Sunday evening 3 January 1875
Saturday 19 December Attended Parish Committee as to clearing off the debt
for building the organ chamber, and new bell amounting to £135 where £52 were
promised at the meeting, and a collection to be had tomorrow.
Monday 21 December Alice Spratt came for Christmas.
Wednesday 23 December Went skating to Allestree at 2pm but the ice was very
rough. The frost very severe with thick
fog.
24 December Terrible railway accident at Shipton. 34 killed.
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day, with deep snow and
very severe frost.
Saturday 26 December Holiday for offices and shops. Spent the morning painting and Mr Alexander
came to lunch, so I did not go out until 4pm for a short walk.
Sunday 27 December Walked to Kedleston Pond in the afternoon the ice
covered with snow.
Monday 28 December Heavy fall of snow last night. Business almost stopped.
Tuesday 29 December Choral Union performed the Messiah in the Drill
Hall. Annie Alice and I went. Soloists Mesdames Helena Walker, Whitaker,
Messieurs Sutcliff Brandon. Thermometer
registered 27 degrees of frost in some places tonight at 11pm.
Wednesday 30 December Thermometer outside the Dining room window registered
70 (sic) degrees of frost at 10am.
Dined at Mrs Browns.
Friday 1 January 1875 Dined at Dolmans.
His sisters staying there.
12 degrees of frost this
morning at 10am. At 2pm thermometer had
risen to 32 degrees, at 3pm snow began to fall and thermometer rising; at
10.30pm when we left Dolmans it had been raining some time. When we arrived at home we found two rooms
flooded, and I spent all night trying to clear the spouts.
Saturday 2 January At 3am I sent for James (our ‘man’) and we made all
clear by about 6am when I went to bed for a short time. I had to go out on the roof several times,
the gutters being full of snow and water, and rain pouring down all the time;
it was a frightful night’s work, especially for the first night of the new
year.
Spent the afternoon in
finishing up some paintings. I have now
finished up all I had on hand, except some little to the large garden picture,
and the three chickens with Ripley wood background. Last Sunday I sketched out an idea for a
picture of “Jacob’s Dream” but have done nothing further to it at present.
3 January This morning we went to Church and stayed
sacrament. We had a very good sermon on
Christ “our saviour” which I enjoyed very much, as well as the whole service.
Mr Abney much insisted on the
point that without a reformation proceeds from within, it is in vain to put
away any act of sin; he said it “may be done” adding the authority of our
saviour’s pointing to “whited sepulchres”, but I do not agree with him, going
further than he did, for I do not believe that it is possible for a man to peel
off his “peculiar” sin, unless the determination is from “within”, and the
power communicated. Of course a drunkard
may reform his outward action, not appearing in the streets, or even outwardly
drunk to his family, but he generally finds means for secret indulgence,
wherein no eye can see him, but the ‘All-seeing eye’, and by cunning
contrivance keep it hidden for a long time; but I am sure that unless the
‘change’ have come first and the reform be the result of it, the natural man
finding for some reason a necessity to veil his sin, will still love it, brood
over it, and where he can do so with secrecy, or impunity gratify it. At the same time I know those who are
‘changed’ may still sin at times in their old way, sometimes grievously, but
they will on reflection know it, regret it, repent and determine to put it away
by God’s help; and then each time the Spirit gains strength, and the love of
sin is drawn further away and is weakened gradually, until his time is
fulfilled, and his removal to ‘rest’ decreed.
During the last week the
house I had agreed to take on Duffield Road has been sold over my head and as I
could not hold it longer than from March to December next, I have given it
up. I trust we may shortly find a suitable
place.
After much spiritual strife
and prayer, I find my mind much strengthened in faith, for which I thank God;
our daily prayer for ‘daily bread’ has been daily met, provision being
constantly made, almost always from sources I have not looked to - truly
there is peace in believing. May
He in his merciful providence bless my labours during the coming year so that I
may be able within its compass to pay every man his due, and lay by something
for His service. May he give me wisdom
to guide my steps aright in the situation in which he has placed me, and send
me His Holy Spirit to keep my feet on the lines he has laid down for me
to travel.
