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Diary of Charles Tiplady 1839 1849
1839 | 1840 | 1841 | 1842 | 1843 | 1844 | 1845 | 1846 | 1847 | 1848 | 1849
The pdfs after each annual entry contain David Hughes’ transcription of the diary, footnotes and annotations which could not be included on the website.
It is particularly recommended to check the pdf in relation to financial tables & lists.
Augt 15th 1839. At the beginning of a New D [page torn] the most appropriate first Entry Seems to be the en[page torn] into a new sphere and condition of Life – In my [page torn] volume full particulars are entered of the of the Life & Death [page torn] my first Wife Mary Heaton after which private [page torn] will be found of my having in 1838, paid my ad[page torn] to Betty Alston of Pepper Hill in which for obvious re[page torn] there mentioned I failed, - No doubt that failure was felt at the time, a severe disappointment but since then I have had great reason to bless God that so bitter a Medicine was administered to me. In October of that year (1838) about or before my final separation from (B.A.) [Betty Alston] Mr John Eccles & his Wife, the respected Supert [Superintendent] of Thunder Alley School left Blackburn and as Mr Hart was unwilling to take the whole charge of conducting the large Sunday School alone, I was asked by Mr Eccles to join him. After some consideration I concluded so to do and left G. [Grimshaw] Park School to attend Thunder Alley at the end of 1838. – It was here that I first formed an acquaintance with Miss Mary Callis, the daughter of the late William Callis of Salford, Grocer & Provisions Merchant, and after a courtship of seven or eight Months I married her on the above Date at the Parish Church, the Revd. Jackson Porter performed the Ceremony and Thomas Hart Esqr gave her away. We spent Honey Moon at South Shore, - and then returned Home to Mount Street, Blackburn!
Monday Nov-25th. This Evening a Meeting of the Teachers & women when the case of Mary Brandwood & Mary Whittaker, two girls [page torn] engaged to sing at St. Michael's Ch: [Church], was considered I decided [page torn] from the opinions of the majority of the Teachers, that they ought not to be allowed to go again - & D. Tomlinson moved & W. Holden seconded that They should not be permitted to go there again to sing S. Ashton moved an Amendment - viz: That these Girls should be allowed to bring their money to School & attend St Michael's Church for 3 Months. This Amendt [Amendment] having been put & lost - The original Motion was submitted to the sense of the Meeting & carried by a Large Majority. -
Thos [Thomas] Oddie in a very disrespectful manner charged C Tiplady with having insulted the Teachers on the day before, by adverting to the business of the last Tears [Teachers] Meeting, and saying that some of the T.s [Teachers] were opposed to the Supts [Superintendents] checking & Reproving the Scholars. Sidney Ashton was the person pitched upon to open this charge. [illegible] Mr Hart told him not to be made the cats-paws for another but [illegible] had a complaint, let them bring it forward themselves - After [illegible] of unpleasant observations - Wm [William] Holden called Mr Harts attention to the fact that there had been no Teaching in the Aftern [Afternoon] of the day before - because the Supt [Superintendent] had taken it into his head to address the Children on the death of Mary Walmsley, which address had occupied that time wh. [which] shd [should] have been spent in Teaching - He objected to these addresses - and so did most of the other Teachers - & for himself he avowed, That the next time Mr C. T. [Charles Tiplady] stood up to speak to them in address he would put on his hat & leave the Schooln [Schoolchildren] J Walsh said he wd [would] not do so but his Scholars would leave him & T. Oddie & others having spoken nearly to the same effect C. Tiplady replied:- He said when he entered the School the day preceding he found it in a complete state of uproar - the Boys to the Nos [Numbers] of 40 or 50 were chasing one another over the forms - & running races - and to his surprise - several Teachers were in the School at the time & did nothing to prevent them. - After some other remarks justifying his conduct he said Thos Oddie had properly said that he was the person meant & alluded to by C.T. in his Address to the Scholars - for no one who had the Language uttered by T. O. [Thomas Oddie] could fail to understand he was one who did not like to hear the Supt [Superintendent] blame the Scholars. - As for his Address he had done no more than he had authority for doing, and in his first Address to the Scholars he had made that fact known that Mr P [Porter] had given him full liberty on divers occasions to exercise his discretion when he thought an Address would be serviceable - Yesterday there had an occasion occurred in the death of the abovementioned Girl & He had read a portion of St Matthew to them & endeavoured to improve the death of the Scholar & he was thankful to observe such strict attention paid thereto by them & hoped it would have a beneficial effect. S Ashton had asked whether it was more likely 40 Teachers would be doing more good than one Supt C. T. said every Teachers exertions were useful in their classes, but it was possible for the S [Superintendent] to deliver an Address which wd be beneficial to all - The T [Teacher] could only be heard by his own class [illegible] by the whole body of the School - He had been accustomed [illegible] the Scholars from where he came - he had reproved Scholars singly - and generally - as occasions required. - Some of the Teachers complained he had insulted them, if he had done so, he had not done it intentionally lest he must say that the Language wh. [which] both T Oddie and Wm. Holden had used to him was very insulting. He did not desire to do anything against the rules of the School - or the feelings of the Teachers - and if he [illegible] not work together cordially - he would withdraw his services. What he had said with regard to some of the T. [Teachers] being against his reproving - he had conscientiously and spoken the truth. - The Teachers hoped he wd [would] not think of leaving.
