Charles Morgan's Diary, 1834

▲ Back to the list         ▶ Next year

Tempus fugit

January

1st Wednesday

Tis too good a commencement of the New Year to last long - up at 5.00 to have breakfasted, and to be mounted on horseback by 6.30 in the midwinter season. But so it is, Jane is going to Bristol by the steam packet from Swansea at 10.00 - yesterday being very stormy, she had been several times very disappointed in this intended journey. To go she would, Thursday, and as luck would have it was fine. A most beautiful moonlight and not cold. Caroline on Moselle for the first time for a long ride, I on Fly and Jane on Doll. Left Stafell Haegr and arrived at Swansea, I never shall again perhaps. By 9.30 witnesses of a beautiful sunrise. All forebodes of a stormy day and all to be disappointed for no steamer leaves Swansea. Yesterday prevented its arriving from Bristol. Today proves beautiful. Most wonderful and most luckily for us with our 1,001 commissions for bedding and all other odd things for Mr Eliot (whom we accidentally find at the Mackworth Arms. Came late to Swansea last night. Mrs Munday kindly takes compassion on Jane and there we leave her disappointed in the evening and by moonlight again Caroline and I return home. A long and hard ride for her for I found it so. Eliot had gone to Penclawdd earlier and Robert Harry too, with the various goods. The Christmas Ball was last night and Swansea alive. Forgot to make Caroline a New Year's gift, which she bore with exemplary fortitude.

2nd

Resolved to make amends to Caroline and present her with something at the close of the year as an acknowledgment of her forgiveness for this great omission after only three months matrimony. A beautiful day - busied weighing the commissions from Swansea etc, seeing to Eliot's bed, Penralt, with Carree etc. Planting in the garden. Eliot by accident, drops down at Stafell Haegr and dines with us, luckily we have plenty. Found a turkey from Henry at Swansea had a hare in larder from Snell when I returned home. Eliot going to cut up the garden here and make a terrible mess in excavations. Wall Building. Resolved not to be annoyed. Going to alter the road too just made tho' I cannot help thinking it on this part of great want of proper feeling. But if it is not of natural growth it cannot be replanted. Fine all day and Eliot exults saying he always brings good weather with him - but alas!! Masons and carpenter returned this evening.

3rd

Again a return of our old weather. The poor ox killed. Could not get him to thrive, poor as a rat, skinned and buried. Busied in the garden and helping Carree paste paper in closet and wrote commissions for George Harry to Swansea and get home things bought for Mr Eliot. Walk to Penralt and ordered movements for men and horses tomorrow. Very bad day but men have worked.

4th

Wet wet!! Again gardening and carpentering and teaching sheep to eat hay and turnips; they will have it here sheep never eat hay but I have shown them they will even in a confined yard. Ride to Penralt and Caie Vorgan, very wet. Masons are beginning inside of house. Find Eliot at Stafell Haegr on my return - want to dine here his right having to cross the marsh. Engage him to dine here tomorrow. Finish a week 21st December of RH's account book in the evening. Bed at 12. A thoroughly wet day but men work.

5th Sunday

Damp driving day again. Morning duty and sacrament, meet Elliot as we come out of church. Elliot Dines with us early at 2.00 on turkey and cheek and laver. Conversation at last, as usual about the estate sold under Chancery etc. Bill on tithes would not have been filed in time (he says) but for his being in town and might just as easily have been filed six months sooner and so on. Mr Eliot is everything, no one else anything. Sun shone in evening a little. Mr Eliot leaves us before tea and before dark for Penclawdd.

6th

Dark gloomy morning. Up late, went twice to Penralt afoot to arrange things for Mr Eliot. Bed to be put up except etc etc. Rob H kills a sheep at Stafell Haegr I have bought at Swansea. Grocery, crockery etc etc for Mr Eliot. He has ordered Robert Harry to buy grocery etc. He loves managing for himself and dislikes my doing anything for him. Howel John has been loading timber on the marsh. Takes cheese and beer. Phil Lucas to kill the cow for tithe dinner Wednesday next. He and RH take cheese and beer. A very wet day, in the evening pours. RH in answer to me says the new building will stand in £2,000 more above carting etc. Not quite so much I think but much more the £800 Mr GHE's estimate. Howel John bill above £400 for timber etc. lead £76.

7th

Up late. Received a letter sent Reynoldstone from Bristol dated 4th, Jane arrived safe. A fine morning, cold. Ride with Caroline to Mrs Jones: Penmaen expecting to find clothes left there destroyed by damp. Not injured at all. Called in going at Penralt to inquire about Mr Eliot. See him busy quarrying and road making again. Not a word scarce about his bedroom etc, rather ungrateful I think but what I expected. Now by Caie Forgan with Tip over Cefn Bryn called on Mr Voss enjoying himself in Swansea. Richard Watkins. Hear Mr Mason is coming as curate to Penmaen and no news. Back over the Bryn and again meet Eliot at new building. some talk about house etc and about Richards (discharged) as we ride home together tolerably friendly. How lucky in our ride; no rain. Cold windy and threatening, soaking rain again after dark. William goes to his Club and I help Llewellyn look after my horses. Caroline likes Moselle and rides her better and more courageously than expected and I hope she may continue a favourite. Heard an odd anecdote of Tip, the little dog, going over above 4 miles to Penmaen by himself on Sunday to Mr Jones no doubt in search of Jane who lodged there with Tip a short time and whom he had lately missed having left us for Bristol. He searched for her in the parlour and in the bedroom. Found her not and disappeared, returning to us disappointed no doubt.

8th

A beautiful day. A cow killed, the first fat beast at Stavell Haegr, proves a good one. RH the murderer and half a dozen to skin her – all are bits of butchers here. 2 sheep too killed, dine early. Walk with Carree to Penralt. Eliot's dinner waiting – not returned. Walk on to Mr Jones who offers to take one fore-quarter of cow. Back by dark. Met Mr E as we went to Mr Jones' and again as he returned from Stavell Haegr. Declined to return to take tea. Send him the Cambrian. ~Tis no small tax on me to be obliged to give beer and feed so many hangers-on during these butchering times and at other times too. Llewellyn and boy sit up all night.

9th

The cow cut up: obliged to attend to see weight etc. to dispose and to distribute etc Lucas the butcher comes at twelve: RH not til 3. Obliged to help as butcher myself. Weight five score £10 a quarter. Mrs Evans and William Davy the 2 rounds for tithe dinner 16 and 17 ins. Rev. Jones one forequarter, two labourers another, take one loin myself another labourer another and I keep all the etcs as head etc. Easily got rid of. Tom Davy takes the 2 sheep too. Several feasts now about. Eliot never came near us. A wet evening again after 3.00 and all night.

10th

Two more sheep killed early this morning by RH, party for tithe dinner. Walk to Penralt to speak to Mr Eliot- find him breakfasting 10.30. An observation that a mare, heavy in foal (Darby), is unsafe and unfit to put in shafts nettles him and says little and walks off under pretence to looking at account book. I divert the subject and walk home again. The day fine, ride out with Caroline intending to go to the lately discovered ancient wreck (full of silver) near Worm's Head. Too late for tide. Day threatening, change plans and call only at Jenkins of Mansellfold and by myself on Samuel Jones of Windmill. At 2 rain begins and we return little wetted and meet Mr Eliot at Stafell Haegr with the men who have lately worked at job there to measure work. Ask him in, declines. Ask him to dine Sunday, accepts. Very heavy rain this evening and tonight. Very sleepy after dinner. That heavy pudding with boiled mutton does not suit me. Write till late several days of RH's accounts and go to bed tired to be up earlier than usual.

11th Saturday

A sunny morning and fine day too til 1.30. Breakfast and off at 9.30 to Swansea on Fly. Full of commissions for self and Caroline and in want of money. Call at Penralt and see Eliot. Nothing to do there. find that he has told RH call at Mr Lloyd's about tithe hay, all settles. Drop in with Mr Nicholls and ride with him. He tells me Mr Eliot does not intend staying here long!!! Overtake Howel John and Joan and ride into Swansea together. Call in Mr Watkins about taxes surcharged. Received a letter from Fred expecting to be a father and hear Taylor has cheated George, who can be surprised, I am very sorry. In returning overtake J Jenkins of Llanmadock and arrived home with him finding him a plain talkative sensible man. Have much talk about the submarine wreck at Rossily sands. A good deal of all coin found at first. Determined to go down some fine day and try to procure a coin, there are all shapes about 1 oz.. Tis curious but the evenings are always wet. A new moon on the ninth. No change in weather. A little rain after two but a thorough pouring wet after 5.00. Got a little wet, a little later and I should have been soaked. One mutton chop and tea. Two sandwiches were my dinner on horseback. Prepare a book for tithe audit and in bed not early. A journey to and commissions in Swansea is a fagging day.

12th Sunday

When shall we have fine weather?! A soaking wet day again. It rains from all quarters. North South East and West. Another a third servant! dead at Mr Gordon's of smallpox. Caroline not well, breakfast in bed; bad roads and bad weather prevents our going to church, we can't get out of doors - read Cambrian and write journal. Such a torrent of water rushing down Phillips Field gushing from Rocky Hill. Mr Eliot dines here, makes a poor dinner. Cow's cheek dressed and a roast goose. More talkative than usual on subjects not pertaining to tithes. Loveday talked of etc. Eliot leaves early. He spoke of the ill temper of his sister etc. A foolish disclosure.

19th Sunday

A whole week and I have not written on my journal having accounts to write and prepare for the tithe dinner etc.

13th Monday

Thick misty rain and am all day, nearly writing a very long letter to my Aunt Mabbott long-standing debt. Enjoyed some time with RH about the price and quantity of the cow killed here. Dine in the kitchen early that my papers may not be disturbed. The Turnpit Club day, a sermon preached on the sobriety and a neighbourly love ends in the evening in drunkenness and broken heads (sent my letter to RH who goes to Swansea tomorrow) the public house windows all broken. Caroline not very well, both tired of being in house all day and go to bed early.

14th Tuesday

Caroline rises very unwell but receives a long letter from Jane at Bristol. I think she finds the change from Stafell Haegr to the gaiety of Clifton etc very agreeable but she feels an interest in this place. Fix a temporary line for washing and walk to Penralt with Caroline to get blue for washing which gives an odd turn to the day. Find RH and Eliot in altercation with some job men and sit down to accounts all day and settled the arrears of several in good humour after many loud and useless debates - returned home - in luck (?) after being closeted all day in a small room dinned with loud debates settled and fishing out accounts of day labour. Caroline returns home with me. This evening. unexpectedly arrives David Daniel from Abercothy as the stable boy. Heavy rain at night again. The day was fine and Caroline walked twice to Penralt much better for the air and exercise.

15th Wednesday

A very fine morning and Caroline and I suddenly determined to ride to Rossily Sands to see the wreck and pick up silver!! Old coin. Philip Morris accompanies us. She was twice thrown on the sands or burrows, not much hurt but very frightening ‘she never knew such a thing' -saw several old coins at Jenkins of [1]--- an out of the world place - the road ends -saw no date to any of the coins - all mutilated and ill-shaped one had Philip and other letters, others the wreck was recovered again. We saw nothing, at home by six very cold after a very pleasant day by Llanmadock and Llangennech to receive a disagreeable letter from J Davis of Swansea a regular rascal as all the attorneys of Swansea - an infamous bill he sends me. Caroline aids in writing the tithe book ready for tomorrow. I have a terrible headache and cannot work much. Heavy rain again tonight, very heavy indeed.

16th Thursday

Finish after breakfast the tithe book. and ride with Mr Jones to Penclawdd. The tithe audit for Upper Division, sent David with the map etc - they pay up pretty well. Returned home. luckily a fine evening came horrid gusts of wind and had been lightning by 11.30. Counted my money and made my accounts straight, not in bed till 2.00. Caroline, God bless her, waited for me and had tea ready on my return. My great coat with the money weighed 20lb.

17th Friday

A doubtful day again and prisoner to receive the tithe money etc at the public House from Llanrhidian. Pay up pretty well again. Nothing particular happens. Saw J Rees of Leason getting gloriously drunk and falling like a rock. At home in good time but very tired with smell of drink and smoke.

18th Saturday

Much time this morning engaged in making my accounts square – all right £202 odd received - walk with Carree to Penralt. Find Mr Eliot busy in disturbing the rocks and moving stones with his little band of men and walk with him or he with us to Caie Forgan - the new building flagged, cellars kitchen etc, the kitchen chimney terribly small. Cannot say I like the new building but I now make no propositions or observations even save this of the chimney. Propose to Eliot to write about money to my brother H or W instead of me as he seems to consider me - not to furnish money fast enough; how can I if I have it not. Settle he is to dine with us tomorrow and we return home having dined early to tea. The nights are mostly wet, tis uncommon mild weather with 2 or 3 nights lately of lightning.

Well, today - Sunday is very mild and quiet, with a pleasing hazy mist, no church again today. Chapel Sunday and no pony for Carree to ride to Cheriton - read out of the lessons - Psalms - and begin the Bible, intend to read it through, God forgive me, never have and grant me perseverance to accompany Carree as I wish through it. Servants returned from the new building. We walk together to Penralt. No Mr Eliot, out riding. We then walked to Richard Gordon's etc the top of hill above Stafell Haegr and through the woods, a strange wild road home and wait an hour for Mr Eliot. Beef much over done in consequence. Not much about tithes but a little about horses in which he thinks me a fool and I think he little or nothing though he thinks otherwise. Rain this evening but a fine night though cloudy. He leaves about 10.00.

20th Monday

Doubtful looking day, dull, fixed to go to Swansea. Off I go late, 11.30 on Fly, heavy laden with £200 for the bank, much of it silver. What a weight in my great coat. Pay W Tucker a bill before breakfast, money alright. Symonds of Llanelli has received his money 1 draft was stopped. The bills I had drawn on bank supposed to be paid into town to my attorney about his bill, infamous bill, but determined to be quiet and get a copy by good luck of a letter to him from Mr James, abusing Wetlake etc. For Mr Buckingham's farewell address at Swansea, half inclined to stay: do not. At home to a late dinner past 7.00 and surprise and frighten Carree who has not found the day dull - everything eaten up. Dine on bacon and eggs and fried pudding and do very well. Tired with counting money and accounts. Relax and enjoy music and reading. Rain again this evening and night.

21st Tuesday

Up before daylight to turn my pigs from the garden. Tip, good dog, discovered them and woke me. Cold, drizzly rain. Breaks my rest and we rise late. Breakfast 9.45. Jones the carpenter put in a window of stable etc. A drizzly damp day, all-day at and about carpentering. Dine early. Richard Gordon brings me a hare. Caroline writes to Jane. The road accounts at Stafell Haegr entered into with Morris. He attempts to over reach me but I'm awake. Stamp my tools. Arrange some papers and write journal.. The room smokes, bad sign.

22nd Wednesday

A dull doubtful day, linger about home. Intend to ride but do not and walk with Caroline to Penralt and the new building. Here is Mr Eliot. endeavouring to make the road passable in field of new house. If this had been raised instead of the hole filled last spring it had been much better. 3 carts arrived with sills etc from Penclawdd, RH comes. Eliot has nothing to eat for dinner. We have killed the pig and send him some fry. In the evening pay RH £50, 25 for Penrice rent of Wimblood the rest on the general account. Enter into accounts by myself and see how money has been expended. Sent William to Penmaen and to post - nothing. [2] Pig killed by Lucas a very good one. Morris and the other 3 men to have come this evening to settle about the accounts of the road here. Job broken off - luckily I had entered all the days in. Caroline sends a letter to Jane. These 4 men shirk their appointment. A very wet evening and very stormy night though the evening foretold better and more settled weather.

23rd Thursday

Drizzly day. Pig cut up, weighed 8 score. Settled to send some away to Swansea as presents. Loitered here about carpentering and writing. Sent to ask Eliot to dine with us. He accepts. Bread and flour out, luckily get some at D Thomas. Hunt through my letters to see what my money has been expended in horses etc at Abercothi. Just at dinner time come 2 of the 4 men to settle about the road. Angry with them, they attempt to deceive me. Determined to do nothing without all are present. Send for the other two and make various calculations in the meantime. They come and after some sparring finally arrange it. Luckily for them the job is broken. Hear in paper of Lady Lyndhurst's death in Paris. Nothing particular occurs with Eliot; we seem mutually to avoid the subject of the tithes. It has been a disagreeable day, mostly drizzly rain all day. Much conversation with Caroline as to how to dispose of piggy and read the cookery book on hams, flitches etc. This is all right for her 1st year's housekeeping

24th Friday

A wet driving rain from south west as usual again. Up early. Caroline very lazy and up late. Batcock puts in glass of stable window. Shall be at home again all day and not sorry for that. At accounts all day. George H brings 2 fresh cattle to stall from Cillibion and RH calls for money and to have some accounts looked into and in the evening give him a draft for £30 to pay £25 to the Penrice etc and give orders for Swansea tomorrow. William missing all day. [3]

25th Saturday

A very fine spring like morning but growing duller and proves a fog. Up early, see William had slept out all night and dismiss him. He begs for forgiveness, so many times forgiven. I am sick of him. An idle vagabond. Carpenter at barn door for an hour or so debating whether to ride or walk, determine on latter and call on Mrs Jones and walk to summit of Cil Ivor Hill - pleased with the prospect am pleased that Caroline likes it. Descended by Park y Rhedin to new building and had long talk with Williams about chimney pieces, entrance etc. Return by Penralt. Find Eliot at the kiln levelling etc. and Richard Gordon, D Thomas etc dividing their sheep - spring tides. Invite Eliot to dine - cold for the evening. Return tired to dinner and very tired in the evening. Went early to bed. Wet night. The little cat full of antics; some time she is very dull and ill at others all life. Is it weather that affects her and what does it foretell. Gate broken by a stone rolling downhill.

26th Sunday

Dull day and threatening. William calls about the chimney pieces etc. Walk with him to Penralt and discover several flag stones. Find Eliot at breakfast at 12. Walk with him to kiln etc, and return alone to Stafell Haegr to take Carree to church. A long sermon, a long examination of children and adults on points of the Bible from the gallery. A long sermon and notice given of the tithe suit meeting. To meet Jenkins the Attorney at Penclawdd. Jones expects us to tea this evening - can't go. Invites us tomorrow. Eliot dines with us, beef and hare, very amicable till we get on subject of new building. etc and there he invariably opposes everything I propose. Now we are to have a piggery in front of the house because it is not to be considered a seat but a place of profit!!!! What other reason, the master's eye makes the horse fat. So the proverb is to be changed from horse to pig - this uniform system of opposition I am sure is too annoy me because I was the means of the building being curtailed and other circumstances arising from Eliot's determined ill temper. In bed early, wet at night a little.

27th Monday

A thorough wet morning again from east. Not at all well. Have some conversation with Francis Thomas in yard about Stafell Haegr etc. And about hay at 4 1/2 ton - see the rick. At home all the morning writing accounts etc. Mr Nathan - new curate at Penmaen, calls on business, too wet to dine with us. Dine early and rode with Carree in the evening to tea at Mr Jones' - Miss Morris there and Mr Eliot joined us late but scarcely noticed Miss Morris who thought it odd. The children almost clean - overloaded with gin Mr Jones and Eliot got on tithes disputed the right of the court to decide that the suits should be decided for all by a selection of two. At home between 11 to12, the rain had ceased going and returning, dry but cold.

28th Tuesday

Very windy morning, some rain. A cart brought corn etc from Bryngwas us by D Bowen, also a note from Howel John for money. Ride in consequence. intending to call on Mr George. Call at Davies of Friddoe, a queer woman not over civil about rent of Francis Thomas, Stafell Haegr. Then to the post, no letters. Moselle in high glee, not ridden for 10 days. Now to Stopper's Mill to pay Willis £5 and buy 3 ducks. Over the top of hill and home by Caie Vorgan - very windy. The masons nearly out of work. Cold and frosty in evening. [4]

29th Wednesday

Bright cold day, some ice on the common but none at Stafell Haegr. Off after breakfast with two letters - one for Mrs Gu(nthorpe) in answer to congratulations three months ago and one to Edmund to offer the new house and a government? To Mr James. Met post woman Jane near Penrice farm. Called on Mr Nathan, out. Took bread and cheese at Mr Jones - his room done up. Called on Wil-dad the …….. not at home. Ordered laver at Park Mill, went by Ilston to Bryngwas, did not see RH. Called on Howel John not at home - his wife there and brother of Killan - overtook Mr Gordon (Cherry) with 3 hares - wants to compromise tithe suit - how can I - refer him to Mr Eliot. whom we afterwards meet - nothing said about it. Home lateish and merely an apology for dinner. - pork pie. Mr Mrs Jones and Miss Morris at tea here, Jones has a prize of 16th in Glasgow lottery of 15,000 Eliot excused himself. Mr Jones very unwell - no wonder. They left early in consequence. [5]

30th Thursday

Very doubtful day, want to ride with Carree to the Mumbles. Doubt and fear and the black mare has bad feet, resolved to go and she is nearly down at first starting. Ride in trembling and resolve both out of humour to go only to Bryngwas - Carree never there. By Llythrid and Gelligroes, horrid roads, half dine there on eggs etc that is spoiled a dinner and eat nothing at home. Tip lost somewhere but no fear for him. Disagreeable evening, some of driving rain and cold wind. Very tired and lifeless in the evening. Only reading newspapers and went to bed early. Turnip cutter broke.

31st Friday

Another dull doubtful day. Jones the carpenter calls after breakfast, his master David David too, wants money. Give him a draft for £14. Mr Hancorne calls (is coursing), a bill I had signed has a wrong stamp (sign another) for hay at Bryn? Carpenter dine early and hope to have a hen set and set the barn in order. New hay the last of RH rick arrives. 3 ducks arrive from Stopper's Mill. Carree takes a hard lesson in sawing. Ride on Moselle in evening to Caie Vorgan. Meet Clarke of Penclawdd, wants money, agreed to meet him at Swansea tomorrow. Eliot to arrange about what wanted from Carmarthen by carpenter returning tomorrow. Return early and a wet evening. Not at all well - a headache. Q. the effects of a glass of beer or broth at breakfast.

February

1st Saturday

Wet all night and a thorough wet day, the yard all water and a terrible flood. All my plans altered, cannot think of going to Swansea tho' wishing and had appointed to meet several persons there. A soaking driving rain from the east and cold. The same weather I conclude prevented others going, set down to accounts all day and cannot make payments and receipts so miscellaneous tally out of pocket £200 - some gross mistake, shall try again. Receive a letter from Mr James as to J Davies etc. Carpenter a little in sawing for exercise. Dine early, cold dinner and cold evening. Enjoy tea and in high spirits (very unusual) at bedtime.

2nd Sunday

Very cold, almost the only cold day we have had. Wind east. Very dull, wet, dry. Morning service and sacrament with 2 churchings and 2 christenings. Mr Jones has 2 more duties to serve. No joke with Gower roads. Miss Morris leaving Gower and all the Jones going to Carmarthen tomorrow. Call with Carree at Penralt, 10.00o'c. Mr Eliot. just breakfasted!!! Richards I hear to come Tuesday. We dine early and Eliot leaves his breakfast table to eat dinner with us - a leg of mutton and sends us 1lb of laver. Invite Flora half starved to join us. Eliot walks out after dinner and insinuates I am the cause the oxen do not thrive because I did not stack the turnips and that I stint the oxen. My cow thrives for that she gets more in proportion. Llewellyn tells me he only gives half what the others have. I too spoil the orchard now intended for lambs by turning Doll and Rosy in to poach it. Give orders they are never to enter again before it could only answer by being dug up. Eliot had told me there is nothing gives him so much pleasure as finding fault with all my doing no matter what, for the estate or private. I always fancy he wishes to drive me anywhere from Gower and Gower has few charms for me. He tries and will succeed in making me dislike him and there is much in his character I dislike, haughty, sly and obstinate and violent tempered. There is an unopening, a sort of suspicious secrecy I cannot like, all show and words as to civility, a want of heart - but he knows we are involved in law and cannot do without him. I try to avoid collision with him and all subject of the tithes as much as possible. A heavy shower this evening and very cold again with stars. Go to bed by 9 in no good humour and low spirits, after Carree has read a chapter and prayers to the servants.

3rd Monday

A dull cold morning, washing day. Doubtful about going to Swansea - post day, decided to wait till tomorrow. Luckily Howel John calls about money for timber (he was not at Swansea on Saturday) sign a bill at 2 months for £200. No regular dinner because of washing day. Puzzling all morning at accounts, not right yet though near the mark. Quite out of sorts with cold east wind. Stroll out at 2.30 with Carree to Penralt. GHE at dinner. Give D Thomas accounts nearly paid in full - to measure if correct. Walk all three to CM. The open sheds being pitched. Return together at dusk. Meet RH with one Thomas a butcher and sell the Penmaen cow - £9 the first deal in butchering - to go on Wednesday to Swansea. A long talk with RH about William Morgan, his fondness for drink and late hours and getting horses into dangers and difficulties. Return to Penralt and see Eliot. and determine to get rid of him WM. Eliot cool about it as if more on his mind than expressed. Return home in the dark, stumbling over stones and staggering through mud. Sorry to have kept Carree waiting so long. Read to the end of ‘A Barristers Tour in Quest of Genealogy'. Dry for once, washing day too!! East, brisk wind. Carree last thing drops her comb and breaks it, what a pity. [6]

4th Tuesday

A cloudy morning but mostly lovely day: more lovely by the force of contrast - determined to enjoy it and breath the open sky - worth a mint of money. Saw boughs and trim trees in the orchard; a battle I had long threatened to wage. Carree joins me and works but disapproves my judgement, yet works because sawing is pleasant work. Dine early and homely - hash mutton - I love plain faire - the two cats find a stoat in the garden, in our hurry at the moment intrude on them and alarm them away. Very sorry that it deprived me of a chance of seeing a curiosity in the nature of animals. Hunt him myself with Tip, poor Tip, and lose him. How delightfully the birds sing here. Walked to Penralt and CM and home later to tea. Read letters from the gd(?) Mountains to Carree and wrote letters to Edmund declining yet a visit to Tenby. Engaged with my accounts and RH pops in to enter on others. Stone carting, busy at CM - road making to new building.

5th Wednesday

Cold wind from east and heavy showery and threatening weather. Give up again going to Swansea. J Austin drives poor Leason the cow to Swansea. A shame to kill, she is so fine an animal but she is fat and not in calf and no keep for her. Ride Fly to Reynoldstone with Edmond's letter. Learn from Catherine that all the family are at Penrice and that Penmaen is taken. Send Edmund's letter. Pay money to Willis at the mill. Get wet through and dine at 2 on chin and parsnips. Sort wood in the evening for exercise and amusement. Not easy work. William mason tells me he is going back for a fortnight and calls for money. Clark of Penclawdd called for money. Paid him £4-19-0 arrange bills in the evening. Methodise some papers and read to Carree - disappointed in my last Cambrian - lost and get no London papers. A clear evening but cold

6th Thursday

Set down to make clear of the last tithe book, interrupted by RH wishing me to go through his account. Pay Samuel Eaton church. rate. He does not like being the selected defendant in the tithe suit for the Upper Division with Cornelius Gordon in Lower but is very friendly about it. Fancy some of the cows not right. I am sure of it and would bleed had I the management but I will not meddle as they are about to be moved to fresh quarters. Go with RH to Penralt to meet GHE and go into accounts. GHE not ready to settle books not made out. Take a little cold meat for my only dinner, by chance Carree calls on Mrs Jones and comes to Penralt. We see Mrs Richards for the first time, don't like at sight. Walk with Eliot to CM. Carree home, give William a draft - stables are being fitted up. Go on to Cillibion. I never like to ask questions or hazzard an opinion with Eliot, he has made up his mind and always seems to speak with ill humour - knowing his temper tis hazardous. Return to tea. Very cold evening and heavy ground sea at mouth of the river, anticipate bad weather. Read John Bull Exeter, reflect on the day. Will Jones here this evening. New tenant at Penmaen from Warwickshire, Nuneaton!! Name not known - Ball. Sell dung to him and give shoes to mend. A wet night again.!!!? Anticipate from ground sea in west bad weather tomorrow.

7th Friday

A very fine day - so much for prognostication. Sat down to accounts - disgusted with them. Lost all the fine day. Dined early and walked with Carree to Penralt. Had a piece of yew tree, blown down in church yard, drawn to Penralt. Edmond has written wanting some at Tenby. Waited to see rock blown up near the kiln to show Carree for the first time though she has all her life lived in a limestone country. Cold evening and wet at night.

8th Saturday

Breakfasted earlier than common and started instantly for Swansea. Dull misty doubtful day. Some rain, on the whole fineish. Overtook J Collins near Swansea, had a long talk with him about Penmaen, Westlake, Berrington etc. The public, he says, absolve Mr James about the bond. Full of errands at Swansea. Secure the beef of young Leason sold to Grif Thomas, took one for Evan and he cheats me of the tongue but leaves me the balance. Met Mr J Davies and had some talk with him about his bill, and gave him a few unpalatable hints which he took in good part. Saw young Richard Berrington on my return. He had been to Penmaen - let to a Mr Ball. I was cool to him, he explained things and declared he knew nothing of any bond to me and was sorry I had not taken Penmaen and would have let it to me for £60 per annum!!! Offered to at lowest by Mr Pugh at £90!!! No 85: how then could I think to insult a man who had then no friendly feeling towards me by offering 60 only. I was determined to show I could live without it when all was sold up. Here again his mistake shown up in a complication of villains. Gave Beynon a bill at two months for £100. RH at Swansea - gave him £5. Returned home by seven to dinner and tea. Found Mr GHE here waiting had received a letter from Henry coming down to receive rents, not well, troubled with gravel. Found a letter too from Mrs J about Caswell. Eliot stayed tea.