During Xmas week the fatality
from accidents by rail and sea was truly frightful viz
Shipton
(W Oxford) Rail Killed 34 Wounded 36
Wigan “
” 1 “ 25
Colliery
at Bignal, Staffs “
20 “
-
The Cospatrick burned (ship)
“ 452 “ 3
507 64
The burning of the emigrant
ship was something to shudder at; being an emigrant ship a large number of whole
families went down together. Only 3
men survived - living in an open boat for several days on the dead bodies of
their companions.
January 9 Went to London for one night and returned 10
January. Wrote Father for 9th
to wish him many happy returns.
January 19 Sold my last three pigs for £12. I think on the whole my pig keeping has been
a financial failure but I have not yet made up the accounts. Will staying at Dolmans, had a walk round
Kedleston Park with him.
January 23 Finally agreed with Mr Cox to take Holton House, Full
Street, as from 25 March next he to clean paint and paper in the mean
time. T Wright came today until Monday.
January 24 Had cosy walk
with him and talked over old times at school.
February 1 Went to London (Monday at 12.35pm) to prepare for
trial self and Langham.
February 2 To see Blue Beard etc
February 6 After waiting
all the week case heard at 12.20 today (Saturday) and obtained a verdict.
Went to see Phelps Vegin Mrs John Wood and Miss Rose De Clerque in the
Merry Wives of Windsor - nothing particular the other nights.
Gave Norris and Co’s Chancery
Clerk an outing and dinner one night. To
see exhibition of ‘old masters’ at Burlington House - chiefly Gainsborough Sir
Joshua Reynolds.
To my mind the workmanship of
the present masters is far more pleasing, and much better than that of the
old. In drawing and composition I do not
think this holds so much as in execution, the latter being nearer to nature,
and to my thinking so much the better art.
‘Art’ is to hold the mirror up to nature.
February 21 (Sunday) caught bad cold last week - not out
today. Have been busy looking after the
men painting etc.
February 25 To London about the Wilkinson minerals chiefly, and
transferring agency from Dulor’s to Norris and Co, he having demanded terms to
which I cannot assent. Saw Mrs Ogle
about the fixtures before leaving.
February 27 Returned Home.
Nothing particular during my stay.
Went to see Sothern in ‘Home’.
Followed by “The Serious Family”.
Buxton as Aminadab Sleck.
March 4 Slept in Holton House first time.
March 9 Went to Alfreton and South Normanton with Kimpton
collecting evidence as to workings of the minerals.
March 10 To London to attend general meeting. Brackenburys at the Inns of Court and
Thornton of Nottingham there with them.
Dined with them and went to Blue Beard afterwards. He was there to interview enquirers as to a
partnership, he having at last made up his mind to take a partner. He has been ill some weeks from gout chiefly
and looks very much shaken.
March 12 Dined with them again and went to “Society”
afterwards.
March 13 Returned home.
Travelled to Trent with Thornton.
Went with Lizzie to see Linnel’s pictures.
March 22 Mr W.T. Cox our new landlord called to look over the
house.
March 24 Settled with Ault and Spreckly for sale account
realised £23 4s.
March 25 Fetched last things from the Elms.
March 26 Good Friday Attended St Alkmunds in the
morning. Mr Abney preached a magnificent
sermon upon the crucifixion. In the
evening to St Michaels. Gossy Parker
preached (the first time I have heard him, and I believe the second time he has
preached) a very good sensible sermon - and afterwards Mr Ellison held what he
called a meditation on the seven speeches of the Saviour whilst upon the cross,
and very much indeed I enjoyed the service; he is so ‘thorough’.
Yesterday I was busy at the
office in the morning, and painted in the afternoon, the first I have done for
three weeks; commencing a copy of my dead thrush for Alice Spratt. I also painted a small copy of my little
mouse picture for Lottie (Dolman) and gave it to her.
Walked to the station in the
afternoon with Annie.
(Sunday evening 28 March )
This morning went to St
Alkmund’s and stayed sacrament. Mr Abney
preached on the evidences of the resurrection, a very good sermon. I enjoyed the service very much. We have not been out tonight. Annie weaned Baby yesterday and is not
very well, and I have a headache,
We are quite settled here now
(Holton House) and like it immensely; it is very healthy; all the family seem
better since the removal, and it suits me for work admirably.