The hour being now late Mr. Hart suggested it was time to dissolve - and in this state of feelings the Meeting ended.
[November] 26. Revd J P [Jackson Porter] & Mr Hart called, and we talked the matter over he was surprised and grieved at the conduct of the Teachers. - In the Evg [Evening] I attended the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Bu Op Con Assn [Blackburn Operative Conservative Association] - Mr. C Wilkinson delivered one of the most eloquent & sublime Speeches that I ever listened to since I was born. The Dinner, was excellent, the Company numerous, and the demonstration very strong.- Heard this Day of the illness of Thos Grandmother Heaton.
[November] 26. Revd J P [Jackson Porter] & Mr Hart called, and we talked the matter over he was surprised and grieved at the conduct of the Teachers. - In the Evg [Evening] I attended the Fourth Annual Meeting of the Bu Op Con Assn [Blackburn Operative Conservative Association] - Mr. C Wilkinson delivered one of the most eloquent & sublime Speeches that I ever listened to since I was born. The Dinner, was excellent, the Company numerous, and the demonstration very strong.- Heard this Day of the illness of Thos Grandmother Heaton.
[November] 28. This Day visited Grandmr Heaton found her labouring under strong inflammation - with but little chance of recovery. By her wish I prayed with her. Same Eveng. took Thos to visit her. She was much affected and blessed him and self.-
[November] 29. Again visited her, she much worse. Lingered until Sunday Morning at 1/2 p [past] 8 o'clock, when she expired - aged 58.
Decr 4. Mrs. Heaton was this Afnoon [Afternoon] interred, St John Church Yard - not far from the remains of my beloved Mary.
Decr 14th Up to this Day, I have lived in great peace and love with my second wife - except in three instances, in which she greatly provoked me. On this day having let fall some unjust expression respecting Shilling &c. I felt myself aggrieved and insulted, the consequence was that in the heat of passion to which I am much subject, I struck her and in the Eveng slept apart. After mature reflection she confessed her faults and forgiveness on both sides ensued. The Lord knows that in all sobriety - industry - faithfulness, and integrity it has been - and is my wish to make her happy - I am rather apprehensive that she inwardly frets - in not finding herself likely to have a Child - But this is not my fault - for I have used all lawful means similar to my first wife - and therefore am not to blame - This is God's doing no doubt wisely intended, why then shd She murmur. - Thomas has had an attack of the erysipelas - through cold & much crying - as well as fever.
The generality of the Teachers at Thunder Alley have seen the injustice of their conducts to me - & so expressed themselves. I conceive Sidney Ashton to have been an instrument of good in this case. It is agreed to have a "Tea Party" - I was not present, being at Burnley at the funeral of Richard Sharp on Christmas Day. -
1839 pdf includes the text above and footnotes by David Hughes
1840. - Mrs. T. is enceinte. So there will be no more quarrelling on that score I hope.
Feb 13th Mrs. C. Vose, visited my wife the first time this night since our Marriage.
Thomas has had the Measles, and I think a touch of the Scarlet fever, from the effects of which he recovers but slowly.
March 19. Married, Mr. Lutener to Miss Duckworth, - Revd. Hy Haworth to Miss Parkinson. –
[March?] 8th Met unexpectedly this Day Miss B Alston at Mr H's [Hart’s?] Wensley Fold - where self and wife were taking Tea. She looked particularly foolish & nonplussed, I was tolerably self-possessed and after a few moments felt no embarrassment - She left early.
Throughout the Spring my wife enjoyed tolerable health and advanced in pregnancy - I am to say that we have had few or no words latel
Augt 2nd I took the opportunity to address the Scholars on the dreadful wickedness attempted by several Children employed in Messrs. Turner's Mill, in setting the Mill purposely on fire - I may here observe that about 2 months ago - Mr. Livesey's Mill was totally destroyed, and strong suspicions were attached to a Person working therein but no sufficient Evidence could be advanced to criminate him.
[August] 9th I taught the first Class Subject Morning the Sickness of Hezikah the King and his Recovery. - Afnoon [Afternoon] - The Disobedient Prophet - The Boys were very attentive, and I was well pleased with them. At noon I spoke to the Scholars on the Death of three Scholars belonging the Sick Society viz: Ralph Shorrock, Maria Lawe, and Joseph Eastwood.
Married - John Barnes, a Teacher - previously; D Tomlinson. The Rev. John Price this day preached two most excellent Sermons on behalf of the Schools - Morng Matt. [Matthew] - Afnoon Isiah 40 - Affectionate, earnest, and simple. -
Wm Holden, a Teacher of the School, raised, or would have raised a disturbance because the School was not so clean as it ought to have been, - The conduct on several occasions has been very reprehensible.