9th Sunday

A beautiful day. Walk with Carree before evening duty to Leason, a beautiful walk in dry weather. At present too wet. Call at J Rees and sat there to rest a while. Examined some curious candle sticks. Showed Carree Wibley (sic) Castle. Evening church: send all the servants and lock up the house. A large congregation and good sermon on being thankful for the mercies shown to us. Cholera and smallpox both about. Waited an hour for Mr Eliot at dinner, he had ridden to Bryngwas. Cold at night.

10th Monday

Wrote a letter to Mrs James about Caswell and in answer to Mr J do for Evans, Swansea with money. Rode with Carree to Post Office too late, heavy rain came and very cold. Took shelter at Penrice farmyard for an hour; Carree very nervous and afraid of Moselle. Says she will never ride again. To the Post Office and talked with Mrs Morris and home by Oldwalls to an early dinner and go into accounts with RH and find he has carefully omitted to give me credit for all received. I expect to be a great loser. Two men want to buy sheep at 5lb quarter and 4d a pound. Refuse. Disgusted with my day. Sent a note in the morning by Bevan, one of our carters boys, to Mrs Harry to kill some fowls this evening to send to London tomorrow. Send laver also. Hannah going with her to Swansea tomorrow.

11th Tuesday

Hannah and David off early with Doll for Bryngwas to go with Mrs Harry to Swansea. I went at eleven to the school about the 1d club, some misunderstanding prevailing on the subject having called a meeting for the parents. There two hours and heard some read etc. Home to an early dinner at 2.30. The fat cattle moved hence to Penralt, turnips here gone, went away quietly and housed there quietly. GHE came down and took tea. Talked of destroying the orchard here for lambs, all for money and no comfort and accounts. talked of as usual. I say always as little as possible knowing it to be useless and only getting myself into difficulties. A paper brought down proposing to re-establish a fair here

12th Wednesday

Off after breakfast on Moselle by agreement to meet GHE at Penralt - find him at accounts. His method of accounts good. He can't ride with me but talks of selling several horses at all sacrifices now they are worn to death and buying fresh ones at Talgarth. I do not agree but tell him to act as he thinks proper; he is acting for others and not for me only. He assumes to himself being right in all things and ventures to insinuate that I and my brothers have not done our duty as executors and says he has determined never to act as an executor or trustee for anyone!! Then he knows the odium!! And responsibility and unthankfulness of the office. Called on Mr Nicholls about proposed fair, agree in thinking it likely to succeed and both agreed to encourage it. On to Bryngwas - RH wanting to see me about accounts etc. Not prepared to enter again on them to be of any use. Take account of the cattle stock in hand and go with him to Blaenkedy and walk over Mr Berrington's land just rented. Sheep looked pretty well Colonel Cameron's…… not let take account of the stock. Call on Mrs Evans about the beef sold etc and home late to dinner. Poor Carree expecting me at 3 at latest. Very tired in the evening and read a newspaper sent by Fred. Cold day but fine.

13th Thursday

A beautiful day, at home all day - principally gardening to please Carree. Intended to have settled down to disputed accounts but could not sacrifice one of God kindest gifts; an early spring like day, and backward in journal too, make past 6 days. Dine at 3. All the household gardening. Caroline to have it again spoiled by the fowls. Mr Jones calls with Miss Allen about a disputed will after a life estate to the “nearest relation of the Allen's of my side”-very doubtful. Jones wont stay tea, Carree to music, I to journal. Cut down the hedge just in front of the window. Now for accounts, 8.00o'c.

14th Friday

A wet drizzly day, the greater part clears in the evening. Bothered in our small way how to smoke the bacon and trying to do so bake in front of the oven. Copy out RH's book of receipts of things sold. Maria Allen brought copy of a disputed will. Dined early on pig's feet and found the advantage of the pigs in this country having such a large ears, one enough to dine two. Went to the wood and found a small yew or two. Finished RH's book. Richards came down with a boy. Sent note for tea to Mary Thomas.

15th Saturday

A most close day, very damp and very mild. Up early and about. Order Llewellyn to look after the sheep on marsh. The 4 men come to open the muddy ditch round orchard at Stafell Haegr. Engaged all day cutting hedge and securing things to plant out. Elm etc. Eliot came just as we were sitting to dinner and joined our beef steak. 5 young cattle sent to Penralt. Eliot and I differ as to willows as a fence for the orchard. Walked with Eliot beyond Gordon's kiln. Read the Observer and John Bull brought by Mr Eliot. He has brought things at Heol Las sale, bedding etc and wishes me to write to Henry for William not to return to building by the 18th being at Bryngwas does not to dine here tomorrow and complains of a severe cold caught at Bryngwas. I could not perceive it. The mildness of Stafell Haegr has driven it off. Bryngwas is much colder and damper. Eliot hints about renting Heol-las, better house than this. Do not intend doing any such thing.

16th Sunday

Duty at Chapel, send the servants. Early to Ilston - to church. Read the Cambrian, nothing in it as usual and ride Fly and Carree Doll to Cheriton. Never was stared at so in my life. How much more habitable is Cheriton than Llanrhidian, and why should it, same living on sunny side of hill, tis cleaner, the house's more clean. Even the public houses at Llanrhidian are disgusting, not so at Cheriton. Mr Jones preached badly an excellent sermon. Tis a great pity for he means everything well. We left David guardian of the house. A beautiful day but cold. North easterly wind. Dined at six, part of poor Leason roasted. Read papers and prayers. Carree read as usual. Bright cold night. Margaret's b.. comes. El.. Jones.

17th Monday

White frost. Up early. Washing day. Again at the orchard hedge trimming and digging and plant trees in garden. 2 men only at hedge. Dine early. Cold beef and mustard, a salad of lettuce etc. Mr Eliot pops in just in time and dines. Walk with him and Carree to Penralt a temporary shed. Kiln lighted today. Walk to new building. Carree rides Smiler for Mr Eliot. Pay Edwards at forge £5 on account. He could not give me change and disapproved of our Penny Charity and gave good reasons in his odd way. Looked at the drains at Park y Rhedin and walked home with Carree. Mr E took his horse and rode to Bryngwas: brought home 2 cabbages from Xfield, people steal them. Grant calls this evening about Penny Charity again in the morning, tis vilely abused. Have stopped it for the present. He brings me a list of the things the parents ask, do not know how I shall act. Sent David to post with a letter to Henry about William. Moselle comes home, no bridle, no anything. Invites an alarm. No harm happened. Received a letter from Edmund wants to see me at Abercothi tomorrow. Q: shall I go - long way short notice!! A colder day than usual and dull. Fish for supper and to bed. Carree and self both engaged in journaling arrears.

18th Tuesday

At home all day, principally in orchard transplanting suckers from the hedge and directing men what to cut. Plant suckers in the garden in preparation for CM. Mr George calls, pay him quit rents, talk of the tithe question etc and says that Mr Talbot was asked to be responsible and wanted the parish to explain what they meant and define the required responsibility. He declined as I understood. An association for felons prosecution mentioned; I wished to belong to it. A pound talked of for pigs. Road to Stav H settled about liberty to cut trees etc and quarry stones etc. Mr Talbot no way opposed to our interest, likely to become his tenant for land near StavH. Sheep sent to Bryngwas by Austin. Sawed and cut trees in orchard and Llewellyn cut up some and began clearing orchard. Hay from Thomas. Stroll with Carree a short way under hill after early dinner on duck. A dull day, rather cool unless at work. At accounts in evening.

19th Wednesday

Early send David on with Moselle to Penclawdd and ride Fly there, at The Ship by 9.00o'c. Left poor, disconsolate, Carree not very well and not very ill to go to Abercothy. A dull and doubtful morning, proves a thorough wet day, get soaked before I reach Llanon. A pedlar there selling lace. Eat an egg or two and off again; at the cottage by 3.00. Very wet, very cold, very uncomfortable, very disappointed - no one there. Edmund left this morning for Tenby and took Gibbs with him!! Surprised to hear his being down. Had brought a horse from Biddlesden. Find plenty of mutton. Make a good dinner and go to bed early.

20th Thursday

Up early and at the quarry by 8.30 o'clock to see Mr Hand. Breakfast there and remain there all day. Rode Betsy fired and only half shod. Dine there. Mr H receives a letter that Mrs H has been confined of a third still born child in December. She broke her leg. I hear for the first time: little or nothing of the world reaches me here. Edmund, I hear, thinks of building at Tenby. I had once proposed such a thing to him near here. He asked me if I thought him mad!! At home again to tea, just in time to save another soaking. A very wet night though pleasant day. Howell I hear has lost all his agencies. Received 250 of Mr H by a draft.

21st Friday

Up early again, I like moving early. See Gibbs. He returned very tired from Tenby last night. Have a long talk with him about Biddlesden. He surprised me as to the extent of Taylor's villainy in regard to George and treatment of the men - that George now lets all his land etc. Ride Henry's Phenomenon grey to Carmarthen a very pretty creature and good action. Call at Lewis' the glazier who is to put in glass at new building. He intends being over on Monday. Call at shop about grates etc. What could Davies of the 6 Bells mean by saying “I'll tell you a secret” when talking of Howell etc I wished not to hear it as such but declined to mention him as the author he therefore would not tell me but on condition of secrecy and did not. It related to some of Howel's plans? Is he going to emigrate? Home to dinner by 5.30. Pleased with Henry's nag: arrange my packing to be off again tomorrow.

22nd Saturday

Sent Gibbs on by 6.00 to run on with Henry's horse. Ride Moselle and there by 9.30. Find Gibbs arrived, send him by Spitty with Moselle and ride myself to Swansea. Find Henry there to my surprise. I am there by 12.30. Henry tells me some odd things about mother and Mr Hand. No one is to be trusted. He goes on by mail this evening to Carmarthen not to Gower. He has been ill again with inflammation in bladder, horrid complaint. Fly meets me at Swansea. Can hardly put foot to the ground. Tired at Swansea, I thought the road very tedious. Met Eliot at Mr Nicholl's kiln riding the black cart to Penmaen very fast and terribly out of condition, he'll soon do it up. I'm m… is done up and home to a late dinner. Find Gibbs just arrived safe and Carree very well and very glad to see me. Some lambs have fallen in my absence and nothing much amiss. Dine and very tired, I have been 40 miles today. In bed early. Wet this evening before I got home and out night.

23rd Sunday

A dull morning. Evening duty. Black mare quite an object - swelled all 4 legs and greasy. Doing little or nothing to church time. Send all to church at 2 and lock the house. Wet evening. Borrow Mrs Harry. Did whittle for Carree and home to dinner at 5.30. A wet evening. RH here. Talked to him about payment of men myself, give him back his books he says it is impossible to do all Mr Eliot wants done. I say nothing. Did not see Mr Eliot today.

24th Monday

Up early and out to stables etc. A little wet all day. Make duck coop etc. Employ Gibbs at stables and yard and garden. Oh! That I had a few English labourers. Bring up my arrear of journal. Pay M Morgan a road rate and intended going to the meeting for prosecution of felons and perhaps to become a member and dine there. Go there at 3. Dinner over, lower public house. Dine on some good boiled beef and pudding with one other. I was proposed but the resolution was passed last year says Mr Gordon of L(lwynybw)ch not to admit any new members. No other member seemed aware of it. I understand Mr G of L - they have only about 25 members. Their rules originally are 100 at 2/6 each and ditto amounts under £40 now in hand. Mr Holland of Cwm Ivy there. Walked after to the kiln and met Eliot building walls as usual. He tells me Penrice had applied to Sell hay at Bryngwas. Eliot accompanied me to tea. at Stafell Haegr. Mr Morgan has offered to let land at Bryngwas but not the house. Some horses at Bryngwas. He sleeps at Penralt on bed procured for Henry, his pony taken in here and not turned adrift at Penralt. A beautiful moon. Eliot walks up at 10 after supper. Nothing particular occurred. The masons may come over next week says Eliot. Let Gibbs go to see new building.

25th Tuesday

A beautiful day, resolved to devote it to the garden and set to work with Gibbs after doctoring the mare. Plant out a stock of currants etc stolen from Penmaen. Carree joins us: talk of buckles and lace making etc. Told the story of Gibbs meritorious brother in America. Dine early and ride with Carree to Caie Forgan and Cillibion. Getting cold. See Tucker laying drain in the common from Caie Forgan. Return and again take advantage of Gibbs and work in garden. Doctor the mare again. Pay D Thomas £9. George Gordon brought seeds from Swansea. Heard from Edmund at Tenby about building etc. Tired to bed.

26th Wednesday

Dull morning, fine day. Wind easterly, colder. Much gardening again. Up early and left Carree sleeping. Wrote to Edmund and rode Henry's horse to post. A little too late and overtook and paid her 3/7. A man called Gwyn called for arrear of money wages due last summer; surprised me. Mr Ball tenant of Penmaen not a gentleman. Called at Mr Davies, Surgeon. Got some flowers and some physic for the mare. Heard of a robbery on Sunday, all at church. Resolved always to leave the house not empty as I have done. Dined at 4, roast fowl. Three sturdy beggars came in my absence and frightened Carree. She fed them but had no money to give - the advantage of being poor. Were not these men the robbers of the house at Reynoldstone. They took £20 and cheese etc. Gibbs, luckily a sturdy man, was working on the garden, a check on these fellows. Finish my planting in the garden. Doctor my mare and pony. Tired, sleep in my chair. Write to George by Gibbs, return him a bridle. Write a note to Henry. Set a mouse trap and go to bed. Our new bacon, made under all disadvantages, excellent. Have shown Gibbs Welsh baking; give him trousers etc. Received a letter from my uncle.

27th Thursday

A dull damp morning. Caught 2 mice, horrid plagues. Wind again in the west country. Driving mist at times. Buy cockles, drop some for Gibbs. A high tide and send him off at 10.30 to Penclawdd and Spitty and to Abercothi paid him 10(?) - he very much pleased, very observant and very well-behaved. He surprised me, though I knew him, at his manner in taking leave of the servants and ourselves. I was sorry he was obliged to go. He was very useful and very willing, pleased with a cockle shell and takes some home. Eliot came down, we are stopped sand taking from the road and all driven here. Stafell Haegr another effort of the clique to prevent our working at new building. How to get it from here is the question. He thinks to make new road at one by the wood. Write another indefinite note to Henry about slate etc, in consequence of seeing Eliot who cannot give me full information as to his wants. Masons to be again deferred. Sow mustard and cress, radish, lettuce. Dug a little for exercise having no pony or horse fit, walked to Penralt alone. Carree not inclined, not very well. Weather doubtful. Send down three fowls from Penralt potatoes. Look to the kiln, burns furiously. Llewellyn not been here all day. All day looking after cattle and sheep. 2 strayed from Blaenkedy not found. Send to Pwllybrag after them. If out all night will likely starve, accustomed to house. Late in evening wet. RH calls, pay him £20 and give him a draft for £50 to pay men for Llangyfelach Fair and wish him to go to Swansea himself for it. A large out-going. Too much to make things pay soon.

28th Friday

Ride Moselle after breakfast to Bryngwas first calling at J Edwards the blacksmith and paying him £5. Arranged packed up all my papers, bank book etc, intending to go into accounts with Eliot if I met him. Clarke wanting money; find fault with his bills as meaning nothing. No check at all, pay him £5. Dine on bacon and eggs at Bryngwas and cold potatoes. Sit down with Eliot for 3 minutes - he is called out and there ends out sitting. He says he will send me a summary paper of accounts - will he?!! Many men employed at yard, garden and making a road etc, and return home by 6.30. Carree, contrary to my directions, has waited dinner for me. I dine again. Rob H not gone to Swansea for the money. I could get no change for the road rates sent in for Upper Division. Saw our first calf, small but lively. Never was more sleepy in my life than in the evening and went to bed after writing a few notes; one to Mr Hancorne in answer to offer of land near Caswell, one to Henry Abercothy, one to Evans about hurdles. In bed at 1.30. A dull foggy day, quite November, forerunner of March.

March

1st

Dull and doubtful day proves dry. Margaret on old Whitefoot goes to Swansea with loads of errands - a poor messenger, she can't read. Work in the garden, plant some small cabbage. Dine early. Walk with Carree to Penralt, she Carrees sheets etc expecting Henry to sleep here. Meet Eliot on the road near Bather House. Men at works there two or three days - three or four of them, to enable to get sand from Stafell Haegr. All walk to Penralt, Eliot soon rides off to Bryngwas, does not sleep to go to church tomorrow. Grove called about mole catching and to receive money, home to tea. Margaret returned very late, has executed all her errands pretty well except bringing no meat, so we must go with out all the week. Got up in the night in consequence of Tip barking violently and walked about in my chemise, could see nothing.

2nd

Sunday. A pleasant day on the whole, some little misty rain, some sun. Morning service and sacrament. Talked to Cherry Gordon after church about roads and quizzed him to use his influence with the overseer. In an under way he is the principle man to stand in our way, though he thinks I do not know it. Dined early and walked with Carree towards Leason, some very odd effects of light and sun in Carmarthenshire. Read several chapters of Bible with Carree. Fancied I saw strange foot tracks in the garden. Tip having barked violently last night in the kitchen, I got up and went out. Too dark to discover anything. Tip still very violent, David not well.

3rd

Expected Mr Jones about a title deed, some claim set up near Brechfa. A beggars letter from Burford Oxfordshire. Garden a little. RH calls with money. Don't take any of it. Bleed the black mare and the pony, both ill. Walk with RH to Penralt, to settle accounts with Tom Davy. Send 2 heifers to Bryngwas, put somewhere and not found again. Send David to Penralt for corn, potatoes etc. Waited some time and Mr Eliot came. Had some talk about horses, mares etc. Tells me he is going 10th instant to Talgarth to buy again and that he means to sell several at all hazards, out of condition as they are, or else we must keep them all the time. Terribly over stocked, buying all our hay at high prices and bad, he tells me he has taken the liberty of sending all my fowls (black ones) from Bryngwas to Penralt; what can this of fowls have to do with the management of tithes!!!! But I am determined he shall have his own away in all things and not say that I stand in his way. The fowls set fighting and same evening pick up one fine young bird - dead. Eliot walks down with me to Stafell Haegr. He decides where the road is to be, he intends making. Tells me how much garden I'm to have and what trees he intends to cut down and where I am to grow seeds etc.. He tells me to rent land of Colonel Cameron near Blaenkedy worth about £16 per acre. Talks about Mr Stone and that he is going to value some land near him in Berkshire. Return with Eliot to Penralt and again talk about the horses, I still persist tis best to have some old steady horses for such scuffling work, stone cart etc as ours and wrong to sell horses worn down with work as ours are and tis impossible, I tell Eliot, to get them in condition and work too. But he shall do as he pleases though I know takes upon himself too much and presumes because the tithe bills are filed and his evidence may be greatly required. He leaves Penralt and the black cart pony. Some dispute with Philip Morris and Tom Davy about ditch at Stafell Haegr, all to be included at a penny a perch - men say no - I have a crow to pick with Morris about stone; he disputes right of men taking them for Bathers Lane but tells me it was only in fun, while the other men tell me he wanted almost to fight. Had some talk with Eagles first time (with Eliot) at his quarry. A very different man from what I thought. Home to tea. Carree very unwell, this morning and this evening. Sent her tea up and read arrears of Times papers.

Margin note: E adds if I thought he intended to charge for going to Talgarth I was mistaken, he could not think of more than his expenses.

4th

Up early. Mare and pony better. Mrs Tom Davy brings me a bill of £22 money due last summer for beer, money borrowed, hops etc. A dull doubtful day, washing day!! Plant beans, set orchard with Llewellyn in order, lop trees and stack wood. Mr Jones calls about his title deeds; take no notice of the lawyer's letters my advice. Some rain and a thorough wet evening. Room terribly smoky. Try to sing duet Amazetty. Physic Dole. Dine early. Read Lord Chandos' speech on agricultural distress, write journal of several of days past and then to roost, not tired, too cold without a fire and smoking preventing one having one. Never knew it so bad. We are burning wood for economy and other reasons, no clothes dried.

5th

Try to dry clothes in orchard, no-go, dash against trees and spoil. Alter the line and try the field, no-go, too near the hedge. Set up some poles away from the hedge and manage at last, and lay a plank over the hedge. The wind terribly high, blows things off the line and away. I pity the servants but however the scheme answers. No horse fit to ride. In the garden and orchard and house all day. Had a long touch at writing my accounts in a book to send to town by Eliot going Monday night to Talgarth etc. Our room smokes terribly this evening and Carree tries one in the little thatched room upstairs, does a deal better. Tea there and again at the money matters. Paid a mole catcher (Grove). A very stormy night, wind and rain and cold. Never saw Mr Eliot Today.

6th

Up early and in the yard. Lopping the poplars destined for destruction. Marked the new line of road through the garden and dug ground like a labourer. I like digging. Made Llewellyn finish the brush wood in the orchard and rake clean. Dine on stewed giblets, baked bread. Rode Moselle in the evening to Penralt and CaieVorgan. Many applications for money, paid many, not all. Breakfast. Sent fowls from Penralt to Stafell Haegr. Brisk fine day, cool wind. Carree tired of solitude and unwell, walks out, loiters about and catches cold. All the horses, carts etc at Caie Vorgan: stones for the road, about building etc. Another very wet night, make out my accounts of money received.

7th March

Another fine day, cold. Read a Times paper, thanks to Fred for a supply. Carree not at all well and uneasy because she has no one to advise her. Tempt her to walk out and go to Leason, call on Rees, call on Gordon about the roads, buy mutton at Lucas's, gather primroses. Carree all the better for her walk but not well. Work in the garden, my own gardener. Am determined not to be helpless. Mr Eliot calls, has altered his mind about town and seems inclined to ride to Talgarth and back and says the horses will require looking after here, as if I was ………. and he only can do so. Had a good deal of talk about money, expenses, horses etc.. He talked of mares foaling in the stall stable, I should think not, let him try it. About the cattle up fatting etc never to get fat. In my opinion trying to fat cattle is useless for a year or two without better hay. Eliot says he thinks nothing of trouble, nor does he I allow and that he shall charge nothing for going to Talgarth. He means to get the primest horses!!!! The road here to be marked out. Dine early on goose. Eliot declines dining. Ride out, intended going to Reynoldstone, do not, met RH at Penralt and paid Mrs Morgan balance of wages due to her son. Go to blacksmith at Oldwalls and then to Caie Vorgan late. W Tucker and Tom Davy still there and home to tea.. Receive £25 draft sent to Swansea by F Thomas. A fine night. Flora sent here for running lambs. Must be off to Swansea tomorrow against my intention. No horse fit to be seen there but to accommodate Mr Eliot about money for Talgarth. Intended going. I do not like and have long disliked GHE's method of going on here and above all things dislike his manners and am determined not to disguise it.

8th

Up early, fine day. Carree not well, she breakfasts in bed. I intended starting early for Swansea, can't get off before 9.30 on Moselle. Overtake old Bevan, the Ilston, clerk and have some talk about Penmaen, tenants, odd people. Drew at bank £140 for Talgarth by order of GHE that the tithe property may be placed in a flourishing condition. Talked with Mr Voss about RH taking gold and his manners etc and money transactions. Paid Buse, called on Mr C Collins about fines. RH not at Swansea tho' he told me he was going. Home again by 6.30 o'clock to tea and mutton to surprising Carree. Swansea is always fagging work. A very high wind from west this evening, in my teeth.

9th.

Sunday. The hen got 2 chicks. Ride (very unusual for me on a Sunday) the black mare, the first time since ill, to Bryngwas with £140 to give GHE: do so. Now he is not going to Swansea for Talgarth before 6.00a.m. tomorrow, not well enough!! Him! Tomorrow is post day, the real reason. The culvert finished at Bryngwas. I return to church at 2 just in time, the mare goes pretty well but too tender to be relied on. Flora gives Carree the slip and is off to Penralt. Helped the old mare out of the ditch on the marsh. Llewellyn terribly alarmed about her. Dine after church and walk with Carree to Penralt. Flora gone again after tea. Read 12 chapters in Genesis: Carree not well, sleeps on my knee, like love in a cottage. Very fine.

10th

Fine again. Carree not at all well, complains of sudden sickness, no appetite for breakfast. I work hard in the garden till dinner at 2.00 and enjoy a plain boiled fowl exceedingly. Send David for coal. GHE starts for Talgarth on Peg!! Llewellyn went to Bryngwas and brings me 3 newspapers and a letter from Henry, Carmarthen, coming here 12th or 13th. Eliot, therefore, never started before eleven or 12.00. Ride Moselle to new building, Cillibion, Penralt, etc and go over new house, back staircase done. Coffee instead of tea this evening. Carree much better and amuses herself with mole skins. A beautiful setting sun and beautiful day. Planted potato onions. Glaziers at Caie Forgan have glazed the slashes and half painted.

11th

A very spring-like day. An operation performed on calves. Walked after breakfast with Carree to new building etc and shewed her over the house. The west bedroom badly arranged entrance, no room for a bed. Mrs Richards 1st visit to Stafell Haegr. Several calls on me for money. The painters begin at Stafell Haegr, nothing particular. Work in garden after dinner at 3.00. Cold in the evening.

12th

Talgarth Fair. GHE there. I ride to Swansea on Moselle much against my will. In obedience to a verbal message left at Bryngwas by the agent of Sir W Lewis' Estates about rents. Called at Bryngwas. RH gone to Swansea, expected to have met Henry there. The said agent left to Swansea, the Golden Lion, last night - pretty fellow: to drag me over 12 miles on a fool's errand. Saw Smith, that scoundrel, the sheriff's officer. Paid for buckets, 7 sent to Penmaen. Smith could not get any money out of me and abused me as I expected he would. Met RH and went shopping. Home by 7 to tea and mutton chops, no dinner. A thick foggy day but mild midday: at Bryngwas an hour on my return. Cold evening.

13th

Foggy morning, fine day but colder. Expect Henry. Work in the garden. Painters at Stafell Haegr again. Ride with Carree to Cillibion and new building etc and home to dinner at 6. Sit up stairs on account of the paint. No Henry comes. Various conjectures why. The new brood of 11 chicks all well. Sent David to Bryngwas for corn etc with Fly. RH comes in the evening with goose etc. Read Observer and J Bull and in bed early, cold evening. Nights colder than all winter.

14th

Carree has been better these to last 2 days with coffee the 1st thing in morning. I am up early and breakfast 1st time in the upstairs room. Garden again, set beans and plants. Send David to Penralt for furze. Mr and Mrs Jones called, hereby hangs a tale, fears about compromising of tithe suit. A conversation with a Mr Jones early in January? Prepare and give directions as to new horses expected from Talgarth to Stafell Haegr. See the men at new road through the wood here. Dine and ride Moselle to Caie Vorgan. Meet Richards there, all the horses sent down from Bryngwas; no orders given. No-one attending them. Stafell Haegr too full, send Llewellyn back with Harry. Order Austin to go and bed them up somehow. Moselle flings a shoe. Meet RH near Penralt, leave and am told Henry has arrived. Go back and take him down to tea. and arrange for his horse etc. Dry weather and cold east wind. 5 new horses I hear, bought, arrived at Bryngwas.

15th

Beautiful morning, cold wind. Out at new road. Meet Mr Eliot before breakfast, hear about new purchases … Henry and GHE breakfast with us, all about horses. Little Derby the picture of misery. Eliot soon off to look after the men, arrange to ride to Bryngwas. Meet Henry and GHE at new building. Alter the doors upstairs. Eliot nearly meeting with an accident falling downstairs, through them, lucky escape. Borrowed a saddle for him off Mr Lloyd and ride all 3 to Bryngwas. 1 very pretty mare (Martin). Guess the price of the 5 within a pound. Henry £20 above. Give them an airing, equally agreeable to them as us. What galloping. Dine at 6.00. Ride fast home with Henry. Colder day, not so cold all winter.

16th

Sunday. Ride with Carree the 1st time to the chapel, Upper Division. Service half over, begins at 10. Very full, Jones reads Welsh well I think and gives a good sermon, such groaning(?) congregation. Walk to Evans of the Brynhir, show Carree Blaenkedy and Penclawdd. She is pleased with the scenery. Henry called for us: but too late for chapel, Henry and GHE dined with us at 3, much said about horses, wages, Caie Vorgan, and some explanations made and many high words passed. Talk of reducing RH's wages, much too high!! Carree dissatisfied as well she might with passing such a Sunday, quite forgotten in worldly affairs. Walked after dinner and talked about the opened biddings etc Eliot declines offer of chairs etc and sleeps on floor on a mattress at Penralt. Very cold night. East wind. Received letters from George. Pig killed.

17th

Beautiful morning. Henry and GHE breakfast here. Horses again the order of conversation. Fly particularly, she ordered for Carmarthen. Jack coming over tomorrow. Henry going off to Abercothi in double quick time. Henry, Carree and self walk to Mr Jones. Like his alteration in garden. See Henry off from Penralt at 2, dine soon after. Carree not very well still, work in the garden. Sow carrots, turnip, radish, onion, lettuce all together and dig fresh ground and make David work. Tired in the evening and read the Cambrian and fall asleep. Very cold night, frosts. Jack arrives by Jacky.

18th

Up by 6.30 o'clock. David Thomas pitches the washing and place for everything. Carree very ill with a headache and breakfasts in her bedroom. I turned bachelor and make tea, work in garden and overlook D Thomas. Despatch Fly by Jacky Daniel. The pig cut up, 11 score. Go twice to new road, dine alone at 2, Carree getting up. Ride Moselle at 5. Eliot comes. Williams the Mason not at work, drinking all day at Tom Davy's!? Home to tea, Eliot has something warmed up and takes tea and dinner simultaneously. The out house finished, thanks. Eliot says the horses work well coming down here tomorrow? A very cold day, east wind, dry and harsh. Working close to a bee hive all day nearly, none out, lately all alive. Write in journal, 3 or 4 days. Carree better. Eliot sleeps at Penralt, Jackie seen drunk by Blaenkedy at 2.00: left Stafell Haegr at 10. Sat upstairs, Mr Eliot too!!!! Bed at 11, wind rises.

