of the Policy or justice of the Measure.

 

Saturday 24.  At home.  Engaged again on Navigation papers particularly as to the opinion & benefit of the Double Locks & wrote to Wm. [Faram] requesting further particulars.

 

Page 113  1829  January

 

Weather extremely severe.

 

Sunday 25.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 26.  Re-copied the Parliamentary Case & sent off by the Post to Sir George Chetwynd & wrote to him therewith.  Wrote also to Mr. Ward proposing to see him at Newcastle on Wednesday next.  Wrote also to Mr. Balgary on the . . .business.  Received Letter from Wm. [Faram] appointing to come here on Wednesday Morning next with Calculations etc. relative to double Locks.  A slight tendency to a Thaw.

 

Tuesday 27.  Wrote to Wm.  [Faram] to postpone his coming here till Thursday on account of my engagement tomorrow at Newcastle.  Engaged all morning looking over & selecting papers to be taken to London.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Wednesday 28.  Went to Newcastle & saw Mr. Ward making arrangements relative to the Mortgage from Mr. Bent's Executors etc. & appointed to be at Stoke on Thursday the 5 of February & be admitted at the Copy hold Case.  Stamford accompanied me to Newcastle & back & afterwards dined.  Received Letter from Edward [Madon] requesting me to hold his Case by Proxy.  When at Newcastle called upon Mr. Wilkinson who said that he had been requested by Sir George Chetwynd to see me and suggest James Potter's immediate Resignation.

 

Thursday 29.  Wm. [Faram] came, & with whom closely engaged all morning on Canal business, & various Statements & Calculations relative to the Double Lock  saving of time etc. preparatory to my Journey to Town.  Wrote to Colonel [Madon] accepting his Proxy.  Sent a note to James Potter requesting to see him tomorrow Morning, or tomorrow Evening.  Received Letter from Mr. Sneyd of [Byrley] Lodge requesting me to hold his Proxy & Mrs. Mary Sneyd's.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan requesting to know the number of Proxies that I now hold, & how many more I could accept.

 

Friday 30.  For greater certainty as to Proxies, wrote & sent to Mr. Wilkinson per Samuel Jones, requesting him to furnish me with a list of my [present] Proxies, being unwell with inflammation of the Chest.  Wrote to Mr. Sneyd of [Byerley] Lodge accepting his Proxy & Mrs. Mary Sneyd.

 

Saturday 31.  Still very unwell.  James Potter came, & with whom  engaged a considerable time relative to the intended Plan for our Parliamentary Case.  Having proposed his willingness to relinquish his situation at the Reservoir immediately. if desired, & said he would address a Letter to me accordingly.  Received Letter from Mr. Ward relative to the Stoney fields Security.  At night much Fever & Suffering.

 

Page 114.  1829  February

 

Sunday 1.  A very bad night & so unwell as to be unable to go through the Service, but made Progress in the evening as usual.

 

Monday 2.  Another bad night almost without sleep.  Engaged putting up Navigation Papers to take to London.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood, in reply to a Message from him, through Mr. Vaughan, relative to the Saving of time by the Double Locks, & with offer of half my . . .in London, if it would be any accommodation.  Mr. Fairbanks relative to the Saving of Water by the addressed Tenant, & when he desired him to make me particular agreeing & let me know the result.  In the evening Mr. Davenport came to see me.

 

Tuesday 3.  Another bad night.  Wrote to Mr. Sneyd of [Byerley] Lodge informing him that I could not contain . . .of his & Mrs. Mary Sneyds . . . Also to Mr. Williams of Sandbach, relative to the Lawtons of Act of Parliament for completion of my selecting applied for this Session., as Mr. Williams had informed me would be done.  Received from Mr. [Faram] Statement as to the Saving of time by the double Locks.  Not well enough to venture out of doors.

 

Wednesday 4.  Rather better night, but still very unwell.  Mr. James Potter with the Plan for the Case & considering the same with him previous to sending the same by a Messenger today to Mr. Vaughan to be forwarded to Sir George Chetwynd.  Mr. Fairbanks relative to the Saving of Water by  the [additional] Tunnel, & noting his reservations thereon.  Received a Letter fro Mr. Wedgwood desiring me to send Wm. [Faram's]observation to Mr. Vaughan, in order that he might make his remarks thereon & furnish Mr. W. with a Copy.  Thaw which began last night.

 

Thursday 5.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan, & sent Wm. [Faram's ] Plan & observations thereon as desired by Mr. Wedgwood.  Wrote to Stoke Council.  Paid off the Mortgage on the Stoney fields Estate due to Mr. Thos. [Mayor] & Mrs. [Astley] who surrendered to me & I was [assumed] [Tenant].  The Deeds in his possession were delivered to me by Mr. [Mayor] & which Mr. Ward assured me were the whole & [configured] the House & the Land purchased from Mrs. [Hatrell].

 

Friday 6.  On inspection of the Deeds not being satisfied that they [configured] the House I went again to Newcastle & I saw Mr. Ward, who reported what he had before stated, & explained the House not being maintained as arising from the old description of the Land being followed, but said that Mr. . . .could explain the matter, & reported to me that he & the other Executors could complete the Mortgage.

 

Page 115.  1820  February

 

agreeably to their agreement.  The Deeds relating to the Freehold Land to be exchanged with Lord Stafford were shown to me by Mr. Ward, & left in his hands for me, with this the business was completed, & as . . .was made on the paper containing the Deeds accordingly.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson on Navigation business.