I am thankful to observe that Thomas has enjoyed moderate health through the Summer, I have not seen any appearance of the Erysipelas for three months
Aug 9th I visited some of the Sick Scholars viz Mary Blackshaw, Jane Neild, and H Eastwood, and on the following visited also Henry Barnes, who died on the following Day. –
[August] 15th. My Wedding Day:- We were visited by my old friend Wm. Molyneaux from Liverpool likewise by Charles Callis from the same place. - His Mother gave him a neat Reference Bible in which
I printed a Label with the Inscription of this verse
I printed a Label with the Inscription of this verse
Thy word shall lead my heart to prayer
And guide my feet in paths of truth,
Protect me from each dangerous snare,
Console in age - advise in youth,
All unbelieving doubts removes
And teach my soul & her[?] God Behoves
Aug 25 & 26th Journey to Clitheroe, Berry's Sale - Appointed to value Stock in Trade, Types, Bindings Materials, Shops Furniture, &c &c - with Mr. L. Dobson of Preston Agreed well together. Types £123 odd the whole about 210£ - Charged for Valuing £4.10 per Day - 1 3/4 Days.
The Type was taken @ 2 thirds original value - all under two years usage - Mr. Walsh Employer
Aug 27th about 10 before Eleven Evening my Son CL [Charles Lomax] was born and for safe delivery of my Wife I return my humble & sincere thanks to Almighty God.
License Day - Septr 5 Mrs C.T. [Charles Tiplady] doing very well, - Child also well. He will be called 'Charles Lomax' - Registered Sept 5 No 4 Register No 9. Blackburn Union Joseph Fairbrother Register.
Sept 3rd Brother John Married at Bury to Miss Edmundson by Rev. Bentflower Parish Church.
[September] 19th The Child being very ill, we had him privately baptised by the Revd J Porter - His illness was caused by being unable to suckle the breast.
[September] 20 Memm [Memorandum] The Teachers of Thunder Alley Sunday School presented a small token of respect to William Holden under great & unexpected difficulty arising from non employment. I presented the same, this Evening in the presence of the Teachers.
Nov 15th Our little Son was christened at St John's Church the Day, Sponsors, Brother James, Charles Vose and Mrs Vose. He got a severe cold in the Church porch.
Rev J. Porter presented us with "Ven's Whole Duty of Man"
Decr 25. Attended School this Day, Meeting of Teachers in the Evening - Mr. Hart absent, I think purposely - Very good Meeting. Rev. J. Porter presided and delivered an Address and called upon me to speak - I spoke perhaps half an hour - I was well received. Mentioned Mr. Hart, & his deserveings - & suggested the propriety of a token of respect - exceedingly well taken T. Oddie said it had been thought of three years. - Meeting highly gratifying broke up at Nine. - Good Singing very.
[December] 26 Thos Hart surprised me by hinting that I had [flattered?] his Brother, the night before - I resented - On Monday he resigned the Treasurership, - I asked a reason & wrote him a Letter respecting his conduct - He retaliated by a scurrilous Note. - Both Letters Preserved.
His note ran thus:
Considerable heart burning have arisen in consequence of Thos Hart taking the above in the very improper light he has done. - On the 28th Decr I received in conjunction with his Brother the following:-
"Blackburn Decr 28th 1840
"Having fully made up my mind to discontinue being the Treasurer of the Children's Sick Society, connected with the Thunder Alley Sunday School, I beg to inform the Superintendent of that School that I shall no longer consider myself the Treasurer after the 31st inst.
"To the Superintendent of the Thunder Alley Sunday School"
And immediately wrote him the following:-
"Monday, Decr 28, 1840
Sir
"Immediately on the receipt of your note I took it and opened it in the presence of your Brother, and have to inform you that the contents produced feelings of surprise and regret As the note was delivered to me, I feel called upon, to seek at your hands, a reason for the unexpected withdrawal of your Service as Treasurer of the Society - seeing that on Christmas Day not the slightest intimation was given of your determination. - The School will of course wonder what has transpired to cause this sudden and unexpected event, and will no doubt require, or at least expect their Supert to inform them"
"There will be a Meeting of the Committee this Evening, and if you will favor us with a line, it shall be faithfully laid before them"
"Before I draw this disagreeable duty to a close I can but express my surprise and indignation at the manner in which you accosted me on Saturday Morning, as tho' I had said a single word more in praise of your Brother than what was strictly true, and wh:, by the manner in which it was received, I am fully convinced was the sentiment of the entire assembly who heard me. - I think I mentioned that the propriety of giving your Brother a present for his Services had been in gestation three years. - This I learnt only when I sat down, so that what I said respecting that matter you may set down to my origination and I am proud of the feeling, - and more than this, - I should have felt equal pride & pleasure in proposing the same for yourself. - You said that you had been neglected on former occasions, observe me the fault was never mine, - nor can you say but that I always have been ready, if not the very first to acknowledge your services not merely to that Society - but to any with which you are connected. - Why then should there exist in your bosom the smallest particle of envy towards Your Brother. It is neither natural nor christian - neither does it accord with that character of honour and probity wh you deservedly bear among men. - I shall speak plainly - Thomas, if these be the last words I ever utter to you, - there are not two Brothers more highly thought of & respected than you & Wm neither are there two men in Blackburn to whom I am under more lasting & grateful obligations. - But it is plainly evident that there is an Enemy, mind me, I say there is an Enemy somewhere, who sows dissension between you. - I have been as a Deaf Man. I have Listened to many things both now & heretofore - Things which if I had turned over, would have caused a downright quarrel but God Almighty is my witness, & I thank him heartily that I can say, my hand on my bosom, my conscience bearing me evidence that I have always endeavoured to make peace between you, & to rejoice when I saw it established.