We also take a walk out every
day which we did not do before, being satisfied with coming into the town to
shop and business etc.
Richard Oliver left last
Saturday and I have got another small boy in his place.
Thursday 15 April 1875
On Tuesday last (13th)
went to the last concert of the choral union season. Miss H D’Alton, Miss Pynitz (soprano), Mr
Cummings (tenor), Mr Pope (Bass) - a very nice concert and we enjoyed it very
much. The pieces performed were Eugede
and Stabat Mater. We dined with the
Dolmans first and all went together.
March 29 Easter Monday got up at 6.35 and painted a picture
for Alice Spratt from my sketch of a dead thrush and nest. Went for a walk in the afternoon.
March 31 Went to RH Cox’s sale, bought a few articles.
April 4 Berresford presented with testimonial and left this
week.
April 7 Went over Infirmary as House Visitor with Mr
Cooling. Nearly all the women’s beds
were empty!
Elected member of St
Alkmund’s Church Committee; was member last year as churchwarden.
April 9 Bernard very poorly.
April 10 Annie’s birthday.
Gave her soup ladle and pickle fork - plated silver.
Without a cook since Eliza
left on 2nd inst after scarlatina.
April 15 Very busy at office lately.
Sunday 9 May 1875
17 April Saturday Lottie Annie and I went for a walk to
Chaddesden. Made a sketch of a cow on
Morley’s farm, in oils, and a pencil sketch of his house etc.
21 April Examined St Alkmunds Church Warden’s accounts with
Copestake; a deficiency of £26 on the year - wrote apology to Mr Abney for not
being able to attend parish meeting to pass the accounts tomorrow.
Wilkinson minerals sold at
Nottingham.
22 April To London with Annie.
Went to see Blue Beard (3rd time for me).
23 April At Business, trying carpets, clothes etc. Went to Suffolk Street Gallery, the Paleotechnic
gallery and to Opera at night. Heard Fra
Diavolo, Mademoiselle Imeroschi and Schalehi; Naudin tenor. Took Annie to Gally’s for coffee 6.30pm, her
first visit.
April 24 To Institute of Water colour painters after business
and home at night.
April 27 Annie and I walked by the River to Spondon and back by
the road; made a small water colour drawing of sunset.
27 June 1875
May 5 Having to go to Matlock Manor Court on business took
Annie and Ernest with me. We missed the
through train and went by the north train to Ambergate whence drove. We enjoyed the drive and the day very
much. Had a row on the River, went up
High Tor etc etc.
May 10 To London on business. Made 3 visits in the early morning to the Academy. Went to see ‘Our Boys’ and was much amused.
May 12 Went to see Salvini in The Gladiator and was
delighted with him.
May 13 Returned home
May 20 Brackenbury died. I was at Spondon on business and at 4pm
received a telegram that he was very bad, and at 4.30pm another saying he was
dead.
May 22 To Lincolnshire stayed with Lizzie and made
arrangements for the funeral.
May 23 Dined with John Higgins.
May 24 Brackenbury’s funeral, a large number attended; he
was buried in his mother’s vault at Rigsby.
May 25 Returned to Derby, after attending the office at
Alford during the market. Charles Allen
came down, and we found the estate insolvent.
May God protect the widow and children!
May 29 To Alford and Annie with me to arrange about winding
up the estate and stayed at Father’s. To
Soulby’s to supper.
May 31 Drove to Rigsby with Annie and Charles Allen for a
short time, and in the evening drove them and Mother through Well dale.
June 1 Returned by 4pm train.
June 4 Sale of old Mr Peach’s property.
June 5 Annie Ernest Bernard and I went to Rigsby till
Tuesday.
June 7 To Alford arranging for sale of land etc
June 8 ditto and returned home by the 6pm train. They sent me round by Peterborough, there
being no train from Boston to Grantham after 6.
Managed to catch the 11.35pm at Nottingham and arrived at home at 1am.
June 12 Took Maria and Baby to Rigsby Annie having determined
to stay and give the children an outing now.
I went to Horncastle.
June 15 Sale of stock at Brackenbury’s; the pair of ponies
carriage and harness complete made £57.