 

Saturday 7.  On looking further into the Papers being more convinced that the Deeds delivered to me were not the whole, wrote again to Mr. Ward, who sent word back that he would meet me tomorrow afternoon at the Roebuck, Newcastle at four o'clock.  Busily engaged all day preparing for my Journey to Town.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Sneyd of [Byerly] Lodge inclosing his Proxy, & Mrs. Mary Sneyds, which Mr. S. said she would not contract to any but myself.

 

Sunday 8.  After dinner set off to London.  Saw Mr. Ward at the Roebuck Newcastle who had found the Deeds etc. relating to the other parts of the Stoney fields property agreed to be intended on my Mortgage & which he promised to hold for me accordingly.  Arrived at Stone where I slept.

 

Monday 9.  Left Stone about 8 o'clock having been engaged with Mr. Vaughan before I set off & arrived at Stoney Stratford between 6 & 7 where I slept.

 

Tuesday 10.  Arrived at No. 8 Palace Yard at 2.  From that time to Thursday 16 April when I left Town on my return home & arrived that night at Newport Pagnel where  I slept & . . . . in Town [market].

 

April.

 

Friday 17.  Arrived at Derby between 4 & 5 o'clock.  Sent a Note to Mr. Balgary but found that he now resided at [Spondon].  Called upon & saw Mr. Barker who said he would send a Messenger to Mr. Balgary & from whom I received a Note requesting to see me the next Morning at [Spondon]

 

Saturday 18.  Went to [Spondon].  Saw Mr. Balgary who made many excuses and apologies for not having sent the . . .or in Harrisons Affairs as promised but which he promised to do in a week on my sending him most to which . . .the former account had been settled.  Called afterwards upon . . .to learn in what way we could most agreeably to himself make him some . . .for the . . .he had had in this business, but being unable to discuss this the matter . . .for his direction.  Mr. H. . .saying that he should go . . .this Summer & spend a day at Linley Wood & he said he had some time ago given up all the Deeds & papers in his

 

Page 116.  1829  April

 

relating to Harrisons property to Mr. Balgary except a . . . . . .[Bible] & which he did not at any time give up to us.  Arrived at home April 18 between 5 & 6.  Mr. Booth to inform me of what had been done on Bougheys business, & on whom he had just served a Notice by direction of Mr. Tomlinson.

 

Sunday 19.  At home.  Service.  But much fatigued & unwell.

 

Monday 20.  Wrote to Mr. Balgary & sent him by Post a Copy of Harrisons Accounts as last settled.  Went to Stone to have met Mr. Wedgwood in Select Committee but soon after my arrival received a note from him saying that he was so much indisposed that he would not come.  Engaged with Mr. Vaughan on various matters, preparatory to the General Committee tomorrow.

 

Tuesday 21.  At Stone all day engaged on Committee.  Returned in the Evening, The secondary copy of [growth] cash & little Gain raised by those of who in all great undertaking can discount the immediate expense without drawing people of vision to enhance the future profit.

 

Wednesday 22.  At home.  Busily engaged arranging London Papers etc. etc. . . . .Mr. [Henshall] [Moss] to consult me relative to a Marriage Settlement etc.  Much tired and very unwell.  Wrote to Mr. [Whieldon] about Stoke Wharf.

 

Thursday 23.  At home.  Engaged again on Papers etc.  Wrote Letters to Mr. Sneyd of Byerley} Lodge.  Mr. Woodward (of) Coventry.  Mr. Scott . . .London & to Mr. Vaughan.  Weather very cold and inclement.  Eliza called at Lawton Hall.

 

Friday 24.  In the morning heavy snow, but which did not continue long.  Mr. Crossley & Mr. Wm. [Faram] called to consult me as to the regulatory Lock on the Macclesfield Canal, & the erection of it in a manner somewhat different from that directed by the Act of Parliament, and also whether the Lock had not better be erected by this Company or being paid the expense of Navigation by the Macclesfield Canal Company.  After much conversation with them, I told Mr. Crossley that I thought the safest way would be to follow the Act of Parliament (on which he agreed) and that if he would deliver to me an Estimation & Report of what the Macclesfield Canal Company would allow for the erection of the Lock by this Company.  I would consider the matter & after consulting the Select Committee would give him an answer.  Afterwards engaged settling London Accounts, arranging papers etc. but wearied & unwell.

 

Saturday 25.  At home, but still unwell & in the house all day.  Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson relative to the time of the Meeting Mr. [Lee] of Redbrook & to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach appointing to go to Sandbach on Monday next on Perlingtons Affairs.

 

Sunday 26.  At home.  Service.  Stamford came to dinner.  Letter from Mr. Skerratt informing me that he should be from home tomorrow.

 

Page 117.  1829  April.

 

Monday 27.  At home, but still unwell.  Received Letter fro Mr. Wilkinson inclosing an Agreement to be signed by Mr. Lee, agent of Mr. [Moreton] for sale of the Land wanted at the Regulating Lock on our part of the Macclesfield Canal & with which he requested me to see Mr. Lee at the Red Bull on Friday next, &  complete the business with him.  Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson promising to meet Mr. Lee as requested.

 

Tuesday 28.  At home.  Still unwell.  Violent storm of Wind & Rain.  Received Note from the Mayor of Newcastle Sessions on Tuesday next.

 

Wednesday 29.  Mrs. [Batkin] of Burslem relative to obtaining her son a Discharge from the Army, when I advised her to request the Rev. Mr. Whieldon as [directions] Rector of Burslem to write to General Lord Hill & request his consideration of the Case.  Wrote to the Mayor of Newcastle promising to give my endeavours to attend the Sessions on Tuesday next.  Heavy snow.  Mr. Booth called with a Letter from Miss' Tomlinson & Notice to serve on Boughey  this morning, the latter of which I signed & also a Copy to be kept, & gave them to Mr. Booth.