19th

Up at 6.30 and out, very cold East Wind. Drying and frosty. Ground getting quite hard. Send Llewellyn to Penralt with cart for stones and parcel and barley for mill. Mr GHE breakfasts here and off again. The contents of the parcel pried into; matting, knives and forks and lots of letters and copies of letter sent to RDB and George W etc. Sow onions. A Kidwelly woman calls with seeds. Send a note by her (Margaret Lewis) to Mr Gwynn. Dine early, my delight when practicable. Llewellyn out for rush. I plant with Tom Philip 3 poplar trees far out on the open marsh as an experiment, to risk it. Chances much yet growing, I am told the salt will kill them. Kill a large rat at home. Arrange for the horses, the ones coming here this evening. Walk with Carree to Penralt and meet the new horses. fixed(?) in stall. Anthony here, I hope safely. Fine dry cold east wind. The days pass like lightning, so very short, no time to spare. ‘Tis really delightful to be able to move in dry places, even the marsh is dry. Extremes now meet, all wet, all dry, then mild now cold, colder than all winter.

20th

Still very cold and very dry and fine. Dine early, see the men at new road and ride Moselle to Caie Vorgan etc hunt for sand. Order rings at blacksmith for new stables now pitched. Difficulty about sand, Gordon of Cil Ivor gives us a load at Cross Lane. Find another load here and there. Garden set a … etc. Wind rises in the evening. Mr Eliot all day at Bryngwas or in Upper Division. Q where did GHE sleep?

21st March

Wind now westerly and much milder but still dull. Carree all alive and enlisted me to garden but 1st Mr GHE comes here to breakfast. I am out in yard without my hat. We have a long conversation about Penmaen etc, the not having it he says has thrown him out. Jenkins conversation with Henry about Dods not intending to seek his damages against Mr James etc. Mr Penrice's conduct touched on and Eliot says he should have acted otherwise at resale and before. Had he not been misled and other serious things as regards myself. He is off again after breakfast and we have all the servants out to garden and garden with them. Eliot again after we had 1st dined comes down for bread and cheese, declines dining. I have not ridden out as I intended, pony not at all well. Called on for money and have none to pay.

22nd

Send Hannah to Swansea by Richard Gordon's cart with various commissions and call at Savings Bank. Garden again, very pleasant and to please Carree - not often well enough to get out but enjoys it today. Dine early on hare and Mr Eliot comes and joins us by accident. Hare very tough and poor. Another long conversation with Eliot in the garden. about affairs here. I do not like his manner, there is something so sly about him and manoeuvering - says he shall not leave the concern in extremities if he quarrels with 1 or other of us but that he is ready to go when told. The observation not called for but I see the drift to it, he knows I have been cool and have kept aloof from all work here, because he wishes to have sole management. I am determined to submit to everything though many things annoy me. Then again he makes show of being my friend by interfering where not required and giving advice unasked, ‘tho when asked otherwise. Look at new road with Eliot, some half drunk. Eliot has given beer saying that they do 2 days in 1. I am sure not able to (do) one half. Ride Moselle with GHE to Cae Vorgan, ropes wanted, all stolen so says William Mason – some [thing] said about sieves etc bought at Swansea. Intended riding to Reynoldstone, find it too cold and ride home. Eliot to Bryngwas. Read John Bull and most intolerably sleepy this evening, effect of a glass of beer

23rd

Sunday. Beautiful day, windy. Walk with Carree, God bless her, towards Leason, pick wool from hedges, she loses her gloves in some odd careless way. Dine early, evening duty. Mrs Talbot has presented a petition from Llanrhidian about tithes. Joke Gordon (Cherry) about it, call at Grants about penny club, walk to Penralt, home to tea.

24th

Llanrhidian Fair revived. A fine day, Moselle quite lame with grease. Physic her in a bungling way. Jane Philip calls for money, none to give. Write by memory the last 3 days and walk to the fair. 1st to Penralt, meet Eliot there and settle about the price of the 4 oxen, fatting now 5 more, £10 a head says Eliot is cheap, they are worth £20. I ask what he set them at per quarter, he declines saying he is no judge, then how can he fairly set a price?!! I propose selling at £15 or £16 rather than keeping them as our turnips are out, he replies if you choose to give away your property you may, it is agreed they should be let out. Get offer of 5 pence per pound for 1, only 1 being fit for a butcher, wanting to get rid of two do not agree. Afterwards I am offered £15 per head for all, refused. Not much show at the fair and very few purchasers, very little sold. Mr Mason calls and at Stafell Haegr, Mr Mrs Jones of Penmaen (and GHE takes luncheon). The rest dine, quite a party, at the Rev. Mr Jones, comes in, gathering wool from hedges started as an occupation for the poor. Penny Club mentioned. Eliot off soon, saw him no more, some talk with Mr Nathan about Berrington who he says has used him ill. Who does he not to use ill about that place, Mr Ball too, (see Feb 8th) walk to Cross Field, leave Mr Jones, Nathan etc and return and Mrs J left here to ride home alone. The servants all go to the hop at the public. I do not like it but they do and did not like to buy Carree any lollipops or gingerbread according to order, she much out of ….. thereby. A fine day but cold and inclined to rain this evening.

25th

A fine day but very cold. Ride on Doll and Jack with Carree to Cae Vorgan. Post and round Stouthall. Mr Lucas' flat and ugly. Paid a bill for shoes to Morgan. No-one at Post Office. Back by Oldwalls, found Mr Gwyn's horse here on our return. Early potatoes set today in Kiln Field. Mr Gwyn dines here, Mr Jones and Mr Evans drop in after and take grog. Look at new horses which Mr Gwyn thinks dear enough, one an old one of 12 or 14 though bought for 8. Mr Gwyn goes to sleep at Mr Phillips. Day broken, Carree to music, a beautiful moonlight. I digging the garden by moonlight and alarmed Tip out of his life. Offered Mr Gwyn a bed: declined luckily for GHE slept at Penralt.

26th

A sharp white frost, up early. Found ice half crown thickness. W Tucker says he saw it on the common near half inch. 1st brood of ducks hatched by hen. Moselle a little better. We breakfast early, Mr Eliot late in the kitchen after we had done, because Carree has her papers etc on the table. I dig a little and then go to help finish setting potatoes at Penralt, done by 10.00. Fine day, Tucker plants are few gooseberries for me at Penralt and then joins the party at new road here. A hawk steals a chicken from our yard. We dine at 2.30. Mr Eliot takes cheese afterwards and dines at Bryngwas. Ride Doll to a meeting of poor rates after tea. The system of permanent overseer answers. Talk about 2 more fairs at Llanrhidian. I propose only 1, not agreed to. Not home till 11.00.

27th

Mild and showery. Stick peas. Young ducks taken out. Walk with Carree to Mr Jones! Mrs J better, stay a long time and brought home an adder plant. Dine early, work in garden. Mr Eliot calls and takes cheese afterwards. A heavy shower this evening. Mr Eliot says I am wrong about poor laws, that sons are not obliged to support parents. I think they are, he talks of Hiley as his pattern for this parish. Whatever I say he opposes, I suppose for the mere sake of argument. Rash resolves formed by me and Carree, to bed early and up early. Washing not finished, wet, prevents my going to Penralt as intended. Pay Charles and Philip £1 each, short of cash. In bed by 10.

28th March

Good Friday. Carree not very well and a poor day. She stays at home alone, all the servants at church. Few, very few there. A hurricane of wind and rain about 2. A fine evening but cold. An ill spent day, idling. Called at Thomas' the mason and Mrs Harry, what a liver there!!! Do not see GHE today. Intend going to Swansea tomorrow and look into accounts and papers etc instead of reading the Bible as intended with Carree.

29th

Very heavy rain in the morning, doubtful as to going to Swansea. Determined not to go. Unluckily fine at 11. A beautiful day with cold west and northwest wind. Destroy the hedge in the garden with Carree, glad to see her out and enjoy herself. Dine early and ride with her to Reynoldstone. Moselle quite well again. Noone at Post Office. Mr Eliot dropped into lunch after our dinner. Met GHE at new building, nothing particular except being very cold.

30th

Sunday. I am up early, breakfast alone and send Carree 2 cups of coffee upstairs. Poor Carree is never well. Walk up to the wood above the gush of water, a capital seat might be made very pretty. Find Carree ready for church on my return and accompany her by the short way for 1st time, very bad. Carree very unwell in church but bears against it. Take sacrament. New iron gates hung yesterday at church yard, done wrong. Dine early as usual, intend walking with Carree, twill do her good but a little rain falls and prevents. I walk alone to the fields. Anyone's sheep but ours there. Then to the marsh, bounds and over ditches and bogs. Ultimately to Wibley Castle. Mr Gordon's oxen not better than ours but sold. Back by Leason, call at Lucas', meat etc., he declines killing 1 of our oxen at Swansea, never does such things. Glad to get home to tea. Met Mrs Robert Harry at her father Lucas' from Bryngwas. No reading again, but letter writing to Bristol. Carree to bed early, tired and ill. I up late to go to Swansea tomorrow. A very wet night. Mr Eliot at Bryngwas. Margaret rode Doll to Swansea.

31st

A beautiful morning - prepared for Swansea. Finish letters etc. Threatening weather coming westerly. I'm off on Moselle, no great coat, like a fool, for at Cartersford gate thorough wet sets in. Diverge across the common to Bishopstone and take shelter at Hancorne's, having business there. Find him at home, they having dined. Dine too on eggs and bacon. He calls with me on old Rolands of Merton in regard to a fine of part of Caswell. Alright he says. They are funny people but very neat in their cottage, a rare thing to see in Gower. Take tea at Hancorne's and home in evening to tea again, full gallop in the dark by the pill and Penmaen. Very cold and disagreeable after a good deal of rain today. Very sleepy and tired this evening, like a log. Mr Eliot breakfasted here and lunched here and fished Carree for my movements but learnt nothing. He slept at Bryngwas.

April

1st

Thomas comes to pitch and put in order the court. Sand dug at J Phillips. The adventures of a duck, tumbles into a stake hole and cannot get out, which discovers the loss of yesterday in the same place. The adventures of a chicken and a hawk. I shoot the latter for his impudence with my chick in his claw, which he stole from Carree's feet. Help Thomas sow peas. Pig arrives and corn. GHE and I on better terms, he dines here, after us. We early as usual. Carrie not well, eats very little. Cockle pie good. GHE the talks about Penrice and has heard at Evans his wish to be on good terms. The same Henry hears through Jenkins, no doubt of it. Walk with Elliott to Caie Vorgan in evening. Had carpenter here, ask him to attend sale at Park tomorrow of ash. Elliott talks about money outlaid not exceeding £6,000 he says, I think more. Carree unwell all day, better this evening at music. Hannah unwell, takes marsh and to bed. A heavy shower today once, reopen and add to Mrs James' letter for post tomorrow.

2nd

Ride Moselle to Swansea for money and loads of errands. Called at Penralt, saw Elliott, the locks wanted for corn Bins. Put up at Talbot, not usual. Obliged to raise money, £200 at 2 months. Draw £80, and pay many bills. Penny Club money etc. Omitted writing to Henry. Called on J Davis to pay him. Gone to Neath. Home before dark, met Mr Elliott and carpenters near El. Wms'. Talked about corn bins and gave the locks. No Carree to greet me, she's gone to Mr Jones, not returned, soon back and surprised and glad to see they. Tells me an odd story from Mrs J that Eliot had said I was the cause that the tithe suits were not compromised and that I was stubborn and ill tempered and he could do nothing with me and was offended at the idea and could give little credit to but it works upon me and I do not know how to notice it. A beautiful day but not very warm, wore a great coat. Some ash timber etc. bought near Llythrid.

3rd

At home principally all day pitching the court with D Thomas Junior and turfing and setting things in decent order. A beautiful day and Carree not over well, looks on with chair outdoors. Mr Elliott comes out of temper about a barrow, coupled with the story of yesterday this annoys me much and Elliott and I seem cool. Carrie and I dine early. Elliott was off in dudgeon, an hour or 2 elapsed and I went to see the men and Elliott at new road here. The barrow business explained, he was angry. Invite him to beef steak, he never tasted better, it was good. He stayed tea and we had another squabble about the new building being washed over. I thought he was as much against it as myself but no, not Caie Vorgan. Although at Stafell Haegr. This does our friendship no good, and we are at daggers drawn a little on the utility of washing over. Other things had annoyed me and I was resolved to write to London, thinking it my duty.

4th

Wrote to Henry and caution him about listening to all at Elliott advises on money. I am pestered for payments and out goings great, with little supplies, see no end to these draws upon us and fearing the parties would blame me for acquiescence. To the post, Reynoldstone. Passed Mr Talbot and Mr George. Met Carree by agreement at new buildings. Saw someone ride away, guessed it to be Mr J Davis my just and true. It annoyed me, I knew his errand. We, Carree and I, were talking of him and then of GHE when he arrives. There was a shyness we had not met today; the idea of a pig sty close by front of house certainly annoyed me and I meant it and we got warm with acrimony and invective on both sides. We parted with little friendly feeling. GHE determined not to come to Gower again. He had previously picked Tuesday to go to town. Carree rode Moselle home, we met Mr Davis leaving Stafell Haegr and invited him to return. He dined and tried to be gentlemanly and I to be civil under the circumstances, we took wine together and he my money, 2/3 of his bill, in full. Many men came for payment, lost my money, £15 but found it, uneventful and unpleasant day as regards myself and circumstances but not the weather, dry and fine.

5th

Slept little all night and but little disposed for business all day. So Carrie also - inclined to cheat time carelessly. We saunter and meditate together to Leason to pay a small bill at Mrs Rees, order bread and cheese and home early to dinner. A capital Duck indeed!! Very tired, out of spirits all evening. Paid W Jone of B [ather] Ho [use] and went early to bed. Mr Elliott rode to Swansea. Fine as usual.

6th

Sunday, off at 9.00. She on Moselle, I on Jack. I wrote a short note to Mr Elliott at Penralt and send Cambrian, wishing to meet on friendly terms and to have some quiet explanation - Mr Davis preached at Penmaen - glad to see him. Saw the Balls, lessees of the rectory, 1st time. Dined at Mr Jones, the farmer, and walked on the Burrows. ‘Tis like another region. South of Cefn Bryn We enjoyed the change much and also tea, and rode quietly home. Very cold over the moor, after a beautiful day which Tip, poor Tip, enjoyed? More than ourselves. No note from GHE puzzled us and annoyed me on my return, shall we ever meet again thought I, and how and where?

7th

Mr Elliott slept at Bryngwas tho' he expressed a different intention. Various conjectures pass my mind, knowing he going by mail on Thursday to town at 11, Howel John arrives by appointment from GHE on Saturday going to Swansea, ‘tis to settle balance of accounts. This prevents my walking with Carree just as we are starting to Caie Vorgan, Howell John waits 2 hours and no Mr Elliott who generally keeps his engagement tho' not a punctual man. Howell John goes to call at Penralt and Caie Vorgan, in 2 hours he returns with Mr Elliott, we meet on friendly terms as it were, and settle the account. This done we have some quiet talk at my request on time just past, the accusation against me of encumbering the estate amounts to stable room and buying hay for my horses. Something said about occupying new house, that he has plenty of friends but was sacrificing his profession for our good, an unjust observation, however we parted friendly. I walked in evening with him to Penralt. He mounted Smiler and went to Swansea for the mail. I know not what was on his mind save a lurking suspicion that I suppose he wanted to live here. I offered to go anywhere parting wished me, if I stayed here uselessly. Evening very cold. This morning I sold off the 4 oxen to Scott at 5d a pound with a chance of a better market for 2 at Cross Inn fair. Gets them to produce £16.16 shillings, no, not £15.

8th

Anniversary of the resale. Eliot leaves for Gower, not over friendly towards me but at Swansea on Saturday he had called on Jenkins to make terms with Penrice and to offer to exchange land etc. and to reconcile matters in consequence of the confusion he created last year and for other purposes; as to buried in oblivion to forget and forgive. Poor Carree far from well and here we are left without any to call a real friend. Dine early and I Ride Moselle to Cillibion and Caie Vorgan, very cold. East Wind. Unfavourable for Elliott. Troubled with pains in my head and heaviness, glad to get to bed to seek repose, feeling myself in an awkward situation; responsible without power to say a word. Met Mr Jones coming to call, not going to Swansea tomorrow, can't take Carree.

9th

Poor Carree very unwell, makes me quite unhappy. She is in bed all day and can take nothing. Dine alone and early after looking to the men at the works here. Send David on Jack to Penmaen and with letter to William about affairs here, for the post. Dine early by myself and ride round to Caie Vorgan etc, take orders from carpenter and masons for him etc and ride to Nelson (Knelston) about Harry to Mrs Hoskins and arrange with Richards about carts to Swansea for Aberddaw lime etc and home to tea. Carree up but far from well. Read papers and see marriage of Richard Martin with Miss Malcomb by Thomas Canston, wonders are endless. Write accounts in the evening, very fine and dry and very cold East Wind. Give orders to Anthony for tomorrow and by coal of Bevan.

10th

Poor Carree again still ill but gets up and breakfasts with me, God bless her. Richards calls 1st thing about the coal, order it in by George Henry. Ducks and chickens both hatching today. Fine and less cold. Dine early, cold pie and salad. At home all morning ordering men at new road etc, walk to a meeting not knowing time or place called as to equalising the church rates Upper and Lower division. Met Mr Evans, returned back with him home. Brought seed and rake and went together to meeting. We and Mr Jones and Gordon of Cilivor only there. Inspect new line of road to new church yard gates and returned home. Carree unwell, and went to bed early. I occupied in writing. Not so cold today but cold.

11th

Intended this morning to have ridden to Bryn Gwas – not been there for a month. Richard calls this morning to say that Maggot the mare near foaling is very ill with water fancy. walk with Carree to see her, she is anxious to get out. Mare very ill and loaded with worms. Order cure for worms as by book. Home to dine, fish, early. Sow seeds with Carree. Richards again comes, mare very ill. Farrier sent for, ride up again to Caie Forgan, puncture her with a phlegm by George H. Stevens comes and sear her belly with hot iron and give Rowell etc. Very cold northerly wind. A large and strange fire over Carmarthenshire. Question: if furze. Sent David to Bryngwas today receive 2W.O. RH calls this evening, can't go to Swansea for bricks, no carts, all disabled by stone carriage and perpetually used. Now we are to have, by Eliot's order, loads of vetches sown, before none, and endless labour chalked out. Wrote to Edmund this evening, copy of letter to Henry etc and request him to come here. Very tired and very cold night. Threatened rain today.

12th

Tom Davy calls before breakfast, for settlement of accounts. Pay him £10 by a draft, small balance left. Ducks and chickens hatched 2nd brood - great pests. Sow peas for ducks etc, less cold, fine day. 1o'clock hear nothing of the mare maggot, did not go to Swansea. Tom Davy's contract not done at Stavell Haegr.Anthony sent for bricks 250 and 150 fine, to Swansea. Walked with Carree in the evening to Caie Vorgan. Mare a little better – eats. Nights cold but less cold.

13th

Sunday. No duty at Llanrhidian Chapel Sunday. Walk after breakfast with Carree to Caie Vorgan to see the mare. Mare a little better. Returned and dined very early to send servants to Penmaen Church, Mr Dods there. No servant at home. Very fine. Get Llewellyn to guard house and walk nearly to Leason with Carree, for air, returned by a Richard Gordon's and cut straight down home, tea. Servants home in good time. Carree and I read several chapters of Exodus. Wind still east, and cold and dry.

14th

Cross Inn Fair. To Penralt and see the oxen off. Send Richards and boy over and give latter a penny to spend. After breakfast ride Moselle to the fair. A fine day but bitterly cold, strong East Wind. A successful fair, RH sells 3 store oxen and good oxen find ready purchasers. Two fat ones return home. Met Mr Collins and brother at the Gower farmers there. Write a note to Mr Watkins to see oxen weighed etc. Call on Mr Davis at his new house, very neat, lunched there. See his new Greys soon to be married. Promises to call here 1st time. Return by Bishopstone and the pill to Walterstone not by 4.00 as I promised but by 6. Lamb over done and poor Carree tired of waiting, found I had caught a chill in the evening and very stupid but recounted my adventures of the day and went early to bed, tired.

RH calls this evening and paid the money for the … and I play him half of it £15.

15th

Early this morning met Mr R Pritchard taking a morning airing along the new road. Mr Neville's agent calls soliciting sale of culm at Llnelly. Receive letter from Edmund about expenses here and for his intention (si pos) of coming over from Tenby. Dined early and walked with Carree. Intended to have gone to Cillibion. Mrs Nicholls has just laid in here seriously ill. We get no farther than Caie Vorgan. Inquire of masons and carpenters what is wanted at Swansea. Intended to send carts for bricks tomorrow. Rosy foals tonight.

16th

Anthony and George H sent to Swansea for bricks 900 or 1,000 brought. 2 carts, 3 horses each. No dinner today, a substantial early lunch and eat a little at Bryngwas. Walk over a good deal of it with RH. Now acres of vetches, before all forbidden. Settle a few small accounts, Mrs Bevan calls about her son Henry who has left us and says Mr Elliott never agreed for wages and she demands 4 s. a week besides board and lodging. Cold, wore great coat and returned home to tea late. Much out of humour, not knowing how I am situated here and not liking what is going on. Bought hay at Morris's, Aberlogy, this evening.

17th

A lovely day, ride Jack with Carree on Moselle to Port eynon to inquire about a boat to meet Tenby steamer in case Edmund comes next week. Buy Hay at Nelson of Mrs Hoskins at 3/6 cwt. Eat oysters at the Hope and Anchor, poor and coarse. A pretty garden for flowers, buy seeds and slips – people very well. Return late, spoilt our dinner and our dinner spoilt. The oysters don't agree with us. I am almost dead with a headache in the evening and obliged to go early to bed. We returned home by the new house. New road at Stafell Haegr nearly cut through the wood. I hate the sight of it. Money thrown to the dogs.

18th

Slept very much better than usual owing to taking sal.vol. Dug the garden, planted peas etc and up early and walk to Penralt, want to see Richards but do not, he is gone to Caie Vorgan to get carts to move stones to bottom of Stafell Haegr field from the new road to enable sand to pass by. Make Llewellyn help with F Thomas's cart, and with and amongst the men all day till I walk with Carree after dinner to Mrs Nicholls! Buy butter and see the baby. David Thomas dangerously ill. Carree leaves me at Penralt and to go home while I arrange with Richards about sending tomorrow to Swansea for bricks. RH comes there to take plough to Bryngwas. Few horses fit to send to Swansea, send 2 horse carts for smaller loads. A cool evening after a very fine day. This evening we called too at Rev. Thomas Jones's. Nothing happened. We took nothing, tea over. I returned late to tea. Write notes for Swansea and explain with Anthony today. Employed Llewellyn and Tucker to plant poplars on the marsh piece of land and out of the hedge Elliott has just destroyed here.

Water the garden last thing tonight with Llewellyn etc.

19th

Anthony and George h sent to Swansea for bricks. I am up early and set the men at work at Stafell Haegr. Several new hands sent down. Sam Philip etc. Prepare to rebuild wall at orchard and cut the new road through the garden. Richards calls that the mare Diamond is very ill, ride up and find she is dead. Disgusted. Has been ill 10 days and they never tell me that she is dying except deceiving me she is getting better, died of mortification. Went on to new house, order loose boxes to be prepared for 2 mares this evening. Masons just done pitching. Richards there bathes maggot still unwell and milks her. Return to an early dinner and up hill again to see the last of poor Diamond, an ill used and sacrificed horse. Again up to Caie Vorgan to get horses to the common and see her opened, a task too hard for 2 horses. Death mortification from overwork, stupidity and neglect. I am horribly annoyed and return to tea in disgust. Again to annoy , the messengers to Swansea get drunk and fight with money with them and letters etc but nothing is lost luckily and Elliott writes to me an ungentlemanly letter, he is called to make a report. Such a day of annoyances I never had in my life. Saw today 1st time 2 swallows, beautiful weather.

20th

Sunday. Too much irritated to sleep; up early, see Richards 1st thing, frighted at sight of him. He tells me Maggot has got a colt; contrary to my orders she was tied up but all was well but the colt a sickly one and he wished me to see it. Order Jack and ride up. Thought it would have died. Go to Pwll y Brag to get milk etc. (the mare not liking it to suckle) and meanwhile it gets up and is all life. Overlook the conduct of George H and Anthony by a reprimand for tis useless turning off. No better to be found. Return to breakfast at 10, kind and poor Carree tired of waiting. Breakfast and shave and dress afterwards. Hear the cuckoo 1st time this morning. Saw swallows yesterday, not today. Turned out Rosie and her colt (what gambols) in backyard. Dine very early on roast beef, the estate's fatting. Evening service, as usual too late, Captain Gunthorpe there. Walk with Carree to Penralt and home to let the servants walk to Caie Forgan. Read the Cambrian and do not read the Bible this evening. Sent a message to RH about culm by Long and sent note to Long about summons about gate by David Owen this evening. RH calls about use of barn. A long talk about fat oxen and money spent at Stafell Haegr etc. A beautiful summer's day, cloudless as many others, and everyone enjoying it but myself. A very poor sheep burnt off the Marsh and become a perfect nuisance. We dress in summer clothes all white – eat a supper, dined very early. A cold night and bright.

21st

Off after breakfast and setting men to work at Stafell Haegr Wall of Orchard etc to Caie Vorgan get Williams to build the wall. George Harry ploughing garden Caie Forgan, now to Bryngwas, noone there. All at Blaenkedy sowing barley. Dine here on hard eggs and bacon. A third calf fell last night. Mrs Bevan called about her son Henry who has just left for sea, demands 4s. a week, too much and refuse. She says Mr Elliott never made any agreement but promised good wages. Mrs Harry says 4s a great deal too much. Now to Blaenkedy, four ploughs, 1 harrow etc. Sowing barley, 4 oxen 9 horses. Go and look at the sheep, a cuckoo Lamb just fallen. There til near 6, pay Mrs Evans bill. Call on Griffiths about boy sent to Bryngwas to allow £1.1s clothes. Home by the marsh, forgot Mr and Mrs Jones were coming to tea.. Tea over and tea alone, a good deal of talk about money expended here, uselessly much of it. Hear Mr Gwyn is going to sell his furniture at St Ishmaels, 2 last oxen sent to Scott the butcher. Another beautiful day, cloudless, terribly in want of rain.

22nd

Get men down to attempt to drain marsh piece of Stafell Haegr, a difficult job, no tools for it. Set mason to orchard wall and about Stafell Haegr. Settling bills etc (paid Bevan for hay) £12.16 shillings, till after dinner at 10.00. Sticked peas and walked with Carree to Penralt and Caie Forgan. Set some men to quarry for Stafell Haegr wall. Nothing to note at Caie Vorgan. Called at Richard Gordon's about quarrying in his field, consent granted in a way. Find cognovit (horse) on return home. Water garden. Write to Mr Hand not going to Kidwelly. Write journal, answer note to Simons about oats and send Tom Philip to Llanelli tomorrow with £5. Another summer's day, full moon and wind getting to west for 1st time to be off early tomorrow for Swansea with Carree and Mrs and Mr Jones.

23rd

Breakfast at 7. Ride Moselle to Swansea. Carree goes also in Mr Jones phaeton, pole brakes, no accident. All day at Swansea, shop etc. Receive no letter, expected 1 from Edmund to meet him tomorrow at Port Eynon from Tenby. See 1 of the oxen, the 3 killed by Scott, fine beef. The long legged ox takes them all in, 2 score heavier than the others, thought the worst, receive £30 from him on account. Took tea at Mrs Wilkins. Talked of Stafell Haegr etc. Jones of Anchor House there at Talbot) in evening. Leave at 7.00. Talked of tithes and union meeting in London etc. Some little rain at Swansea, fearful of a wet ride home, but no luckily, poor Carree very ill on return and walked from Cillibion home and obliged immediately to go to bed.

24th

At home all day, Carree very unwell but rises at midday. Look after the Masons at Stafell Haegr. Walked to Penralt quarry the yard out. Broken my shall all to pieces over the rough stones. Paid taxes at Richard Gordon's. Dined early. Sold celery. Walked with Carree to Penralt, she is better. S Philip to quarry tomorrow in Gordon's field. B Jones to open ditches round Marsh piece. D Bowen called to complain of sheep trespassing from marsh. Went to Austin preparing potato piece, over common by Fridoe to new building. Looked for plovers eggs, could not find one. Oats landed from Llanelli and arrange about culm with Long. Very fine, no signs of rain again. Settle some accounts in the evening. A grey horse called, don't like him.

25th

Cloudy, no sun. Up before 7, walked to the marsh piece. W Jones at work, no use, shift him away and send I Jone boy to keep away sheep. S Philip begins quarry in Gordon's. Llewellyn at stone cart for orchard. No masons there today. Walked before breakfast and go to accounts. Garden, sow laburnum, apple and dogwood. Dined early, rode after with Carree to post, nothing there, no answer from Edmund!! Round by Caie Vorgan, Williams placing coppers, floors being laid. Maggot's colt very weak, give oats bought at Llanelli at 2d win home again. To tea. Agree with Bar Jones to clean ditches on Marsh piece at 2d perch north side, 1/6 east, south. Some little symptoms of change of weather, most beautiful sunset, I know no place where the sun sets more beautifully than at Llanrhidian.

26th

Cloudless again, at home of all day, buried in papers. The last of our 4 oxen on sale Thursday at Swansea market. Sheep on the marsh here trespassing on everybody, never known so troublesome, a perfect nuisance in everyone's garden, over stone walls and all fences, eternally badgered with dogs. Paid several men who call for money. William does nothing but get hay from Aberlogy and some odd jobs in the evening. Poor Carree not well, sore throat and bad cold. All day at my papers till 11 night. Ducks quack; a sign of rain but still we have a good touch of watering the garden.

