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George Burnett's Diary 1862 1863
The Diary of George Burnett 1862 - 1863 | Index to George Burnett's Diary
Background
The diary was kindly donated to Blackburn Library in 2009 by Dr.Elspeth Pope when she visited Britain. Elspeth was a granddaughter of George Burnett; she was born in Canada and went to live and work in America. Elspeth was well known in her own right within the library world in America, and, as the founder of 'Hypatia in the Woods', which is linked to the Hypatia Trust in Cornwall England. The Hypatia Trust is a women's retreat and resource centre, which promotes the achievements of women. In donating the diary, Elspeth said “she hoped that sometime in the future someone will read about George Burnett and daily life in Blackburn in 1862".
In 2017, June Riding, a Blackburn resident and library volunteer, transcribed George's diary and, since then, additional work has been undertaken by Kath Sutton in order to examine the context of the diary content in relation to Blackburn. Further work will be undertaken in 2018 to index the diary's content, ensuring that it is easily accessible to anyone worldwide who wishes to read about Blackburn's history or gain an insight into its residents during this period.
Introduction
The diary is a primary source and provides a snapshot of everyday life in Blackburn at a significant time in its history i.e. the period of the Cotton Famine. It allows us, through George, to better understand what was happening in the town and the tragic impact that the American Civil War had on Lancashire towns and the difficult times and destitution faced by many in Blackburn. George was not a cotton worker, but a draper by trade and the diary illustrates that not only cotton workers and those directly in cotton manufacturing were adversely affected, but many other people in the town such as local trades' people like George Burnett, as money was so scarce that a significant number of people had to rely on financial relief and charity.
It is highly probable that George wrote further diaries but this is so far the only part to come to light and gives a precious insight into the life and times of George, his family, friends and the people of Blackburn at a time of great challenge and also dreadful distress and poverty.
The Burnett Family
A search of subscription sites Ancestry and Find My Past shows that many records spell the family name as Burnet, but that some and particularly later records spell it as Burnett. The family originate from Scotland and the Burnet (t) name is commonly found in Scotland.
George's father was Edward Burnett and his mother Janet Burnett nee Rae. George's father and grandfather (Robert) were farmers and came from the Dumfries and Galloway area. His father was born at Lady Wells Farm Middlebie, Dumfriesshire, as were all his father's siblings. Around 1820, the family moved to Johnstone Bank Farm in the small village of Ecclefechan near Hoddam in Dumfriesshire and this is where George and all his siblings were born. Ecclefechan is famed for its local tart and a brand of whiskey named after the village. The famous poet, author and historian Thomas Carlyle was born and is buried in the village; it is higly likely that George's father would have known Thomas. Sometime between 1851 and 1857, George moved to Blackburn in Lancashire and his parents and a number of other family members also moved to Blackburn and the Lancashire area around the same time. Two of George's brothers emigrated, one to Australia and the other to Texas in the United States of America.
George married Jane Waring on 12th March 1857 in Chorley, Lancashire and records show they had 13 children, most of whom survived infancy and 3 of whom were born in Blackburn. George lived at 24, Henry Street, Blackburn and, in or around, 1864 he moved to Chorley and then around 1873/4 he moved to Wigan. He died in Wigan on 14th February 1908 aged 72. His wife survived him and died in 1922 in Wigan. Two of his sons emigrated to New Zealand.
The 1841 census shows that George was an agricultural labourer at the age of 16, working in the village of his birth. The 1861 census records show that he was a draper in Blackburn, employing 2 men and, ten years later, in the 1871 census, he was again listed as a draper in Chorley. In 1881, George was also listed as a draper but now he was now living in Wigan. He was listed as a draper and clothier living in Wigan in the 1891 census records, and finally, the 1901 census lists George as a travelling draper employing his son and an apprentice.
As part of George's job he had to travel around the local area, not just around Blackburn but also to other places, including the Chorley and Wigan areas, and this is reflected in the diary. It helps to paint a picture of how hard life was for people during the Cotton Famine of 1861-1865 and, through George's eyes, we can see how this affected daily lives, not just of cotton workers, but also, of those in other trades, such as George's, as money was very scarce and many people struggled to make a living. Many people, not just cotton workers, ended up dependent on relief as the distress amongst the population was so great. The diary shows the clear impact of the American Civil War in relation to the Cotton Famine and enables us to see how the people of Blackburn managed to live and survive through this period.
Blackburn – a brief summary of life in the town during the time of the diary.
The local newspaper, "The Blackburn Standard" is a valuable source of data for the life and times of Blackburn during this period. Reports and articles clearly show there was major poverty and distress amongst its citizens as well as across Lancashire, as its main employment was linked to the cotton trade. The American Civil War was responsible for a blockade of American ports which starved towns such as Blackburn of its source of cotton. The early July 1862 the newspaper reported that in one recent five month period that cotton receipts had been reduced from 4,946,622 bales to 30,396 bales. This meant that some mills had had to close completely and others were operating on reduced hours. In Darwen, a third of looms had stopped completely. It reported in the second half of 1862 that in the Blackburn area 16,405 were unemployed and 10,655 were on short time work out of a population of 63,000. A few months later the "Standard" reported that 32,810 operatives were wholly dependent on relief and 11,232 were on the verge of pauperism in the Blackburn area. Due to the scarcity of money many other workers started to become affected e.g. local shopkeepers such as bakers and shoemakers, as there was little disposable income and many people had sold not just all their furniture, but clothes and all other possessions to try and survive. Many other trades' people and their families were also starting to be dependent upon relief.
Every effort was being made by the local Board of Guardians, the Relief Committee and local churches to help people and regionally, and nationally, efforts were made to raise subscriptions to help the destitute in Lancashire. The paper also reported that money had been sent from India, Australia and America as well as large fundraising by the landed gentry, mill owners etc. across the country. Queen Victoria was reported to have contributed to the funds. Rents and rates for the impoverished were reduced and then stopped to help their relief in some local areas and clothes, coal, soup kitchens as well as food were provided. Some areas of the country e.g. Yorkshire (for the woollen industry) and even Australia and America offered alternative employment to try and aid relief. It is said that around 4,000 workers and their families moved away from Blackburn during this period. The Cotton Famine was a national priority and the focus of many across the country, not just those directly affected by it. This can be seen in the reports in the local paper.