 

Thursday 30.  Wrote to Miss' Tomlinson in reply to their Letter received by Mr. Booth.  Still unwell.  Mr. Booth of Tunstall to whom I sold the Cheese at the [unseemly] low price of 50 Gs. per Ton.  Wrote to Miss' Tomlinson on Bougheys business.

 

May.

 

Friday 1.  After breakfast went to the Red Bull, where I met Mr. Lee of Redbrook & Wm. [Faram] & proceeded from there to Hall Green, where we viewed the Land belonging to Rev. Mr. Moreton needed for the Canal & for the purchase of which 12 purchases I entered into an Agreement with Mr. Lee at the Rate of £120 per acre, & compensation at the Rate of £60 per Acre to be paid for the injury done to the other Land by the . . .being [canal] operation, & by which manner was water mentioned was inverted into a high Spout Bank.  On mentioning to him the manner of this he said Mr. Moreton had not dispensed of his necessity to Mr. Wilbraham.  He showed me a [Course] Memorandum on . . . paper signed by Mr. Wilbraham, & of which he supposed Mr. Moreton had signed another part, being an arrangement as to the right by cash [informality] of some small matter thereto an arrangement on the Agreement parts of the Common to be held by each, but who he said then comes not on the most important the Landowners or their Right of Commoner, nor would Mr. Wilbraham support on this for the Land on the behalf of Miss Dawson & Miss . . .& without Mr. Moreton's [joining].  Received Letter by the Post from Mr. Whieldon relative to Stoke Wharf.

 

Saturday 2.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of the Letter received from Mr. Whieldon.  Stamford dined, on his return from Stafford Sessions.

 

Page 118.  1829  May

 

Sunday 3.  At home.  Service.  Received Letter from Mr Scott informing me of the Sale of the 10 Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal Shares at 38. . .

 

Monday 4.  Wrote to Dr. Holland informing him of the Sale of the B & L Canal Shares & authorizing him to execute a Transfer on [occasioning] the difference £170.  Engaged looking over & arranging sundry Deeds & papers. Letter from Mr. Vaughan expressing his intention of being at Linley Wood this morning to talk over sundry matters, but as he did not come, I wrote to him by this Post desiring to see him any day except tomorrow or Thursday.  Engaged on Papers previous to going to Newcastle tomorrow.  Affidavit to be made on Bougheys business, received from Tomlinson etc. etc.

 

Tuesday 5.  Went to Newcastle where engaged the whole of the day attending the Sessions, when 5 Persons were tried & convicted and upon whom I passed sentence.  One of the Prisoners, Peter Robinson convicted of stealing some articles from a furnished House from which he lived, & taking things he had stolen &  pawned thereon.  Mr. F. Tomlinson & Mr. Booth met me when I made the necessary Affidavit on Boughey business.  Saw also Mr. Ward & who I fixed to meet at the Court at Stoke on Thursday in order that the Mortgage from Mr. Bent's Estate might be completed.  Dined with the Mayor etc. at the Castle Inn.  Returned home at night where Eliza informed me of the death of Mr. Crompton of . . .Ville which took place on Monday morning last.  Soldier with the 8 Regiment of . . .was one of the Persons who carried Bonaparte, to his General at St. Helena.  The Man had an excellent character from his Officer.  He at first pleaded guilty, & at the suggestion of the Court pleaded not guilty.  There being reason to believe that he had been [desirous] to commit the offence from necessity & that maintained & discharged to restore the property, he was sentenced to one weeks imprisonment.  Sent Message to Nantwich & to Sandbach with Letter to inform Bessy & Mr. James Skerratt that my Journey was postponed to Friday next.  Received Letter from Mr. Thomas Collison with intelligence of the death of Mrs. Simms.  Engaged on papers previous to attending Stoke Court tomorrow.

 

Thursday 7.  Mr. John Ward brought me a Note from his Father postponing the passing of Surrender of Stoney fields to the next Court Day on account of Dr. Thomas Bent not having yet signed the Letter of Attorney to surrender.  James Barker paying money on account of Rent.  Mrs. Boughey having called but who I declined seeing.  I sent Samuel Beardmore to enquire what they proposed to do, when he brought word that if I would give them something they would give up the possession.  After this I . . .met them seeing it might be . . .or make any bargain with them, I sent word that they must [leave] themselves entirely to me, as I could not make any promises.

 

Page 119.  1829  

 

Friday 8.  Samuel Beardmore having delivered to me a very coarse & insulting Message from Boughey.  I wrote a Letter to Mr. Tomlinson & which I sent by S. Beardmore desiring him to go into the proceeding for recovery of the possession of the House etc. in the speediest & most affective manner.  Afterwards went to Nantwich, intending to have left the Carriage with Mr. Walsh to be repaired, but he being gone to Chester I brought it back, appointing Mr. Walsh to come over to Linley Wood on Tuesday next.  Dined with Mr. Skerratt in Dysant Buildings, & returned in the evening.  Mr. Skerratt mentioned to me his probable Loss £4000 in the Salt Concern & gave me, for my perusal a fresh [Bill] which Mr. Edleston had proposed by his direction.  Fine warm day.  The first that could properly be called Spring, but cabbage still very young.

 

Saturday 9.  Mr. Booth called & informed me that the Proceeding against Boughey was regularly going on.  Engaged on Papers previous to seeing Mr. Vaughan who came in the afternoon & staid to dinner, & with whom arranged various Navigation business.  Engaged to meet Mr. Salt at Stone on Friday to examine & settle the Accounts.