"That this may ever remain so, until the time that you & he together with, I hope myself, shall meet in that place where all worldly differences cease.
In the earnest prayer of
Your most obedt Servt.
Charles Tiplady"
I would observe that previously to sending the above, I read it to Mr. H. [Hart] who tho' he would have no hand in sending it approved generally of the contents: one alteration only did he suggest viz. that there was an Enemy who attempted to sow dissention &c - but I could acquiesce. - The day following I called to see if Thomas had any thing to say in reply when he told me he had been advised to take no notice of it - It appears, however, that he re-considered the matter and wrote an Answer as will be seen. The Teachers were told that night that he had retired but gave no reason. Mr. Butler was proposed & unanimously chosen his successor. I was not present at the Meeting.
In the course of three or four Days he sent this reply:-
"Tuesday Decr 29th 1841[sic]
Sir/
"Had your dictating, insolent, unfriendly, and unkind Letter not abounded with observations entirely untrue, uncalled for, and far from Christian-like, I should have decreed it my duty to have treated it with silent contempt.
"You profess to make peace, but if I know common manner & commonsence, I am quite sure that every impartial person who would take the trouble to read your observations & insinuations to me would immediately conclude you are not the man you wish to be thought in that respect.
"There are so many inconsistent remarks of doing & undoing in your Letter that it would be most difficult to come at the real sentiment of Your meaning. In some parts you represent me as most highly esteemed among men, & a man of honour, &c &c, and in other part you charge me with entertaining feelings, wh: I should consider almost degrading to the Lower beings in the infernal world. - What consistency is there in such remarks as these, I would ask. Before I conclude I must tell you that you are quite at liberty, Charles, to heap upon me whatever ordure your unkind heart may please to vent. I have no doubt I shall be able to bear it. Your's T. Hart
"As you perhaps may make some remarks if you do not receive a few lines from me, tho' I had yesterday concluded not to notice your Letter at all. I have considered to do so today. - I beg to say that I shall not receive any more notes from you on the present subject, but if you have any wish to see me personally, I have no objections to meet you." T.H (copied Whit Monday May 31 1841)
Some of the Teachers thro misrepresentation wished to put aside the intended inscription to Mr H but afterwards re-considered the matter, and allowed the Subscription to proceed. £8 was collected in the School.
The piece of Plate is a Castor with seven glasses, wrought in solid silver, with shields for the inscription - value £14.0.0.
I will leave the above correspondence to the impartial decision of every unbiased mind - being satisfied that the charge of dictating insolence, unfriendliness and unkindness is wholly unsupported. I am at a loss to discover any untruth or inconsistency in Telling a Man that by acting in a certain manner he lays himself open to the charge of envy - & thereby discredits his own fair name. That Mr. T. Hart thus acted and spoke, I cannot consistently with the facts deny & when he could plainly tell me that he was as deserving of a testimonial as his Brother - and that it was an insult to profess such a thing for his brother in his presence & that I had insulted him by thus doing. I will leave it to common manners & common sence of the meanest individual to judge what feelings there predominate in his mind. Nor will it be sufficient to clear him to plead that he was labouring under excited feelings - because the fact itself transpiring that either by himself or else by an Enemy a feeling of envy had taken strong possession of his heart, & had led him so far to divide from honourable course, as to throw up his office without notice and without just cause. - But I will dwell no longer on the theme, it is [illegible] my conscience acquits me of intentional wrong or offence.
1840.pdf
1840 pdf includes the text above and the annotated accompanying footnotes
1841
April 4. - The piece of plate referred to in the previous page was this Day presented, by the Rev J. Porter to Mr. Hart. The Rev Gent being unwell it was necessary to take the same to his house, where I, Mr Butler, Thos Oddie, W Holding & Mr Hart repaired - He was in bed and appeared to me to be in a very feeble state - He gave a suitable address to Mr H on the presentation - Afterwards we went to the School, where, at Mr Hart's request Mr Butler & Myself delivered addresses on the Subject - Mr Hart then replied & was deeply affected by the Kindness of those over whom it had been his province to preside he said he could never forget their kindness & hoped that so long as God blessed him with health he shd be permitted to remain among them.
1839 Feb 4. Revd Ths Exton drowned in the River Darwen. - He was at Balderstone
Sister Mary died March 15th 1837 Aged 33 –
Feby 4th This Day was interred at St John's Church, the late John Hornby Esqr in the 78th year of his Age. He was one of Old Standards of the Town, & no man had for so long a period received the high & approving testimonial of all ranks & classes of the Community. To the Town itself he was indeed a munificent benefactor, to its institutions & liberal & untiring contributor, & to the Poor an unceasing friend. - He was senior Governor of the Free Grammar School - one of the Oldest Governors of the Girl's Charity School, and, in fact, there was no good society to which he did not send his benevolent assistance & no case of real distress that was passed unheeded by him. - In politics he was a staunch & decided Conservative - a Member of the Church of England, and yet exceedingly Liberal Contributor to promote the cause of religion & virtues in every denomination. He died regretted by all the Town & left behind a bright example for his surviving children to imitate. The Inhabitants testified their veneration & esteem for this exalted character by a general cessation from business & by forming a procession to the tomb of this most excellent Gentleman. - I walked in the procession.