On December 3rd 1862 it was reported that the Blackburn Union had the largest amount of destitution to bear in the region and that the Blackburn Board of Guardians, churches and overseers of the poor were very well organised in providing relief, which may well have helped keep the threat of riots down. On January 7th 1863 they established a new poor rate of 1s and 6d in the pound in Blackburn and Darwen. It had previously been 1s. Local churches started educational classes and sewing classes and operatives were paid to attend in order to find them positive occupation in the midst of misery. These classes were held in local mills and churches. On January 14th 1863 a health report was published for Lancashire that stated that whilst very few people were dying of starvation, many had scurvy, lung disease was prevalent and typhus fever, measles and scarlatina were spreading across the region. It stated that generally many people showed a loss of strength, colour and flesh and they looked wan and haggard. The diet of people on poor relief was mainly that of bread, vegetables and potatoes with very little milk and little or no meat. Conditions got so bad that some rioting did take place periodically across the region. In November 1862 trouble broke out in Blackburn along Preston New Road and around the Town Hall, King Street and Montague Street, where windows were smashed and buildings damaged.
The main focus was on the North West and the Cotton Famine in Lancashire and the destitution it was causing. Many people were therefore focussed on trying to provide aid in whatever way they could. Generally speaking though, whilst the difficulties caused by the Civil War were indeed harsh, Britain remained supportive of President Lincoln and his battle to abolish slavery.
Life however did go on and the following newsworthy events were reported across the country in local papers; The Prince of Wales (future King Edward V11) married Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Queen Victoria's second daughter, Princess Alice, married Prince Ludwig of Hesse. London's first underground line (The Metropolitan) was opened. The Football Association was founded as was Nottingham County Football Club (the oldest association football team) and Yorkshire Cricket Club was founded. David Lloyd George, a future prime minister was born, as was Henry Royce of Rolls Royce fame and Charles Kingsley who wrote
"The Water Babies".
Internationally, the main focus for the world was the American Civil War 1861-1865 and how it was impacting across America with 11 southern states leaving the Union and forming their own 'country' to try and protect slavery. Whilst slavery at this time had been abolished in many countries it still thrived in the America's southern states and South America. Many significant battles took place during this period, including the battle of Shiloh and the Battle of Antietam, which provided the single bloodiest day in American history when 23,000 were killed or wounded. In 1863, President Lincoln gave his Emancipation Proclamation which made the freeing of slaves and explicit goal of the Union war effort and gave slaves a date for their freedom. This eventually led to the abolition of slavery. The Cotton Famine in Lancashire was a direct result of the civil war that lead to its abolition.
The Diary of George Burnett 1862 - 1863
Journal of George Burnet – July 1st 1862. 24 Henry Street, Blackburn
Tuesday – July 1st One Thousand Eight-Hundred and sixty two. George Burnet
There has been much rain of late and I have to record this day as wet and colder as almost any of its predecessors.
I find Blackburn very bad as usual, and no signs of improvement. Should that ever take place; I will with great pleasure convey the intelligence to my Journal.
2. Wedensday [Wednesday] 2nd. Wet morning, but fine during the day, arrived in Wigan this afternoon; at Bulls Head all night.
3. Thursday 3. Fine, warm day, Trade in Wigan very bad.
4. Friday 4th. Got home from Wigan at 4 o'clock after seeing several parties take their departures to witness the last day's races at Newton; Carts were much in request , the day being fine.
5. Saturday 5th. It has rained all afternoon. Bereft of wife and family today, they having gone to Barrow for a whole week. I parted with them this morning, bless them, at 8-10. I wish them a safe journey.
6. Sunday 6. Attended Mount Street, Chapel, Mr Skinner preached from 2nd Corinthians 8 to 9. Christ assumed poverty for our sakes, that we through His poverty might be rich. Read H. Miller's Lectures on “The Noachian Deluge". Wind and rain.
7. Monday 7. Rain this afternoon. Booked to Blackrod by rail – thence on foot to Blackburn, doing business by the way. Much hay in the fields.
8. Tuesday 8. Rail to Hoghton. Fine day. Reached Chorley at 3 O'clock. Amused with an Irish woman, cleaning her little grandson. “He tumbled somewhere down yonder, and was destroyed in some gutter. That one does not mind him at all, at all; George, how many have you? One?" I have three. “In the name of the Father, - did you get three; since you got wed; and are they boys or girls or what" Two boys. “Lord"! At White Horse Inn all night.
9. Wedensday [Wednesday] 9th. Doing buissness [business] in Chorley but very dull, not much money.
Much rain this morning. Wrote to my beloved this morning, wishing her joy with the little folks at the seaside.
A countryman attributes the wet weather to the extraordinary phenomenon of the seven eclipses that are predicted this year.
10. Thursday 10th. Walked home after I finished buissness [business], but found the house locked up, the servant off at Liverpool, found the key at last. Showery in the morning, but cleard [cleared] up.
11. Friday 11th. Walked to Preston this morning and took train at 7.30 for Bolton; got to Barrow about one o'clock. P.m. (fine) Visited Old Barrow with Mrs B and all the little folks.
12. Saturday July 12th 1862. Came home from Barrow. Mrs B & children much sunburned. Little Willie especially.
A very fine day, though it rained very much during the night. Met Mrs German at Preston.
13. Sunday 13th. Attended Mount St this morning, reading in various Books , among the rest Hugh Millars “Testimony of the Rocks", the Discoverable and the revealed". Had a walk in the park with Mrs B and Mrs German. A fine day.
14. Monday 14th. Doing buiseness [business] in town. George German came this morning, went home with Mrs B and little Charles Henry at 5-17p.m. They are a very kind couple. These two nights, Mrs G has been here, is the only reasion [reason] she has been from home at night for nineteen years, and he has been but one night from home for sixteen years, and on that ocasion [occasion] he was at our house. A delightful day.
15. Tuesday 15th. St Swithin at his old game, being very wet and stormy.
Buissniss , [business] in Blackburn worse than ever. About 12,000 receiving relief from various scources, [sources], who, with their families will amount to nearly 30,000 out of the 63,000 of population in the Town. Corn and wheat in the ear.
16. Wedendsday [ Wednesday] 16th. Train to Blackburn, and reached Wigan at 4 p.m. the Church Bells ringing merrily, a splendid wedding having taken place at 11.30 a.m
Sunshine and showers, as St Swithin promised us. Bought a fishing rod for 2/-.
17. Thursday 17th Doing buiseness [business] in Scholes, very little money. Very wet afternoon. Read a part of Waverly; and, copied a part of second letter in Cobbett's English Grammar, having brought these books with me from home.