 

Sunday 10.  Received Letter from John Trubshaw relative to Knypersley Reservoir, and on other business.  Service.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Monday 11.  Perused Draft of the Will of Mr. Skerratt which had been prepared by Mr. Edleston, & which Mr. S desired me to look over.  Mr. Barker of Birmingham called, & with whom engaged a considerable time on the Accounts relative to the apposition to the London & Birmingham Canal Bill & the appointment of the same between the several Companies, when I promised to lay the accounts before the first Meeting of the Select Committee, with the observations made by Mr. Barker thereon.  Wrote to Mr. Whieldon relative to Stoke Wharf, & consenting on the part of the Company to continue the present occupation to Michaelmas next, the coaching man approved by Mr. Vaughan.  Mr. Watson of Congleton relative to the possession of [Kingsley] House, when I stated to him how the business was situated.

 

Tuesday 12.  Wrote to Mr. Collison of Liverpool in reply to his Letter informing me of the death of Mrs. Simms on the 5 instant.  Mr. Walsh the Coach Maker at Nantwich came, & with whom examined thee Carriage & gave directions for the repairs.  Mr. Dawson called relative to Bougheys business, & with a Letter which I declined receiving, & saying that his behaviour had been such that I could have no further communication with him, & that the Law must take its course.  That I believe to

 

Page 120.  1829  May

 

the present application was a means to delay the proceedings.  Received from Wm. [Faram], Mr. Crossleys, Plan etc. relative to the building of the Regulating Lock on our part of the Macclesfield Canal.  Received also by the Post Letters from Sir George Chetwynd, & Mr. Vaughan.

 

Wednesday 13.  Selected & considered sundry Letters & papers preparatory to going to Stone on Friday next, & wrote & sent Letter to Mr. Wedgwood requesting him to meet me there.

 

Thursday 14.  Called at Lawton Hall to make enquiries after Mr. C. Lawton, but Mrs. L. being out, I only saw the Servant.  In my way there met Mr. Wickstead who was coming to L. Wood, & with whom I turned back, & afterwards went to L. Hall.  Engaged putting up papers etc.

 

Friday 15.  Went early to Stone.  On my way stopped at [Kinnersleys], & executed Letter of Attorney for Sale of £300 4  [Court]  Mr Thos. Salt met me, & with whom & Mr. Vaughan examined & observed the Treasurers Accounts & afterwards examined with Mr. V the Cash Book.  Mr. Wedgwood came about 2 o'clock, with whom engaged on Select Committee.  Sat from in the whole ½ past 10 to ½ past four.  Mr. V dined with me at the Crown & returned in the evening.  Found Letter from Mr. Littleton with enquiry as to the Goods upon the Canal, what he wanted to know with reference to Sir R. business intended Motion on the State of the Country.  His Letter also contained a strong expression of his opinion in favour of opposing the Trade more . . .to the East Indies and to China..  Letter from Dr. Holland informing me that he had executed a Transfer of the 10 Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal Shares to a Mr. Lloyd of Manchester a person of whose responsibility Mr. Scott the . . . had satisfied him, & that he had received the balance of £167.5s after taking out £2.15s Mr. Scott's Charges.

 

Saturday 16.  Wrote long Letter to Sir George Chetwynd.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan relative to the present state of the Trade upon the Canal, to enable me to reply to Mr. Littleton's Letter.  Engaged on various matters.  In the evening Mr. Pritchard relative to the Macclesfield Canal, & the postponement being made to the time limited of the Contract of certain parts of the work & of the particular expediency of which I requested to have a joint Report from himself & Wm. [Faram].

 

Sunday 17.  Turned 16 milking cows out below the . . .Service.  Unwell.

 

Monday 18.  At home.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with Statement if Tonnage to enable me to reply to Mr. Littletons Letter.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in answer.

 

Page 121.  1829  May

 

Monday 18.  Received also Letter from Mr. Wedgwood relative to Gile's Account & the settlement of which I desired Mr. Vaughan by my Letter to him to postpone till the Meeting of the Select Committee on the the 8 of June.

 

Tuesday 19.  Engaged on papers preparatory to writing to Mr. Littleton.  Received by Post further Letter from Mr. Vaughan.  Wrote to Mr. Littleton.  Received from Clough Hall a present of Cake, on the marriage of Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersley which took place at Astbury this morning.  Wrote to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach appointing to call upon him on Friday Morning next on the Perlington Affairs.

 

Wednesday 20.  Wm. [Faram] called & with whom engaged a considerable time & giving him instructions on various matters Mr. . . .Bridge Regulating Lock etc. companionably to the orders of the Select Committee.  Eliza sent a Note of congratulations to Clough Hall.  Mr. Skerratt & Bessy arrived from Nantwich & with whom engaged.

 

Thursday 21.  At home.  Engaged with Mr. Skerratt.  Looked over sundry Navigation Papers & made ready for next Meeting of the Select committee.

 

Friday 22.  After breakfast went to Sandbach.  Saw Mr. Skerratt on the Perlington Affairs, making arrangements relative to the payment of Canal Money in order to which it appeared to be necessary that his hope should take out Letters of Administration with the . . .[arranged] of the late Ralph Audley.  Mr. Skerratt also promised to see Mr. Low relative to the inclosure in Rode Heath, & accepting which I directed on a Case to be proposed of the opinion of  Counsel.  Called also upon Mr. . . . when he informed me that everything was now settled & that the application to Parliament would certainly be made in the next Session of Parliament & any [Title] be completed.  He said that this would have been done in the present Session, but that some very . . .difficulties had arisen & particularly with report to suffering the [Reservations] of the Staffordshire Estates.  Returned to dinner.