[February] 8th Thos Livesey informed me that he had from authentic source that Miss B Alston of Pepper Hill, had been brought to be of a Child by the Rev F Law, about 5 weeks before - If this be true, what great reason I have to be thankful to God that his providence frustrated my intended union with her in 1838; An union, wh to my present thinking wd have produced the most unmitigated misery & unhappiness to my mind. How very strange & singular is the working of events - my very expressions & suspicions, mentioned at the time to my mother - & her parents - as well as to divers friends - & recorded in my former Book are fully & literally verified. - There is nothing equal to biding God's time
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And seem his works in vain
God is his own interpreter
And he will make it plain
Poor Betsy
(The weather since the comt [commencement] of Feby has been desperately cold & severe - fairer towards the end.
Feby 26 Made an Agreement with Charles Vose to secure him as a Lodger under our roof until his house be ready. - [illegible] per week, himself and wife - Servant to be found half by him, and half by us. - About a fortnight prior to this I & Mary accepted an invitation to take Tea with Mrs Callis, being the first since our Marriage. - A pleasant Evening
March 5th This Evening the Annual Meeting of the Library took place - On the motion G Edmundson, seconded by Mr Hoole, I was appointed Chairman. Present: - Mes [Messrs] Atkinson, Edmundson, Hoole, Swift, G. Radcliffe, Maurice, Tiplady, Chadwick, Threlfall, Wraith, Whewell, Dewhurst, Cort, W Boardman, Lewis, Adamson, Alderson & others. - J D Cort after being admitted in the [illegible] of his Father would have proposed some alteration in the Rules contrary to rules I was of [illegible] to refuse putting them from the Chair. He made use of a deal of silly, pragmatical, & impertinent remarks, & in fact made himself a laughing stock to the Company. –
Wedy March 10th A Special Meeting was held, D Robinson, in the Chair. --- Various resolutions & alterations were suggested The principal as follow:-
The Library to admit Guinea Subscribers, without proprietorship - Annual
The Fines to be re-modelled & reduced.
The Library to be open each Day 11 to 1 for Delivery
Power to call a special General Meeting given
The following Committee chosen to revise the Rules:-
| William Boardman | Thomas Clough |
| Joseph D Cort | Adam Dinwoodie |
| George Edmondson | L. Adamson |
| William Hoole | Thos Atkinson |
| Charles Tiplady | |
Sub-Committee from the above - Geo. Edmundson; Charles Tiplady - Jos Denison Cort -
D Robinson, Chairman
Note. WB. complained of Mr Cort's behaviour to him & C.T. supported the charges made - DR. sheltered him from a severe castigation.
Sub Comttee met and revised the Rules and appointed a Meeting for April 8.
Mar. 21. They chanted the Song of the Three Children this Morng at [Morning] St. John's. It is nearly 20 Years since I heard it before.
Apr. 26. I was nominated a Sidesman at the Parish Church, & on 29th sworn in to the Office. The following constitute the Officers & Clergy of the Parish Church, Revr J. W. Whittaker, Vicar, Revr Mr. James, Curate, Messrs. Thos Bentley, Thomas Fisher, Thomas Waring & Richard Bell, Wardens, Messrs. Robert Bentley, Jams Pilkington, Charles Tiplady & J. S. Livesey, Sidesmen - I pray to have Grace Given me to fulfil my duty faithfully in the Office.
May 11th - Entered into the Prosperous Youth Independent Order of Odd Fellows, - was appointed on the Committee. The admission cost £1.1.0. In the course of the Business the Ballot was introduced for a new V.G.- Br [Brother] Kenyon & Br Plummer, Candidates; - Br K admitted majority - 1- 17 to 16. Also a new Secretary Coulthurst versus Stevenson C. 20. S. 16 –
[May] 20 This Day died James Appleton, an acquaintance & formerly President of the Bn Ops Conn [Blackburn Operatives Conservative Association] aged 45.
This Day terminated the debate on the Sugar Duties after nine nights discussion. Ministers in a minority of 36. -
Remarkable fine genial spring weather from the middle of Feby onward thro' the whole Spring - with scarcely any drawback - & very few east winds.
[May] 15. Thos Farren left. He has now served up his whole time not very much improved I fear.
An Election is generally expected to be near at hand. A requisition to John Hornby Esq. has received numerous signatures.
May 25th J. Forrest called and requested me to go to Blackpool with him in his Gig, I did so partly expecting that that mode of conveyance would be cheaper, but I found that two days expences cost me £1:3:6d viz:
| | s. d. | Suppose going by Coach | |
| Bars to Preston | 1:4 | Coach to Preston | 2.6 |
| Horse Do Do & Gin | 2.0 | Do Lytham | 2.6 |
| Tea at Lytham &c. | 2.3 | Do Blackpool | 2.6 |
| Bars to Do | .6 | Liquor & Food | 1.6 |
| Breakfast &c Blackpool, also Tea | 4.6 | Keep at Blackpool and beds 2 nights | 2.6 |
| Horse at Ditto | 3.6 | Expences at Fleetwood | 1.7 |
| Expence to Fleetwood | 1.7 | Shrimps &c | 1.3 |
| Shrimps for home | 1.3 | Coaching home | 7.6 |
| Bars home | 1.10 | ||
| Horse at Preston, &c | 2.0 | ||
| 1.0.9 | 1.1.10 | ||
| Breakfast at Lytham | 2.3 | Expences home | 1.6 |
| & Horse & Ostler | £1.3.0 | £1.3.4 |
but if by Railroad from Preston then about 6/- Less. The weather was fine & agreeable.