18. Friday 18. Came home from Wigan at 4 o'clock, weather fine and warm, a few drops of rain in the morning. All well.
19. Saturday, sunshine and showers, a splendid rainbow in the afternoon. Had a walk in the Park with Henry Waring. Bought Ferguson's Ellectricity [Electricity] for P and got Allison's Essays from bindings. Little Willie has been teaching James Henry today in the alphabet. “A.B. oyes, oyes." Which he repeated to his satisfaction and “Mamma's" amusement.
20. Sunday 20. A few drops of rain fell this morning about 6 o'clock but the day has been fair, though cold and windy. Mr Skinner preached this morning from Phillippians 1 and 21. “For to me to live in Christ, and, to die is gain". Read a portion of Hugh William's Testimony of the Rocks. Little Willie went with Mamma and me to Chapel for the first times since he was babptised [baptised] He was very good, and proud of going, James- Henry went to St. Johns Church with Uncle Henry, the first time ever he was at Church, though he has often been at Mount St. Chapel. Mrs B, went to Witton Church this afternoon, with Mrs Helleby.
21. Monday 21. Frequent showers, though a fine day; and a drying wind. By train to Blackrod, walked back to Blackburn.
Heard an account of old John Snape's last hours, from a very respectable woman who attended him, and wittnessed [witnessed] his departure. There were three rapps [raps] heard at the door, about ten minutes before his death, and when it was answered, no one could be seen; it was therefore received as the warning, and the women went to the chamber; when he quietly and without a struggle, breathed his last.
I have recorded this as an instance of a popular belief, in all parts of Lancashire; and whereas we have it from the lips of the most truth loving persons, it is hard to be stubbornly sceptical.
22. Tuesday 22. Left home for Chorley by Brindle. The haymakers are buisy [busy], this day being fine; the delightful perfumes it (hay) diffuses, inspires mirth and health, and very often there is more contentment associated with all these rural occupations, than others that promise greater advantages and higher or more glorious crowns to our ambitious hopes.
“Oak Apples" have begun to fall; they grow from a footstalk resembling legitimate fruit, but in reality, produced by some winged insect; perforating the central bud and then depositing its ova; the bud then swells out and assumes the appearance and size of a crab; and when cut exhibits a fleshy substance like the same fruit. It then begins to wither and dry, (though it does not diminish) and falls from the stalk, the bud on each side of it proves abortive, as they never devellope [develop] themselves; their sap seemingly extracted by the bulbs for nutrition for its tiny inhabitants, which are now small white grubs which eat their way out to find more fitting food, for their age and fit them for the duties of their existance [existence], I do not know the names, or genera, of this insect, but it is one of the numerous families besides the Humans, that avail themselves of the noble tree; as a useful provision of Nature.
23. Wedensday [Wednesday] 3. A delightful day, buiseness [business] very slack in Chorley. Much anxiety expressed respecting the American War; and a hope that the news of the Federal defeat are true; expecting peace to be the result.
24. Thursday 24. Morning wet, but fine during the rest of the day. Henry Brierly was interred today. Sanger's Circus in Chorley; a splendid procession at 4 p.m. Lions in open carriages, Camels, Elephants; numerous horses. One noble lion, and of immense size lay outside on the top of one of the carriages; unsecured, (except by his docility and tameness) and looked about him with a majestic and almost an intelligent air and beside him a young lady represented Britannia with her trident; a spearman grasping each his spear, in rest, with their person sat at each of the corners. The driver was represented by a sage, with white hair and long beard, all dressed in gorgeous costume. Another carriage with glass sides contained a number of large serpents. The rear was brought up by a carriage bearing a large terrestrial globe, on which sat a young lady representing Dominion. This is about the finest procession I have ever seen. The day had by this time, turned out to be most favourable, the sun shone, and it was very warm. A great number of people lined the street to witness the procession.
25. Friday 25. Came to Dalton this morning by first train. A fine day, though the morning was wet, the * has been high. Stay at Barrow, all night. I am disgusted with Eligha [Elijah] Waddington, and I believe what I have heard of him. What a fearful curse is drink: what misery it occasions, and what suffering is the inevitable result. All connected with the offender in some measure share it, but Oh! The struggling, virtuous wife; must bear the heaviest part. The children must grow up only to hate the author of their existance [existence]. May God, in his mercy save me, and my children; from this dreadful snare! This, the strongest and largest of the Devil's nets that he throws over the souls and consciences of men, and with which he drags them speedily to Hell.
26. Saturday. A delightful day, the wind is low and the sea is calm. Sailed from * to Fleetwood, thence to Blackburn, by rail.
27. Sunday 27. Day very fine. At Chapel in the morning Mr Skinner's text Heb. 13;20. Read a little and had a short walk. Mrs B. took James-Henry, and William walking, and I put them all three to bed; I had to sing and whistle too; before Sarah went to sleep. She laughed heartily at Willie asleep, and patted his head.
28. Monday 28. Very fine. Hay fast disappearing from the fields.
29. Tuesday 29. Fine and warm. Buissness [business] extremely bad. I have travelled the whole of this afternoon and only received sixpence, the debtors I have called upon; owe in the aggregate, about £330. No prospect of any improvement. With my recipts [receipts] of yesterday I have only drawn, (in Blackburn) 30/6 and I gave £1321 for the concern, this is doing buissness [business] a vengence [vengeance].
30. Wedensday[Wednesday] 30th. Fine hay weather, but began to rain at night. Went to Brindle with Frances Scott.
31. Thursday 31. Very wet all day. Left home this morning, and arrived in Wigan at 5p.m. very little buissness [business] to be done; drawen [drawn] 26/- where I should have drawen [drawn] £7.0.0. Stoped [stopped] at Bulls Head Inn with A Wright.
32. Friday August 1st 1862. A wet forenoon, but fine and warm afterwards. Finished buiseness [business] in Wigan at noon, and walked home, 8 miles.
33. Saturday Aug 2nd. A fine day. Went out – fishing in the canall [canal] with James Henry and Willie; but we had no success.
34. Sunday 3rd. A fine day, and very warm. Mr Skinner's tec [text] in the morning was Heb 13 v 21. Took the children to the Park in the afternoon, and they enjoyed the walk very much.
35. Monday 4th. Fine and warm. Reached home at 6 p.m.
We have an addition to the family in the shape of three kittens, and it is hardly worth a place here; only one of them could see on the third day; they are generally nine days old before they are able to see.