Tibby £25. Returned by 4pm train.
June 16 Medical Association dinner at Derby. Dolman
President. Went with W.N. Mason by
invitation of President. Good dinner and
enjoyed it very much. Mr Simpson of
Lincoln, Broadbent of Durham and W.N. Mason stayed with me all night.
June 18 Offered Morley’s farm. Bid £2550.
W.N.Mason and I dined at
Dolman’s and went to Nottingham by 10pm train.
June 19 Up at 5.15am and by first train to Alford.
Brackenbury furniture
sale. Spent a few hours (until 2pm) at
the sale, bought a few articles. A very
good sale. Drove at 4pm with Will Mason
to Chapel, and home to supper.
21 June To Alford preparing for land sale tomorrow.
22 June Sale of House, Land etc. J.C. Johnson bought House for his Aunt;
Walker Mainy the offices. J Higgins one
close of land. Sold all lots. - a very
good sale.
Polly and Edward to tea and
evening.
23 June Took a holiday.
All day at Rigsby. Henry Brown
and Fanny came in the evening.
24 June Returned home with all the children a long day but
they enjoyed the travelling. The outing
has done them all good.
26 June Went with Lottie Dolman Lottie Mason of Louth and
Annie by 8.30am train to Ashbourne and Dovedale. Weather fine.
Spent a very pleasant day.
Climbed Thorpe Cloud; the view was splendid. Lunched at the Peveril.
27 June To St Alkmund’s Church twice but have not been for 5
weeks. Mr Abney has returned. I enjoyed the services very much.
Friday 6 August 1875 Castleton
Annie and I arrived here at
7.15pm having driven from Chapel en le Frith.
It is now 9.45pm and we have just settled after a climb to the castle
and a short run up Cave Dale in the grey light of a cloudy sunset. The Dale was very silent and ‘awsome’.
1 July Rev Alexander lunched with us. Purchased several marble vases imported from
Italy.
3 July Went to circus, very poor.
6 July Took Annie and the Boys for a drive in the evening.
10 July Went to Infirmary to attend quarterly meeting but was
10 minutes late and the meeting was over, almost the smallest on record.
13 July Attended meeting at Leech’s office as are sending a
deputation to greet Mr Justice Field, on his first visit since his promotion
when the proposal was carried. Present:
Leech, W.J. Shaw, Whiston, Borough (a dissentient) Taylor, Barber, self, Moody
and Briggs.
Annie and I went to church at
night when Lindley announced as ? St
Warburgh’s.
14 July Went with deputation to Justice Field. He was very pleased.
Went to London. Met Thornton
there.
16 July Attended meeting of the Incorporated law Society,
Chancery Lane from 2 to 5.30pm.
Council’s report passed. A Row about the club came to nothing.
17 July Returned home.
Went last night to see Nicholas Nickolby (sic) at the Lyceum.
21 July Had a long talk with old Jos. Morley formerly of
Mugginton; he told a story of the Election when Judge Tyndall came to Derby at
the same time to hold the assizes. Two
celebrities of the opposite sides having quarrelled, adjourned to the yard of
the County Hotel to fight it out, Morley being the backer of one and a friend
of his of the other. After a few rounds,
when Morley’s man was getting the best of it, old Judge Tyndal threw up the
window of his lodgings, which looked into the yard and began to threaten to
have them all locked up for making a breach of the peace in his presence. Some of them ran away but Morley’s man took
off his hat and making his bow asked his Lordship to “allow him to have another
round, which he thought would settle it.”?!!
24 July Annie and I went by the afternoon train to Monsal
dale. I made a sketch and we started to
walk to Bakewell, where we arrived just in time to see the train, which was the
last for that night, puffing out of the station. As the telegraph office was closed we could
not send any message home and were ‘lost’ for the night. The Rutland Arms was full, so we had to put
up with a bed at the Castle Inn, near the Bridge. It is prettily situated and they made us very
comfortable.
25 July Telegraphed first thing (Sunday morning) and went by
the first train arriving at home at 11.30am!!
31 July Went to Alford by first train. Staid with Soulbys. Arranged with John Higgins to take Joe for 12
months. Had a long consultation with Lizzie
as to the future and arranged to make enquiries as to setting up a lodging
house in London.