On the road we entered into long conversation on various subjects.
[May] 30th I received a very kind Letter from Mr Feilden of which the following is a copy:-
"London, May 29th 1841
"Dear Charles,
"Accept my thanks for your kind Letter of the 28th just received, with its enclosure, which I had seen before.
"Mr. John Hornby tells me that he shall be in Blackburn on Tuesday next, when most likely he will decide upon the course he means to take, for at present, he is rather undecided, but say nothing about this, for his plans must soon be made public, and he will do nothing to injure me.
`'I think it would be premature in me to issue an Address at present, to the public, because my intentions are known, but I shall have one in readiness, that I hope will reach the points you speak of and give general satisfaction to my friends.
"I am told we may have a majority of about Two on Sr Robert Peel's motion of want of confidence. No Dissolution will take place till the Corn Question has been discussed, for this is the point on which the ministers depend; for Agitation is their object.
"Although I have told you that we may have a majority of Two, I must confess I think it doubtful. The majority may be the other way; it will be a neck and neck business."
Believe me to be, dear Charles
Truly Your's,
Wm. Feilden."
The ultimate effect of the above division, and one which followed it, was to cause the Ministers to dissolve the House, and a very severe contest occurred in the Borough of Blackburn, by which Mr. Turner, the Radical Member lost his seat by a majority of one only. The Election occurred on the 29th and 30th of June 1841.
June 8th. Quarrelled with Mary on the following occasion Thos. hat nib was ill broken, so I took it off, & finding another upon an old cap of mine, I civilly & gently requested her to fix it on instead of the broken one. She said It was inconvenient So no more passed at the time. -This Day I observed that Thomas looked very awkward in the cap & asked why she had not fixed the other on. - She said it was lost. I replied if she had fixed it on when I desired her it would not have been lost. She very snappishly replied that she had told me it was inconvenient. I said considering the little time it would have taken to do it she should have made it convenient. - She retorted that she would please herself when she did it or whether she did it at all. I said I would not submit to her impudence. She immediately replied if I did not hush she would give me something to make a noise for. - Enraged at such downright hectoring insolence I struck her upon which she struck me, & If I had not held her hands she would have "bitten me". To mend matters Charles was in her arms, & screaming dreadfully - Thomas I whipped & punched on the back in my rage for being the cause of the quarrel. - Many other jeers & offences Epithets She called - especially a Brute, & a Liar & so forth. - I told her I should be no man to stand by & hear her threaten to strike me, & for lying I defied her to prove that I had told her one since our Marriage. As an other quarrel she strongly expressed her sorrow & regret at ever marrying me, & if she had thought that I should have behaved to her as I had done she never would. I said she might go then if she thought so &c &c &c. - From this I will have any-body to judge of her temper. I said that if it was wrong to strike a woman, it doubly so to provoke a Man to do that which he descried to do, nor had the least intention of doing - I am afraid I have hurt Thomas.
July 12th The three previous weeks have been all bustle and agitation in consequence of the General Election. The Candidates for the Borough of Blackburn were, Wm. Feilden, Esqr. Jno [John] Hornby, Esqr, & Wm. Turner, Esqr. The two former on Conservative, and the latter on Whig & Radical Principles. The contest was extremely severe & close, The Nos at the close of Polls being
Feilden 441
Hornby 427
Turner 426
Majority 1
Majority 1
The Mob were favourable to the Whig Candidate, - & great excitement prevailed on the Day of Election. Joseph Eccles, Esqr. was the Returning Officer.
Among the papers which appeared, I was the author of the following "Little David", "A Conservative", 2nd Address "Conservatives to the Poll", "A Friend to the Poor" &c &c
Destruction of the Bull Windows &c
About two hours previous to the announcement by the returning Officer it was currently reported and believed that the Conservatives had been defeated by a majority of Two Votes; but upon careful examination of the Poll-Books it appeared that this Report was incorrect, & there was exhibited a Majority of one in favor of Mr. Hornby. - This announcement exasperated the Liberal Mob to such a degree that they instantly resolved to attack and if possible demolish the "Old Bull Inn" where the Conservative Committee sat during the Election. An immense multitude rushed for this purpose into the market-place & commenced throwing heavy paving-stones, brickbats at the windows which they speedily demolished. They then proceeded to gut the interior - commencing the Old Travellers' Room adjacent to the street, from which they tore Tables chairs, sofas, Glasses and every other description of Furniture - Not satisfied herewith they levelled large stones at the front door which ultimately gave way & the mob rushed tumultuously inside threatening death to all opposition. - In the mean time by the exertions of James Neville, Esqre. the military was called out, the Riot act Read & the Police Constables marshalled into the market-place - whence they commenced a vigorous attack on the infuriated populace, and in a brief space put them to the rout. - It was my lot to be stationed on the Bull Inn, during the whole fray, in which I witnessed three of the most astonishing transitions of human passion, in the inmates that I recollect ever to have witnessed, viz Despondency, consequent on the false Report circulated that we had lost, Excessive Triumph on the announcement that we had won by one & dreadful Terror when the Mob attacked the Building. In the first instance all was solemn silence & dejected countenances - you might have heard a pin fall; - in the second - they appeared positively intoxicated with joy - such salutation & shaking of hands & wishing of joy, I never saw anything equal to it since I was born, - It was, as I may remark, in the height of this bewilderment of joy that the sound of the first missile reached the ears of the assembly - the transition awfully sudden & somewhat ridiculous as shewing the effects of fear on the strongest nerves when suddenly & unexpectedly attacked. - In an instant, men of the most undoubted courage fled panic struck into holes & corners, over roofs & buildings - into cellars, attics, stables, &c &c. - I remained with a few until the riot was quelled. - This is now the third time the Bull has been stormed after an Election.