36. Tuesday 5th. Rain during the night, but a beautiful morning; a fresh breeze from the North. Began to rain at 1.0'clock p.m. and rained very heavy with thunder at intervals till four; the winde [wind], having changed since morn to South west, blew very hard.
37. Chorley. Wedensday [Wednesday] 6th. Rained very heavy at noon, some claps of thunder. Saw a boy this morning who has a double row of teeth in front, in the upper jaws, the result of carelessness or ignorance.
Three very remarkable occurrances [occurrences] happened about the end of last month which, according to the several newspapers that noted them, rival any of the Adventures of Don Quixote; Two of them happened in Scotland, the other in England which I will mention first.
A child fell into a well eighteen feet deep and was resqued [rescued] by its mother in a very surprising manner, which shows us that true women are found wherever there are mothers; and there are very few exceptions. She plunged down into the well and succed [succeeded] in getting hold of the child, her clothes keeping her afloat herself, and before assistance came, she had got her feet fixed on one side of the wall and her shoulder on the other side; supporting herself and child clear of the water: the child she had laid on its stomach, across her body, that it might eject the water; means were resorted to that brought the child to the top, and before it was well out of the vehicle; the mother had reached the top herself, in the position described. The two first were the providencial [providential] deliverance – and from death of two students of National Science.1st a middle aged gentleman, went in quest of Geological Specimens with his hammer which on this occasion served more purposes than could be expected: he was pursuing his favorite [favourite] study near the edge of a cliff when he missed his footing and would have been dashed in pieces hundreds of feet below, but the hammer caught in a cleft and he held on by the haft [shaft] for forty two hours when he was relieved in a very exhausted state from his perilous situation. 2nd a young gentleman from Manchester on a tour in Scotland and being a student in Botany, was anxious to secure a specimen of a very rare plant which grew on a shelve of rock forming a precipice had succeeded in reaching it when his foot slipped and he fell from the dangerous eminence in a deep chasm filled with water for six feet deep or nearly: the water saved his life however but the surround wall of rock precluded all hope of escape without assistance; he shouted at the top of his voice, but only the echo answered him back, and his strength began to fail, he was heard however by a young man who had strayed into that wild region, though he could not see him; but satisfied someone was in distress, he ran for help; and returned with a retired Military Officer, and a few others provided with ropes, who after some difficulty succeeded in finding his whereabouts, just in time to save his life. He was delivered from his roofless prison in a most exhausted state. Who will dare to deny Gods providence in all our affairs: Those individuals were preserved for some purpose, and these instances of Gods “particular" providence, and mercy, should teach us to pray for his preserving care.
38. Thursday. Began wet till noon, but fair afterwards. Finished buiseness [business] in Chorley at 11 a.m. and walked home. Took James Henry to Dr Irving's surgery where he had a troublesome tooth extracted by Mr Whittacker; the same gentleman that introduced him into this troublesome world.
Official Statement of the trade of Blackburn.
From Mr Laverty's report;
Out of 72 cotton mills in the Town, 28 are entirely stopped, 15 are on short time; 13 are on full time with a portion of opperatives, [operatives], 16 on full time with their full compliment. These mills usually employ 23,624 opperatives [operatives], of whome [whom] 5,607 are on full time, 7,027 on short time, and 10,990 out of employment. Out of 17 sheds for winding, warping, etc., 5 are entirely stopped, four are on short time, and four are on full time with a portion of their hands. Number usually employed 461, of whome [whom] 257 are now out of work: 12 foundries usually employing 947 persons, 542 are on full time, and 30 on short time, and 402 out of employment. There are nine machines shops which employ 817 persons; of whome [whom] 367 are out of work, 418 on full time and 32 on short time. Of 21 Bleachers, 13 are out of work; of 64 paper-stainers, there are none unemployed . Of 30 persons employed at paper works, 16 are on full time and 14 out of work; of 449 joiners 393 are on full time and 56 out of work. It will therefore be seen, out of 26,440 operatives usually employed in this town, only 7,162 are in full work chiefly on reduced wages, 7179 are on short time, and 12,099 are out of employment.
39. Friday 8th Very wet all day. At home, and not very buisy [busy]: had a long chat with Mr Henry. Willie born 1859.
40. Saturday 9th. Fair but cloudy. Bought Boccaccio's Decameron and Adam's Roman Antiquities.
41. Sunday 10th. Anniversary Sermons at Mount St. Mr Skinner's text Acts 4v20. Mr Taylor in the afternoon and evening. (slight showers)
42. Doing buissenes [business] in Blackburn but very little done. Fine but not much sunshine.
43. Tuesday 12th. Fine but a few drops of rain near night. Went to the Canall [canal] with Joseph Wilson for some small dace for our fish tanks, circumstances were against us, we got none. Mr Noell has a very fine collection of Ichic Tribes in his tank.
44. Wedensday [Wednesday] 13th. Showers during the day, and set in wet at night. Went to the canall [canal] again today; we caught about two doz., small dace: we divided the numbers which were all living but two when we reached Mr Wilsons, but the temperature of water we took them from being so much higher than that we put them into, they have all died except one of mine. Those precautions will be necessary – if we wish to preserve any next time. Little Willie was very ill during the night but a mustard plaster gave him great relief, and he is nearly all right tonight. James Henry is labouring hard at his spelling lessons; he has got one good mark today (I see) thanks to his kind governess. Little Sarah seems very anxious to make use of the book also, and I have had to satisfy her laudable desire by giving her a lesson; she named several of the letters after me, such D & T which are all she is able to pronounce yet, except P. These three. She has had a little practice in the three words she has learned to utter distinctly, being viz; Papa, Dada, and Tatta. She fell down the steps at the back this morning, but happily was not much hurt; her little brow is bruised and a little discoloured. She has pulled off her little shift (which she is very fond of doing) as soon as relieved of her night-gowns, and ran to the door and attempted to walk down, but I picked her up at the bottom. They all went with me to the Post Office this afternoon. James Henry made use of the little green Fiddle bag (as his Mamma called it when she made it for his spelling book) to carry the letters. We posted 58. They were all for Barrow and Dalton.