27th

Sunday. Carree unwell with cold. Breakfast in bed. Morning service and sacrament, Mrs Nicholls and Mrs Hancorne there. Dine early after RH comes, has not see me a week. I walked to Penralt and order WR to buy hay at Landimore etc. RH thinks there are many too many men at work, both in the Upper and Lower division, so think I but I have no power to give orders. Windy morning, east. Raining in the evening, all hearts rejoice, so will the sheep and our cattle. Carrie not out of house, read the Bible together this evening.

28th

A most beautiful summer growing day. At home. The men do not go to the marsh ditch on account of the rain yesterday. Send David on Jack to post no letters. RH came from Bryngwas for potatoes, brought me his books and tells me the black pig has pigged and another heifer. Turn the servants out to weed the garden. Dine early and ride Moselle to Penralt and Caie Vorgan. Maggots colt doing well. Expect Bunting to foal daily. Caught in rain and detained, not home quite by promise at 6.00 when Carree surprises me with hot oysters and radishes.

29th

Wet, all day, all day at home buried in accounts and Carree assisted me very much, got through my task. Dined early as usual and rode to Mr Jones to tea, late at 6.00!! They had done. Mild dull growing evening, very heavily dull. Gardens talked of, our fat cattle etc. Nothing particular happened. I walked home, Carree rode. Llewellyn over after hay, little to be found.

30th

Collected all my account books and start running? after breakfast to ride to Penralt preparing for potatoes. J Austin with dung cart. Too many at quarry, where's the money. Now to Caie Vorgan, see Bunting's colt, tall, light coloured, odd curled ears. Both colts on common. Pay a draft of £8 for hay at Llythrid. Lunched there and stay an hour. Now to Bryngwas. Moselle in capital condition. See the black sow's pigs, 7 of them, were 9. W David at work there, shed up in skeleton a mow of barley just taken in. Dung carting for potatoes and home by 5, to dinner. Gave RH draft for Llangyfelach Fair tomorrow. Cool in the evening after a fine day. Found Mr Evans at Stafell Haegr on my return. He wanted to see Jack and did. A wet evening. Had a dispute with Carree in a quiet way about staircase at Caie Vorgan. Received a letter from Henry about Mr Hand's accounts etc and read papers in the evening, thanks to Fred or I should know nothing. Carree tired and we retired earlyish.

MAY

1st

Walked to Penralt after breakfast. Batcock called before breakfast, paid him about £2 bill. Says he is going to Swansea to live. All day at Penralt with the men on the subject of their claims since January 20th. Agree with most. At 2 Carree comes and brings me some brandy in my waistcoat bottle, very acceptable. We walk together at 3 to Caie Vorgan. Head carpenter there, settled to have the staircase as I proposed. Carrie sees young Bunting 1st time, don't like it. Walk over the house, enquire what wanted at Swansea for masons and carpenters take orders and return by Penralt after seeing men moving earth at Caie Forgan to mud pit and home. Head carpenter calls in evening, write by him to Henry an answer to his, expect him here next week and write to my Uncle H, a long-standing debt. A growing day; no rain of consequence.

2nd

Up early, as I often am, to see mason finish (for safety) north wall to show how I want it. Llewellyn attending at home. Planting cabbage and sowing leeks very late. Can't help it, no room and obliged to do all my own gardening. Dine at 1.30, send David to post. A drizzly morning till 12 but very warm and growing. Went with Carree to Penralt on foot and there left her to knit stockings for Mrs Richards and rode on Doll to Caie Vorgan to take orders for carpenters and masons at Swansea etc and call for Carree in returning, late. She is tired of waiting up till 1.30 o'clock. Write to William in answer to him about arranging property and his proposition as to this parish as regards me etc. Wrote to my uncle M and several notes to Swansea etc for money etc, having arranged that Richards and Anthony both go to Swansea tomorrow for bricks, laths etc etc. Sent David to post and received a letter from William, and Carree one from Jane.

3rd

Saturday. I do not go to Swansea. A very fine summer's day, walk with Carree to Caie Forgan etc and settled with Jones about the stairs and scattered wall flower seeds etc in the hedge to chance it. Richards and Anthony gone to Swansea, nothing to carry there. Home to dinner at 2.00. Called at David Thomas in the morning, he is recovering and does not wish to sell his ducks. Rode up to Caie Forgan in evening on Moselle, found men had deserted work at 4.30 o'clock. Looked after the stables etc, went with Sam Phillips & son to measure ditching etc at Cillibion and home to tea. Richards comes down in the evening to Stafell Haegr, brings meat and fish, few mackerel at Swansea. Gets the Cambrian and last week's ditto ….. RH too was at Swansea.

4th

Sunday, evening duty. A dull day, rather small rainy, breakfast late and walk a little with Carree. Show her what might be made very pretty in rocks in wood, just above Stafell Haegr. Hunt for, and Carree finds, sweet scented Woodruffe and botanise in a rough way and quite unscientifically. Home to an early dinner, very after a very late breakfast and very late in church in consequence. Mrs Jones absent, unwell. Walked to his house with Mr Jones to inquire after her and tea there. It rains a little, saw Jones's 3 calves, called at Penralt and settled work for tomorrow. Threatens rain and Carree borrows Mrs Richard's cloak. Margaret gone home to Sketty, did not read the Bible this evening and went early to bed.

5th

A fine morning, as usual, almost. Transplant some lettuce after breakfast, before breakfast, and after sow up and stick some peas. Grant came about school payments. Copy a long list of nominal subscribers etc etc and talk about fishing. Silvanus Bevan called about limestone to Penclawdd. Dined at 1.30 and rode Moselle by the marsh to Penclawdd and Blaencedi. Called at Griffiths about indenture for boy Williams, not at home. Called at Captain Gunthorpes and walk into his garden etc. Went to the kiln about lime. Old Mathew there and gave directions to hale(?) Bevan tomorrow. Now to Blaenkedy after speaking to Clarke about flag stones etc. A lot ready for our barn etc. Ploughing, liming and potatoe setting at Blaenkedy. RH there and J Bevan, there till 6.00. Home by Cefn Bychan. Called at Clerks and again on Griffiths. Saw him, spoke about the indenture, willing and thinks it right etc. Brings me in a tax bill, not enough to pay and home full gallop, Moselle in a terrible hurry, by 7.00. After tea walked with Carree to the Taylor's for clothes for boy David and home again and read Spring Rice's speech in part about Irish Union; opposing O'Connell and in good style.

6th

Up at 6, dull sea fog. Walk before breakfast, to Penralt. Order kiln lighted and see the men at work etc. Sow leeks again and again after breakfast walk with Carree to Penralt and Caie Forgan. Two mares covered by Cognovit, Bright and Cora. Out of humour at Caie Vorgan, with masons about chimney. No back kitchen, no one order at Beynons executed right. All things to be sent back. Confusion to Beynon, home again. Carree on one errand, I on another and we miss, home to dine, scalloped cockles good. 3 entire horses. Called again on Doll to Penralt and Caie Vorgan and Cillibion. Kiln lighted. Sowed in 2 places, vegetable marrow, seed from Captain Gunthorpe. Sam Jones called today about his meadow. Wrote several days journal. Washing day, an odd day. Sudden gusts of wind. Dull and sea misty and cold. Carree been writing a long letter to Jane. Detect men deserting before the time.

7th

Up early, Carree too and we breakfast by 8 clock. Ph. William by order calls and I settle work with him, pay him off for leaving before time last night. Watch Tucker digging kiln fire. Plant potatoes in field, dig up and sow last year haws (too late by rights). Order pit at Penralt filled. Home to dine at 1.00, just in time. Off again on Moselle to inquire about the fires on the 25th. Strong suspicion of a boy, Edmunds, wilful arson, no doubt of it. There are more and more. By Gowers Load and Cillibion to Caie Vorgan and Penralt. Home by 6.30. Called on Mrs Nicholls about butter. The men at Cillibion just leaving work. Pay Howells for hay £3.17. 00, W David 9s. Settled with Richards about tomorrow etc. Write accounts and journal and am tired. Potatoes finished there at Penralt. A dull day, coldish. Damp sea fog and brisk air at times.

8th

Breakfast at 8.00. Carree very unwell and ill all day I find on my return home late. Read part of Spring Rice's speech against O'Connell on Irish union. An event, caught a partridge in the garden. How or why it got there I can't think. Little Flora behaved beautifully. Off on Moselle for business to Penralt, Hannah begins brewing at Penralt tomorrow. Austin begins ploughing Cross Field for vetches. Called at Davis of Crickton and about the mare. Went into Cillibion field, Llewellyn comes with old Poppet to clear away sticks etc. Men filling pit there. Moselle wants a shoe, Edwards smith at Mr Nicholls. Went in and had cold veal pie, in fact dined, and off to Bryngwas. There all day, 2 calves, fine ones just fallen from RH's cows. Barley and clover sowing. Arrange about cows to come down to grass at Llanrhidian etc. Home by Llythrid again at 7.00, found Carrie had been ill. No letters and Evans of Llandeilo waiting for money for hurdles. None to give him and refer him to Henry who has a set off for timber. Mr Jones calls for potatoes to plant and drinks a glass of grog. A beautiful day, summer and everything alive; tired at night.

9th

Up early, 7. Called D Jones from the marsh to go to Bryngwas and send note by him. Paid Morris for £1.05 shillings. Weed in the garden. Onions and nursery to dissipate care. Carrie finishes her long letter to Jane. D Thomas recovered, calls for his little bill. Set Llewellyn to clear off stones from field. Walk with Carree to Penralt. Hannah up early there brewing. On to Caie Vorgan. Vetches sown 1st day at Cross Lane. Arrange with carpenters etc for the Swansea tomorrow. Several of the rooms done. Order barn to be got ready and home to dine at 4.00. Pestered for money and have none. Paid Charles last £1. George H called, says the false collar, (stolen) surely went to Bryngwas. Work again in garden and play with houch or rhota(?), funny thing. Send David for grains. Margaret to Cillibion. Settle entries of payments etc. A dull day and some drizzly rain but warm and growing. Cool evening; in bed by half past ten.

10th

Up early and off to Swansea, market and fair day. Cows and calves came to Stafell Haegr. Awoke very early at 4.00 and much amused by to swallows finding their way to our bedroom in and out through the open windows, twittering and seeking a place to build, they seemed to have no fear. I could have caught them. 1,000 and odd commissions of Swansea. Anthony sent for bricks etc, new cart not worth the carriage. The cultivator all very well. Cart breaks down coming home by Bryngwas, sent pig (?) to the horse Cognovit. Heard of Morris's death of Mumbles, Charles Munday also dead this week, Old Berrington they say dying. Receive £20 of Scotts and at bank. Great demands on me at home. All day shopping, no time to see the fair and very dull and they say. Home fast before 7.00. A beautiful day, summer, cold night and walked with Carree to the wood and to play with the colt.

11th

Sunday, no duty here and do not go to church, too far to walk and nothing for Carree to ride. We walk together to Penralt and Caie Vorgan. J Austin and another looking in at window. Home to dinner. Carree electrified at sight of tracks of wheels. White mullet very fine. Servants disappointed about church at Cheriton - not time to go. They walk instead, grumpy. Dav. at home and we walk by Wibley and take tea at old Mr Jenkins of Manselfold. There by 4.30, they have done. See sheep milked et, c talk of tithes etc. Miss Jenkins with us and we called Wibley in returning. Mr Gordon promises me some pea fowl. Wibley has beautiful points. Mrs Clarke returns with us. Read the Bible in the evening. Have left off fires yesterday. Carree very tired, she has walked a long walk today.

12th

Up at 6.00. Walk to Penralt before breakfast, determined to get some potatoes planted in hired piece at Stafell Haegr called Hop Garden hire. F Thomas horses to plough etc and do it at once, done by 6.00. Garden a bit, pay some money and ride to Mr Collins to speak to him about the fire and Edmund's boy but nothing will come of it. His house very complete, premises and garden. Lunched there, buy hay at 2/6 cwt. Mrs Hancorne passed to Cillibion, I rode back with her, had a funny report about Elliott and the major, that they met in London and are as thick as mustard, that it is founded in truth I know and if all true I know the motive. Home to dine at 5.00, no appetite. Very hot fine day. Very tired in the evening and only read the Cambrian and work in the garden. RH calls and wants money. I have none to give. Talk about tithes and calves and colts. In bed at 12.00.

13th

Up at 7, beautiful morning. David Thomas calls for money, daywork of which I know nothing. Mr Elliott kept the accounts but I pay him because Elliott told me before he left I might “safely pay him his work by his measure as he is an honest man”. Where's Llewellyn? Austin begins ploughing at Stafell Haegr and attempted ploughing myself and Carree drove. Gardened a little and unsettled and unwell. Walked with Carree to Caie Vorgan. Don Pedro called and Bunting was covered. Dined at 4.30. Weeded my carrot bed. Mrs Jones and 2 children come to tea. Mr Jones in Carmarthen. I have an oppressive headache, better after tea.. A 2 year heifer!! Calves! A bulldog!!! Very wild and nearly hurt the little Jones. Supper and walk with Mrs J to the church. After a fine day with cool east and west wind - cold night. Read two Times papers, put my feet in hot water and go to bed and sleep off my headache.

14th

Wake at 5 and up before 6.00 and weed in the garden. Bar Jones etc commence opening the marsh ditch, lots of eels. A hen kills the last of our 11 Ducks, a heavy shower for 5 minutes. Order poor Poppet for execution, poor old Poppet, faithful and game, 30 years old. Commence a letter to my mother, intend sending it today but no instead of going or sending it to post order David to go harrowing. Borrow tackle and harrow s of Francis Thomas and work Rosie and Whitefoot, Hooche, the filly, terribly put out loses her mother. Thus engaged till 12, satisfied with my work for cabbage. Go to the Marsh ditch, two men only there. Walk with Carree to the wood for sweet scented Woodruffe, plenty of it. All the young rooks destroyed by vagabonds. Dined at 2, a sumptuous dinner. Tired of expecting Henry and prophesy his arrival in consequence as we have nothing left in the larder. Ride Jack to Caie Vorgan, two men clearing the barn. Called at Cillibion for wheat, none thrashed ……. again.. Detained by wet at Caie Vorgan, there till 6.30 and home in the rain. See Saboth and find Henry and Alfred are riding over, instantly expected. Carrie in a terrible bustle and frightened. Horses, cows, calves etc all new arranged. No Henry, no Alfred, no bed for Saboth. But a beautiful and timely rain, increased to high and gusts of wind. Wind peculiar to Gower. Uneventful day, not ill spent. Beautiful all day. Shall we see these men at breakfast? Late at night received a note from Rev. Mr Jones, to send ponies to Penclawdd by 8 tomorrow for Henry and Alfred, all our servants in bed.

15th

Up at 6.00 to send ponies to Penclawdd as ordered. A doubtful morning. He returns to fetch them clothes and off again. Pay J Phillips off at Penralt before breakfast, and further my daybook. No Henry and I Alfred at breakfast, at 12 they come, all bustle, confusion, indecision etc. Mr Simons came at same time about culm and oats and Mr J Griffiths about taxes. No time to attend to him, I paid him the money I fear under mistake. After all my trouble and Carree's preparation our visitors take nothing but lunch. Tis how do you? and goodbye. We ride to Penralt and Caie Vorgan, Henry and Alfred cannot settle how to return nor when, whether by Llanelli or not, to see furze and Lucerne. Engaged at Abercothi to see Mr Hand early on Saturday. Alfred agrees about ill judged expense at Penralt and not to spend more. So I thought what would have been said of me he had I not dissented from GHE? We were detained at Caie Vorgan a long time by rain and canvassed over matters. They seem inclined to take horses and cows back with them. At 7 I am at home, they at Bryngwas and poor David a third time to take 1 Penclawdd for the ponies and again in the morning to Loughor with Jack. Tired of my day but satisfied that the parties agree with me about expenditure and satisfied, too, GHE has set me in as unfavourable a light into town as he was able and sincerely wishing Henry and Alfred would have stayed to see more than such a flying visit enabled them. Wet and cold evening.

16th

Up early and to Penralt to collect hands to plant 1,000 cabbage plants at Stafell Haegr. Drill, plough not easy to manage, try myself and fail, makeshift tackle, send for Robert Davy, send for Tucker to plant and all Done soon, set Llewellyn to harrow and keep them all to work and finish by 3.00. Dine and ride with Carree to the post, received a letter from William to curtail expenses to the utmost. One also from Bristol for Carree. Take tea with Cherry Gordon. What a treat?! A most beautiful day and most mild quiet evening, home late.

17th

Penrice Fair. Off after breakfast on Moselle. Before breakfast, RH calls about lambs etc, tithes etc, all to be collected who have not agreements. Poor Carree very unwell, settled to dine at 4.00. Call on Thomas, Oldwalls, about drill plough, not at home. Called at Penralt, called at Caie Vorgan. Met Mr Collins, Mr Holland, Mr George, Rev. Jones etc at the fair. Very dull fair, talked about timber and firewood with Mr George. Want a roller. Paid Mr Murray a bill and took tea there. View of Penrice Castle and grounds en-fas very beautiful. RH bought 2 oxen, paid him £1.10 shillings only. Not home till 7, have no dinner and lose Tip. Agreed with Mr Gwynne of Landimore to take Mr J Bevan's tithe lambs; because he plays deceitful. A fine day but some showers. Very sleepy in the evening and can do nothing. What an odd shrewd character is long nosed Bevin beyond Llangennith. First knew him when Miss Morris got thrown from her horse. Carrie forgives my long absence today.

18th

Sunday. Very showery, see the new chickens, calves etc. Walk with F Thomas to the marsh, hope to get him to help make road over black ditch on marsh, he is very willing. Write notice for tithe lambs from all without payments tomorrow. Walk to Penralt with Carree, evening service and dine after. Mary Davis, the servant intended for Mrs Cherry at Bristol, here. Write journal and do not read the Bible. Rosie's colt gets into the garden, does not do much mischief.

19th

Up early and at Penralt before breakfast, no, but intended. RH, WR & Llewellyn call only at Stafell Haegr, going to tithe for lambs. Gave H 10s and some breakfast. Wrote a long letter to William and several notes to Swansea and sent David to Swansea on Moselle. A host of beggars called this morning, abused them and packed them with bread and cheese. Gardened a little with Carree and at 12, instead of riding Doll, walked with Carree to Leason and call at Bowens. His lambs just tithed. Leave Carree and go with Bowen to the Leet Court at Hillend. Had long confab with Cherry about suit. He wants to compromise and is clearly terrified about law. Why should he not compromise? He says take whatever you claim. I would rather pay than go to law. Gordon of Wibley and Mr Bowen all very civil, no ill will. All say they would as soon give out the tithe as pay, tis too high. It may or not I can't say. Arrange with Thomas about a close for Rosie and colt and with Mr George senior to meet him to buy timber and firewood etc and Mr George junior about a man to make a plough. The road foot path near new kiln is presented, walk to the post, a covey of papers etc and over to new building and dine at 6.00. A beautiful day, read papers, very tired and go to bed by 10 0'clock.

20th

Up before 6, awake at 4.30. At Penralt at 20 minutes past 6 o'clock. Order out harrows at Caie Vorgan and Stafell Haegr. Get field ready for Rosy, see men at marsh ditch. Finish outside fence. Get eels for a scanty dinner and dine at 1.00. Do not ride out, Moselle at Swansea yesterday. Write two notes to Llanelli, 1 for oats, 1 for Mr Waddle about drill plough and send them by Long. Walk with Carree to Cillibion, nearly loose Poor Tip at the mill, I should indeed have been sorry. Called at old Harris, a beautiful spring. Carree called on a poor wandering woman hurt by Dod's bull. Settle about butter etc with Mrs Nicholl and call at Caie Vorgan at 6.30 o'clock. Men playing at ball. Call at Penralt, order potatoes sown tomorrow at Caie Forgan. Getting late. Vetches no use, ground to weak and very late, what is to be done with the landshares? Home to tea late, again a beautiful day.

21st

Garden, weed a little before breakfast. Stevens calls about tithe pig and farriery. Promised to inquire at Bryngwas and call on him in the evening at Tir Cock Issa(sic) Llewellyn informs me nearly 50 tithe lambs are collected and gives me note from Eaton of Farm about tithes. Answer it at Bryngwas. Send for William with Whitefoot to collect tithe pigs and off on Moselle to Penralt, preparing to set potatoes of Caie Vorgan garden. Carting out lime earth, Anthony and 4 men, order milk shelf at Stafell Haegr. On by Cillibion Lane to Bryngwas, called going on Howel John to see paper of balance of accounts lately given him. Had not looked at it. Copy it for him, talk to him about pigeons and plough shares. Jenkins, he says, can make them. Gave me a good report of Moselle, once the property of a Mr Sanderson or Anderson. A long day at Bryngwas. Another calf, the 7th. Leicester about foaling. Sent to Blaenkedy. Talk of shearing on Monday or Tuesday. Ploughing near Longs, very stony, very furzy. Obliged to follow with a pick axe. RH asks me the wages of boys at Bryngwas. Mr Elliott had not settled them. Return about 6 and call at Mr Stephens and settle about tithe lambs etc. Farriery a set off. Home a new way over the moor and Cillibion Lane. Dine at 7, mackerel sent by Wilkins. Hear that slate are at Penclawdd, very inconvenient. Captain out of humour. Receive a franked letter from Aunt M. David sent to post on foot. Put Rosie and Jenny to the grass yesterday, out all night 1st time today. Perplexed how to arrange for tomorrow. In bed early to be up early tomorrow. Fine healthy weather but too dry. Met Llewellyn at Bryngwas and order a pig to Stafell Haegr.

22nd

Up early to meet Mr George at Walterston at 7.30 o'clock. Too late, not there till 8.00, delayed arranging at Penralt about slate and oats just come by Long. Bryngwas carts at Penralt at 7. Order Anthony and J Austin instead of 2 of them and then round by Penclawdd and home with flags. See the timber at Walterston. Want rollers, firewood, and fence wood for Caie Forgan. Take a 2nd breakfast at Mrs Jones, Penmaen. Call on Mr Nathan and walk over garden etc, by Park Mill. Stopped at Kilvrough turnpike to settle with Bevan about his son Henry's wages, he has left us and gone to sea. Mr Elliott left wages committed, settled nothing. Mr Collins came by, rode off with him and agreed 3 shillings a week and keep, plenty. Agreed to send again for hay to Ilston on Monday and galloped across common to Blaenkedy. Called at Mr Evans, not at home, left word about Jack's Leicester foaled last night. The Pwllybrag heifer very ill, dying. Order her killed. See Darley's foal for 1st time, promises well, 10 days and more old. Vetches fit to cut, now to Penclawdd, call on Clarke and offer slate to sell. 3 carts unloading slate and 6 men, 2 carts enough. Tide soon comes in. Meet a Mr Davis who accosts me, wants to find out his land under lease to Berrington whom he abuses, he seems a drunkard and I shy him. Eat a bit of ham and drink a glass of grog, and obliged to borrow money of Mrs Evans to pay cargo. Attend the 2 carts home loaded with flags, called at J Griffiths about money paid for taxes, alright. Tide in and difficult to ride. Griffiths sees me over the worst, come home by Wernhalog in consequence and dine again at 7 after promising Carrie back home by 6.00 and Carree tells me I was as disagreeable as possible and very grumpy and so was Carrie but we did not quarrel. Tea and everything at once, arranged again the carts for tomorrow. Penralt carts with lime to Bryngwas, these carts to Penclawdd til relieved and then loaded to CaieVorgan. Moselle much injured by the folly of Evans of the Ship and breaks the bit in her mouth. Very tired. Again a fine day, I sigh for rain. Found Saboth and boy at Stafell Haegr on my return. Henry's horse looks very ill, did not know him.

23rd

A very hot day, again slate unloading, a horrid annoyance just at this busy time preparing the turnips. Saboth starts back with cow and calf and Maggot and foal. Took my gun for 1st time for months to look for a rook, not successful. Go on to Leason about meat. Lucas not at home. Walk into Rees and request to send to him, buy 12 ducks at Mrs Williams for 8d each, dear. Return by marsh, the 4 men finish the dyke, measure it. Dine early, hang up my gun and walk with Carree to Mrs Jones, no one at Penralt. Settle the amount of Mr Jones accounts and home by a fine moonlight. What bird was singing so beautifully, not a nightingale. Attended, with Mr Jones, school meeting, nothing settled, all pulling different, ways likely to drop altogether. Cherry stayed very short time. Home by 11, found David's jacket in the yard and hid it.

24th

Not up so early. Breakfast not over til 9. A most extraordinary light and dry fog, east wind. Plant a few black rind potatoes. Llewellyn hunting up sheep. Settle about shearing, difficulty about washing them, no place to turn them. Settled with William Morgan at Penralt the amounts due to him. Who are to shear? Must turn some hands off when I get money to pay. George H at quarry after a long absence, discharge him for the present. Dine early and very faint and sleepy, lie down on my bed for an hour and more. Not over well. Ducks brought home, 3 chickens hatched a broad. Visit the pony at grass. Jinny's odd gambles make me giddy. Tea. early. Oats come by Long, 30 wns. Write a note to Simons about payment etc another to Richards about hay, Monday. Write journal, supper, prayers. Cat steals the fish. A strong east wind. Very odd weather, not cloudy, surely rain is coming, much wanted.

25th

Sunday. All signs of rain at an end, a beautiful day. Ride a by appointment with Carree after breakfast for to Cwm Ivy and dine with Holland and spend the day without going to church. See all his cattle, some very good. He praises the use of waggons, his garden neat, Miss Holland very pretty. Mrs H very lusty and ………. After a very hot day, very cold night, frosty.

26th

A bustling day, for hurdles etc to wash sheep at Moor Mills. Walked with Carree after breakfast and led Moselle to Caie Forgan. Planted an oak there. Saw sheep washing and off alone to Bryngwas by Welsh Moor and Tyr Coch Issa. Sheep washing here again. Old Long washing his too. Could get no rent to for his half year of Little Moor. Order Mr Elliott's new bridge there to be paved or it will be down. Arrange with RH about lime from kiln better burned. Moselle runs away coming home and nearly throws me, saddle lose 1, girth only. Dine at 4.30. At accounts to send to Henry in consequence of a letter from him saying he is not coming but sends Jack to Llanon Wednesday and going to Brecon on Thursday. Cloudless. Walked after dinner with Carree on the marsh to see yearling calves and see Hannah with cows. In bed late.

27th

Another cloudless day and rain much wanted. Writing all morning except interrupted by calls for money, hoping to get my abstract accounts ready for Henry. Dined early, cold pie and salad and walked after dinner with Carree to see sheep shearing and learn wants of Masons and shall send to Swansea tomorrow. Bought yesterday a ewe of F Thomas, a trespasser by habit, buy her in self defence. See her today, what a thing, half dead. See them marked and home again and again to my papers but cannot get them quite ready. Intended to have written to William, my mother etc but only write a hurried note to Henry at home. Not in bed till 1, borrowed Jeffrey's pony for Carree and to be off early. Margaret too. Things packed for Bristol. Chicken killed etc in the evening. I am very cold, we have ceased fires etc..

Margin note reads - Mr George was at Stafell Haegr. Called for Rent at Phillips, a sad strain he says. Valued a few trees felled at 7 in new road here and talked much on the tithe suit, he was sure what they wanted to compromise and agreed as Mr Talbot told him, they must lose by contesting. Talked of 2/6 for a calf and 2 shillings a heifer, again agreed to meet him at Walterston about timber on Thursday at 9.00. He said if Mr Talbot had known the merits of the tithe cause he would not have lent his ear to them.

28th

Very tired in the morning contrary to my habit, not the least inclined to get up, could sleep all day, half inclined to give up Swansea. However, Carrie and I start at 9 or before, go by Bryngwas and walk horses all the way and arrived at 12, insufferably hot and dusty. Mary Davis went by steam to Mrs J, Bristol. Dined with Mrs Mundy in deep mourning for late loss of son, Charles. No Aberthaw lime to be had, cart come on purpose. Walk with Anthony to several kilns, no success. Shop dairy things etc. Made butter yesterday first time. Difficulty to make any load home. No bricks left, buy vetches again. Never saw Margaret at Swansea. Called for marble chimney piece. Could not see the man Jones, left for home at 9, a very mild evening. Very tired, sleep on my horse part of way, choose (?) the gate no one answered and rode on at Cartersford. Home past 12, sup and all dead asleep.

Margin note reads - David sent to Llanon to fetch Jack, sent there from Abercothy. Henry going tomorrow to town by Brecon, not by Swansea as he at first intended. Butter made first time.

29th

Was to have been at Walterston Wood to meet Mr George and get timber for rollers etc by 9.00. Fatigued with yesterday, over slept myself and a 2nd time failed to meet him. After breakfast took Jack and rode to Caie Forgan by Penralt, met Richards on Whitefoot at Caie Vorgan, left Jack there. Paid money to masons and carpenters and walked to the wood. Dinner time, no one there but old Eaton of Penmaen, look the timber over, some will suit. Back by a narrow horrid Lane to Cillibion, called at blacksmith, sent hinges for barn, and on to see Austin at plough at Cillibion. Bunting's foal by Pedro not well, what to be done? Mare a bad nurse they say, keep not good enough. Arrange for Austin to be at Stafell Haegr to sow turnips tomorrow. Again to Caie Forgan, order Tucker to the wood tomorrow to select timber and home to dine at 3.30 and watered the garden with Bar. Jones and David Bowen who both called her apropos to receive money. A very hot dry day, no rain. since mid May and no prospect of any. Forming a little road out to the marsh.

Margin note reads – No – no - subsequently discover the foal met with some accident. Bright got loose in the stables but tis concealed from me. Master J Austin take care.