 

Saturday 23.  Turned the milking cows into the House Field.  Mr.Vaughan came & with whom engaged all morning considering various matters & on Minutes preparatory to the next Meeting of the Select Committee & Committee.

 

Sunday 24.  Service.  Stamford came to dinner.  In the evening a large Gang of Gypsies consisting of 6 Caravans passed going upwards , & who took upon themselves for the night near the entrance into the Grounds.

 

Page 122.  1829  May

 

 Monday 25.  At home.  Made a copy of my Will.  Engaged on sundry Papers.  Eliza, Mr. Skerratt & Bessy went to Rode House.  Called upon Mr. Johnson of the Hollins who said Mr. Shaws Colliery could not last long, what coal there was being full of . . .That if he had any coal, it must run into my Land & that a watch should be kept upon this.  Wm. [Brittain] .had told me the same thing a few days ago.  Got early Potatoes for the first time. Being ready this week later than last year.

 

Tuesday 26.  At home.  Wrote to Mr. Balgary of Derby on Harrisons business & again requesting his Account.

 

Wednesday 27.  At home.  Engaged with Mr. Skerratt etc.  In the evening took him & Bessy to look at Harecastle Tunnel.

 

Thursday 28.  Received Letter from Mr. Williamson relative to his Coals adjoining Harecastle old Tunnel requesting me to refer to the Acts of Parliament & preparing to call upon me tomorrow.  Mr. Wedgwood & Elizabeth came to dinner, & returned in the evening.

 

Friday 29.  Perused & considered the Clauses & Provisions on the several Acts of Parliament relative to the Coals in question preparatory to seeing Mr. Williamson.  Mr. Skerratt & Bessy left us about 11, the Carriage taking them home.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Lee of Red Brook, relative to the Inclosure on Rode Heath.  Last upon made by Mr. Perlington. & Mr. Wilbrahams Claim thereon.  Mr. Williamson came & with whom I conferred upon the subject of his Lands, which I promised to bring under the consideration of the Select committee at their next Meeting.  He said that he should be satisfied to become the future to my two . . .persons.

 

Saturday 30.  Called at Lawton Hall, & sat some time with Mr. Charles Lawton, who I found most recovered from his late accident.  Made further Minutes for the Meeting of Select Committee etc.

 

Sunday 31.  At home.  Service.

 

June

 

Monday 1.  At home.  Looked over & selected papers relative to Mr. Giles & the G.T.Company.

 

Tuesday 2.  Called at Betley Court, but they were from home & at the Hill.  Called at the Revd. Mr. [Lawtons] but he was from home, as also were Mr. Tollet & Mr. Armistead.  When I called at Betley Hall, Miss Stamford accompanied me to Betley & called at the Court at the Hall.  Wrote to Mr. Peake relative to the payment of the £3000 under E. Roscoes

 

Page 123.  1829  June

 

Settlement & informing him that it lay on . . .Lands ready to be first to the Trustees under the Settlement.

 

Wednesday 3.  Very unwell with a severe cold & violent Cough & confined to the House all day.  Looked over & selected for the next Meeting papers relating to James Potter etc.  At night Rain which had been long & much wanted.

 

Thursday 4.  Bad night & still very unwell.  Mr. Davenport came to see me.  Received Letter from Mr. Lee relative to the . . .on Rode Heath.  Looked over papers relating to James Potter etc. for Committee.

 

Friday 5.  Very unwell.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Lee.

 

Saturday 6.  Mr. Wm. [Faram] came, & with whom engaged considering the Plans & Estimates of the proposed regulating Lock at Hall Green & to which place I afterwards accompanied him, in order to view the place, & the work ever going on.  This evening I went through where they are now waiting yields on some of whom to equal at the Court, ascending to [Farams] calculation, to 4 Locks per day.

 

Sunday 7.  At home.  Service.  Stamford came to dinner.

 

Monday 8.  Set off early to Stone.  Called at Kinnersleys procured a Draft for £3000 which I committed to Mr. Peake in discharge of my Counsel to pay that sum contained on Eliza Roscoes Marriage Settlement.  Left the Letter with a Messenger to be put into the Post Office.  Engaged at Stone on the Committee all day.  Sir George Chetwynd prevented attending by indisposition.

 

Tuesday 9.  Engaged at Stone all day on General Assembly.  Little [discussions] of F.T. & his party.  Reference being made to the former proceedings, it was sarcastically said " that it would not do to look back or it would be better not to look back conveying in a pointed & offensive manner ,the idea that what had been heretofore done would not be a division."  He spoke also . . .was afterwards noticed to me of not being with other witnesses of the same paltry nature.  I did not think it worth while to notice the former expression more than necessary.  I was sorry to hear such expressions used as I was upon the Select Committee had uniformly acted to the best of their ability, & did not deserve these . . . of Insurrection or Remarks.  Mr. Tomlinson returned with me in the Carriage.  We talked over Bougheys business the last of possessions having been executed this day.  When at Stone received by Mr. Williamson from Mr. Ward relative to the Sale of Newcastle [Brewery]

 

Wednesday 10.  Fatigued and unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Mills of Grendon Hall with enquiry after Sir George Chetwynd, & to inform him of the next Meeting of the Select Committee.  Wrote also & sent Letter by a servant to Mr. Ward, with my assent to the draft of the Newcastle Brewery.

 

Page 124.  1829  June.

 

Thursday 11.  Revised & corrected for insertion in the Books the proceedings of the Committee and General Assembly, and sent the same by Post with a Letter to Mr. Vaughan.  Called at the White Lion, which I found in the possession of Watson, the same having been delivered to him under the wish of possession on Tuesday last.  Mr. Tomlinson called, & left the probate Copies of the Wills of Mrs. Bentlley & Miss Stamford & which I delivered to Miss Stamford.  He afterwards came to dinner, which I had suggested him to do when he called in the Morning.