45. August 14th. Wet in the morning but a fine afternoon. Left home this morning for Wigan, and I arrived by Aspul, Ince, and Scholes at half past five. Working people are in a sad condition; two women have died of want, one at Nickelsons Nook last Tuesday after reaching her house from being before two members of the Relief Committee; one wished to give her a ticket but his wishes were overruled by his brother officer. There is much in the scheme that is defective. The Dispensary Doctor cannot be obtained without an order being delivered at a certain hour. I saw a man this afternoon who is truly in a destitute state, and he has been unheeded by all the visitors or anyone else, but the poor woman (as poor as himself her husband being unemployed and half a dozen little ones comprising her family,) who has given him share of the shelter her comfortless house afforded. She procured a shilling for him today, and gave him share of her soup. He has been living upon three meals per week for many weeks back. His father is a farmer in the Latham and in good circumstances, his brothers also are well to do; one of them a rich brewer in Liverpool, but all applications to them have been unheeded; his poor landlady purproses [proposes] going to see his father tomorrow, who is ninety years of age, which may account for his neglect. Some other members of the family may have instigated this cruelty. The man's name is Banks, and he sat by the ghost of a fire, without shoes or stockings, and covered with an old rag never intended for clothing a member of the human family. He has contracted a disstressing [distressing] cough by sleeping on the boards of his room floor without any bed underneath him. His voice naturly [naturally] strong was scarcely audible, and his head was bent forward on his chest. He recieved [received] a small donation with great thankfulness.
46. Friday 15th. Fine and warm, but much thunder during the afternoon and a copious shower.
The Irish are very locquacious in Wigan respecting the baddness [badness] of the times. I am heartly [heartily] tired of this custom, a large accession of it I had annexed to my business [business] last year, by the labours of Mr P Johnston. We have the Irish charracter [character] presented to us, in this country, in a very low phase, which we are apt to be prejudiced by, though we naturly [naturally] think all of this inferior to our own; and I think few are altogether free from this prejudice in some measure. When the Irish idiom is engrafted upon the English language it is rather curious, and it has often amused me: I will add one specimen which I noted down with difficulty, because the delivery of it was just the same measure of time as their native thinking or speaking, which must be about 9/8th to the bar. “You'r [You're] welcome sir, that's a fine morning. I'll pay you the contents of what I have behind; and I'll bait you a shillin [shilling] I'll bring up the lossings [losses], be the help o'God. Sure a bad customer I'm being to ye: but it's this marning [morning] he startit; en [and] I'le [I'll] pay be the round from this up" I made an attempt to cram in “Goodday" [Good day], and I was follud [followed] by the usual Benediction; “ gooday [Good day] and God speed ye". See another July 8th. Finished buiseness [business] in Wigan and walked to Blackburn. The little Folks met me with a hearty wellcome [welcome] on the flaggs [flags], all gladdness [gladness] and glee. Met a little blind girl carrying a bunch of wild flowers which she seemed very much pleased with; she was a led by another a little taller.
47. Saturday 16th Fine day. Disposed of my Barrow buisiness [business] to Mr Rose for £56-10-7.
48. Sunday 17 Fine. Mr Skimmer's text was the Epistle of Jude.
49. Monday 18th Very fine. Train to Blackrod in the morning thence on foot to Blackburn.
A strange coincidence. Last year there were 15,358 widows in Britian [Britain], renewed their nuptial vows, and 15,358 spinsters married widowers.
50. Tuesday 19th. Very fine but began to rain at 7 o'clock in the evening. Brought Willie and Sarah in the perambulator [pram] from Blackburn, Mrs B and James Henry joins us at Hoghton, and we all came to Chorley through Brindle and Whittle, we have had a nice trip.
51. Wednesday 20. Went to Chorley Cemetry [Cemetery] with the children this afternoon. Shewed James Henry a new made grave, he had many questions to ask, not very easily answered; and among the rest if it was for a man. Little Willie slept with me at White Horse Inn, much surprised in the morning at seeing the Church through the window, he said it was a big Chapel.
52. Thursday 21st. Close and warm, a few drops of rain in the evening. Walked home after finishing buisiness [business] this week, extremely bad. No prospect of a change. Left Mrs B and all the little ones at Chorley, had a sorry parting with little Sarah.
Great preparations are in progress for the Guild; all intend to go for one day at least, that will be able to get. It is an epoch in their lives.
53. Friday 22nd. Very fine. Came to Morecambe this morning and found Father and Mother well.
54. Saturday 23rd. Took train at Hest Bank to Dalton and finished shewing up to Mr Scott in Dalton and Barrow. Very fine all day. Took last train to Preston; leaving Barrow at ten minutes to 8 o'clock p.m. thence to Chorley at 11p.m. and stopped all night at Mr Dewhurst, White Horse Inn.
55. Sunday 24th. Went to the Old Church this morning. Mr Masters, the Rector, read prayers from Phillipians 3 and 13 & 14. Mr Scott and Mrs B and myself had dinner at George German's . We then had a walk (Henry accompanying us) to the cemetery and round the (wallets?) And had tea at George's then set off to reach the packet at 6.30 at Whittle and reach Blackburn at 8.30. Joseph Wilson met us at the locks in Nova? Fine weather.
56. Monday 25th. Doing buissiness [business] in town. Very dull. Day very fine. Met Mrs B and children at the Station at 8.15pm. Home is very uninviting without its natural tenants – without whose kindly influences the heart would soon become cold, and indifferent, and sinful; in a greater degree than if we were deprived of all other intercourse.
57. Tuesday 26th. Fine weather. Very bad trade. A splendid wedding at James Street this morning. Mr Ashburn to Miss Birtwistle. Six carriages with pair in each.
58. Wedensday [Wednesday] 27th. Very fine and warm. Went out fishing at half past five a.m. with Mr Nowel and Mr Wilson to Audley Hall. Caught a great number of “sticklebacks" for our aquariums, and a few nice little Buttles and snails.
59. Thursday 28th. Very fine. To Wigan, by train to Blackrod. Buissness [business] worse than ever. The Colliers on strike. Should the strike continue, the consequences will be fearful. Privation is constantly increasing, and still no prospect of a change.
A poor woman came into a house in Scholes, in which I was; saying she was dying for want of a cup of tea: she said if she could only borrow a penny, she would buy a pennyworth and brew a cup. I gave her a penny for which she seemed thankful, saying she would pray for me till night, but I was rather amused when she same back asking me if I was sure “that was a good halfpenny" I satisfied her by changing it, and she went home very well pleased.
This is an instance among many, of the light hearted manner in which they seem to bear their sufferings. Though without a loaf in the cupboard or a coal in the grate, and their faces pale with want; they are still cheerful, and ever merry; and ready to jest at their own condition.