30th

Intended to have gone to Leason with Carree but am all day at home ploughing, drilling for dung, carting lime t etc. Dined early. Hughes of the Upper Division asked me if I had a little silver, about 5 due to him. Paid him none because I knew not, he was inclined to be sharp but was not. A deputation waited on me this evening, Mr Evans, Mr Cherry Gordon and Mr Samuel Eaton, to sound me if inclined or not to come to a compromise and amicable settlement of the tithe suit. I think we ought but not authorised to do so. Say so and promised to write to town on the subject and do so accordingly to Henry giving him the full account of the interview and requiring an answer. Send the letter by Mrs Jeffreys next day, tis odd, the paper of agreeing to be settled by the decision of on (?) one suit. Never reached any of the parties til given yesterday as Samuel Eaton says to him by Major Penrice; this tells a tale. How has Jenkins acted? Or ‘tis a lie. Wrote to post to my mother and sent Tall over. Now in David's shoes till his return. Walked out with Carree, tried new side saddle, not liked, and went to see Houche and reflected much on what had happened today, there's something brewing, nous verrons. I am constantly receiving verbal messages that Mr Penrice wishes to sell no case Hay, I would buy of him but the roads are insufferable between us. Another dry hot day.

Margin note reads - carpenters and masons go home to Abercothi and also David, early. A deputation about the tithe suit, Mr Gordon, Mr Evans Mr J Eaton.

31st

A very busy day here, not once out of the field. All untried hands at drill, carting dung, limed earth. 2 carts move trees, stones and rubbish, Elliott's works and drill swedes, turnips 1st time. Mr George and Mr Hancorne have both, I think, sown. Some difficulty to get all things together and keep men till 6.00. Took tea out of doors in our little grass plat and have by Llewellyn and Tall all the rush out of doors. Tired at and in bed rather early. Dined on bacon and cabbage. Dry and hot again, Mrs Grants and Emma Evans work here. Strong symptoms of rain but all clears off again.

Margin note reads – Sow first swedes.

June

1st

Sunday. Evening duty, up late, breakfast at 9. Carree not very well, nor I either. Walked to Penralt, Bunting's colt far from well, what's to be done? No physicking such young things. On to Caie Vorgan, go over house; heard at Mrs Jeffreys that money is due for sale at Penmaen, no assets, reflections serious, mind made up for the worst, unhappy all day. Too late for church, no bell, heard the sermon only. Mr Jones has procured the patronage of Mr Talbot's subscription to the school, a scheme to defeat Mr Grant. Dined after church, Carree not well all day, lies down. I gather woodruffe in the wood. Not again very (sic). This evening more signs of rain and going to Neath tomorrow.

2nd

Rise at 5 to hurry off to meet on emergency. A hurried breakfast, saddle my own pony. W Tall not well enough. In Swansea by 9. Met post woman in street, no letter. Put two in post, one for Simons not paying for oats another for Fred, congratulation. No packet boat that I could learn of for certain. Mr Dawe, chymist I passed near Swansea, thought it was dropped, so ride across the ford to Port Tennant. Water lilies abundant and beautiful. Heat excessive, it reminded me of the Pontine Marshes. At Neath by 11.00, called on Mr Powell. He just gone to Swansea. Resolved to stay at Neath tonight and wait his return. Lunch, sleep and walk to the Knoll. Reflect on contrast with last October there with Carree. Write to Wyatt, overcome with heat, but delighted with Neath still. Thought of leaving Gower in disgust. Dine by 6, Mr Powell returned, open my case to him and give Carree's note of introduction, unsuccessful. Tea with him. Showed him Mr James letters; about Westlake and Berrington, he agrees with me in the villainy of the former and the odd circumstances of all. We become chatty, sup on kid pie, agreed to see his farm tomorrow and a foal by Don Pedro. He complained of terrible heat today, never so oppressed. Mr Target of the castle showed me his garden and what he had done in coming into the inn. Expended much, furnished his house with all required from the garden and made £90 besides. Everyone sighing for rain, a little falls tonight. A new packet boat began today to Swansea.

3rd

Breakfast with Mr Powell at 8, talk of Welsh language etc. Ride with him to the Knoll grounds to see his fancy foal by Pedro. Very pretty. Beautiful scenery around Neath. Return. Court Herbert sale deferred, not on view til end of week. He rides with me to his farm halfway to Swansea. See old Hoffee James old mare by Morriston Smoke, the ferry etc to Swansea. Called on Berrington about the bill, not negotiated; all the better, he gives time. Called on B Fitts about grates etc and other business. See mail horses swim in river. Long talk with Mr James about tithe suit and commutation. Cherry Gordon transferred over to Mr Jenkins, called on him, not at home and sent message to Kilvrough about hay. Took X Road to XXX and lost my way to Rhean Fawr, found myself in an outlandish quarter near retirement at Ystlysrhean. Recovered myself by a strange road and water course and got to Blaenkedy. Seeds doing well. Mares and foal doing well. Vetches cut a day or two, barley looking well, clover coming up. RH there, order straw put in order, fear of rain now all abroad. See Jenkins new drill copied from ours likely to answer. Called on Clarke about Aberthaw lime, promises some by Saturday but will not promise flags, no one to quarry. Called on Mrs Evans, Ship, wants to buy slate, yes. Home by marsh and the deck way to Stafell Haegr, tired, nothing but a bun since Neath. Dine and tea same time. Carree glad to see me and I her. Nothing new, nothing bad. More turnips sown, all the better. In bed early, (I) like Carree's new gown made at home. Another beautiful day, clouds now promise rain.

4th

Up at 8, Mrs Williams calls about drummer for Robert Williams of Llanmadock. Agreed to sell for £10.10 shillings, bill at 10 months. Again all hands at the turnip field here, no rain in the night but a beautiful rain begins at 9.00, heavy and real. Stop carts a little while. Colt of Bunting's better. Out with umbrella and marshall the men, some 10 of them, 2 carts, 1 plough and moving dung and earth. Delighted with the rain. No seeds sown but work out the day to past 5.00. Set all Stafell Haegr buildings in order for pitching etc, get wet. Sheep eat the cabbage, hang them. Receive a note by post bill owing to Edmund's for pocket knives last year. Question, ordered by Mr Elliott two dozen? Tired and to bed early. Rain ceased about 10 o'clock.

5th

A fine morning after the rain, glow of our hot bed. Up at 6. Phil Matthew calls about land share at Blaenkedy, wants £3, won't give it, complains of unfairness about tithes that his agreement was not signed. Work in garden, prick out celery. Order men to finish at Stafell Haegr today. Lime, dung and turnips and off on Jack. Carree rides to Cross Field and calls on Mrs Jones. I am all day at Bryngwas, 2 ponies covered by Jack. Making road, earthing potatoes, ploughing in lime, thrashing etc. Kill a green goose. Order Pigs out, 5 calves. Barley good crop, things doing well on the whole, learn there that lime was not properly supplied by Morgan at kiln, he drunk, should see to this. Vetches at Bryngwas from Blaenkedy, none are ready here. Send home 2 WW and a goose. Back by Tyr Cock Issa and Caie Forgan and home 7.30. No dinner, two hard eggs at RH's. Bacon and cabbage at home. Receive 4 little St. George's ducks by Carree who brings strawberries and eats green peas at Mrs Jones!!! Garden weeded and everything pulled up. Much annoyed. Called today on J Davis, Welsh Moor, for arrear tithes, no money, wants to set off in labour. Long talk with him about wheat etc. Swansea market, corn engaged by weight, wheat 10 score a bushel. Turnips finished at present at Stafell Haegr. Cool evening.

8th

Sunday. A beautiful day, walked with Carree (by) the foot road to Landimore. Called on J Jones, he left the kiln with the idea of a cancer, not so, getting well. Walked on to Cheriton Church, evening duty there, Chapel Sunday, for we have no church. Our ponies meet us there by 2 servants, dine at the inn and ride with Mr Jones to Llangennech (sic), a very nice church. Llangennith Hill a beautiful spot and home to tea after a warm day a cold evening. Cold riding home.

6th

In arrear and harking back - Vetches sown on landshare. Black pony ill at Bryngwas, ride there and doctor it, it had been bled. In a horrid state, order it bled again etc and walk over Bryngwas farm, more I forget.

7th

David sent to Swansea for cabbage plants etc. Gets none, almost useless journey. W Morgan's wages at kiln altered from 1/4 to 0/6? And no beer. Carpenters return, more I can't remember, no consequence – principally at home all day.

15th

Sunday. Evening duty, in spite of all our efforts again too late, tis too bad to have no bell. A whole week in arrear and more of Journal

9th

Monday. Carpenters at work again.

10th

Walk with Carree to Leason. Settled on Mrs Rees and paid William for ducks. Forget more and to Caie Vorgan. Met Mr Evans there.

11th

Potatoes planted at upper Caie Morgan.

12th

Sent Tom Philip to Llanelli with Leicester to meet a horse and get new cast of plough etc. At home all day at accounts. Silvanus Bevan calls about stone to Penclawdd with bill. Kill a crow in evening for stealing young ducks and give Tom Philllip [7] a supper. A very wet day. A meeting about tithe suit at Penclawdd, could not attend. Penrice there.

13th

Again all day at accounts, they must go to London tomorrow. Stole a few minutes to run to Leason to see calf killed by Lucas, price £1 - 0 - 0 or £1 - 1 - 0, good veal. See a dog coursing sheep on marsh, run down for gun to rap at him; he eludes me. Ride after dinner to Penralt and Caie Forgan to settle about Swansea tomorrow. Tom Philip to go with corn etc. Order Rosy to go to harrow instead of horse sent. Up all night till broad daylight at accounts, in bed at 3.00. Carry aided meet most materially by copying etc.

14th

Do not breakfast till 11, very tired. Rest broken at 6 about parcel and sending Swansea at 12. Start on Moselle to Swansea, a forlorn hope about money. Luckily find 300 and am ………by Berrington and others to the amount of near 200 and receive £5 from Scott Butcher. Edmund writes that he has a son. A long talk with Mr James about tithe suit and compromise Cherry Gordon. Can't sleep etc. Tom Philip can't sell corn. No cabbage plants on market, buy some at Cross Inn. Ride home by accident with Cherry Gordon on a good trotting mare, drunk as usual. Long talk again about tithes, points of law and wish to compromise and so on. Tolerably early to dinner, very tired, in bed very early. More easy in mind from my journey to Swansea.

Note - this has been a very busy week. My time too much occupied to do half wished. Busied best part of it in writing letters and accounts. Many persons called for money. Obliged to say they must wait my going to Swansea not thinking to find any there having received no letter. Mr Batcock has a dispute about limestone near new kiln. I desist. He is very bold and defies.

My accounts sent Saturday to Swansea by Tom Philip in a parcel to Berner Street. [8]

16th

Monday. Carree rides Rosy 1st time by marsh to Penclawdd and Blaenkedy. I Jack. Wind very high. Meet Mr Evans at The Ship. Goes with us to Blaenkedy and we with him to Brynhir. No dinner, take tea and dine afterwards at home. Bunting's colt looks very ill, has it taken cold or what is the cause. I suspect tis cold nights and wet. Cabbage planted at Stafell Haegr east side. Do not get to Bryngwas as I intended. No turnips sowing. Mr Evans garden small but good. Miss Griffiths there, not to Mrs Evans. Talk about tithe suit again and advise. Wrote to Mr George about Batcock and limestone and sent to the post. David kicked by Rosy's filly, not hurt much luckily. Cold evening and very high wind all day, some rain. Masons returned tonight, scuffler in use at Blaenkedy. Mr Clark called about hay. I am to meet Mr George at Penralt tomorrow at 9.00. Read Times paper.

17th

Wm Morgan leaves the kiln, J Jones returns to it recovered. Meet Mr George at 9 o'clock at Penralt, seems to think Batcock has no lease, as claimed, to quarry limestone. Mr Batcock came, not over civil. Calves put in marsh piece this evening. Carree meets me at Penralt. A deputation intended to wait on me at Stafell Haegr this morning; met some coming, engaged and adjourn to Penralt. Mr Long, Gordon of Leason, Gordon Cil Ivor, Mr Davis Fridoe; the same thing over and over again. I am authorised to say nothing. Walk with Carree to Caie Vorgan, Cillibion, a christening of babe. Mr and Mrs Hancorne and Mr and Mrs Botafield. Refuse 2 tithe pigs on account. Boar, he promises a roaster. Ploughing at Cillibion, harrowing at Caie Forgan. Go on with day book this evening. Carree helps me. Commence a letter to William about tithe suit again. Cut grass on lawn with the scissors, a whim of Carree's and hedge etc.

18th

A dull damp morning. Finish letter to William and write arrear of Journal. Groom of Cognovit calls, pay him 10 shillings. Moselle's back bad, Jack's eye bad and I must get to Bryngwas and Caie Forgan. Cold and dull rain comes on; heavy and changes to a dull sea fog all day. Dark and dismal. Do not ride. Send David to post with letter to William and note to Mr Davis. Dine early and walk with Carree to Penralt and Caie Forgan. Settle with Williams about the out buildings. Order men to the kiln quarry again tomorrow as Batcock bids defiance. Anthony unfortunately sprains his ankle. Our horses must have forced work, lots of stone cart and harvest coming on. Send to Llanelli for oats by Long. Cognovit calls. Cold weather. Vetches retarded. Were to have gone to Mr Cherry Gordon, was deferred. Mr Jones' child ill and he can't go. We excused ourselves.

19th

Dull doubtful morning with appearance for better day. Carree determines, having previously so arranged, to ride to Caswell. Think she will repent, reluctantly consent and rejoice, everything most favourable. Receive the rents and weather fine. Go by Ilston and take a sort of chance lunch dinner, always the same - ham and eggs - at Mr Hancorne's. He is weeding turnips and has a duck with 22 young ones going, quite a show and a hen with 24 chickens. Tea there. Mrs Nicholls, Mr and Mrs Boatfield come to tea and we had half eaten the gooseberry pie. Rosy performs journey very well, I on Moselle. At home by 10 or so and Carree not very tired. Draw out a plan for out houses at Caie Forgan before going to bed. A beautiful moonlight.

20th

Another Llanrhidian Fair. Nothing whatever done, never went near it, a beautiful day for it and very hot and growing. Settle plan of out building and ride Jack to Caie Forgan and see and explain to Williams. Order Tucker etc. Dan Philip finishes at Cillibion. The stone pit filled at 12.00. Agree with Mr Lloyd to plough at Caie Forgan tomorrow. Now by Tyr Coch to Bryngwas, no one there, all at Blaenkedy. Dine on 2 sandwiches and 3 eggs at Bryngwas. A calf ill, ordered it and another to Stafell Haegr. They have 5 cows and four calves and a good many pigs surely, but no butter made beyond consumed in the house!! Is this right? Off to Blaenkedy, called to leave Miss Griffiths' cloak at Brynhir. Evans at home. Take bread, cheese and beer and story related of Eliot's duplicity, that he gives out he wishes amicable settlement of tithe suit while he tells us to fight it out and not come to terms. His character not liked here, I am told by Evans. The Upper Division give Mr Morgan credit for veracity in preference to Mr Elliott. Ride together to the forge, he to Rev. Mr Jones, I to Blaenkedy, field above turnip sowing, burning cooch, picking carting stones, ploughing there till 8.00. Bunting colt better. Kneath called, settled with him about Brecon. Paid 12/6 fee included and paid RH £15. By Cefn Buchan home. 2nd day one field done sowing turnips. Order to begin at Bryngwas tomorrow. Speck covered. Jack obstinate on marsh, will not go short way to Stafell Haegr. Much annoyed and delays me half an hour, thrash him. Received a letter from my mother, dare not read it till the morning, always expecting bad news. Very tired to bed, after tea and writing a few notes for orders at Swansea, can't send myself.

21st

Read my mother's letter before breakfast. Not up very early, 7.30. Going off instantly after breakfast to Caie Forgan, Carrie going with me. Just off, in comes Sam Philip to settle accounts, mixture of job and day work, a difficulty to separate them. Done, paid something in advance for quarry stones and walk with Carree to Penralt and Caie Forgan. Borrow Mrs Richards red cloak, cold. Mr Lloyd ploughing Upper Caie Forgan, went alone to Cillibion, no one there but stray geese, turned out and back to Caie Forgan. Order cellar to be finished to prepare beer for harvest and other things to be done. Plan the out buildings, return to early dinner intending to ride up again. Gather mushrooms on the dunghill at Caie Forgan, found calves arrived as ordered from Bryngwas, one very ill, turn the other out for air and nearly lose him - tumbles over the ditch, deep, without hurting. Expected his neck broke, 6 weeks old, kept always in dark at Bryngwas till lost use of eyes and limbs. Doctor the other calf by drenching, will take nothing and order it bled. Drizzly rain comes on, do not go out again; wrote a little and calculated Morgan's account of time by which he earns 3 shillings per day. Grant came down, paid him balance of £3 of school money, settled also with Taylor for clothes, parish boy etc.

22nd

Sunday. Morning duty, resolved to be in time but only just in time. A very good sermon, Mr Jones, badly delivered. Christening as usual and sacrament, a beautiful day, after church to Penralt and home to dinner. Saw RH at Lucas's with Llewellyn. And then to Leason with Carree. George H at Mrs Rees's, why? Often there. Declines work going to hay at Swansea; by Oldwalls again to Penralt and settled about some work tomorrow. A heavy shower falls and then again fine. Call at Mr Jones about Llanelli; think of going with him tomorrow. Some(thing) said about tithes and Mr Elliott's double dealing with us and the adverse party. He will get his head broke if he returns. No tea, a little gin and home again. Saw RH by accident at Mr Jones still with Llewellyn and wants to speak to me, and mentions an anonymous letter W Anthony had picked up stating RH was robbing the estate and wants it sifted into. First I had heard of it, gave little credence to it but shall not forget it. Tea at home. Do not read the Bible today, I often do but intended always on Sunday. Vetches cut 1st day, spring sowing and scarcely fit. [9]

23rd

Up before 7 and RH here to see after the calf. He is better I think in consequence of Carrie and self giving burnt brandy and laudanum. No Sam Phillips to lay drain as promised!! David Thomas to build gateway to Stafell Haegr, plan it out and begin. RH there and talk to him about this anonymous nonsense. Breakfast early; thank you Carrie. Mr Jones off for Llanelli without me. A beautiful calm day for a sail!! Plan and order iron for gate. Cart with limestone and sand. Walk alone to Caie Forgan. Call at Penralt, order drill roller. Muster up wood for the purpose and get Jones to make it. Again to Penralt, meet Anthony and get the anonymous letter, blame him for keeping a week a letter directed to me, his excuse can't read, but others read to him. Dine early, bacon and cabbage only. Homely fare, like it. Ride with Carree to post and Knelston to pay for hay at Mrs Hoskins. Receive 4 Times and 2 letters from William in regard to tithes and money paid in. Old John Morgan's 50 years cause at last decided by Lord Brougham against Sir Watkin Lewis. Read it with delight, again find RH at Stafell Haegr and agreed to sow vetches again at Bryngwas, con over William's letters and write journal. Make entry of payments etc. Cool day, in bed by 12.00.

24th

A dull morning and proves a thorough wet day after 2.00. Ride Jack after breakfast to Bryngwas, getting out dung there for turnips in field by house. Rain prevents sowing. Obliged to leave work after 5.00. Take account of all money received by RH. 2 ponies covered. Have some understanding with Mrs Harry about milk butter cheese etc. Was to have dined at 5, rain detains me, get wet through. Borrow Harry's coat and dine at 7 o'clock and make out in the evening one of RH's books. Two beggars called at Bryngwas, sent them packing, imposters and demanded money.

I weighed the wool –

tithe only, 38lb in Upper

Wool - our own sheep 198 1/4

Wool - our own sheep 17

total 215 1/4.

deduct weight of sack 4

96 sheep shorn 211 1/4. Upper only

Hired Mr Lloyd to plough 21 24 and 25

25th

Busied about home. Sam Philip begins to lay drain for spring at Stafell Haegr. David Thomas begins the hinge pier of gate by wood. Give directions to both. My ponies starved out and turned for 1st time on marsh. Get Thomas to see where and how to place bridge over the black gutter. Walk about the marsh and find mushrooms. Ride Jack to Caie Forgan and Penralt. Measure out with Williams the out building at Caie Forgan, agreed to increase W Tucker's and drs(?). wages if they despatch work and home to dine at 2.00. Mr and Mrs Jones, Evans and Miss Griffiths dine with us, gather a few peas 1st time!!! Loads of removes at dinner; none had seen beans before - had of Eli Williams, a drunken dog, gets an earlier garden than anyone. All passes of very well and not a word about tithes. Saw again at Cross Field those 2 Bryngwas beggars and Morgan Jenkins who tells me that the Lower Division are sick of the tithe suit, I knew that long ago. Our party leaves about 10.

26th

A wet morning. Finish a book of RH's. A hen hatches, 3 only!! Calf, butter etc. Dine early on remnants, always the best of dinners. Dine in the kitchen not to disturb my table and papers. 2 pigeons arrive from Howel John's. Wet clears off and walk with Carree to Caie Forgan. Met Mr Hancorne, wants to sell more hay, no, vetches are cut. Mr Brown wants to buy my wool at same price as last year, I doubt, think his offer small and do not engage. Settle plan of digging out for out building and give Tucker etc instructions about drain etc and have an explanation with him for not allowing fresh men to work there. Tis very cold and windy and Carree wishes me anywhere than at Caie Forgan. We return at 7. Vetches cut 1st time at Caie Forgan. Call at Penralt and give orders for tomorrow, to sow turnips if possible. Finish and make up the book of WR's this evening. In bed at 12.

27th

Intended to both to have gone to Swansea today, deferred till tomorrow and to remain over Sunday. A fine day but no David Thomas, ill. Calf better and turned out. Finish WR's book. Ride Jack to Caie Forgan. Borrow 4-0-0 of Williams, publican. Called at Williams about brewing vat and manure in the lane. Get Jones to calculate quantity of timber wanted for out buildings. Measure size of grates. Richard and host of men preparing for turnips in Upper Caie Forgan. Paid J Jones, £1 J Harry £1. Dine at 2.00 and off again at 3.30 to Bryngwas on Rosie! Sowing turnips there. Dung short of supply. Black Pony in drill. Arranged for Swansea. R Harry hears I am much annoyed by the anonymous letter, not I. Home by 7. Call at Penralt intend weighing wool. No steelyards on Richards to do it. My ponies have no hay or food. Give orders for tomorrow and have drill from Bryngwas. Going to Swansea for 2 days and arrange accordingly. Richards calls for steelyards. Ordered malt, arrived. Write instructions to Richards intending to be off early in the morning and in bed at 12.

28th

Off at 9 on Moselle, Carree on Rosie, for Swansea. Excessively hot. Turnips sown in Upper Caie Forgan, done, and a beautiful rain at night. Turnips also sown at Bryngwas 2nd field done. Ride by Bryngwas, David sent on and meet him at Cross Inn and walk into Swansea. Chance leads us to sleep at Mrs Wilkins, no bed offered to us when really wanted and in fact go sine dinner, shopping and errands all day. W Anthony with cart sells corn and grates sent home etc. He leaves very late and gets wet. Receive a letter from William saying GHE is a rascal. Bill £1,300. Write at request a long letter in answer and send it. Someone expected to come down to inspect.

29th

Sunday. Call on Mrs Mundy and go together to St Mary's church. Dr Hewson, not extravagant. Walk a little and dine at Mrs Mundy's and again to St. John's church. 6.00 evening, home to tea and walk with Carree on the pier. A beautiful day.

30th

Shopping again. Mrs Powys not going to the Mumbles, when shall we see Mr Davies? …'s Garden, a poor place!! and dine at Mrs Powys at 3. A long evening and little music. Very hot day again - with air much hay carried - Send note home by post.

July

1st

Up by 7. David to meet me with ponies at Cross Inn 7.00. Walk before breakfast, and meet David two hours behind time at Fairwood.Common. Carrie and I have had much difficulty in making arrangements for all our movements. Ride Jack and send David on to Swansea on Doll. Breakfast at Bryngwas and ride through Gellyhir. The lime carts going, no particular work in hand. Bunting's colt much better. Scope(?) covered again by Jack. Weigh wool and give orders and make plans etc. At 3 by Tir Coch Issa to Caie Forgan. Richards at Cillibion preparing for turnips, lower part in a horrid state to be picked and burnt. Give orders again here. Now to new building. W Tucker all wrong, put him right, masons likely to finish in a fortnight. Home to dine at 6.30, no dinner prepared, Carrie's note illegible (for yellow chickens killed send gallon cream saved). Things wonderfully grown in few days. Williams calls again about land. Walk again and arrange for Swansea and give further orders to Richards and write note to Long for bricks at Llanelli. Home to tea. Write my journal and various accounts, tired after a varied and hard day, plenty of work for mind and body. Again for Swansea tomorrow.

2nd

Again off early to Swansea on Rosie after giving orders and seeing work at home. Sent David on with wool by Anthony's cart. Overtook many going to Swansea fair, Richard Gordon, John Davis - Welsh Moor and Mr George and rode with latter to gate at Swansea, conversed on the poor law and tithe bill, wool etc. In Swansea by 11 o'clock and carried Carrie a beautiful nosegay, busy all day in shops and wool fair. Did not sell at1/6, 1/2 price in general e.g. at 20 shillings; bothered and could not get grates and marbles as a load home. Sent home chairs etc. Shop again late in evening and walked on pier. Paid RH £25, went tired to bed.

3rd

Up early and breakfasted. Called with Carree on Mr Bird and Mrs Mundy. Took coach at 10.00 to call on Mr Samuel Davies near Mumbles. Sat some time, etc and missed coach returning and obliged to walk back, very hot but very beautiful and Carree performed her journey wonderfully. Dined at Mrs Wilkins 1.30. Carree to Mrs Powys, I to bank and shopping again. Sent for ponies to Cross Inn. Had ordered dinner at 6 and got home by 10 to dinner!! Surprised at what Carrie went through. Mrs and Mr Collins overtook us and asked us 4 miles to tea tomorrow!! Accept it to show waiver of ceremony.

4th

Up early as generally, Carrie not very well, breakfasted in bed. After breakfast to Caie Forgan, Davies the plumber to settle about water closet. Howell John comes there, settle about more timber and settle at Stafell Haegr our dovetailed account and intend to give him a bill at three months for £200. Arrange with Richards to have grass cut tomorrow and turnips sown forthwith at Cillibion; dine at 2, Howell John also and copy his account and ride Doll and Carrie on Rosie to Ilston late to tea. Mr Davies of Oxwich there and 2 Misses Richards. Inquire size of water tank, beautiful hay of Mr Collins, quite envy him his house and furniture and flowers. Home late and tired.

5th

Up at seven. Received tithe hay of Mr Nicholls. Turnips thinning and transplanting. Grass here cutting, four men. Off on Jack to Bryngwas by Cillibion. Jones comes with marbles from Swansea, can't put them up, no hearth stone!!! Sadly waged, paid carpenters and masons money. Bothered at Bryngwas about wages to harvest men, settle this business, agreeing to advance a little. Crops not worth cutting. Settle and pay up to end of June several of the men. Not home till 7.30. Seven black birds, Jones' present. Mrs Harry ill. Very sleepy this evening with settled pain at the back of my head. At accounts again and in bed at one. A wet evening and night but very mild. At Howell John's today and had pigeons. [10]

6th

Sunday. Dull wet morning, no church, dine at 2.00, dined at two and walked to Caie Forgan with Carree. Most extremely close and oppressive. Met Williams and send for key of house to Mr Lloyd. Found harness at Cillibion left out in the wet, very annoying, carried collar home. Measured size of hearth stones. W Anthony at Caie Forgan. Trot horses from moor, home by 7 to let servants walk and send them up to Caie Forgan to look to the beer. Read the Bible and in bed - 10.00.

7th

Up at seven. Dull day. Thin turnips and transplant. Write to Edmund and to Robert and part to Jane. Attack Robert Harry's day book. Gather beans, dine early, bacon and beans. Send Louise Tanner to the post, gets wet through! Receive a letter from William. Mr Lee expected. Walk to Penralt, no one at work, too wet. Settled W Morgan's account and chide Richards for leaving harness out yesterday. Let Mr Lloyd have some few slates and talk to him about the tithe suit. Arrange with Richards for tomorrow. Some stones must be carried to Caie Forgan and rush brought in. Home to tea 8.30 and settle W Jones's account. Dull damp evening, heavy rain some part of day. Grass here all cut Saturday and not yet touched. Paid Howell Jones this morning a bill at three months for £200 London. [11]

8th

Finish mowing. Up at seven, plant celery, make hay, thin and plant turnips. 10 hands, half men, half women. Intended going to Bryngwas about Henry Collin, turned off by RH. Day doubtful and afraid to leave hay. Ride with Carree to Penralt about bed etc for Mr Lee. David Thomas at gateway there, raise the men to harvest wages, ten shillings a week. Do not go as intended to Caie Forgan, return to dinner, peas etc. Resolve not to go to Bryngwas to hay again. Rain threatens but goes off again, to turnips and again to hay. Walk with Carree to Mr Jones, meet unexpected a bevy of clergymen, a meeting at Chapel tomorrow and off there tonight. Walk alone to new house, and arrange about out buildings etc, fireplace for Mr Lee, horses etc and back afoot to Mr Jones. Leave there 9 after robbing garden of fruit and cuttings and home to sup. A fine hot day on the whole, work my new hay dress.