July 1st The Revd Jackson Porter astonished the whole Town, by marrying his under servant Jane Neville, after a short Courtship of one fortnight - Considering the precepts wh he always strenuously preached against unequal Marriages - the fact was the more surprising & inexplicable. - He also offended some of his oldest and best friends by his conduct in this business. - viz Mr. [illegible] and others. - In a sermon preached by him on the Death of his first wife he said, - "In her place none can ever stand to me but God" and yet in the lapse of time we see his mind changed so thoroughly as to make his servant a Clandestine Wife. So little reliance then ought to be placed upon assertions uttered in affliction and excitement. - If any Man, had hinted to him that such wd have been his conduct afterwards - he wd indignantly have replied if ever that came to pass - look upon me as a Man bereft of his senses.
Augt. 21 - At 1/2 past 5 this Morning a terrific thunder Storm broke over the Town; the rain literally descended in torrents, and quickly laid under water the various Shops and Cellars in low situation, - Salford, Penny Street & other places suffered severely.
[August] 22. Went to Harwood Charity Sermons with James Livesey the Revd Gilmour Robinson preached an excellent discourse from Proverbs "My Son, if Sinners entice thee, consent thou not". The Choir performed several airs and choruses from Handel's inimitable work the Messiah; they sung them in an exceedingly correct, harmonious, & delightful manner. - The whole service gave great satisfaction to the congregation. - which tho' a very wet afternoon was very numerous & filled the church to overflowing.
[August] 29th Revd Dr Whittaker, the Vicar, visited the School this Morning; many of the Teachers & Monitors were gone to Witton, whither also I intended to have gone, but was apprehensive of rain. - He was well pleased with the order and discipline of the School and held a long conference with Mr. Hart, self, and Mrs. Cort. - In the Afternoon the Revd A L. Courtenay visited us.
Sept 2nd Political Memorandum - On the 19th of Aug the New House met and unanimously chose Mr. Lefevre Speaker the Conservatives not opposing his re-election. - In the House of Lords the Address to the Queen's Speech was negatived by a majority of 72, and the same fate befel it in the Lower House by a majority of 91. - Ministers perceiving the decided turn affairs had taken, and that upon a question which they had anticipated would ensure them a majority came to the Resolution of immediately resigning their Office wh her Majesty most graciously accepted Aug 28th Sir Robert Peel was sent for - and a Conservative Ministry formed.
Sept 12th - Dr. Whittaker visited the School both this Day & the previous Sunday. The nos was 593. - In the Aftern at the request of Mrs. Cort and the Teachers I delivered an Address touching the Death of Jane Ainsworth late a Scholar in the School in wh. I took occasion to show three of the distinguishing marks (humility, sincerity & an earnest desire for the salvation of others of a real Disciple of Christ. - and to enlarge on the benefits of Sunday Schools; the advantages of Religion; and the certainty of death the scholars were very attentive & serious - The School was this day visited by Mr. John Lund, Lieut. Holbeck, Revd A. L. Courtenay, Thos Butler, Esqre Mrs. Hopwood & Mrs. Hunt.
The breach unhappily existing between Mr. H. [Hart] & Rev J Porter still continues - Mr P still persisting that he has not acted in a improper manner. The division in the Church is likely to place a serious loss & hindrance to Religion.
Sept 10th Died Ralph Marsden. 12 Wm Forrest, Manufacturer.
Sept 14th. About 10 o'clock this Evening there commenced a most awful & tremendous thunder storm, the lightning was exceedingly vivid & almost continuous - The rain descended in torrents & quickly flooded the lower parts of the Town. Poor Salford came in for a large share of the mud as usual. The river was very high, & many houses in the Town were much inundated. –
[September] 17th. Rev J. Porter called, and stated that he intended each Catechumen with a present of "The Church Service" 32nd [illegible] bd [bound] in Morroco & gilt cost 10/- 220 copies - £110:0:0. The extreme value & magnificence of the present has caused great talk & reason[?] by the Public –
[September] 20 Quarterly Meeting of the B. P. B. [Blackburn Philanthropic Burial] Society - Attended & acted as Chairman - very throng - Some little opposition was raised by Mr. F. Wilkinson against the 4/- allowance for funerals. Said that it was contrary to the principle of the Abstinence Society - to receive or use Liquor at Funerals - & at the suggestion of the Chair it was moved "That the allowance for funerals continue as before - but in cases any Person refuses to take the liquor the Under Treasurer shall pay "three shilling" in money and retain "one shilling" for his own use and benefit." - A man named Harrison complained that a Child of his had not been inspected since entered. It was proved that the Collector of the District had not delivered it unto the Inspector - The same person objected to the appointment of an Inspector & said the Offic [Officer] was both useless & unauthorized. The Chairman read the rule requiring the appt [appointment] of an Inspector & enlarged upon his duties of office - The objection was over ruled by an immense majority. - A Member objected to the printing of the Report oftener than annually - it was argued in reply that the public were not be satisfied unless they knew what was going on. - The objection was over ruled - 3000 Reports were ordered - some new Officers appointed & thank voted to the Treasurer & Chairman - An interesting but (to me) laborious meeting - Home 12 o'clock.