60. Friday 29th. Left Wigan and 1 p.m. and walked to Blackburn with John Selkirk and Andrew Graham. Very fine, and warm.
61. Saturday 30th. Very fine. Arose at 4 o'clock this morning, and went to the Cemetery with Mr Wilson, thence to Tockhole and got home at 8.0 o'clock. Got cast iron pillars at Littlewood's Foundry; cost 2/- painted them white; so I expect an aquarium sometime.
62. Sunday 31st Very fine. Mr Skinner preached from First Peter 1st – 22nd. Took little Sarah, James Henry and Aunt Alice a walking.
September
63. Monday lst. Slight showers and warm. Saw wheat cut today for the first time in this district, though I saw both wheat and Barley on the 22nd ult. at Barrow. The harvest is generally later in this neighborhood [neighbourhood].
This is the first day of the celebration of the Ancient Guild Merchant at Preston; to be continued during the whole week: it is celebrated every twenty years.
According to the papers this morning, Garibaldi and his followers in Italy have been taken prisoners. It is a great pity that this brave soldier's zeal in the cause of freedom was so untimed or success might have crowned his noble efforts, as on former glorious occasions. Pollitical [political] prudence vouches a further respite to Papal Tyrany [tyranny].
Doing business today between Blackrod and Blackburn; got home at 8p.m. I have walked a mile for every shilling today.
64. Tuesday 2nd. Left home at noon, encountered a severe thunder storm when I reached Brindle; the rain fell in torrents till 3.15 p.m. and, as I afterwards heard rather dampened their enjoyment at Preston, who were partakers of the Guild festivity. The foundation stone of the new Town Hall was laid with Masonic honors [honours] and ceremony and witnessed by a brilliant and numerous assembly.
65. Wedensday [Wednesday] 3rd. Chorley nearly turned inside out, all gone to the Guild that could go; but a whole day's rain may do something to temper their zeal.
66. Thursday 4th. At home, being a Generall [general] holliday [holiday] in all town in the vicinity of Preston , shops are closed and all buissness [business] suspended in order that all may attend. Saw the principall [principal] of this Grand Jubilee at Preston. The Trades all walk today, and there are to be many attractive entertainments, Fiddlers and all musical amatures [amateurs] are much in request, not withstanding bad time; and Trains are totally inadequate to convey the sightseeing revellers to their destinations; so that wheel and axle has to join with shanks on the Queen's highway, in the generall [general] pillgrimage [pilgrimage]. The road is covered with pedestrians as well as cars and vehicles (at least was in the morning) whose inmates seemed determined to enjoy themselves for once in the twenty years. It has rained the whole of the day without intermittions [intermissions]. Many a half drowned wretch will arrive tonight by train, from Preston, who will regret having gone, and some, it is doubtful, will be already there from necessity on the morrow, when they may have another day to enjoy themselves.
Brought Willie a Black dog at last. I brought it with me in a bag last night; it is a very small one.
67. Friday 5th. Very fine.
Made a box for Mrs B. James Henry helped me very industriously.
68. Saturday 6th. Very fine all day. Had a deal of writing today. Had an interesting and instructive conversation with Mr Henry. He is possessed of great knowledge, and is very communicative when in health and good spirits.
69. Sunday 7th. Had the honor [honour] of discharging (with Mrs B) the duties of Bridesmaid and Groomsman at Mr Wilson's marriage with Miss Hellsby this morning at St Peters. Long life and happiness to them.
Showery in the forenoon, but cleared up sufficiently to allow us to proceed to Whalley in the afternoon; with the Bride & Bridegroom walked over a portion of the old Monastic ruins, with much pleasure
70. Monday 8th. Slight showers, very close.
71. Tuesday 9th. Slight showers.
No buissness [business] to be done. The effects of the Guild are felt notwithstanding the great distress that prevails: many spent their last shilling to witness a part of that great Festival, that is now numbered with the Guilds of the Past, to be remembered like the Olympic Games of Ancient Greece, till another succeeds it; and many changes will occur before that event, which now seems so distant in the deep shades of futurity. How many difficulties must be overcome? What cares must be borne; how many of those we love may be mouldering in their Parent Earth: and (tho' last ourselves to espouse Mortality,) we may be units in the World of Spirits; and our existance [existence] but faintly remembered, long before the return of another Preston Guild.
72. Wedensday [Wednesday] 10th. Fine all day but a heavy shower at 9 p.m.
I have been buisy [busy] all day in the cellar, making buffets and shelves. I was informed when I went to John Paul's for the Aquiarium [Aquarium], where I had taken it to be fitted with a rail around the top – that he had succeeded in breaking the marble bottom. I could not have thought such a simple little ornament would have cost such trouble. The wrought iron frame was worthless, because a blockhead made it – and now another blockhead has played his part. Some new improvements in High Pressure Engines could hardly have presented greater difficulties to an ordinary tradesman, than these two pretenders have met with in this simple toy. An indifferent Tradesman is a burden for life, to the State to which he belongs: a direct taxation to his neighbours, as anyone who employs him.
73. Thursday 11th. A shower in the morning but fine the rest of the day.
Attended a meeting of the Creditors of Joseph Hellock, at Nickolson's Temperance Hotel. There were about fourteen Scotsmen and one English man. It was like most Scotch mens meetings I have attended, with the exception of have mentioned, who was a blunt honest looking shopkeeper, not much to say, and no pretending above his station or circumstances. There were various characteristics represented in the other members of the group, from upright and honest integrity to mean and grovelling selfishness sweeping every obstacle out of its way. All followed buissness [business] for daily bread, but some were distinguished for pursuing it according to law, but not morrality [morality]. One, who took a distinguished part in the proceedings, sued his widowed mother in a Court of Law; and is considered a respectable member of society. Another turned his father out of house and hall when he could not pay his rent, (he having bought the house his father occupied). He is a usurer on a large scale, frequently exacting as much as £260 per cent from simple buisiness [business] on good security: he is distinguished for all the qualities that constitute a Tradesman but honesty: he only practises that virtue from pollicy [policy] or compulsion. Another of the friends present had served an apprenticeship of a few months in Kirkdale, but has since that probation, availed himself of the protection by a respectable appearance, where roguery is permitted with impunity, have failed in a large amount since he succeeded in creeping into buisiness [business]. There were several notables in this assembly, myself not excepted; although free from those crimes that entail sufferings and privation on our fellow creatures. None of them have injured me and few of them have me any offence, only one I should mention whome [whom] I entrusted to post at [a] letter for me, which he opened and kept a fortnight. It showed the meaness of this principle as much as anything of more importance. Though the above charracter [character] found a place in the same room, the majority were of the most respectable and upright charracters [characters], but if every group of Tradesmen of like numbers present such a mixture of opposite qualities; Buissness [business] is no longer an envious occupation. It must be unfavorable [unfavourable] to morality in an eminent degree, but, “Honour and shame from no condition rise; Act well your part: there all the honour lies".