 

Friday12.  At home.  Unwell.  Finding that several Hollies in Swallow Moor & [Stonecliff] Woods had been hacked & the Bark taken away.  Sent the capable Samuel Beardmore to make enquiry & I went afterwards examining sundry [Persons] but without being able to obtain sufficient Evidence.  Drew up & sent to the petition advertisement for desiring of the offenders, & offering 5 Gns. Reward.  Received from Mr. Lee further Letter relative to the trespass done to the [Row]. Mr. Breretons Land at . . .by the Savage of the Brereton Green Turnpike Road, suggesting me to make enquiry about it.

 

Saturday 13.Wrote to Mr. Williams of Sandbach Clerk to the Trustees of the Brereton Green Road in consequence of Mr. Lee's Letter.  Unwell & at home all day.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Peake acknowledging the Receipt of a [Bail] for £3000 under E. Roscoe's Marriage Settlement, & with observations as to the insistent of the Money.

 

Sunday 14.  Still unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Roscoe, & sent him a Copy of Mr. Peake's Letter.  Service.  Received by Post Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan.

 

Monday 15.  Wrote to Mr. Peake, also to Mr. Mr. Hollinshead of Leek informing him of Stamford to whom he had written a Letter being in Town.  Still unwell.  Light showers.

 

Tuesday 16.  Engaged on the Perlington Papers, & wrote to Mr. Blakelock of the [Temple] relative to the payment of the £120 due to the late Mrs. Simmons.  Still unwell.  Early this morning fine Rain.

 

Wednesday 17.  At home.  Unwell.  Mr. Davenport came in Painful discussion & consideration with Eliza relative to Stamford's strange proposition of purchasing the Situation of Counsel in the Palace Court, & to whom she afterwards wrote an excellent Letter expressing my entire disapprobation of the . . .but having him to not as he pleased.  Declined interfering solution to the execution of Miss Stamford's new Will, & which I expressed to her.  Mr. Booth came & with whom engaged relative to repairs of the White Lion House, & other matters.

 

Thursday 18.  Bad & restless night, & unwell.

 

Friday 19.  Engaged at Miss Stamford's particular Requests in her papers & affairs & drawing a codicil to her will which she was desirous to execute previous to setting off on her intended journey into Cornwall.

 

Page 125.  1829  June

 

Saturday 20.  At home, but still unwell.  Mr. Davenport came again.  In the evening Miss Stamford executed her will & codicil in the presence of Mr. Fairbanks, James Barker & Joseph Hudson, who she chose as witnesses thereon.

 

Sunday 21.  In the night fine & much wanted Rain.  Service.  In the evening heavy Showers.  "those who would [support] Religion from a holy life and make it to consist mainly in speculative opinions, or in outward solemnization of worship do greatly . . .Religion.  The design and way of power of Religion, is to make Men good and happy; the design of the Revelation of the Gospel is to destroy Supposition, and to restore the truth of Religion, by correcting Men's opinions and expressing their manners."    Clarke

 

Monday 22.  Wrote to Mr. Balgary of Derby again pressing for his Account in Harrisons business.  Received Letter from Mr. Skerratt on Mrs. Simms business & debt of £120 due from the Estate of the late Mary Perlington.

 

Tuesday 23.  At home.  Engaged closely on the Perlington Papers in consequence of the Letter received from Mr. Skerratt.  Wm. [Faram] with Letter from Mr. Crossley relative to the payment by the Macclesfield Canal Company for the regulating Lock at Hall Green & which matter waited for a Meeting of the M. C. Committee.

 

Wednesday 24.  At home.  Mrs. Wedgwood of Mare, Elizabeth & the two Miss [Allens] came to dinner.

 

Thursday 25.  The Party left after breakfast.  Engaged again on the Perlington papers previous to going to Sandbach tomorrow.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Bouvarie relative to the Huddersfield Shipping Company carrying Goods to Manchester from London.

 

Friday 26.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of the Letter received from Mr. Bouvarie.  Went to Sandbach to see Mr. Skerratt previously to writing to the Executor of Mrs. Simms & with whom again looked over the Account with . . .  Called also upon Mr. Williamson,who informed me that he had written to Miss [Brooks] & relative to Mr. . . .Land.  Mr. Williamson, showed me the Lawton Deeds executed by the Parties which the whole of [Parliament] having approved.  Returned to dinner.  Unwell.

 

Saturday 27.  Bad night.  Wrote to Mr. Lee of Redbrook, informing him of my having seen Mr. Williamson.  Engaged again on the Perlington Papers, & wrote Letter to Mr. Field, 11 [Throgmorton] Street,London one of the Lawton Mrs. Simms Executors.  Received by Post from Mr. Vaughan appointing to see me here on Monday morning next, & one from Wm. Bent appointing to dine here the same day.

 

Sunday 28.  Unwell.  Service.

 

Monday 29.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan postponing his coming to Linley Wood to Wednesday next.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Thos. Collison on the Perlington Affairs with copy of the one written to Mr. Field.  Wm. Bent came to dinner.

 

Tuesday 30.  Mr. Bent went early.  Mr. Pritchard called & with whom engaged

 

Page 126.  1829  June

 

Tuesday 30.  relative to Mr. Williamson's Coals necessary to be brought in Harecastle Tunnel, the Report upon which was depressed at his request for 10 days or [appropriate].  Engaged with Wm. [Faram], & Samuel Beardmore for making a watering place in Linley Meadows.