2 August Returned home by first train.
6 August Came to Castleton. See first entry of date.
Saturday 7 August 1875
Went before breakfast to the
entrance to Peak Cave.
After breakfast to Cave Dale
to sketch Peveril Castle, but just after I commenced it began to rain, with
thunder etc, and I had to leave off. I
made a small sketch of rocks, with Annie in the foreground and we ran back to
the Hotel in a deluge of rain.
Mam Tor has been hidden all
day with clouds and the rain has never ceased.
It is now 4.30pm. This is worse
than N Wales.
Sunday 22 August 1875
Sunday 8 August Not very well and very tired and did not get up in
time for early morning church 10.30am so had a long walk. Went first up Cave Dale nearly to the top
then went up the Hill to the left as far as the old lead mine, where we got
some pansies and other flowers of which I afterwards made a water colour
sketch. We then returned into the
valley, and crossing it climbed to the top of the Hill which the Castle Hill joins,
and walked to the end overlooking the castle.
We then turned back along the Hill top and went as far as the top of the
Hill looking down into the Winnatts. It
is a very fine point, I suppose about 300ft deep. We scrambled down a slope (very steep) into
the valley and returned to Castleton by the road to lunch. Attended the afternoon service at 3pm dined
at five and had a short walk in the evening along the road to Tor Cliffe.
Monday 9 August Very rainy again.
Drew outline of picture of the castle from Cave Dale in the morning, and
finished up painting of Annie. Also
painted flowers. Had two short walks.
Tuesday 10 August Better weather went for a walk and then to Cave Dale
to paint the castle picture but just after I commenced a Thunder Storm came
over and we had to run for it. Painted a
little more in the house.
In the afternoon went down
the Peak caverns saw the skeleton of the Boat in which the Queen when Princess
crossed over the small stream (locally called the Styx). It is a magnificent cavern, but does not
equal in variety, I think, Pool’s Hole at Buxton. On emerging into daylight, the peculiar
formation of the Roof of the outer cavern struck me so forcibly and the light
thrown into the depths of it (it is 185ft from front to back) were so beautiful
I formed at once a design to paint it, looking outwards.
Wednesday 11 August Annie was very poorly today, the water not agreeing
with her and after finishing my flower sketch and attending her until she began
to improve I went to the cavern and made my sketch. It took about two hours. We also had a short walk together.
Thursday 12 August An improvement at last in the weather. Went to Slack’s to see some turning Blue John
done and about 1pm Spencer’s trip people came from Derby. After lunch I went to make a sketch in water
colour of the Winnats and after having been there about 1 ½ hours it came most
fearful threatenings of a storm and we had to run for it. We arrived at the Hotel about 5pm just in
time, and then the storm broke. The
lightening was not so vivid as I anticipated, but was very near indeed the
storm passed overhead, but it seemed to strike instantly into the hill
tops. The reverberations of the Thunder
were however very fine. The Derby people
had just started when it broke, and must have caught it smartly.
Friday 13 August Painted castle picture in morning. To Winnats after lunch and were caught by a
tremendous rain, and got wet through.
Saturday 14 August Spent all the morning in the Winnats painting. All the afternoon in Cave Dale painting up
the castle sketch. In the evening went
up Mam Tor for the first time and walked along the ridge to Tor Cliff and the
foot of Rose Hill. Nearly lost our way
coming down at 9pm in the dusk, an angry bull having turned us from the proper
path. His roar of defiance coming up the
steep hillside was very fine; I suppose he mistook our joint figure (walking
one before the other) for another animal.
I watched him looking for his enemy through a glass and went round
thinking discretion the better part of valour.
Sunday 15 August 75 went to Church in the morning, a very nice service
and sermon. Went in afternoon to Edale
round by Hope and home over the mountain; altogether a good ten mile walk. Annie was nearly overdone once but after a drink
of warm milk finished in good style. Not
out after. The scenery in Edale is very
fine better I think than Hope Dale, the sides of the Hills are so much steeper
and there is more water.
Monday 16 August Wrote letters rather tired out. Painted dead kingfisher from one lent me by
Slack. Had short stroll in the evening.