74. Friday 12th. Showery.
Reached home at 4 p.m. by train.
75. Saturday 13th. Dull and cold, shower near night.
76. Sunday 14th. Showery and cold.
Mr Skinner's sermon was taken from 1st Corinthians 6th – 46 and succeeding verses. Lost Willie's little dog today; it has got out and strayed away.
Little Willie is very poorly, he says he will not be better: I have had at the Doctors. Mr Whittaker gave me some medicine for him which he takes willingly; he has also had a mustard plaister [plaster] on his chest for five minutes, by the Doctor's orders. James Henry & Sarah kissed him when I took them upstairs.
77. Monday 15th. Very fine and warm. Travelled from Blackrod Station through Chorley to Blackburn. Brought some plumbs [plums] apples and nuts for the little folks; which pleased them very much. Little Willie much better. How pure their affections yet how selfish; but their innocence more than counterbalances that defect; and they willingly share with each other, any little overplus in their simple luxuries. May it please God, these little kindly traits may ripen and grow up with them. The world would then be dissarmed [disarmed] of half its cruel power. Kindness is a most desirable virtue; but its many happy results are beyond all expression, or calculation, when it reigns in a family.
78. Tuesday 16th. Very fine.
At home all day doing various little jobs, ornamental and useful, for the want of more profitable employment.
79. Wedenesday [Wednesday] 17th. Very fine.
Left home about noon. At Chorley all night. Stoped [stopped] at the White Horse Inn; a house that has many happy associations, being the scene of our courtship and marriage, having only to trip into the old Church and return, “husband and wife" to breakfast along with our friends, a splendid one being provided by our kind wellwisher, Mrs Dewhurst. Thirty or forty years ago the White Horse was kept by an original charracter [character] named John Grey who combined in his own proper person, the duties of Parish Clerk with the buissness [business] of “Mine Host" and frequently on Sundays when he had performed, his part of the Morning Service he has left the Church to join his customers and remain with them till the Sermon was nearly over, when he returned to his duty in time to add his “Amen". The house then stood about four feet further out, and a sign graced the table facing the Brow which could be read easily by the passengers on the top of the coach as they entered the town: the words were :- “John Grey lives here, Who sells a pot of wholesome Beer; His licquor's [liquors] good, his measure's Just, But, John is poor; he cannot trust." Old John occupies a narrow space of ground in the Church yard, near the Communion window marked by a small rude stone bearing the well known name John Grey, as if it had been considdired [considered] unnecessary to add more – as it neither stated the time of his birth or death or the important double capacity her filled in the two nearest buildings to his “place of rest".
80. Thursday 18th. Very fine. Reapers busy. Much grain being taken in. Little buissness [business] to be done in Chorley.
81. Friday 19th. Came home this morning. Fine all day. The War creates much excitement. The recent successes of the Confederates inspire hope of a speedy termination of the sanguinary struggle.
82. Saturday 20th. Fine all day.
An old gentleman called today upon buissness [business] and shewed me a parody of Mary's Dream – with an Apostrophe of his own on the death of the late Prince Consort but I doubt not he understands his buissness [business] much better than verse making. He sold his composition at one penny each in aid of the relief fund, which is an act I should be sorry to blame.
Put the glass in the Aquarium today so it is another stage further.
83. Sunday 21st. Mr Williams of Harwood preached this morning from Acts Chap. 16th but the sublime passages he attempted were but indifferently handled. Mr Skinner is often complaining of but few that enter his pulpit surpass him. Perhaps the dryness of the preacher may be attributed to the apathy and matter of fact appearance of the congregation. Where there is a man of any reflection but may imagine this discouragement produced upon the speaker by the aparent [apparent]stolid indifference of his audience: perhaps Ministers may be an exception; and I believe they have often much need to be, that they may not be discourraged [discouraged] altogether. But, apart from all other considerations, the high charracter [character] of their office, their education and opportunities, and above all the sacred cause in which they labour, should be ample stimulants to the discharge of those duties that devolve upon them. But it is the duty of hearers, also, to make every allowance for infirmity, and not expect too much even from a qualified Minister at all times; notwithstanding he enjoys the advantages provided; knowing they suffer in common the physical irregularities incidental to humanity, which even the most virtuous cannot shun, and which are often the result of severed applications to the duties expected from them. We should at all times endeavor [endeavour], (and more especially in the service of the Sanctuary) to accept the will for the deed.
A good Sermon is very refreshing, but its minor importance in Public Worship is too much overlooked.
Fine today, begins to be rather chill nights and mornings.
I have little time for reading comparatively, the little folks employ much of my time when at home.
84. Monday 22nd Cloudy and cold, in the morning but no rain.
Saw Mr Ellwoods Aquarium at his invitation, it is a very fine one. He informs me it will hold thirty golds. A very pleasant chat with Mr Henry Been; reading the Abbot of Sir Walter (which he lent me) to Mrs Burnet much to her gratification and my own.
85. Tuesday 23rd. Fine. Buissness [business] bad. A general murmer [murmur] of the badness of times. A great variety of causes are enumerated by the ignorant and a general hope by the more intelligent that the Confederates may gain their independence.
86. Wedenesday 24th. Showery after 4 p.m. Went to Whalley with Mr Ellwood, and returned by Ribchester Station, through Ramsgreave. Monument to the memory of Samuel Crompton (Inventor of the Spinning Mule) Inaugarated at Bolton – today; and formaly [formally] presented to the Corporation.
87. Thursday 25th. Showery. Arrived in Scholes at noon not much money to be had.
Had tea at the Gibralter [Gibraltar], where a traveller soon entered from Liverpool, who ordered lunch. A few commonplace remarks passed between us, preliminaries which are always necessary when two strangers have to introduce themselves; on the same principal, I suppose, that we grope in the dark, or “gang wary" in a bog. He is graceful affability and tact, (by the way) so characteristic of an educated Englishman. Soon led to an easy conversation which is always preferable to sullen silence.