 

July

 

Wednesday 1.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with engaged the whole of the morning on Navigation business.  Stamford dined.  Rain all day.

 

Thursday 2.  At Stoke [Court] where surrender passed of Stoney fields House etc., for seeing the payment of £4900.  Saw Mr. Heathcote.  Mentioned to him the Turnpike Gate at the Hollins which knowledge that was very relevant & immediate.  Returned to dinner.  N.B. Mr. John Ward delivered to me the Deeds etc. relating to the Copyhold property, but there relating to the Freehold remained on Mr. Wards Lands to be completed, but to be held for me this part of the Security would be completed.

 

Friday 3.  Eliza & I called at Clough Hall & saw Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersley.  Found Mr. & Mrs. & Mr. Tomlinson there.  Received Letter from John Trubshaw appointing to come here tomorrow morning.

 

Saturday 4.  John Trubshaw came & with whom engaged considering Plans, Estimates etc. relative to Consall Forge business, preparatory to the same being laid before the Select Committee on Monday next.  Received by Post a most unsatisfactory Letter from Mr. Balgary of Derby.  Received also Letter from Mr. Lee of Redbrook relative to the Land taken for the Brereton Green Road & thanking me for the attention I had shown to this matter.

 

Sunday 5.  At home.  Service.

 

Monday 6.  Went early to Stone, where engaged all day on Meeting of the Select Committee.

 

Tuesday 7.  Returned from Stone.  Brought Sir George Chetwynd in the Carriage to Cobridge.  Arrived at home to dinner.  Mrs A. R. . .

 

Wednesday 8.  Wrote to Mr. Bouvarie.  Also to Mr. Copps] of Leamington relative to a dispute which he had had with Stamford respecting the admission of an under number of [Possessions] into one of his [loaders].  Looked over the Consall Forge papers preparatory to drawing a Case for Counsel.  Eliza & I called at Lawton Hall.  Saw Mrs. L. & Mr. C. Lawton being out.

 

Thursday 9.  Engaged again on Consall Forge Papers.  Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersley called.

 

Friday 10.  [Deferred] Drawing further Observations on Consall Forge Case previous to taking the Papers to Mr. Wilkinson.  Mrs. [Swinton] Holland, Mrs. [Lear] & Miss Eliza Holland came to dinner, & returned in the Evening.

 

Saturday 11.  Went to Newcastle with the Consall Forge papers & Plans which I delivered to Mr. Wilkinson along with my observations to assist them on preparing a Case for the opinion of Mr. Wilkinson.  Eliza & the two elder Roscoe Boys accompanied me to Newcastle.  Returned to dinner.

 

Page 126.  1829  July

 

Sunday 12.  At home.  Service.  Received Letter from Mr. Ward relative to Newcastle Brewery business & inclosing one from Wm. [Bane].  In the evening Miss Stamford & Eliza Roscoe arrived.

 

Monday13.  At home, unwell.  Considered Newcastle Brewery business etc. previous to replying to Mr. Ward's Letter.

 

Tuesday 14.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Ward, to accompany Wm. Bents Letter.  Received Letter by Post from Mr. [Bouvarie] relative to Huddersfield Shipping Company.  Stamford came to dinner, & returned in the Evening.

 

Wednesday 15.  Sent the Letter to Mr. Ward by Samuel Jones, & received one back inclosing the Stoney fields [advert] & Mr. Pearson's Rent.  Engaged on sundry matters.  Light Showers but the appearance of improvement in the weather.  Mr. Ward by his Letter in reply to mine made me an offer of the Stoney fields property at £5750.

 

Thursday 16.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Copied the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting for insertion in the Book.  Considered again the Consall Forge Case & made additional Observations.  Miss Sarah Wedgwood came to dinner.

 

Friday 17.  At home.  Rain almost the whole of the day.  Wm. Roscoe came to dinner.

 

Saturday 18.  Engaged on papers preparatory to setting off tomorrow Evening on Survey of the Southern end of the Canal.  Stamford called in the evening on his return from Stafford Sessions.

 

Sunday 19.  Service.  In the evening went to Stone on Survey of the Canal.

 

Monday20.  From Stone to Buxton.

 

Tuesday 21.  From Buxton to Shardlow & back.

 

Wednesday 22.  From Buxton home, where I arrived about 5 o'clock.  Mr. Roscoe had gone on Monday.

 

Thursday 23.  Began [monitoring].  Revised Minutes of proceedings of Select Committee on the Survey of the Canal.  Wrote to Mr. Woodcock of Coventry relative to the Shortening of the . . .Canal between Woodend Lock & . . .Wharf, & by which a saving in distance of 2 miles & [6/6] at . . .Received from Mr. Williams of Sandbach Mr. Telfords Report of the April . . .the improvement of the London & Liverpool Turnpike Road.

 

Friday 24.  Looked over the Oxford Canal Bill with a view to the proposed Trent & Mersey Canal consolidation Acts Bill.  Busy Morning, but stopped in the afternoon by a violent storm of Rain with Thunder & Lightening.

 

Saturday 25.  Stopped mowing on account of the uncertain state of the weather.  Stamford came to dinner, with whom I considered & conferred upon the proposed Trent & Mersey Consolidation Bill, & delivered to him a Copy of the Oxford Bill, which I had this morning perused & made observations upon.  Returned him also the . . .

 

Sunday 26.  Service.

 

Monday 27.  Wrote t Mr. Field.  Busy in the Hay.  Received Letter from the Mayor of Newcastle requesting my attendance at the Sessions tomorrow.  Received Summons to attend on the Grand Jury at Stafford Assizes on the 6th.