[September] 23. Meeting at Bay Horse of the B [Blackburn] Assn for Prosecuting [illegible] Debt - Appointed Chairman - Read a code of Rules concocted by a provisional Committee - Much Debate on various of them, ultimately agreed to with amendments - Had the offer of being made President for one year - but declined on account of its interference with business, & leading to public houses & drinking. Joseph Parker, President Henry Eglin Vice do [ditto], Charles Vose Secy [Secretary], Wm Johnson, Treasurer - Committee of 7 Meetings monthly & quarterly of the Members - Subscription, 2/- Quary [Quarterly] 2/6 entrance.
[September] 25 Meeting of the I.O.F. [Independent Order of Odd Fellows] proposition that William Walsh be made:- objection - B. Martin unfit on account of [illegible] supported by Br [Brother] Ratcliffe both tailors - Defended by Br Tiplady G. A. Talbot - Br [Brother] R. Hacking - Br A Wilkinson & Br Birch, Surgeon. Ballotted for - For 18, Against 7. - Majority 11 - Made. Had the office of Assn [Association] Secretary pressed upon me last declined on account of business - left early.
Oct 24 Clerked for Mr. Fairbrother at the Parish Church in the Aftnoon - He gave me 1/6 for the duty.
[October] 25 Sale at Mr. Burrells the Printer - small lots - sold well, - but did not make much. –
[October] 28. Valued his printing Material on behalf of the Sherriff amounted to 166:18:8 - including Three Presses. - I conceive with fair competition - the Stock shd fetch this at least. –
Oct 24. The Revd J. Porter having resigned the Rev R T [Robert Thomas] Wheeler was presented to St John's. –
Nov 7. Distributed, in conjunction with Mr. Hart & Mrs Cort 80 Copies of the "Church Service" amongst the Teachers & Monitors of the School - being a parting Token from the Revd J. Porter - they were received with sincere feeling of gratitude. - N.B. Mrs C. behaviour with respect to this present has not been satisfactory to Mr. H & myself. –
[November] 9. Her Majesty was delivered of a Son this Morning at 11 o'clock at which happy circumstance great rejoicing took place. It happened to be the Civic Feast of the Lord Mayor of London. –
[November] 22. - At about 20 min to 5 o'clock this Afnoon, my dear Wife was delivered of a Second Son for whose safe Delivery I desire to express sincere & hearty thanks to Almighty God - His name will be "William Callis"
[November] 24. Wife & Child doing very favourably so far thank God.
Obtained this Day a Licence for the sale of Patent Medicines.
Decr 5. Sunday. - W Hart, Mrs Cort and Myself were each presented with a neat Edition of the Polyglott Bible, with Cruden's Complete Concordance, & to the other the Church Service. - In reference to which the following Paragraph appeared in the Bn Standard. "Valuable Tribute of Respect - We understand that in addition to the munificent presents given by the Revd Jackson Porter to the Catechumens for Confirmation, & to the Teachers & Monitors of the Thunder Alley Sunday Schools, - the Superintendents of the above School Mr. Hart, Mr. C. Tiplady and Mrs Cort were each presented with a valuable 8vo [octavo] Edition of the Polyglott Bible, to two of which were included Crudence [sic] Complete Concordance, & to the other the Church Service - neatly bound in morocco. - The present was accompanied by a note from the Revd Gentn expressive of his good will & esteem to each of them individually and of an earnest hope that they might be long spared to occupy their important stations in that large & flourishing Sunday School. - The Superints have returned suitable acknowledgements to the Revd Gent for his kind and affectionate Remembrance."
Decr 6. Meeting of the Teachers this Evening, Wm Holden behaved in a most disorderly, insolent & rude manner, both to me & to Mr Hart for which he was severely reprimanded. - The Teachers much vexed at his conduct & many wished he would leave altogether.
[December] 7. Little & his mother doing very favorably for which Mercy I desire to be unfeignedly thankful & to shew for that my gratitude not only [illegible] life but in [illegible] life.
Decr 6. Sent the following Letter to Mr. Porter as an acknowledgement for his kind presents The Hymn sung, was "O for a heart &c"
[Entries after those for February 1842 in the original.]
Decr 19 - Paid Dr. Whittaker the sum of £14:2:6 being the proceeds of a Collection in the Parish on behalf of the Xtian [Christian] Knowledge Society - after an eloquent Sermon by Mr. Wheeler the Incumbent of St John's. The Church was exceedingly crowded on the occasion - This morng also the Revd Gentn commenced his labours at St Johns in the room of the Revd Jackson Porter - his text was from the Epistle to the Thessalonians "Brethren, pray for us, that the word of God may have free course and be glorified, and the Lord direct your heart into the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ - A truly admirable discourse.