I found my new acquaintance was an amature [amateur] in Music, and a small folio he carried turned out to be the “Three favorite [favourite] Masses of Mozart, Hayden and Beethoven, which he carried with him, he said, to prepare himself for a part he intended to take tomorrow night when a few friends would form a party at his house. The landlord entered, and being well acquainted he handed over the work to him, who disclaimed all knowledge of music but added, “You shew [show] me this because you know me to be a Papist. If I shewed [showed] you anything of a Methodist nature, would you respect me the more that I did so, on the score that you were one of that persuation [persuasion]. Not at all Sir said the stranger, I did not aim at your creed, I addmire [admire] the music they make use of, for its own sake, and meant no offence when I directed your attention to it; but only as I would take the liberty of pointing out to you an old aquaintanse [acquaintance]. “Well, be it so; but I am a Catholic and intend to live and die one" I do not blame you, but I am not bigoted [bigoted] or exclusive in my opinions: I have led the Orchestra in a Catholic Chapel before now, and what mater [matter]. “No sir, but I hope you may yet be a Catholic; for, you know: Out of the Catholic Church, no man can be saved".
The subject changed and it reminded me of the impervious bigotry [bigotry] of Popish ignorance; so exclusively are they taught the truth of the passage he quoted; that they believe it can only be applicable to those within the pale of Rome. What is the Catholic Church but the Church Universal? And all humble followers of Christ are its members wherever they may be found. No human expositer [expositor] of Scripture has a right to lead us without conviction, but all have a right to read for themselves. Revelation was graciously given for our special spiritual guidance, and as Scripture best explain Scripture; and no restrictions to particular parts can be found; but as a whole revealing God's Holliness [Holiness], Justice; Goodness; and Truth: Attributes of the Devine charracter [character] which all ought to have knowledge of, (a perfect knowledge we cannot reach in this life) that our faith be intelligently founded. All learning but teaches us how ignorant we are, but the Glorious Truths of Salvation can be understood by minds of the meanest capacity, when Grace hath led us to feel our own unworthiness and seek humbly that mercy and pardon so freely offered us, at the foot of the Cross. Christ is our sole meadiator [mediator], our Bible names no other and as the consolations and privelages [privileges] of religion are personal; and our duties cannot be performed by proxy. How arrogant the Papist Priesthood; what ascendancy they exercise over the minds of their flocks, what blasphemy to assume the care of so many souls when their own souls require it and to teach their servile slaves that their spiritual intrests [interests] are in safe keeping by placing implicit and ignorant confidence in their leaders. Blind zeal is the natural result but error is eagerly seized in support of a falling system, as a drowning man will seize a floating straw.
88. Friday 26th. Showery in the morning, but fair and warm afterwards. Brought the little folks some pears, which elicited unfeigned joy and a hearty wellcome [welcome].
It is a privellaged [privileged] happiness that the harrasing [harassing] imbecility of buissness [business] (as in its present state we find it) does not follow us home: that we painfully reflect upon it sometimes, and wistfully look forward for the isue [issue], we enjoy a calm respite at home to which we are strangers anywhere else.
89. Saturday 27th. Fine but close till sunset, when a slight shower moistened the ground. Having done sundry necessary things, I began where I left off in Sir Walter's tale of Quentin Durward; I find light literature more pallatable [palatable] at certain times, than more solid works; but, in reading the best of tales, which combine with instructions such stirring incident, one is sensible in an eminent degree, of the 'Great Magician's' spell, and we ask ourselves unwittingly is this a dream.
90. Sunday 28th. Fine. Stayed at home this morning to let Mrs B go to Chapel.
Read a good deal today, the little folks being rather more indulgent that they are wont to be. Sung the Little Buisy [Busy] Bee with them: James Henry and Willie on their chairs, and little Sarah on my knee.
Repeated Wordsworth's Little Cottage Girl and Lucy Gray; James Henry repeating after me. He always requires a copious commentary upon any little domestic tale and these were no exceptions: but the fate of poor 'Lucy' touched a sympathetic cour [core] in his little bosom, which was expressed in tears. Tis a sad necessity that this innocent tenderness much give place to feelings less amiable; and that a cruel world will teach him evil as much as good. I feel the responsibility and desires of a father, and may God assist me in winning over his inclinations, as they aquire [acquire] strength, to employ his mind in profitable studies; that will yield him in this life and that which is to come, happiness beyond compare.
91. Monday 29th. At home, being the best place when there is nothing to do. Joinering in the sellar [cellar], most part of the day. Went with Mr Wilson and Mr Ellwood to the Canall [canal]; thense [thence] to Brierlie's Lodge a fishing: had little success in the Canall [canal] but caught a great many little Gold Fish in the Lodge, some of them very pretty; I gave them the most of mine to devide [divide]between them. Fine weather.
92. Tuesday 30th. Fine weather. Very buisy [busy] all day, making something related to a Cheffonier [chiffonier]; got it finished and painted first coat.
93. Wednesday [Wednesday] Oct 1st. Left home at noon, walked to Chorley through Brindle. Began to rain at 4 p.m.
94. Thursday 2nd. Slight showers.
Much sickness in Chorley. Measels [measles] prevail very much among children, and fever among adults.
95. Friday 3rd. Showery most of today. Got home about 6 p.m.. Walked to Pleasington with William Hill.
96. Saturday 4th. Very fine, tho [though] a wet morning. Grandmother went back to Chorley last night by last train. Painted the chiffonier two coats today; and sundry other jobs.
News arrived today of President Lincoln's emancipation act, an instance if true of the wonderous [wondrous] ways of providence God brings good out of evil, and makes the wrath of man to praise Him. The slave obtains his freedom at the expense of a fratricidal and bloody war.
97. Oct 5th. Sunday. Very fine.
Sacrament Sunday at Mount St. May God in his saving love, bestow his Grace upon us, that we may walk worthy this Holy and Public proffession [profession]: a proffession [profession]of our faith, and interest in the atonement of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
98. Monday 6th. Fine all day, till dark. Doing buissness [business] in the town and I found it was worse than ever.
99. Tuesday 7th. Very warm, and a delightful moonlight night.
Mr & Mrs Aspinall and Miss Wilson had tea with us this afternoon. The two first are going to Australia on the 20th inst., they leave here for London tomorrow week.