 

Page 128.  1829  July

 

Tuesday 28.  Went to Newcastle & attended the Sessions.  Sat in Court between 7 & 8 hours, there being some Cases, particularly one of Nuisance, which took up much time.  Dined afterwards with the Mayor etc. at the Roebuck.

 

Wednesday 29.  The weather changed in the night to Rain.  On my arrival at home last night found a satisfactory Letter from Mr. Woodcock relative to the proposed improvement of the Coventry Canal.

 

Thursday 30.  Revised, reconsidered & copied afresh the further Observations for Counsel relative to Consall Forge & Mills.  Still Rain.  Evening fine & promising a change of weather.  Saw Mr. Benjamin Eardley relative to the Colliery Water turned upon my Land, when I told him that if it continued I should bring [action], but would defer it some time to see if he could make alternative arrangements.

 

Friday 31.  Revised & Copied afresh Minutes of the Select Committee on their latest Survey.  Brought in the Hay.  Weather still very [casual].  Showers coming on in the afternoon.  Began mowing the Croft behind the Garden.

 

August

 

Saturday 1.  Perused & made Extracts from the probate Copy of the Will of the late Mrs. Simms, & afterwards wrote to Mr. Field & sent him therewith the Post  etc. as requested by Mr. Skerratt for Mail.  Very busy in the Hay.  Received Letter from Mr. [Beck]of Coventry relative to the improvement of the Coventry Canal between [Woodhead] Lock & Sheelhay] Wharf& wrote Letter to to him in reply.  Stamford dined, & with whom long conversation relative to the proposed Trent & Mersey Consolidation Acts Bill.

 

Sunday 2.  Fine day, but declined doing any thing in the Hay, it being Sunday.  Service.

 

Monday 3.  Weather again changed to Rain this morning.  Engaged on papers preparatory to going on further Survey of Canal tomorrow.

 

Tuesday 4.  Left Linley Wood at ½ past 5.  Called upon Sir George Chetwynd at the Roebuck Newcastle & took him in the Carriage to Etruria Wharf, from where we proceeded with Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. [Landon] & Mr. Vaughan along the Caldon & Lock Canals to Leek Wharf, & from thence to Rudyard Reservoir which we viewed & then separated on our return home being prevented going to [Froghall], Caldon Low & Consall by the great inclemency of the weather.  Mr. Wedgwood & I came together to Etruria, where he took his Gig, & I arrived at home to dinner about 6.

 

Wednesday 5.  Sent to William [Faram] & considered with him the proposed communication with the River Weaver previous to writing to Mr. Davenport & Mr. Egerton as requested to me by the Select Committee yesterday.  Being busy in the Hay & carried 25 Loads, a great & sudden change having taken place in the weather, today being remarkably fine.  Eliza Received by the Post a letter from Dr. Holland with intelligence of the death of their poor little

 

Page 129.  1829  August

 

Wednesday 5.  Girl Eleanor, who had been sometime ill & died rather suddenly on Monday morning last.

 

Thursday 6.  Wrote to Mr. Davenport & to Mr. Egerton.  Again very busy in the Hay.  Looked over & considered the Trent & Mersey, Oxford & other Canal Acts & making extracts & minutes preparatory to the intended Consolidation Acts Bill & to afresh drawing the same.

 

Friday 7.  Engaged again on Navigation papers.  So dense fog that nothing could be done in the Hay till Evening.

 

Saturday 8.  The weather having cleared up, busily engaged in the Hay, & finished the Harvest, which though terrible & uncertain yet we got through with very well, the Hay not being the . . .& got together dry & warm.  Wm. [Faram] brought note from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come to Linley Wood on Monday next.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Egerton agreeing that he should be happy to meet me at Capesthorne any day after the 18 that might said Mr. Davenport.  Late in the evening Mr. Johnson, Mr. T. Kinnersley & Mr. Philips came with Stamford from Stafford.  Mr. [Mahon] with whom the Party was formed, was prevented coming by business.

 

Sunday 9.  Eliza & the Gentlemen went to Talk Church.  In the evening Service as usual.  Dr. Northen dined.

 

Monday 10.  The Party left us after breakfast, the Carriage taking them to Stone.  Engaged all morning perusing & considering the Clauses in the Oxford Canal & various other Acts with a view to the intended Trent & Mersey Consolidation Bill & drawing the results of such Bills.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Vaughan who came to confer with me on various matters, & staid to dinner.  Mr. [Andrew] Booth & Mr. Daniel Burgess consulting me on the hill & affairs of the Joseph Burgess.

 

Tuesday 11.  Went to Newcastle Eliza accompanying me in the Carriage.  Called at Mr. L . . .to have conferred with him on the Stoney fields business but he was from home.  Eliza called upon Mrs. [Martin] & Mrs. Hyde.  Soon after my return Wm. [Farem] came with whom engaged a considerable time in consequence of a new Scheme, which he heard was agitation of 'sinking' the River Weaver & to communicate with the Wardle Canal.  Two Mr. Philips called late in the Evening with a Memorial in favour of Miss [Boothen] Mr. John Philips Father who lay at the point of death to the Distributions . . of Stamford at Newcastle & whom again . . .being signed by Mr. Kinnersley & others I signed as Recorder.

 

Wednesday 12. Closely engaged from ½ past 8 in the morning to 2 o'clock examining the various Acts of Parliament Meeting & arranging Clauses & having sundry . . .Clause requiring great care & attention.

 

Thursday 13.  Engaged again all morning on the above.  In the evening sent the Papers to J. S. C.  I have omitted a Call made at Trentham but Lord & Lady Stafford were in Shropshire.

 

 

 

 

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