9th

Rode with Carree early to Mr Jones and accompany Mrs J and Mr Howell and Mr Jones of Nelson to the chapel, a clerical meeting. Chapel crowded, two sermons, one English one Welsh, latter Mr Howell of Llanon. Very amusing, like an Italian mountebank. Dined at Mr Evans of Brynhir, a large party. Mrs Edwards and Dr Moor; Evans has not heard from Henry. I told him that there was an objection to a temperance(?) of suit to arbitration. Both young Evans and his father behaved very well. Between church went to Blaenkedy and ordered activity about clover hay. Church again in evening, Welsh and English again and Mr Thomas of Llandeilo Talybont, long and animated in the latter. Again to Blaenkedy about hay carrying. RH explained about Henry Collins, turned off a little riotous. Tea again at Brynhir and a very mild evening after a most beautiful day. Home with Mr and Mrs Jones, etc. Expect fine tomorrow but doubtful. Met Mr Grant just at Llanrhidian and he expects wet tomorrow - right. [12]

10th

A thorough wet morning and all day nearly. The hay at Stafell Haegr in cocks luckily and safe. Garden a little and plant a second time celery. Blistered Moselle's back for a setfast(?). Carree busy thinking how to arrange for Mr Lee's expected arrival. Betsy back, busy here, came yesterday. Dined early and off to Caie Forgan - grates, two of them fixed, several loads of stone carried there for the out buildings. Ordered them arranged handy for use tomorrow. Sand on moor ready, ordered it in first thing tomorrow. Back by Penralt, looked at some accounts and home again. Some talk with WR about raising the wages of the men during the harvest, complaints it was otherwise last year. The evening was fine, walked home to Penralt with WR, W Anthony and J Harry was there. [13]

11th

A fine morning, luckily, and a beautiful day and lucky day. All hands and more than enough to the hay field. Turn all the cocks abroad and then turn most of the hands to the turnips till dinner time. All day working hard in hay field myself to keep the idle ungrateful vagabonds to the collar in hopes to carry this evening though some think otherwise. After dinner (dine at one having earned dinner) begin carrying. A host of fresh hands arrived, more than wanted, have been to the marsh unloading bricks. W Morgan and W Richards both drunk and others had been drinking but less freely. Order Richards to Penralt again or he would have broken his neck from the rick and ordered W Morgan no beer. Mr and Mrs Jones come to tea at 5, finish carrying a good crop before 9.00. Disgusted with the vagabonds I am obliged to trust. W Richards much lower in my estimation; again I am convinced I was not so much wrong in discharging him in October last. Fagged and tired, went to bed after giving directions by carpenter for Swansea. Head carpenter here going back tomorrow. Gave orders to Anthony for tomorrow etc.

12th

Wet again. How lucky with the hay yesterday. Attack RH's book, got through a month. Hay alright. D Bowen and Llewellyn mowing rough stuff in the 4 acres. Cows feeding there. Walk over out marsh to the other meadow and home wet through to dinner - mutton chops. Rode Jack after to Caie Forgan and gave further orders for foundations of walls etc and ordered blind dragon to the meadow tomorrow for a holy day. All the bricks got up today. Rode to Cillibion field, ordered Philip to cover lime at Caie Forgan and J Harry to help. By Penralt to inquire about the kiln, must let it go out by Tuesday, all the culm out. Take one of Richard's books. Received two letters tonight, one joint Henry and Alfred, latter coming on Monday to stay in Gower, the former not long first: had a fire and sat upstairs. J Harry called this evening to settle his account, can't make it out and fag at it all the evening and make out the mistake at last.

13th

Sunday. Heavy rain this morning but a fine day. Dine early. Church at 2, Mr Nathan preaches, evening duty, called at Mrs Harry's and returned home to let servants walk out.

14th

A dull morning. Entered up some daily accounts, and planted some celery. Carree busied with sending things, bedding etc, to Caie Forgan with Rosie. Went with Carree to Caie Forgan. Tank begun, loads of orders, mark out a small building to the north etc etc. At 3.30 start for Bryngwas to arrange about Swansea. RH preparing third field for turnips, nearly finished and home to dine at 6.00. Some drizzly rain prevents hay making. Mrs Harry pretty well again.

15th

St Swithin's Day. Young Edmund James unexpectedly arrives. Settled about wages, not to raise them. Half Llanrhidian drunk at a benefit club last night. Write accounts and walk with James to the public house to see who's there and on to Caie Forgan. Find Alfred arrived on our return. Had sent David for him to Swansea. Carrie at home all day in a bustle and a bustling day, preparing beds etc at Caie Forgan. Dull drizzly rain, James gets wet coming over. Walked out and had long conversation with Alfred about affairs here and agreed pretty well.

16th

Up at six and go at Penralt before breakfast. Discharged W Morgan for drunkenness. Ride with Alfred to Bryngwas and carry gun. Walk all over the farm, ordered geese, pigs, chickens etc for execution. Get some letters directed by ---- to RH and home to dine. Again some wet. Sent Anthony to Swansea for best grates etc. Margaret goes too.

17th

A beautiful day, excessive hot. Penrice fair, sent several pigs there, ride with James and Alfred there late by Caie Forgan. Nothing much done at fair, sold some pigs and bought some cattle and home by 4.00 dinner. Walk all on marsh with gun in evening. Carree there and try to leap jack over a ditch, no use. RH here again in the evening. A heavy sunset, ricks opened and all favourable for hay. Up, servants and all, till after twelve.

18th

Up at 5.30, heavy rain and thunder. Industry about the ricks but Llewellyn had secured this most luckily at 3.00 though not in bed till 12.30. Engage in accounts, Alfred and James go shooting, I to Penralt to set up several men. Busy getting in rush. Mr Lee arrives, very glad to see him, very heavy rain this evening again with thunder and lightning. Wrote notes for Swansea tomorrow. [14]

19th

Dull, dull again. Up early and so is Mr Lee. Walk round Stafell Haegr with him and to talk over matters here and show facts relating to circumstances of building etc. Destroyed first crop of peas. Walk with Alfred and Mr Lee to Caie Forgan and Cillibion. Nothing seems done at new building today. Vetches at Caie Forgan done. Plant celery where peas grew. Betty Williams brings fish. Many things suggested at new house and received there a present from Mr Lee of a telescope. Cold all day and have a fire. What a bustle is our house in. Receive a letter about Chambers and one from William.

20th

Sunday, a thorough wet day. All day at home, no church going from rain. Mr Gordon preached, disappointed not to hear him first time. Reading papers and talking nonsense all day, amused by anecdotes of the and shares Mr Lee. Strolled out in the evening up the field and showed him woodruffes, a goose grass.

21st

A fineish morning; up at six, rode to Caie Forgan before breakfast. Altered place ….. plough turnips hard rain comes on. Obliged to give this up and resort to other work. Clean stables, stalls etc dung goes hence to Bryngwas, five loads gone. Carry stones for a culvert to marsh. Settle Austen's account and corn account and also William Morgan and discharged him. Dined early, Alfred and James going shooting, prevented by wet. Walked with Carree and Mr Lee to Leason and Wibley and back by Oldwalls. Mr Lee delighted with Wibley but not with Penralt Hill, descending it, home tired and nothing further down.

22nd

Turnip field finished weeding. A beautiful day, Carry stones to the marsh, carry out lime and carry rough heavy in mill piece. Finished at 8.00. Busy in garden and giving orders. Mr Lee and Alfred breakfast first time at Caie Forgan, the former busy all morning with papers. Ride up with Alfred to Caie Forgan and back to dine at three. Out to the hay after and tea in the kitchen. Mild night. Wildad the shoemaker calls this evening.

23rd

Up at seven and breakfast early. Austin and William finish lime and earthing cabbage. Mr Simons calls about culm, agreed to pay at Christmas. Mean to dine at Caie Forgan, cold dinner, a sort of indoors picnic. B Jones sets rick in order. All four ride to Arthur's Stone. Mr Lee delighted as I thought he would, considered it a Druid temple and place for victims. Took tea at Caie Forgan and rode home by 10.00. Very hot and thunder all day. Went through certain letters with Mr Lee and considered over affairs here at Caie Forgan. Various alterations attempted.

24th

Very hot, cloudy and close. Again to Caie Forgan all morning about these cursed affairs. Order last sowing of turnips; various consultations at Caie Forgan about alterations. Sudden and heavy thunder shower, get soaked through with several men in saving the rick. Carree calls at Mrs Jones, they are offended that we do not call there. Stuff and nonsense. Dine at six and up very late, after a beautiful evening but all work thrown out by the rain.

25th

Up early, poor Carree very ill with a headache again. I go to Caie Forgan, several things planned, porch begun, coal house rising, several men paid and settled today and yesterday. Alfred receives letter from Henry, not coming today but Wednesday night. Turnips finished sowing today, last day at Cillibion by R Davy. Dine at five and write orders by Mary Thomas for Swansea to a horse. I sold the black cart pony today £10–5-0. A beautiful day, much done with hay; Carree better this evening, order all ricks to be covered though weather is fair. No dependence against rain for twelve hours.

26th

Heavy rain this morning at seven again, clears off. Turnips being thinned, growing very fast and no getting amongst them. Off to Penralt after breakfast, send wheat to mill and get wet through going afoot to Caie Forgan by appointment to talk and consult with Mr Lee, he reads a fair report by letter to William at Plumpton. Heavy rain again at twelve. All work at a stand and hay spoiling and ricks in danger. Walk back with Mr Lee. Dine at two. Settled with J Harry at Caie Forgan to 12th instant, made out the daybook to a week later. Fires every day, Mr Lee and Alfred fire spaniels. In bed early, intolerably sleepy.

27th

Sunday. Thorough wet and cold. Carree not very well. Several beautiful sewin fish brought early from Penmaen. Bought all at 6d. Prevented breakfasting at Caie Forgan as agreed. Read debates and Cambrian. Evening duty, fine after church, mutton put off.

28th

Rode Henry's grey, an unbroken beast to Swansea. Had no dinner except sandwiches, some tea at Mrs Wilkins and thoroughly tired for a supper at nine, the hour I returned. An excessive hot day, close and thundery. Went and returned by Bryngwas and effected an insurance on all the Gower property. Bought things at sale of Mr Moggeridge by Wilkins. [15]

29th

Again only about home and at Caie Forgan giving some directions about hay, fern, stone, carts, paying money etc. Rode with Mr Lee and Alfred and Carrie who makes the proposition to Penmaen. Took tea at Mrs Jones and Alfred shot rabbits. Miss Nathan pretty. Home in dark, very close with lightning vivid. Mr Lee pleased with the prospects from Cefn Bryn. William John sent with David and car to Swansea for things at sale and arrived home late and helped him unpack at Stafell Haegr.

30th

About Caie Forgan placing and consulting with Mr Lee. Carree fatigued and tired and unwell. Dug and worked in garden., excessive hot. Sowed , lettuce and radish. Walked on Marsh in evening and show Mr Lee the peculiarities of it. Alfred shot two ducks.

31st

Breakfasted by appointment at Caie Forgan, there early and read a long foolish letter of mine to Elliott to Mr Lee, that cursed mean minded Elliott, and rode with him and Alfred to Bryngwas. Robert Harry at Priors Meadow about hay. Mr Lee thinks poorly of our land and speculation. Went by Llythrid home by ParkyrRhedyn, dined at six. Mr Fitt puts up the kitchen grate, many things go wrong, almost cats dogs and all out of humour. The last few days nothing but clouds, sultry weather, storms, thunder and lightning. Awful at times.

AUGUST

1st

Sent Anthony to Swansea for bricks and David for Henry. Walked to Caie Forgan to see Fitt etc. Tremendous heavy storm of thunder and rain, all hands thrown out at the new excavation. Paid the women at turnips and send them home, no use going on. Dine at two. Robert Harry at Caie Forgan lost a steer, go to Batcock to pay for cattle bought at Penrice. They are sold again. Unjustly our house like a small … bustle confusion and no comfort. Pay RH money and make lists of whom to collect tithes. Henry arrives to tea, very tired. Sieze an opportunity last thing to write some accounts. Carree fatigued and in bed early, a beautiful evening.
2nd

Rain again in night and fine morning. RH gone to Swansea, gave him commissions last night. Message from Mr Lee that Anthony must go again to Swansea, what for I know not. Bricks, only 500 brought yesterday, 500 more wanted and more. Go to Caie Forgan to hear Henry's opinion of new building, plans produced and compared. Elliott's alterations instead of helping, enlarge Mr Hoskins plan and spoil it. Porch rising etc and dine at 2. Mr Lee returns some. Alfred shoots a duck on the marsh and prepared to make a bridge over the black gutter. Very close evening and fine all day. Tea out of doors at Stafell Haegr [16].

3rd

Sunday, beautiful day. Ride with Carree at 9 to Ilston Church at 11. Called at Caie Forgan for Doll. Carree ill in church from the heat. Several ladies at Mr Collins and his son, a Rugbean. Seems to have a high opinion of No.1. Mr C Collins and Mr --- came over, back to dinner. Walked after to see the cows, and Jeffreys Meadow and on to marsh. Various notions of my intended bridge. Some want 6 ft span etc. Separate early and write a note to Mrs Collins to tea tomorrow at Arthur's Stone, the notion of Carree's.

4th

A dull damp and rainy morning. Note not sent to Mrs Collins, were to have ridden to Blaenkedy with Mr Lee. Robert Harry calls with his errands from Swansea and enters on accounts, detains me, gives me an account of the £40 he had received at Swansea etc. Send RH to get bill for Drummer, horse, signed at Llanmadock etc. Walk to Caie Forgan and sign a paper that all the property is trust property. Bridge on marsh begun by David Thomas. Send note to Mrs Collins for tomorrow. All took tea at Caie Forgan and had a very stormy debate about this property and the building. Got greatly by blamed for not quarrelling sooner with Elliott, got no thanks for anything I had done but plenty of whipcord. Alfred absolves himself on plea of being in Greece. I prove him in London before building began. Walked home in dark with Carree by 11.30 full of reflection on past circumstances and future conduct. Tired and disgusted, half resolve to live anywhere but in Gower. [17]

5th

Dull wet morning and some heavy rain about 11. 2 Bryngwas carts come with Penclawdd stones and employed moving earth and stones to the intended bridge. Again walked to Caie Forgan again. Canvass over circumstances of this hateful tithe property. Lambs brought in to wash. Dine at 2 and Henry starts at 4 on his grey to Abercothy. Such debating about Mr Lee's departure there tomorrow. Write notes for chaise Llanelli and send T Philip tomorrow over with Jack. Meet a man in village from slate quarry, vessel coming over, ask him to supper, nothing to be got here, and send David to arrange about boat. Wrote to Henry about the quarry etc.

6th

A fine morning. David Thomas throws arch of bridge. Lambs again brought in. Write to my mother at Bath and to Morris, Swansea, about Aberthaw lime. Walk to Caie Forgan and send to post. Alfred gone. Again discuss circumstances of house and mention my determination not to enter new house without a thorough understanding and not to be in a hurry. All in confusion about going over to Llanelli at 6.00. Men sorry Mr Lee is going. He dines at three, goose. All arranged for departing and all go at high water to the cockle shell boat, a brisk breeze and think Mr Lee will repent his bargain. Return in cart to Mrs Jones. Hear Mrs Evans has lost her child [18]. Mr Jones gone to Penmaen meeting. We return to coffee and see the first wheat reaping today. Some heavy rain again about 1.00. Mr Lee says nothing is done well at new building.

7th

A determined wet day. Elisabeth Mack goes home again being freed of our visitors. Set resolutely to day labour accounts. Finish off RH's book and also one of WR's. Dine early and walked to Penralt and Caie Forgan. Few men at work. Got wet through and home again. Took account of the corn book and of time(?) to Bryngwas as far as book enabled me.

8th

Again a wet morning and few men come to work. Clears off a little at 11.00. Was going to Bryngwas when several carts arrived at marsh from Bryngwas for rush. Water high and bridge not passable, send for hands several to make it so. Receive a letter at 2.00 from post for Mr Lee from William. Open it and forward it instanter to Abercothi by David on Doll. Walked to Penralt to give various directions. No one there. Richard Gordon in difficulty with loads of sand and gibbing horse. Carree unexpectedly comes, we walk to Leason, I tithed some hay and call on and agree with Williams mason, George Williams Leason and again coming home with J Davies of Welsh Moor. Late home and a host of people waiting for me about tithes, accounts finished, errands tomorrow for Swansea etc etc. Bothered out of my life and settle with George Jones to a given time. Lambs washed.

9th

A cart from Bryngwas and also W Anthony sent to Swansea for Aberthaw lime. A fine day. Garden and sow cabbage seeds for spring use in field. Ride Rosy to Caie Forgan, give some directions to masons and answer queries of carpenters. Regulate hands for tithing, weeding turnips etc. Hands scarce, many on leave and many gone reaping and we are very busy, lambs shorn. Hannah at reap Manselfold. Dined early and walked with Carree to see reap at Cil Ivor - all at siesta, walk on to Mr Jones and settle an account with him pro and con his son Lewis very ill. Corn reaping very general. [19]

10th

Sunday evening duty. Another fine day. Hear a cargo from quarry is at Llanelli, what then?!! Captain Gunthorpe at church. Asked by several persons for hands for reaping. Mr Gwyn of Landimore applies. Walk alone to Penralt and give orders for tomorrow. I must be off to Swansea early. Read a long trial on a will – Wollaston v Barnes and Cambrian. Right to Mrs Jones about GHE etc. Carree complains of pain in her side.

11th

Up early to go to Swansea. Rosy sent first thing to forge, find all my curb chains gone. Long there, delays me and obliges me to ride by Penmaen to meet post. Receive a letter from my mother coming possibly to Swansea, Wednesday. On I go to Swansea, wished to have settled at turnpike gate with Mrs Brown about her son at Bryngwas: not there, disappointed. All day engaged with Mrs Mundy seeking lodgings, succeed. Henry Morgan returned. No time for anything else and home fast riding by 9.00. I have 1,000 things to do and no pony in condition and no assistance and going to Swansea. Pretty state of things!!! Ordered peas. taken up and celery planted and leeks. Question if done. A fine day after misty morning.

12th

Engaged all day at Caie Forgan giving directions to masons etc. Intended going to Bryngwas, could not, so occupied at home, building and titheing in Lower Division. Carree comes up and we take tea; to me it was luncheon, dinner, tea and supper. Arrange about car for Swansea tomorrow, wool fair etc and home late and tired.

13th

Up early. Sow cabbage, send before breakfast for spring and Lapland kale. Morning slipped away like lightning, dine early and start to Swansea on horseback with Carree (who ought not to ride), I to Bryngwas. Write several notes about tithes and settle about calf Write wool and other things and again to meet Carree, David with her, arrive at Swansea at dusk, packet in at 11.30. Beautiful evening, at dusk meet George on the quay unexpectedly, my mother and Phipps all safe, Carree introduced etc.

14th

In Swansea. W Anthony with one horse cart brings things over. Margaret arrives, Mrs Mundy calls, dine early. George returns in evening to Abercothi in phaeton, Tygwood with him.

15th

Walked out with my mother, Carree not very well – sends for Mr Bird. Called on Mrs Mundy and Mrs Braham - Miss B a very fine girl. Fair Day – sold lambs, wool at 19d. Heard death of a calf. Went to theatre in evening to hear Braham in Guy Manwaring. Carree never heard him before. Luckily bore the heat of the crowd. Met Mr Powell.

16th

Went to Caswell, walked from Newton Fly, do not go down the bad road. Walked on pier with my mother in the evening, long talk of things here and GHE.

17th

Sunday, in Corporation pew. Dr Hewson's - a good sermon on inconsistencies of life. Tea with Mrs Mundy.

18th

Took a fly to Neath, doubtful day. Mr Powell not at home unluckily. Dined with Mrs and walked to Gnoll. Spoke to Mr D Powell first time and home in the evening.

19th

Making calls, making arrangements. Mrs Mundy, Mrs Powys, saw Mrs Hughes of Liverpool - her mother pleasant woman. Mr Bird looking for lodging etc, dined early, took chaise in evening to Caie Forgan, took tea there, left Carree very unhappy and returned to Swansea with my mother, tired. A good deal of wheat tithed.

20th

Breakfast at 7. See my mother and Phipps off by coach to Carmarthen, shop and run of errands. Wait for my pony, out of humour, call on Mrs Wilkins. Sleep on sofa. Ride Rosy, get wet, all out of sorts, headache, toothache. Carree pretty well, off hinges and go to bed. Margaret and David home late, scold him, there's something wrong.

21st

Ill in bed with toothache and rheumatism. Breakfast there, rise at 12. David gives notice to quit. Off hinges, can do nothing. Wet again after a fine morning. Go to accounts, dine early and light. Robert Harry calls, settle accounts late of wool, calf, horse, pig etc. Paid 2 or 3 men. Gruel(?) and to bed, quite out of sorts all day and never moved from. Paid J Jones and others money in full.

22nd

All morning at Caie Forgan with masons and carpenters. Williams laying step of door, pay him £10, he is going home. Carpenters going to Swansea tomorrow, want all orders. Begin moving earth to the field from about new building. Moselle can't carry me, send her back, her back tender. Send a bed and things by Anthony to Stafell Haegr, ride Rosy to Walterston and Nicholaston about timber of Mr George. See him etc. Now to post, 4 papers and Henry not coming today but Tuesday next. Dine at 7, expected at 4. Paid Jones carpenter £10 and gave orders for Swansea and paid old Jone. Not well but better after my ride. Autumnal, chilly and showery. Bought fowls of George Harry at £9. [20]

23rd

Principally at Stafell Haegr, David Bowen and Llewellyn with Rosie in harness moving stones, sticks etc from the field and weeds from turnip field. Robert Harry and 4 Bryngwas carts for rush (lodges in wheel), clear the field. Dine early and walk to Caie Forgan and Cillibion over turnip fields. Order more thinning. Men all slipping off early. An oat rick begun. J Austin carting from Mr Nicholls, stop and see all safe. No work at the building. Carry fern and hay into stables to be dry. More earth moved and get wet through going to Penralt. Settle accounts with David Bowen today and settle out WR's book to this evening. Heavy rain this morning but fine day and showery evening. Jones comes from Swansea, several letters from Bristol and Fred, all well. [21]

24th

Sunday, very wet. Heavy showers and very sudden thunder frighten us. Read Cambrian, an account in it of Cardiff eisteddfod. Evening duty, Mr Jones not well, and expecting death of his son Lewis. Detected David again as yesterday in lying, must send him to his father to flog him and keep him. Chilly day, fire very pleasant, have one all day. Carree not very well again, no wonder – she is so fond of apples, can only laugh her out of them.

25th

Walked to Mr Jones to inquire about his boy Lewis, very bad, past recovery. Mrs J never spoke to me, seemed very ill and much affected and Mr Jones looking very ill, I pity them. Mrs J again expecting confinement . Walk on to Caie Forgan, no masons, carting limed earth to pit, send one cart tything. Old Jones begins breaking stones there. Return home to dine early, was to be one but tis past two. Order hands again to thin turnips. Write to Captain Gunthorpe in answer to an angry note about tithes, continue his agreement and send David to Penclawdd. Carree's letter to go from Mrs Evans, Ship. Ride Doll to Caie Forgan, not much tything as I expected to find. Do some good, give orders for tomorrow and prepare against rain in night. Home after tea. and in bed early to rise early. Heavy rain early, fine day, warm and pleasant.

26th

Very heavy rain early, very fine day. Up by seven, sow seed. Breakfast alone, send Carrie's up but she is as well as can be expected. Walk to Penralt and Caie Forgan, two carts moving earth etc. Clear room for tithe carts from Walterston way, more than enough to look after. Dine at 1.30 on goose. Henry expected today, not come. Mr Jones boy (Lewis) dies, a happy release for them [22]. Ride Doll up to Caie Forgan again. No one knows where Llewellyn is, fancy he is tything at Leason, almost a useless journey there. Tything at Mr Nicholls, stay late, see all safe. Richards watching stray ox sent to Bryngwas by D Phillips. Tything at Walterston, evenings are getting cold. Turnips at Cillibion late but I think there will be a fair crop. These at Stafell Haegr would not go into a hat. Write receipt of six shillings to Captain McMeechan and agree with Mrs Williams for her tithe - 6s. Saw old Eli Williams garden today, very good one full of apples and three pretty willow trees. Agreed to divide the field of our land shares. [23]

27th

Busy at home first of morning then walk quietly with Carree to pay a debt to Mrs Nicholls for butter. Stay a little at Penralt, have dinner sent to Caie Forgan and tea there. Very little tything, I expected much. A very fine day after heavy rain early. Clearing earth from the yard at Caie Forgan, left about dusk. Hannah brewing and Henry arrived this evening. Paid Mr Grant 5(pounds?) for Bowen school. [24]

28th

Breakfast late, Henry not come down till ten, wet day. Wrote to Mr Jones on death of his son. Dined early and walked with Henry to Caie Forgan etc. Work all deranged by wet, send carts from Caie Forgan to clear lane of manure at Penralt, got very wet. Went through corn account in evening, selecting wheat and barley to see amount, so in bed late.

29th

Friday, up early and to accounts again. Henry comes to breakfast in good time. Wet again. Henry rides Fly, again to accounts after breakfast. Dined early. Henry rode to Bryngwas, I walk to Caie Forgan. Nothing done in my absence. Richards does not keep men at work, he gets idle and his pig fat, hereby is a tale. Set Tucker etc to make temporary drain near cart shed to carry stone and home to late tea. What a wet summer, I do not half likes things here, a set of idle rascals. Measure Eli Williams field.

30th

Frank Thomas does commissions for me at Swansea. Go to the marsh with Henry about the marsh piece, what to do with it, can't say. He rides to Caie Forgan, I walk. Heavy rain comes on, stop at Penralt, long talk about things. Richard pig - things to be put on a fresh footing. On to Caie Forgan, nothing gives satisfaction. Henry returns to Abercothi to shoot on Monday, promises to come back in 14 days!! Nous verrons, he leaves about four. Very dull and showery. Order fern in off common. Anthony and Austin, Tucker, J Philip. To dinner at 5.00 on Rosy brought up. Sam Phillip turning limed earth at Cillibion. Paid several men in the evening.

31st

Sunday at home all day. Wet in morning, very wet indeed, after fine. Servants all sent to Cheriton Church. Carree and I cook our own dinner, in evening walked to Penralt house. Sheep up, why pay Richards Sundays - wanted particularly to see him, this often happens. Saw Mrs Grant about ? and had some hints thrown to me about shattered wheat and early movements in the barn, shall be blind at present and about drunkenness. Waited half hour, no one came about four hours. Q at Landimore.

September

1st

Heavy rain this morning at 5, fine day. Bryngwas carts come for rush, work a little in garden before breakfast. Tie up the three yearlings to eat wasting cabbage etc. Mark 5 calves with pruna(?). Austin comes down, no car, send him to stone cart. Two cars carrying rush, 2 mowers - Bar. Jone and D Bowen, 3 Reapers. Order five calves to Bryngwas. Order Rosie's colt weaned, Richards comes down about Mr Nicholl's tithes etc. Send a car up, receive a letter from William - he meets Lee today and wants to hear from me. Dine at three after walking far on the marsh. Sent Davis to post with letter to my mother at Tenby. Ride Doll to Caie Forgan. 2 loads of barley from Cillibion by Anthony. All other corn taken to Penralt, Manselfold, Wibley etc. Paid Tom Davy, Tom Phillips wife and Dan Phillips on account. Home to tea at eight and write a letter to William. David to go to Swansea early tomorrow. Clouds over heavy again this evening but no rain by 9.00. Carrie walked alone to Caie Forgan. I never saw her there, she is tired. In bed at twelve.

2nd

Up at 6.00. Send David Bowen and Llewellyn to Bryngwas to tithe (no reliance on the men there). Send the five calves and Hooch to Bryngwas and David with them there on Doll with letter for William with extracts from Mrs J's letter to the Swansea post. Earthed up celery etc before breakfast. Heavy rain this morning early. J Jones, the boy, comes to look the (sic) cattle here. Two cars carrying rush all day from marsh. Bryngwas carts down, send Rosy of (sic) various errands and walk to Caie Forgan. Send Austin to Llwynbwch for tiles and with straw to Stafell Haegr and sand up. Dine early and ride Rosy to Caie Forgan again. Met David returning, no letter. Late to tea. A fine day promises for tomorrow. Not a great deal of tithing. Settled a week of William Richards day book in the evening.

3rd

Dull damp morning, very close, wet in night again. What quantities of rain!!! Bryngwas carts down early after rush as usual. Little cattle take kindly to house feeding. Breakfast early and ride Moselle first time for a long time after blistering her back. The ground as wet as in winter, roads all mud. Can't clear the yard, no tything, no room for stone nearly enough carried. Order all the force on the marsh for rush. Four cars fresh mowers etc and ride to Bryngwas. A most stormy day comes on, wind and rain, regular Gower weather. Reach Bryngwas wet and all my plans defeated. No Blaencedi, no Brynhir. Copy a book of RH's. Several men wet through. Llewellyn and D Bowen uselessly at Bryngwas. Walk round the farm and settled future measures, crops etc. A terrible ride home to dinner at 6.30. Pay Sam Phillips £1. Went to bed early, tired. A new moon this morning early, what a prospect of fine weather. Barley growing; and many fields spongy and boiling like barm.

4th

Up early. Carree can't sleep. Breakfast at eight. Gather apples and plums with Carree. Give orders to Richards who comes down and send Anthony and Austin to Penclawdd for cultivator and stone. Ride Rosie to Caie Forgan. A fine day and lots of work. Tucker at drain, Philip at fern rick, several men at tithes. Return to dinner at 2.00 and again on Rosie to Caie Forgan and Carree rides Doll to Mrs Jones after her son's Lewis's burial, and joins me at Caie Forgan. A good deal of tithing. Barley in many places grown.

Return together on Rosie home. David on Doll. Really a fine day and bright night. Who can tell what tomorrow will be?

5th

Wrote to Henry to order Williams's mason back etc.. Saboth comes from Abercothi with game. After Rebecca in trust of Caie Forgan and letters from Mr Lee etc. Rode Rosie to Caie Forgan after breakfast and Saboth came there. A fine day and much tithing and plenty of work, yard clearing etc. fine til past - return to dinner at two. Answer Henry's letter etc and send Sabbath with them, too late for tide, goes tomorrow. Again on Rosie at 4 to Caie Forgan. Day alters wet, walk with Jones Carpenter to Walterston Wood about timber. David Morris shows us where, get wet through crossing the moor should. Send Jones to Penrice to meet Woodward and return to Caie Forgan and remain til dark. Tithing going on notwithstanding wet. Take orders for Swansea tomorrow and give orders for housework etc. Early to bed to be off early tomorrow.