Tuesday 17 August Finished sketch of Tor Cliff in the morning “under
the thunder cloud”. Then went down the
Speedwell mine. It is a very wonderful
work. In the afternoon hired a pony and
trap and drove round Mam Tor into Edale, a tremendous pull and descent. It rises about 800 feet. Drove up Edale until we could see Kinder
Scout the highest point in Derbyshire, and probably in England it is 2180 feet
above sea level, and Malvern Hills are only 1440. Skiddaw is next. When we had gone about a mile homewards it
began to rain very fast and continued until we arrived at the Inn.
Wednesday 18 August Left Castleton at 2pm to drive to Miller’s Dale
Station and so return home. Packing up
etc in the morning. Annie not very
well. The drive is very fine. Tideswell Church is very pretty; we looked
over it. Home at 9pm and found all
right.
Joe Brackenbury came to live with us.
Saturday 21 August Drove Annie, Alice, Joe and Ernest and Bernard to
Weston Cliff to spend the day and enjoyed it very much. Made a pretty and effective sketch. Bernard slipped partly into the River and got
a good wetting and frightening.
Tring died on the 8th
inst.
Wednesday 22 September 1875
30 August Attended a sale at Wirksworth in the afternoon. In the morning Mr Ault (the auctioneer) Joe
and I drove to Brassington and Longcliffe to view the Quarry which was for
sale, and as it was a very fine day we enjoyed it very much. The views from the hills are very fine. The sale was advertized for 4pm and after
waiting until 8pm we got two parties into the sale room! Neither of whom were
buyers, and so we got no bid!
31 August To Lincs ready for shooting on the 1st. Stayed at Soulby’s.
1 September Shooting at Bilsby.
Father and self. Bag 23 Birds, 1
rabbitt own gun 15 birds one rabbitt.
2 September Father and self to Aby, Bag 15 Birds 2 hares. Own gun 12 birds 2 hares.
3 September Rainy morning.
Made sketch of Soulby’s horse Crocus; and Polly on her mare ‘Tots’. In afternoon Father and I went over Bilsby
and shot 2 birds and one rabbitt. Own
gun 1 bird 1 rabbitt.
4 September (Saturday) Father and self to Bersby and Aby. Bag 13 birds 1 hare 1 wood pigeon. Own gun 9 birds 1 hare 1 wood pigeon.
5 September Sunday To Alford Church in the morning. Annie and I walked round Tothby in the
evening.
6 September Father WN Mason and self to Woodthorpe Aby and
Bersby. Bag 12 birds 5 hares 1
rabbitt. My gun 7 birds 2 hares 1
rabbitt. Father 2 birds 2 hares. WNM 3 birds
7 September Returned to Derby by first train. Will Mason came afterwards to dinner.
8 September Agricultural show.
All dined at Dolman’s, and after dinner adjourned to the top of our
house to view the fireworks on the recreation ground. They were very pleasing.
9 September By 12 train with W N M to Wirksworth and walked to
Via Gellia Toll Gate, then to Cromford and on to Matlock. Enjoyed it very much. Weather fine.
10 September W N M left.
11 September Went with Joe to Woodward’s of Frusley Shooting on
Colonel Buxton’s preserves.
Four guns C Woodward; W Rose;
Jus Rose and self. Bag 12 birds 8 hares
2 woodpigeons 6 rabbits. Own gun 5 birds
2 hares 2 wood pigeons 4 rabbits.
18 September Self and Joe to Luton Wood after to Allcocks. Found 1 rabbitt only, which I did not get.
20 September Alice Spratt left.
21 September Went for a short time to the races. Better than usual.
Sunday evening 8pm 14 November 1875
Thursday 23 September Edward Soulby and Polly came to stay they arrived at
6pm.
September 24 Drove them round Kedleston Park. Weather unfortunately rainy.
September 26 Took them to St Alkmund’s in the morning and St
Andrews in the evening. Mr Scott
preached.
September 27 They left.
September 29 Settled sale of Shakespeare, the last property left
in Derby belonging to the Gamble’s property.
October 9 Shooting at Dale Abbey, but it began to rain so hard
at 12.30pm that I had to leave off. Ault
went with me.