6th

Rode Moselle to Swansea at 9.00.Doubtful day proves fine, one shower only. Overdraw at the bank. Engaged lodging for Carree at Mrs Webb's. Paid money for Heolas sale etc and home early by 5.00 at Caie Forgan for a wonder and dine at six to the surprise of Carrie who is engaged all day making mattress etc. Very tired after my return, I detest riding to Swansea.

7th

Sunday. A fine day really so and promises to continue. Carree rides Doll on pack saddle to Caie Forgan and on the moor. Meet RH who goes up with us: talk about the tricks of tithing in Upper Division. Send another man from Lower Division tomorrow. Church at 2.30. Mr Evans of Brynhir there, Jones looks ill. Horrid singing particularly Mrs George Jones. Dine on partridge at five, send servants for a walk and bothered by our pigs getting out. Wind rises, stormy at night, don't like it. Rain coming again.

8th

A wet day again. Send for Rosy on the marsh and can't catch her. Want to go to Caie Forgan, must walk. Pay little J Jones in full. W Jones to go to Bryngwas. Time lost, wet, wet, wet, and I am far from well, can't help it, must drive it off somehow. Engaged at home till an early dinner on a brace of birds and pancake. Walked to Caie Forgan, send David to post, he brings me a letter from Mr Lee and I ride home. Most of men and two carts clearing the yard. W Anthony bringing timber from Walterston, write to Henry at Abercothi in the evening in consequence of Mr Lee's letter. Mason and carpenter over there, other things to attend to in same letter. Call in bills etc. Mr Hosking expected soon. Fine after midday but nothing doing in harvest. Mr Gordon of Llandybwch (Llwynybwch) has finished.

9th

A fine day, quite a miracle. Seize upon it with Carree to house apples and pears. Saddler of Reynoldstone here putting in order saddle and pack saddle. Not a bad crop of apples and pears and the people have really behave honestly. Dine very early before 1.00, cold bird and fish,. Off on Moselle to Penclawdd, call on Captain Gunthorpe in consequence of his note about tithes amicably explained. Mrs Gunthorpe from home. No day without rain, a shower. Take bread and cheese at The Ship, David had crossed with a letter for Henry. Met Will, the carpenter, returned, he had not seen Williams. Called on Jospeh Clarke about flag stones etc then to Blaenkedy. David Collin only there with load of oats and Leicester. Walked over the farm, good second crop clover, spring clover good, fair turnips, nine or ten smaller ricks, three only wheat and one hay besides. Colts healthy and all things tolerably promising. Intending going to Bryngwas, called at Brynhir Mrs Evans very ill, in decline, can't live long, her mother and sister there. Took tea and walked to the garden, a new one things grow beautifully. Recovering my great coat long lent to Evans and home at a round canter by the marsh by 9.00. Saw W Jone still out tything in the dusk with the car at Blaenkedy and heard from Evans that RH was very sedulous and was out in catching weather at Blaencedi before 3.00 in the morning. I was glad to hear it and not surprised. Cold fish and cucumber supper, all the better for my ride and glad to go to bed. No so Carrie who had taken a siesta. Very cold and autumnal this evening, my great coat comfortable.

10th

A dreadful wet day again as I expected. last night. Wrote to Mr Hosking wishing his presence here; in answer to Mr Lee's letter from Bar Jones and Tom Gwyn, the latter discharged. Carree wrote to Jane. Rode Rosie in a pouring rain to the post. Paid Miss Morris £1. 14. 1. Received a letter from my mother, rode round by Caie Forgan, not a soul there. Met WR Anthony near Penralt, talked to him about his food and lodging. All very uncomfortable, promised better things. He speaks fair. Home wet through in this short ride. Dine at two on an excellent hare from Abercothi. I do not shoot, busied much in feeding and seeing fed the three yearlings, excessively fond of turnips and cabbage, insatiable, the pigs also. What plagues. Give orders to have the cows in tomorrow, they will poach the field to ruin. Some thing's also to be moved to Caie Forgan. Attack RH's book in the evening. This evening clears up a little, but tis as wet as ever it was this last winter and the turnips are rotting.

11th

At Swansea a week behind

Cows first thing this morning brought in from meadow to the stall to feed on turnips and straw!! Richards and Austin there, send bedding etc to Caie Forgan by Austin. Went to Penralt to see more things packed and walked with Carree to Caie Forgan and unpacked. W Anthony's cart clearing yard etc. Returned to dinner and up again with Carree on pack saddle with Rosie, I on Moselle. Attempted to put bed up with carpenter, something missing. Send to blacksmith and do it (?) tomorrow. Not much tithing, home late to tea. Pigs out again. David returned from Abercothi. Letter from Henry, called on William David to defer sowing till plans more matured. Evening cold, Carree recalls much of this to my recollection, wrote also to Henry.

12th

Fine again. Thomas (David) begins pitching at Stafell Haegr shed with Philip Matthew. Up early, wrote again to Mr Hosking deferring his visit down in consequence of Henry's letter. Started soon after breakfast to Caie Forgan on Moselle intending fully to go to Bryngwas. Martin not well. Sent David to post, he to meet me at Caie Forgan, did so at 3.00!!! Prevented my going to Bryngwas. Carree receives a letter from Jane, not coming til Wednesday week, her brother being very ill, I receive one from Mr Lee about arbitration with GHE requiring an early answer. All day at Caie Forgan, Jones and Anthony after timber at Walterston. Try cultivator to destroy weeds next Pwll y Brag, clogs and won't work, give it up and send Austin after ferns. Stand over W Tucker while opening ditches, dissatisfied with his and J Phillips work yesterday. Make Tom Philip move stones etc, discharge J Philip after tomorrow. Order Martin bled, bad cough. Dine at seven. Got change at Tom Davies, Paid J Philip on account, J Grant comes down to pay Carrie and borrow my gun. My birthday, take holiday this evening and am tired.. Excellent hashed hare. Very cold this evening, clear moonlight and frosty.

13th

Beautiful day. Gather apples. David and JJ, the two monkeys. Dine early on cold dinner. Ride Moselle by marsh, called on Howel John, order his account in and on to Bryngwas, busy tything and carrying out corn, barley. Bunting's colt pretty well. Not seen it a long time. At Bryngwas till night, beautiful moonlight indeed. Sent for beer. Galloped home by moonlight. At village Sam Philip tells me Tom Davy met with accident coming from Swansea, q. broke his leg? Mr Davis surgeon takes tea with us, Tom Davy does not return. Ordered RH to go on a different system about corn etc next year and to reduce expenses etc etc. Very cold night. Not at Caie Forgan all day.

14th

Sunday. Carree's birthday. Very fine indeed, morning duty, sacrament. Mrs Jones looks ill and low: quite out of spirits etc. Proposed taking tea there. Early dinner and both ride up to Caie Forgan, Carree wishes for exercise. No one there, Martin better in stable. Take tea at Mr Jones. Mrs Jones improves before we part, hear of Morgan Morgan's drunkenness at Blaencedi and make up my mind. Beautiful sunset. Had Cambrian of Mrs Harry, no letters. Tom Davy comes home, hip put out and put in again. Hear of other accidents. Home late, very cool.

15th

Up early, David Thomas at work. Settle with George Harry and Tom Phillips accounts made out. Mrs Harry calls about tithes etc, bills to set off not send in, deferred all morning writing a long letter to Mr Lee. Carree busied in packing for Swansea. Mrs Jones and Mrs Lawrence called in, wrote several notes to RH and WR. Discharged carpenters, gave last orders to attend to fern, rush, and tithes and to diminish hands etc. Off in fly from Penralt at 5.30, gave various orders to Hannah about market on Wednesday, apples, chickens etc. Safely lodged at Mrs Webb's in Little Wind Street. Sent a letter to Mr Lee, unsettled, went to bed early tired etc.

16th

Went with Carree to market, bought beef, potatoes etc. Went to library. Mrs Wilkins etc intended to have heard Mcready, bought tickets, changed to Thursday, no dress to go in. Received a letter from Mr Hosking. Read Adventures of a Strolling Player, very amusing and feel myself a gentleman away from the boors of Llanrhidian. Walk in the evening on pier, enjoyed the moon with Carree, very warm, what a change. Carrie has walked too much, arrangements made for Carree.

17th

Read again a little, what an enjoyment after accounts, eternal accounts. Cart arrives at 11.00, Hannah at market, can't sell apples, sells chickens. Mrs Mundy calls; busied about carts, send a load home - drain tiles etc. Dine at two- roast chicks. Mrs Webb not well, hear painters are come over. Write to them and write to Henry etc. Pay Wilkins. Hear the celebrated G Smith, the sailors advocate, preach. Calculated to do good - I give two shillings. Not home till nine in evening. Heavy rain this morning but fine day.

18th

Fine again, Carree very unwell, breakfasts in bed. Mr Voss calls. Write arrear of Journal. Carree up. Mr Voss gone, journal put up. Go out to seek dinner etc. Read Mr Says, Journey to Rome and adventures of an author etc and feel like a gentleman which I never do in Gower. Mrs Mundy calls, Carree by care recovers and we go to the theatre in the evening. Mr Mcready acts beautifully in Werner, well supported by Mr Adderly as the Hungarian and Mr Stewart as Alric etc and the rest far from bad. My Neighbour's Wife and Bombasts Furioso. Mr Woulds very good. Butcher forgets to send meat. Walked this morning some of little way up Mount Pleasant, very beautiful. It reminded me partly of Lausanne, a very beautiful day. Wrote note for Gower, last thing at night.

19th

Up early to send note to Gower. Walk on pier, see steamer go out of harbour, a perfect halcyon morning. Saw Mr James. Went early with Carree after breakfast on errands for a bed, to library. Thomas ordered slippers. Dined early as usual. Got fresh books at library, got Cambrian and a letter from Mr Lee about GHE and myself and Gower etc. Read it many times and sleep on it. It gives me plenty of work. Perfect summer weather.

20th

Breakfast late. Carrie not over well, Sally alone to the market. Car comes to town, chickens and apples sold. George Jones and Margaret difficulty in obtaining coal to send to Caie Forgan and other things. Obtain Beynon's accounts, called at Mrs Wilkins; paid various odd things. Dine at 4. RH comes, pay him £25. He has discharged many hands as I instructed him. Send several things from Walters home by him. Walk again in evening with Carree on sands. Basin full. Vessels entering by moonlight fine. Margaret sleeps in Swansea.

21st

Sunday. Carry has a miserable might, no sleep and cries. Go to church in Mr Webb's pew, Mr and Miss James call. Denied by mistake. Cold dinner early. Occupy myself with worldly affairs and walked out late with Carree to post etc. Write journal etc. Mr Bird calls, going away short time. Everybody complains of the great heat except me, tis most beautiful to my taste.

22nd

Started early from Swansea, a beautiful hot morning, to meet David with pony at Cross Inn. Margaret carried a teapot. Met Mr Morgan and spoke to him about his bill for going to Carmarthen. Went by Gelli hir, met accidentally RH and cars carrying rough hay. Stopped there some time. Sale to be at Gellihir Thursday. Stopped some time at Bryngwas and got to Caie Forgan by seven. Stable full and nothing to eat. Edmund, Henry, R Roberts, carpenters, masons, all valuing etc. No bed, no supper, no beer. However all live till next day. At Stafell Haegr late.

23rd

Meant to have been early at Caie Forgan to breakfast. Valuing begins but Thomas is working at Stafell Haegr. Tall thatching, work on marsh doing and many things prevent my going up. Men call on business etc. Edmund and Henry come down and we return up together to Caie Forgan. To day we have dinner and things are talked over a little but nothing much determined. Quot hominus tot sententio. Heard by Margaret from Carree, she knows my brothers are over and wishes them to be comfortable. Mrs Webb has promised to be very attentive to Carree. Fine day.

24th

Again do not breakfast at Caie Forgan and not much done today. The valuing goes on. Wrote to Carree and sent by Henry's servant going on errand there. Ride Moselle, Henry and Edmund go shooting to Arthur's Stone etc. Rode to post, received note from Carree, all well, except scolding for Hannah. No hare killed, two snipe, found a covey and dined at 5.30 on hare and nothing particular occurred. Home late. Jane arrived at Swansea.

25th

All the carpenters etc. come to Stafell Haegr on business, not a bit of bread or beer in the house!! Dined early on cold meat at Caie Forgan. Went with Roberts, Henry and Edmund to Cil Ivor Hill. Pleased with Roberts remarks about stone and road up etc. Left all the party at Llythrid, they to Bryngwas, I to Swansea. Gave orders to have all ricks measured etc. See Jane at Swansea just in time to save rain, very wet night. I late at Swansea, was up at 6.00.

26th

Back again from Swansea, early as agreed with Edmund. Met the cars returning to Carmarthen, pigs going, horses going over. Rode to Bryngwas, no one there, misled. Return to Caie Forgan. All men to be paid off, Richards ordered off and a regular revolution. RH reduced, so wet, nothing to be done. Kiln lighted. Settled with Tom Phillip in RH's presence. Find Mrs Jones has a little baby, a miserable sort of day, half wet through. All bustle and confusion.

27th

Up at six again, Write to Carree and send David with Doll, apples etc etc. W Richards calls about the new tide of affairs, doubtful if to remain. Had a long day at Penralt, settling accounts and paid several off, fagged to death. Talked to Mrs Richards about Penralt etc. Dined at six. Wrote some accounts. David returns late, a fine day, cool.

28th

Sunday. Up at 6.00, a beautiful morning, not very well, walked to Leason Hill. Chapel Sunday, wrote a long letter to William about Caie Forgan. At 1.30 rode Moselle by marsh, Chapel, Poundfold etc to Swansea, dined at 4 exact. Very hot with a thick great coat. Received again a letter from Mr Lee about sending up accounts, difficult to read it. Carree and Jane well.

29th

Monday, Michaelmas Day, up in good time. Breakfast all, and out to market and walk all on the sands, windy and cool. Called on Mr Howells early and on Mrs Saunders, dined early. Wrote very long to Mr Lee and very short one to Henry. Intended to have returned today, shall tomorrow. Paid Mr Fitt £5. This is September all but passed and I have not fired a gun, have taken out no certificate. Nothing written in this again to 9th, one thing or another has bothered me to death.

30th

Kept Moselle in Swansea all yesterday, breakfasted early and off again to Gower. All day at Bryngwas and home late to dinner with RH, all over the farm and settled about draining meadow next to Ilston. Wrote to Henry and a note for Mr Hoskins, Mackworth Arms.

OCTOBER

1st 2nd 3rd.

Each day up at 6.00 settling accounts with men and seeing them at work and discharging some. Received a second letter of William's forwarded by Mr Lee. Housed early potatoes at Caie Forgan. Weather really beautiful and hot, a second summer or rather the first this year.

4th

Up at 5.30, send Hannah to Swansea with fowls for market, potatoes, apples etc for Carree. Round by Bryngwas. Mrs Harry also goes with fowls. Ride Moselle to Swansea and send her back by Mary Thomas. All day marketing etc. Samuel Eaton quizzes about tithing. Glove half jest, all earnest. Christopher Gregory calls about Wimblood with a bill, pay several men money, send home vetches at 10/6 W!!! Not worth the sowing but from necessity. In evening expected Mr Hosking, does not come. Mr Nathan calls, Mrs Jones of P. ditto. Long story about the Balls of P etc. Carree pretty well.

5th

Sunday. Go to church late! With Jane only. Dine and to church again with Carree. Mr Bowen preaches. Mr Hosking arrives by mail, introduce the great man!! At home and arranging for Gower tomorrow. Glad to see an old face in a friend.

6th

Breakfast early. Inquire about coaches etc for Mr Hosking to get to Birmingham by Friday morning. No luck. Doubts about sending to Abercothi for Henry, decide not, too short time. No one at Caie Forgan, WR only ploughing West Field; wait a long time for dinner. Measure some of building and order fly to return Wednesday morning. Henry arrives late, has been at Bryngwas, so far so good. Masons and carpenters here, do not (as I intended first time) sleep at Caie Forgan. Walk late to Stafell Haegr.

7th

Arranged things at Stafell Haegr and again to Caie Forgan to breakfast. Henry shoots at Bryngwas, I and Hosking measure for drain etc and contemplate everything at the building. Mr Hosking disapproves of much as extravagant and bungling. Walk with him to Stafell Haegr, much talk of GHE, Mr Hosking of my opinion. Dine at six. Arrange for the fair tomorrow and have a warm conversation with Henry about tithe suits and points of compromise. Sow vetches in West Field. First day weather appears changing. Write notes for Swansea to counter order fly etc.

8th

Settle accounts with Sam Phillips and about the building with David Thomas and Mr Hosking measuring for drains etc and measuring till twelve. Cart of Henry's went early to Swansea. Ride (Henry on Doll) with Mr Hosking to Bryngwas. Met the fly, notes not delivered. Alter my plans. Henry and Hosking to Blaenkedy and Abercothi, I to meet the fly for Swansea, missed to do so and walk all the way. Sent pony back by Mary Thomas, get wet through. Very little done at the fair, met one of our horses returning from the fair, do not see RH. Know nothing of others, get no reports. Carree unwell but not yet confined. Mrs Web very ill.

9th

Up at 6.00, received a returned letter from William dated 20th wondering I had had no answer to it, very vexed. Carree not better but pretty well considering, Dr Howelll calls. Determined not to go out, get my papers about to me in the closet and sit still. Read Kentish paper and resend returned letter to William with few observations. Weather seems changed, colder and cloudy. Mrs Mundy calls. Read a good deal of journal from first coming to Gower. Opinion of GHE confirmed and write this arrear of journal. Arrange my papers. Dine early and walk out a little with Jane leaving Carree in safe hands. Mrs Lewis nurse and Mrs Webb better.

10th

Up early, breakfast early, beautiful day. Carree very unwell all day, at home arranging my papers and thinking of Mr Lee. Dine early. Dr Howelll calls several times. Get Cambrian, go alone to theatre in evening, Mr Adderley's benefit in The Mountaineer, Octavian by an amateur Mr Roteley who attempted to become member for Swansea opposing Mr Vivian. Performed very respectably. Captain Stevens a good farce. High Life between Stairs good, sat in a cold draught? And came home ill, house full, Carree much the same. Supper and to bed, night very cold.

11th

Rise early, far from well. Poor Carree in great distress, expect confinement, Dr Howelll sent for, here all day. Read Cambrian and out to market, too ill to buckle to accounts. Mr Lee will chide me in earnest!! Nothing sent from home. Hare and partridge lost, out to market, attended a sale at 11.00 of Mr Powell's of some property in Llanrhidian, bought a field at Crofte, not dear and got …. by a trumped up, disputed bidding. Disgusted and left the room, the sale not punctual by …. home to dinner. Poor Carree still very ill and Dr Howell still here. Write note home and out again to market. Met Mr Jones, walked to Wilkins about the sale, nothing sold. Tired and very unwell and obliged to go to bed before 8.00.

12th

Sunday. No sleep, up in night and very ill with fistula etc. Carree, poor Carree, still the same. Doctor Howelll here all night and all day, what a house, 3 ill in it, Mrs Webb worse again. Breakfast at six in bed and in bed all day. Receive a letter from Mr Lee about these accounts again. All responsibility attaches to me and here I am a prisoner in bed and from bed write to Mr Lee to disappoint him. I am my waiting lady, shave horribly in bed and in considerable pain. Dr Howelll prescribes for me, wife and husband both ill.!!! A pretty state of things indeed!! Can't help it. Read 1 Corinthians and about …. rioters, feel great anxiety for poor Caroline.

13th

Passed a terrible night, in considerable pain and anxiety. Dr Howell called early on me and lead me not to despond about my wife, I have the highest confidence in him. Undergo a trifling operation and relieved much. Read a little in bed and get up, midday, and with pain and difficulty move about or lie down. Poor Carree a great sufferer all day, with little apparent effort but not in bed all day. Everybody very attentive and expressing anxiety for poor, dearest Caroline. When will her suffering cease! Not late in bed and say my prayers with greater earnestness and devotion than I am ordinary able. It seems a relief to me. Dr Howell has been in constant request everywhere. [25]

14th

Not free from pain but slept well. Awoke early by Jane that Caroline has passed a wretched night and obliged to send for something to compose from Dr Howell (he is proxy for Mr Bird). Dr Howelll most particularly attentive, it would take a heart of stone to see poor Carree's suffering, I thought she must sink under such unceasing exertion and pain but her pulse and spirits are good and such self possession with all keeps one from desponding. Dr Howell constantly with us, very attentive, dines with us at 9.00, late in evening he resolves to assist nature. In the dreadful agony of suspense Jane and I retire to the remotest corner of the house. Oh! Her shrieks!! Yet I do not despair but even hope for the best, til I hear heavy steps ascend the stairs, that's Dr Long now, I thought I should lose wife and child. At this moment I received a letter from Fred, sending love to Caroline etc to divert my thoughts. Sat down to answer it, about Elliott, add packet of papers just as post closes, send it full of doubts and fears. Tis gone and now I hear “she is delivered” and all well but it was not so. The boy was sacrificed to save the mother. I thought my heart would burst. This angel of a woman, with perfect self possession endured the powerful force of surgical aid, two men till Dr Howellls clothes ran with perspiration. What a house! What sensations!! She wished to see me but I must not go near her! Thankful but sorrowful, I am persuaded to go to bed doubting should I ever see dear Caroline again, 10,000 times more dear than ever. Noises in the night alarmed me, silence terrified me in shedding tears all night. I never slept. Dr Howelll remained in the house. Wrote several notes to Mrs Munday and to Gower. What a day is passed!!!! Some rain fell but a fineish day. In bed at twelve and again said further prayers for poor Carrees safety. Convinced my prayers yesterday were not lost and never shall I forget poor Carree saying “ Dearest you have prayed for me, I am sure you have”, my conscience smote me, I had only once in real earnestness. Worldly things so torment me I cannot always do it and too often I forget. I will amend.

15th

Awake all night listening to silence, I thought never was silence so intense. ‘Twas 3 o'c and wanted to be up. I rose at 6.00. Wrote to Mrs Jones of Penmaen, delighted (but full of sorrow) to hear dear Caroline has had a soothing night this morning. I am a father but have no living child, nor ever shall I think. I could never look forward in pleasure to such an event again. How nearly have poor Carree's predictions been verified, long ago she said I shall never get over it and too nearly had it proved true indeed! Dr Howelll pronounce symptoms favourable, I am allowed to see her and can only find relief in tears of mingled joy and sorrow all morning. Tis a showery day and sunny. Saw the poor child, perfect waxwork but too large. Dr Long calls. Write several letters to my mother etc. David comes with things from Stafell Haegr. Q. Shall I ever be able to endure Gower again?! All my hopes blighted, my plans, my prospects seem all changed. This has proved I think and hope, a moral lesson to me. Resolved to love Carree more than ever and never say an angry word to her. What sufferings are women sometimes doomed to suffer and none much more than Caroline. Everything to be said in whispers and the house kept perfectly quiet. All depends on quietness and subduing inflammation, will her strength endure it? Dr Howelll calls frequently, all is more favourable than could be expected yet. Obliged to have an interview with an undertaker for a coffin and procure a place to bury the child!! Joy and sorrow seem first cousins! One day over.

16th

Slept middling soundly, quite fatigued. Up early, frightened at every foot step, every door. See poor Caroline first thing, nothing very unfavourable yet. Dr Howelll calls and orders strong dose of oil. Day showery and windy, very uneasy about poor Caroline All day anxiously wishing another day gone by. Walk in solitude a short time on the sands and to pier head. Waves fine. Almost resolving not to be there again without Carree but fearing it may never be. By moonlight go alone with the sexton's wife before, carrying the child, to the mournful grave, in a church yard crammed full of graves to be closed again with out the solemn ceremonies of religion. The fellows had merely dug it 1 ft deep. Stand by while it is deepened and see it closed again, tis an humbling and wretched duty to bury a child with as little ceremony as a dog!! And to have no friend at hand to sympathise with and with doubts and fears returned home to shed tears that my poor wife, dangerously ill from the cause of my errand and she herself ignorant of my errand. May providence defend me from such scenes again! Dr Long called again but did not go up, satisfied things went well. Collected my papers from the little closet where lay the child, arrange them and tried to arrange my mind for business. Jane sat up all night, I slept in my clothes on the sofa anxiously wishing another day over.

17th

Poor Carree as well as yesterday and acquiring different medicines. Many calls of inquiry. Compose myself to accounts and commerce, write to Mr Lee intending to send by post; Friday tomorrow will do as well. Showery again. Call on Mrs Mundy and Mr J James. Walk to the Burrows and home from Mrs Wilkins, she had not heard of Carree. Always dine early; receive a friendly kind letter from Edmund and his wife. In bed in fair time, tired.

18th

Saturday. All going on well, up at six generally. At accounts again and writing to Mr Lee, get Jane to copy my accounts. Write to Edmund, write to Fred. Robert Harry comes to market and calls, received £16.17 6 for sale of Coptn [26], and pay him £5 to settle bill of Gregory etc. Settled with Sam Philip and bothered about what to do with new house at Llanrhidian, it must aired and other things done. Mr and Mrs Davis call; in house all day about to send Mr Lee's parcel when I am disgusted by receiving a letter from him and William pressing for accounts. I cannot send and ignorant of my situation and poor Caroline, Mr Lee most unluckily full of ill timed fun, well meant. Houses of Parliament burnt down. So disgusted and upset do not send Mr Lee's parcel. Jane up all night alone. Showery day, in bed late, out of sorts and tired. [27]

19th

Sunday, up late, 8.30. Poor Carree freer of pain and progressing slowly, slept poorly in night; went alone to church. Showery and windy. Mrs Mundy's pew. Mr H M proposes me for the club reading room. Call after at the Mundy's. Dine early and call with Jane on several Collins and J James. Home to tea and again with her to church. Home and Dr Howellls gives favourable report but slow. Went myself for physic to Davies. Write journal and to bed. Margaret gone to see her father at Sketty and taken ill.

20th 21st 22nd

Busied every day about tithe accounts for Mr Lee. Send a parcel the 20th or a letter. Robert Harry calls and settle several bills with him and about some horses to sell cheap. Walked with Jane twice for fresh air. David comes in on 22nd with few things from home, send message back to Bryngwas by him. Hear Hannah is going to be married to Ph. Williams. Margaret returned butter, £3. Showery weather, stormy, windy and cold. A little lame with something on my leg. 22nd not out of the house. Carree getting better. 21st Mrs Grant called with pheasant from Mr Nicholls. Received inventory of implements etc in Gower.

23rd

Disagreeable weather, cold, wet and windy. Up generally between 6 and 7. Lame with gathering on my leg. Not out of the house, analysing the inventory of farm things. Carree for the first time removed from bed to the sofa, a great change. Receive letter from my mother (very kind). Have worked hard all day in pain and uneasy. Get Jane to copy GHE's letters to me and send to town. Rees of Leason has called on me this week about lawsuit and tithe potatoes, can give no answer. Thomas Gordon and Samuel Eaton ditto. The former offers me terms of compromise, I wish to compound, the Upper Division have called meeting to resist etc.

24th

Up early, a better day. Not out of the house. Again all day hard at work and in pain; send up inventory and tithe valuation of 1834 and write to Mr Lee and send parcel by mail. Enjoy in the evening the Cambrian filled with accounts of parliamentary fire. In great pain with my leg this evening and cannot walk to bed without a crutch, must have some advice, these poultices do but little good. Carree again on the sofa today for three or four hours.

25th

Saturday. My leg very bad, determined to have it cut. Breakfast in bed. Dr Howell calls late, tired of waiting and get up, tis very bad and Dr Howell opens it for me, a horrid pain, can do nothing all day. Carree not quite so well and does not get out from bed. Robert Harry and Mrs H call with things for market. Geese, fowls, butter etc Geese, 3/- and 2/6 fowls 10d, can't sell wheat for more than 17/6, do not sell. Read Jane's copied letters of GHE and read a little of Mary Queen Scott's to divert my mind. Pay Jane Griffiths £1 6 6 land tax to Michaelmas and hear from him the Upper Division are signing papers to resist tithe suit. Penrice and Colonel Cameron there at meetings. A very fine day but not out of the house, far from well. Mr Collins of Ilston calls.

26th

Sunday. Could not go to church, Mrs Lewis, Carree's nurse called. This morning Mrs Mansfield, Henry's wife, the child still born again. Mr Lewis principally remains there, and calls here occasionally. Carree gets up and comes to the sofa, we are all at home and read the lessons etc of the day. Jane went to church in evening. Mrs Lewis here evening. Dr Howelll now only comes once a day, Carree doing so much better. Beautiful cold day, expected Henry, never came.

27th

Monday, all day at accounts, not out of the house.

28th

Tuesday, all day at accounts, went out a little to the pier and called on a Miss Lucas. Wrote or sent a parcel to town.

29th

Wednesday. All day at accounts, again. David comes by order from Stafell Haegr and Robert Harry, settle some accounts and give him a draft for £25, XXX's for tomorrow. Walters cashes it, bank closed.

30th

Mrs Mundy here. David comes to say Henry is on the road from Stafell Haegr. Do not wait dinner, send a parcel of papers to town. Account of livestock, Henry took it to office. Henry arrives as we finish dinner and is going back same evening home, what folly, he had better have remained there. Persuade him to remain till tomorrow, long talk about E, horses, overstock etc.

31st

Friday, up very early as I usually am. Henry to be off, he leaves at eleven. Long talk about Llanrhidian and E, call on Mr James about compromise with Lower Division. Agree to put it in train and back to my papers all day, commenting on E's letters to self and Harry in red ink. Not out again all day.

NOVEMBER 1834

1st

Up early, all day in house. Finish these red ink letters etc. Send them with present value of livestock at 11.00 pm.to town, knocked up with writing. Robert Harry at market and at accounts, interrupts me. Cherry Gordon calls about suit and to tithe potatoes. All the week has been dry and fine, the early part cold. These two days Carrie not so well, low and alarmed but Dr Howel says no fear and sends a fine cock pheasant. Margaret goes home to Stafell Haegr. I have scarcely been out of the house all the week. Have received a letter from my mother, my aunt M. and two from William about Llanrhidian which bother me to death. No one gives the least assistance, I am unable to get to Gower and write 12 hours a day. Heard on Saturday Morgan Morgan has brought an action against Henry as by a bill.