October 12 To Liverpool my first visit. Incorporated Law Society’s annual
meeting. Arrived at North Western Hotel
about 6pm. Went to Alexandra Theatre;
piece Sardanapalus.
October 13 Went down to St George’s pier at 7.30am weather very
foggy.
Walked around town with
Wilkin and Hick of Wakefield till meeting at 11am. In afternoon went with them to Birkenhead and
over Messrs Lairds works. Brought away
some specimens of ‘punching’ shavings etc.
Dinner in the evening by the Liverpool Insurance Society at St George’s
Hall Concert Room.
October 14 Solicitors Benevolent Association meeting at 10am
Attended. Law ditto at 11am. Dinner by Mayor at night, and soirer (sic)
at St George’s Hall.
October 15 Excursion Day.
The Docks Committee gave us the use of their tug, and a large party
availed themselves of it, including several ladies..
We first went down the river
past New Brighton, and met the Achilles coming back from practice. Then returned to the Canada Dock where we
went on “The City of Berlin” belonging to the Inman’s. A splendid vessel which had first made a
journey from New York in 7 days and a few hours, the quickest on record. Our lunch was waiting in the saloon and Mr
Herbert Inman presided.
She can accommodate 1500
passengers. We were next to go on another
similar vessel belonging to Mr McIver, but had not time, and it was a lunch (no
2) was waiting for us there.
We went instead to Birkenhead
where the Liverpool Society had prepared a lunch (no 3) and of this we availed
ourselves. After lunch we went over the
Achilles which had returned to anchor, Commander ---- himself acting as guide.
Spent the evening with
Stanton of Newcastle and one or two others.
I made the acquaintance this
year of Rose of London Mellor of Rochdale Stanton of Newcastle Veley (Chairman
of Benevolent association), Ryder of Leeds
October 16 Returned by early train.
October 18 Went to Nottingham by 8pm train en route for
Lincolnshire.
October 19 To Alford to stay at Soulby’s. Weather very rainy and did not go out.
October 20 Shooting (Father and I only) at Hornby and Burby
Woods, rain came on so heavily at 12 that we had to leave off and go home.
October 21 A fine day and had some open shooting but did not do
very well.
October 22 Returned by the first train, Lizzie accompanying
me. The heavy rains had caused the
highest floods on the Trent that have been recorded for several years., and the
water in the Midland station at Nottingham was nearly 3 feet deep. We watched some of the trains come in and a
very curious sight it was. One train had
stopped some distance outside the station and the water put out the engine
fires so it was obliged to stop there several hours. The Great Northern station was not flooded,
but the line at Ratcliffe was and they had to send our train round by their
new line at Colwick (Line to Derby in progress). As I had a sale of Horsley property at night
I was obliged to post forward and we arrived at home about 3pm. Sold the Horsley houses for £323, I have only
the Tannery left now.
November 3 Baby (Rosa) one year old. She won 1/- for me from Mrs Dolman, who had
bet she would not walk before she was 1 year old, but she has done - several
times, 4 or 5 steps at once.
November 9 To Choral
Union first concert of the season, 12th Mass and The Hymn of
Praise. A very good performance.
John Turner nominated Mayor.
Major Cox died last month.
November 14 After very heavy rain yesterday the river has been
very high again, and the meadows toward Spondon are all under water. The whole valley is like a sea.
Last Sunday I got great
comfort from the services, and hope to ‘progress’ once more. On Tuesday morning attended Early Sacrament.
Went with the Governors of
the Infirmary and Town Council to St Alkmund’s church last Thursday the Annual
Meeting. £196 subscribed.
Attended Mayor’s dinner. J
Turner new Mayor.
Old Mr John Laurent of Sably
died last week.
9 December 1875 Thursday
Have been ill at home since
Tuesday afternoon with Rheumatism etc.
20 November Went out
sketching the floods on the Derwent with Joe.
27 November Went to hear Dr Leo Ross’ readings enjoyed it very
much.
2 December Painted picture of the Winnats for sale not finished.
7 December Had a beautiful basket of game from Father. Brace cock pheasants 1 bird 1 woodcock 2
golden plover couple mallards 1 hare.
9 December Horsley settled poke of four houses and paid off £300
of Bank Loan!