2nd

Sunday. Carree better again. Colonel Cameron's man called Wednesday about Priory Meadow, wants us to grub up, says Mr E so agreed. Nous Verrons. Throwing money away, I shall not consent if I can avoid it.

3rd

Always up at 7.00, miscellaneous accounts for the estate. Walk out a little with Miss James to library and Jackson prices etc. Dine at three, generally at 2.00. A fine day, car comes from Bryngwas, Margaret comes back by it. Send maps of Bryngwas and Blaencedi to Robert Harry for student of crop etc, all day writing etc. Mrs Webb runs things close and makes Miss J pay for room because few things left in there.

4th

A dull threatening day. All day in the house, bothered to death with figures. Dr Howel calls and chats a little in evening. Absent two days courting? Very windy at times and very mild. Wrote today (or yesterday) to Lewis, glazier, Carmarthen for his account at Caie Forgan.

5th

High wind and hard rain all day and all day to 12 at night at accounts. Robert Harry calls, has an incipient cold, gives me the accounts as by map of the two farms. William, mason, and carpenter call with their accounts of Caie Forgan as much out by Howells and want money tomorrow. How am I to manage? Wrote to Edmund to have his account of two horses closed. Carree far from well today, no appetite and low. I attribute it to weather, windy dull and wet. No Dr Howel, no Mrs Lewis call. My own leg getting pretty well.

6th

Stormy still, Carree I hear is better. Williams and carpenter call at 9.00, read over their bills and examine Williams on some few points. They want money, I have not enough and must raise it at the bank. Wait a long time to see Mr Voss and immediately lets me raise £100 on bill at 9 months and pay William £25, carpenter £15. Call on Mrs Williams and at the butchers and back before 12 to the accounts for all day. Mrs Lewis calls but not Dr Howell. Very mild to today and not much rain.

7th

Very stormy, windy morning. Up at 7.00. A good deal of hard driving rain all day. No regrets for me, in the house all day getting on with my accounts. Something sent in from Bryngwas by the car, J Hugh drove. Had barley to deliver somewhere. Carree not nearly so well again today, attribute it to the weather. Nothing else happened.

8th

A very mild pleasant day but I never move from the house. Mrs Harry attends market, butter, geese and chickens. Two letters again, lately received, one from William the other from mother and Henry. Getting now my accounts into shape. Walked late in evening with Jane on the sands and pier for a little recreation. Rev. Thomas Jones calls, some talk about lime and Mr E and says little and disapproved throughout of Mr E's work for us and referred me to Mr James. Paid Eli. Williams £5 on account of a bill, he wants to get drunk, I know. Up very late, 12.00.

9th

Sunday. A very cold day and windy, wettish in the evening. Went with Jane to church, Mrs Mundy's seat, Mr Cheshire did duty, quite boyish. Called at Mrs Mundy's. Dined early and disappointed in walk by rain. Dr Howell calls, chats some time and reads a letter from Talbot about new road to Gower by Woodlands, wants me to subscribe, i.e. hints a little coolness with Mrs Webb and Jane about overcharging 7s. a room because a few things left in it, drowned and forgotten. Mrs W seems but does not say she's sorry. Carree and I hum a few tunes in the evening. I write to William and Hosking. My aunt M. and Mrs James - parts of letters to all to be sent (sic) tomorrow and note to Gower.

10th

A dull cold day. Up early and send note to Gower for David to get Howel John's bill, his last timber bill etc. Again finishing my accounts and recreate with a walk with Jane to shops and to top of hill by Heathfield after dining at one. Tea at 5.30. Mrs Lewis Hurn calls, pay her £2 10 0. Very well satisfied with her. The first day of leaving off poultices to my leg, now getting well. Send letters to Hosking. Aunt M. in which Carree wrote and Jane to Mrs James. No rain today but very cold. Carry complains.

11th

A very cold morning, up at 7 and get Carree some breakfast, she is very low, complains much of pain in foot. A beautiful day. Jane chats at breakfast much about their first adventures etc at Bristol and introduction to Mr Richards which leads to a curacy. Call on Dr Howel to talk about payment, not at home. Jane out on errands, I at accounts as usual. Walk out with Jane in dusk, Carree been very and looking particularly well all day. A fine day but very cold, nothing happens.

12th

Cold dull morning, up early. Carree better sleep but took her soporific draught. David came to town with various things and brought black mare for me to go to Gower, can't go and send her back to Bryngwas to come again tomorrow. Very busy still with my accounts, maps etc and send them up this evening to Lincoln's Inn, incomplete but still a burden done.

13th

Up early, very sharp frost. Arranged and analysed William's letters. Dined at 1, rode to Gower, black mare. Very cold evening, met Robert Harry and Llewellyn at Stafell Haegr, 12 cattle there. Took sketch of maps, Caie Forgan, Penralt, Stafell Haegr etc and arranged with Tom Phillips to measure roads etc. Very cold, in bed at 12.

14th

Inked my pencil maps. Paid several promises money. Talked to Hannah about her marriage, Llewellyn about cattle. Robert Harry comes by appointment, go to Caie Forgan together. Settle about Swansea tomorrow, Hannah to go. Went to the wheat field by Penralt and late in evening to Bryngwas and began a new system of accounts of corn etc. [28]

and settled some accounts with RH. Home late, much wilder. Went by moonlight to see the new drained meadow at Bryngwas and order my fat pig to be killed soon. In the morning gave orders to Tom Philip and W Jones as to measuring various distances etc. All done in evening.

15th

Milder much but frost has cut up many things much turnips very hollow at Stafell Haegr. Many odd things done this morning and occupy time. Leave at 11.00, make inquiry of Austin at new barn about carts carrying stone last year etc. Call on Mrs Jones, see the baby, measure Cil Ivor, cut from quarry. Inquire of Jenkins about quarrying last year at Cil Ivor. 4 men till October 2nd at 2s, 2 at 1/6, 2 in lead at 1/6 and six weeks, 6 in the cut, a useless expense. Called on Mr Nicholls and talk about fatting and new planted cabbage. And now to Swansea, arrive at 3.00. Receive money of Robert Harry for corn sold and learn Beynon sends short measure of vetches. Draining tiles etc sent home by Anthony. Paid Jones for marbles £4 0 0 etc.

16th

Sunday. A milder day, to church alone, Mrs Mundy's. She calls on us in return, dine early and to church again with Jane in evening. Walked to end of pier with her, curious effects of light in the basin etc, and arrange for Carree to go out tomorrow.

17th

Send note to Gower and inquire about Jane Rees's calf, think to buy it. Send to RH and ordered David in tomorrow. Out with Jane for Gloster boots, call at bank about bill not honoured by Henry and for first time six weeks, horribly spent much of it, walk out with Carree to Miss Rose's and Mrs Mundy's. Begin analysing my journal for William. A little damp rain. Miss James at an ….. at Miss James, call for her in the evening. A little singing. Carree always in evening troubled with horrid pain in the foot.

18th

Fine morning. Carree goes out in Mrs Mundy's carriage, she drives to the Mumbles. David comes in with Rosie to take grocery etc back. Pig to be killed Thursday. Walk out with Jane, find my great coat left carelessly by Hannah at the Gower Arms, not lost. Occupied all day with chronological accounts of GHE's reign in Gower and writing notes home etc. Carree enjoyed her ride as well she might being confined to rooms for six weeks and more. Fine weather, mild.

19th

Chronology again all day. Carree goes to church to return thanks. Send Jane Rees's calf to Stafell Haegr, price and gate 10/6. Receive the bill of Lewis glazier, Carmarthen, for work at Caie Forgan. Fine day, coldish. Wrote to my mother, Jane to Bristol. Walked with Jane on the sands and received a long letter from William about E etc. Wellington Minister.

20th

Henry Mundy very civil, calls to ask us to dine, go at 4. Busy with chronology, maps of Caie Forgan etc. Mr Nathan calls, just returned home. Always something to say about the disasters of Penmaen. Dine at Mrs Mundy's at 4.00. Carree very well and free from pains in foot. Very cold day, sharp frost.

21st

Expect Mr Nathan to breakfast, breakfast late. Fine morning. Carrie had a very bad night and very low this morning. Intend riding to Gower if horse comes. No Mr Nathan. Horse comes at twelve, waiting for it do nothing. Ride to Bryngwas, my pig killed yesterday, price at 3/2, £1.19 8, six score16lb. Walk over the farm, very cold. No sun, after a beautiful sunny morning. Arrange as to Swansea market tomorrow. Geese and fowls killed. See a little to accounts again, no papers or receipts left with RH, GHE took all away. Back to Swansea by moonlight by 10.00 and keep the mare till tomorrow. Send note to Mrs Nicholls about lodging her. [29]

22nd

Breakfast later than usual, read Cambrian, ministry changed. Out to market alone. Order mutton for Carree. We have spare rib coming and liver. Anthony and Robert Harry both in town, sell barley not wheat. Meet and speak to many persons of the Lower Division about tithe suit, Gordon of W on tithe potatoes and agree for 18s for 32, 33 and 34 years. Long talk about roads with Long and Gordon and with M Morgan about his action and tithes etc. By some (ten) live chickens at 4d each to send to Caie Forgan. Pay Mr Evans: ask Mr Hancorne to dine. Received answer from Cillibion, can't accommodate with lodging. Enter the account of corn sold with RH late, he buys clothes for boy Williams at Bryngwas. Do nothing with papers this day, glad to take a respite. Received a letter from Roberts about Bounce, he won't buy but takes work for keep. Read Mary Queen of Scots. Various debates as to steps for the future. Think of going to Caie Forgan upper rooms for some time and give up Bristol yet, but can come to no fixed determination till I hear more from London. Coldish day but dry. [30]

23rd

Sunday. Go to church with Carree (her first Sunday) and Jane. Mr Mundy overtakes us and goes to St. John's. Call on Miss James and Miss Lucas. Fine day but cold east wind. Dine at 2 and walk with Jane to the tower top of hill northeast of Swansea. She likes and no church going in the evening. Read a little of Proverbs and receive a long letter from William again, full of business. Changes my places again and advise Carree to go with Jane to Bristol, this much talked of and to be slept upon.

24th

Up early. Breakfast at 8, write to Gower for Lower Division & paper of agreeing to compromise. Arrange plans for tomorrow, must go to Gower. Carree very low and sheds tears about leaving me behind and going to Bristol but I'm sure tis best. Analise William's letter. A beautiful morning, much to do before Friday in answer to William's letter. Henry Mundy drives us to Mr Davies. Call at the bank, bill to Henry not answered, draw £20. Planning to leave Swansea. Call at the Collins, Mrs Wilkins etc. Dine at 3. Inquire of Jones, the carver as to measuring the work of masons and carpenters. Inquire about the packet sailing next month. Order basket for butter. Talk to Wilkins about the ferry and Swansea, Gower people in Llanrhidian pay 4d a plough in the Upper Division and three sheaves each corn in the Lower and are free, and call at Jane Rees about the calf no Irish and write to William.

25th

David at Swansea early with black mare, not at Swansea last night as ordered. I ride to Bryngwas fast, mount Moselle and ride with RH to Brynhir and round Upper Division to sound the tenants as to their wish to compromise and find them generally willing but awkward and afraid of deception. A long day's work. Sleep at Penclawdd, Mrs Evans not there, learn today that RH has given up to E his memorandum of notices of delivering, a fatal mistake. Mr Pierce, new rector of Llanmadock introduced to, shooting with Mr Jones. Write my observations to William and a copy of a letter to M Morgan.

26th

Rise by candlelight at Mrs Williams, Penclawdd. Cold frosty morning. Breakfast, very early, RH comes later than ordered, off again on same mission as yesterday to Pengavenny, Gwernfd [31] etc. Have some idea that the fatal mistake of giving up the paper to E may be got over. Home late, hungry, no fire, no coal, no wood. Write again in the evening to William, comments on E's letter to Morgan Morgan and to bed cold and cheerless.

27th

Up early to dispatch David to Swansea after writing out my list and writing to Swansea etc. Dine early and walked to Penralt. Take sketch of Cil Ivor. George Harry married. Joseph Jones calls about F(rancis) Thomas' house Stafell Haegr, walked to Cillibion, lime and earth carried out to meadow. Home at dark after giving orders about the cattle for tomorrow.

28th

Rise early, cattle off first thing from Stafell Haegr to Caie Forgan. Settle accounts with several men. Margaret comes early from Swansea. Ride Moselle to Penralt, take sketch of ditto and of the kiln and have done same of Stafell Haegr. At Caie Forgan meet RH, find ricks plucked. J Austin and J Harry winnow. Arrange for tomorrow, Swansea. Call at Mr Jones, take cold luncheon. Talk a little about E, he says we should have done much better by coming ourselves and not employing E. Yesterday at Mrs Harry's, hear Mr E never gave one farthing for bed and trouble there for several months. They say he is the meanest man they ever met with. Rain comes on, prevailed going to Mr Thomas Gordon's. Home in dark and settle accounts with the blacksmith, J Edwards, and order and pack up for Swansea tomorrow, silver things etc, music, Cambrian, letters etc.

29th

Up by candlelight and intend to be off early to Swansea. Variously detained settling accounts and arranging work for Tucker etc. Ride by Bryngwas to Swansea, lose a shoe. Mr Hancorne dines, Frank Price brings Miss J, map of Cudder's Acre. RH has difficulty to sell corn. Settle J Morris's bill. Some heavy rain this morning, fine evening [32]

30th

Sunday. Cold dull morning. Mrs Mundy's pew, with Jane. Carree walks with us on pier. Henry Mundy with us, dined early. Write to Henry about yesterday's interview with Colonel Cameron. The more I am sure Elliott is a cursed villain. Walk on sands with Jane, she and Carree determined to go to Bristol Wednesday. A stormy night and rain.

DECEMBER 1834

1st

Send note by J Rees to Gower. A fine morning after breakfast. Ordered tin case for maps and go to papers and accounts all day. Disgusted with Elliot's conduct towards us, a villain from the beginning. Carree low at the idea of going to Bristol alone. Windy weather.

2nd

Fine but windy. Jane and Carree busy packing prevents me doing much. Walk out with Carree to make farewell calls etc. Settle accounts with Scott about the four oxen last March, a mistake of 5s in his favour discovered after. David comes in on Rosie to take two legs pork back etc, has pair of new shoes and returns home late. A confused day and make arrangements for Gower on Saturday. Received afterwards two letters, one William, one Lee, about these detested tithes and compromise, and pointing out for me useless work for several days. They, like myself, are disgusted with [Eliot] and because I have taken all the trouble I bear all the blame but I am to blame for not discharging Elliot long ago but could not suppose him so treacherous. Sit up late and answered Mr Lee's letter and sent to the post at 10.30 and again to other papers till one. Do not go to bed. Have walked to the pier head with Jane, the waves magnificent. Rest on the sofa keeping fire all night. Ordered a porter to call us and arranged as to luggage. The packet to be off tomorrow at eight and not yet arrived.

3rd

Out at seven, no porter called, to enquire about the steamer arrived at 5.00. Breakfast and all things hurried, on board before 8. She sails at 9, a mild propitious morning after stormy weather. Poor Carree and I part for the first time. I hope to meet again, she to Bristol, I back to the deserted lodgings, low and sleepy for want of rest of mind and body. Draw out a fresh and complete my rough Gower sketches and the maps for use. In bed late. Good day for the voyagers.

4th

Dull at the thought of being alone, without more than one person within miles of me I can call my friend and much responsibility on me. Howell John calls and signs the compromise paper and talks about his account, wants another bill. Pay Haynes for beer £1.6. 0. I hope and trust poor Carrie is not worse for her voyage and that both arrived safe. Set to again on notes on my journal and finish a month. A little off hinges, stroll out and visit the public slaughterhouse, not much doing and now first initiated in the ceremonies of Jews sacrifice-Trefa and Kosher, bad and good or good and bad? All animals by them have their throats cut (save pigs,) oxen not struck but killed as sheep, cut from ear to ear. Several sometimes killed before one is good. The liver and lungs must not touch the ribs and various other fancies. The lights must be blown up and have no imperfections etc etc. Again to my evening's amusement of papers etc and a little reconciled to my solitude. Time flies fast, fine weather for season.

5th

Dull day, up early and write again to Gower to arrange for tomorrow, things to be all packed. Mr Nathan calls, we walk again together to the slaughterhouses and see a cow spined instantaneously, it seems an easy death, she never mooed till nearly dead after bleeding. Pigs are here knocked on the head first, no squeaking. Mr Nathan takes chops here, the worst I ever tasted. Blow up Jenkins in consequence. Walk on the pier alone and by beach by infirmary etc and back again to accounts and read the Cambrian. Duke of Gloucester dead and Mr Whitcombe the barrister. Ministry not yet formed. Received a letter from dear little Carree, a good passage, not ill!! And feels better. Jane miserable, write a hurried answer.

6th

Dull damp morning, busied packing up, paying lodgings, bills at market etc. RH sells first two sheep killed. Another interview with Colonel Cameron who calls on me, wants a copy of circular I have had signed in the parish and seems now inclined to try the points of the modus suit etc. In consequence write to town having other things to say. Write to my mother requesting her to communicate with Henry etc, and ride home in the evening to Gower late. Wet evening.

7th

Sunday, dull and doubtful. Morning duty sacrament, very few in church, a very good sermon, sacrament. Dined early and walked to Caie Forgan, place full of cattle. Three colts there. Wait till Anthony and Richards come, the late high winds have not done much mischief there, in many places much down.

8th

Write to Mr Lee and have many things to do besides. Ride to the post expecting a letter from Mr Lee, none. Write to Colonel Cameron, declining sending copy of paper till I have seen some of the parties. Then ride to Mr Thomas Gordon's etc with circular, on the subject of compromise, not home till dark. Find all amicably inclined. At accounts in evening etc. Mr Gordon said GHE was always wishing him to let his land on top of hill now held by F Thomas and said he should build there and said, as many others have, you would have done much better never to have had him down here.

9th

Again off after breakfast on my circular mission to Walterston etc Lodge and Cillibion. Mr Nicholls only refuses to sign because indemned by his landlord Colonel Cameron. The last load of cord (?) wood brought home. Now to Bryngwas, RH at plough, pays me money for two heifers sold at Cross Inn fair yesterday and settles other accounts as entered in his receipt book. Home to dinner at 8.00. Mr Grant calls and takes tea, settle Mrs Grant's account. Grant wants a situation - school not answering. Set him to assist me in making out my accounts with RH not having time to do so. In bed at twelve.

10th

Breakfast, before eight. Stafell Haegr yard clearing out to a heap by W Anthony and W Richards. Tucker moving trees, elms in garden. Write accounts of my circular mission to Mr Lee, settle George Jones long accounts and off on Moselle to post. Received, as I expected, letter from Mr Lee. Write a postscript to him and another note to Colonel Cameron. Call on Mr Voss, Richard Watkins, Mr Nathan and above all things called at Kilvrough to leave a note and circular, he being a great man in our parish. Not at home at front door while Jane Rees is at side door with post letters, who the devil's that, she tells him and he repeats!!!! Well he might not believe! Twas just as I wished. He once asked Jane Rees if she ever saw GHE, then you may just as well see the devil. Ride with Jane Rees to fingerpost on Fairwood Common, now to Poundfold. Write copy of circular at Mr Samuel Eaton's, not at home, call on Mr Evans, not at home. Write another copy at old Mr Evans and take tea there and talk of glaziers - a Welsh word - he much delighted. Now to Penclawdd. See some young trees at Mrs Evans by moon and candlelight, shall buy some, and home by the marsh. Dine at 10.00, stewed duck. Write journal, cold and tired. [33]

11th

Breakfast at eight. Set Bar Jones to finish dung in yard. Write to Colonel Cameron and send copy of both circulars, send ditto to Howell John and copy several more. Ride Fly to Penrice fair, see much at work. Meet several Llanrhidian men at fair as expected. Explain our intentions as to suit and give notion of tithe dinner. Attend to RH buying and selling cattle. Give copy of circular to Mr George and have credit given for our acting fairly. At Penrice till 6 or 7. Tea at Mr Murray, and dine afterwards at 8.00. Spoke to Mr Lucas my mind of him which he denied. Mr Nathan there. Beautiful day, clear frosty night.

12th

Up early and set Bar. Jones again to work, yard done. Tall about finishing thatching house today. Copy more circulars, take account of men for all the week by Llewellyn and off again on my mission by Cil Ivor. Call on Mrs Jones, David Harry signed, back to Marsh Piece, David Bowen and W Jone hedging. Now to Penclawdd, call on J Griffiths, Mrs Evans to have no tithe dinner. Call at Clark's, not at home and to Blaenkedy, new tenant come in. To Heolas, Morgan not concerned in suits. Morgan, Rheanfawr, not at home. Call at Brynhir, take tea with Evans before my own dinner and sit some time. He has seen Penrice on the subject of the circular. Evans seemed to hint that we gave up the modus in toto, before thinking of compromise and said something that he told him, in confidence and then checked himself. What does he mean my letters to Elliot, or Elliot having subpoena paper of service and further added if Eliot had returned again to Gower the parish would have been in arms. But question all this. Evans tired of farming, retires and intends leaving Brynhir. No curb chain recovered at old Evans. Call at Bryngwas. RH at Caie Forgan and going to Swansea tomorrow. Dine at 8.30. Beautiful bright moonlight. No note from Colonel Cameron, tired with a long day. Frosty night. Eli Wm complains of fowls order him (?) to Caie Forgan.

13th

Ride Fly to Swansea. Have interview with Colonel Cameron etc as to circulars of compromise. Buy stamps, receive letter, a whipping letter from Lee and answer him with lists etc. Pay Dr Howells and Long, give notice to many about tithe money. Bank nearly exhausted. Took tea and wrote letter at Mrs Wilkins, discovered the tricks played with my apples. Not home till past 10 to dinner ordered at 6.00. Beautiful night and beautiful weather for some time. Very tired.

14th

Sunday, do not go to Cheriton, Mr Jones forgets to hoist white flag. Read paper and walk to Caie Forgan, Anthony there. See 2 new cattle and go over the horses. Evening duty, Mr Evans in church, speak to Williams about his marrying Hannah. Dine after church. Beautiful day, sharp frost this morning and again at night. Write journal and in bed in good time and comfortable to be up early.

15th

Up at seven, not a servant moving, no one at work till 8.00. Cattle nor horses touched, rode to Caie Forgan. The last of slates coming from marsh. Anthony and Richards going to Bryngwas. Talk to the road man near Cillibion, receives 10/6 a week. The trust, he tells me, are about taking over the road in hand to Cheriton. Meet RH in Black Lane and return. Settle some accounts with him in the evening and also David Bowen' s and George H's lime etc. Enter these in a proper book, a work of some little time. Up late and tired. RH remains in the village. [34]

16th

Garden a little with Bar. Jones. RH comes down and bleeds some cattle and takes 2 back to Bryngwas. Was to have overtaken him. Saboth prevents, brings me a letter dated 2nd sent by Alfred and the agreement papers. Now to Bryngwas by Llytherid. Look at account of Jones for sale. Met Howell John at his farm near Gelligroes. Our black sow has again ten young ones. David Jones grubbing in the meadow, what stones! What can be done with it?! Home late, can hardly see over the moor by Llytherid. Receive letter from Mr Lee, answer tonight, measure of rooms wanted. Most beautiful weather. [35]

17th

Set Bar Jones to order backyard Stafell Haegr, now useless. W Anthony carries stones, take my papers to Caie Forgan and measure rooms for Mr Lee. Send David to post and received another letter from him, not flagellant. Pay J Harry for thrashing and discharge him for this week. Plant several elms from Stafell Haegr at Caie Forgan, good trees, and dine for once at a regular dinner hour and prepare book for tithe audit. Frosty night.

18th

Plant peas at Stafell Haegr and busy about home. Ride Fly to Caie Forgan, settled Tucker's accounts, catch fowls for market, Saturday. Dine rationally. David neglects doing anything I tell him. Write a long letter to Carree, red and black, beautiful still.

19th

Up and breakfast over by 8.00. 8 fowls killed for Swansea tomorrow. Settled Llewellyn's account, ride Moselle early to Penclawdd. Overlook D Bowen's and W Jones work in 7 acres en passant. Clash with Samuel Eaton, upper part of Marsh, coming to call on me. Wishing to know our terms of compromise of tithe suit in which I cannot aid him, not authorised. He now says he is with Evans to try to come to terms with us on part of the parish, before it was Colonel Cameron, Penrice etc. They are either trying to fish or bother me, I shall go straight forward, deal plainly and not deceive. I hardly think the Upper Division are united, tis humbug to intimidate and perhaps to answer and then he says again tis of his own head he is seeking me, to show they are willing to meet, lest I should say they are not conciliatory, how can I say that after the meeting in Swansea Saturday last. I tell him so, I am sure he don't like his mission; why did not Evans come, what had Evans on his mind, when I saw him at his house he said something of Penrice; but would not say what, saying Penrice himself would tell me, tell me what!! Some untruth of E's. I hastened to Penclawdd. W Anthony there with cart for iron pillars. Buy larch and oak etc of Mrs Evans and send them home and again talk with Samuel Eaton, am firm and candid with him, friendly and conciliatory. I am sure he sought some point evasively for his party and was baffled, something for tomorrow, Swansea. Now to Blaenkedy, RH there ploughing and D Collins also, talked with RH some time about the subpoenas and walked over the farm. Three sheep killed Bryngwas, two for Swansea, one tithe dinner. Home about six by Cefn Buchan and marsh, again a beautiful mild day.

20th

Up by candlelight, awaked early by Hannah going to Swansea. Breakfast early. Settle Mrs Harry's long-standing account, tithe lodgings etc. Bar Jones at work in J Phillips corner by land. Ride Fly to Caie Forgan. W Anthony gone up with the rush to Bryngwas and returns with mutton. All day planting trees with Walter Tucker at Caie Forgan and making places for fowls to lay in. RH at Swansea selling mutton. Hannah eight fowls. Dined rationally for once again, ordered mutton from Lucas, otherwise fowls, ducks etc eternally. Enter some accounts and follow-up day book to present time. Hannah home very late. Dark night, a very mild but dull day.

21st

Sunday. By a long appointment at church at Penmaen, evening duty and dine with the curate Mr Nathan. Mr Dodds in church, the first time I ever saw him there. A full congregation and good singing. Chapel Sunday at Llanrhidian, dark and mild night home.

22nd

Up early, ride Rosie to Caie Forgan to see who was at work this morning. Tithe feast day, delivered mutton to the publicans and back. Write lists to arrange for the dinner at both houses, to prevent mistakes. Collect my papers etc and off to the public house. To my surprise, on short notice, payments excellent, and my ticket scheme answers exceedingly well. Some talk about the roads all ends in --- nothing about the school. Walk home safely in the dark with all my money. Reckon my accounts. Head not clear, a little at fault but dispose of my goods and to rest.

23rd

A little off hinges. Up early and out to fresh air, to accounts again. Receipts and expenses not quite a tally. Mr Davis of Friddoe calls, settle with his lambs and wool collected by mistake. Set David Bowen and W Jone to work. Walk to Caie Forgan, Tucker planting larch and back by Penralt, give orders for tomorrow etc. See David Thomas in the evening about wall at Stafell Haegr Lane. Mr Grant calls in evening and takes tea. Make my accounts come nearer to a tally. Write my journal. Not well, all day. Exceedingly mild, a little rain today as though change of weather to be expected. Richard Jones's cow arrives to feed. [36]

24th

At my tithe accounts again, commencing making my clear copy in ink. My rough receipt book in pencil only for tis no easy joke to receive small and large sums from 100 people, give all receipts, cavil, dispute with some and settle matters satisfactorily with all without some mistake, counting and bagging all the money and arrange set offs etc. Mr Ben Jones of Loughor calls by appointment to receive £24.19. 6. for culm had of Simons on account of dock dues to Guthrie of Llanelli. Lunch and join them with a gun on the marsh, the first time I have pulled a trigger this season, all unprepared. Find a few snipe and in six shots killed two, not bad. Saw no ducks. Neglected sending to the post. Really warm on the marsh, so mild. Determined to have up all the swede, turnips and house them. Met RH at George Thomas's small close, paid the latter his rent. Entered some pigs etc in RH's book and appoint to go into accounts general with him, Monday night. [37]

25th

Christmas Day. Church at 9.00, Mr Nathan does duty, very thin congregation at first, drop in one and one all service. Singing horrid. Dined at one, roast beef. I have not tasted it for months. W Anthony dines here and J Jone. Walk to Caie Forgan to see cattle and horses all right and give orders for tomorrow. Home before 6 to send all the servants to hear Mr Phillips preach and spend Christmas Day miserably, alone, and all evening at my tithe accounts and think of nothing else. A beautiful day.

26th

Up early and out without washing to set David Thomas to work. Comes late, 8.00!! These short days, thick and stupid with beer, the effects of holiday time. Bar Jones, W Jone and D Bowen, boy Jone and W Anthony all at work here, housing turnips and fencing yard etc. With them all day till 3. Gallop to post, receive two, one Mr Lee again about the house expense, one Edmund to pay bill at Bristol. Again by Cillibion Field, and Caie Forgan, no one working either place but J Harry since kiln must be emptied tomorrow, the last of J Morris alters work for tomorrow. Anthony wants bread, pig, barley etc. Read Lee's letter attentively, take account of two days labours etc. Write days journal, much colder day, wind north east, cloudy, dull all day. Odd sign, setting sun over Cornwall. High wind, late in evening gets up. Threatening a change from dry.

27th

Saturday. Up early to enquire how to send messages to Swansea. Send paper by Mrs Dix and errands, do not answer Mr Lee, have not time enough. Fix gate post at lane, Stafell Haegr, for D Thomas etc and off to Caie Forgan etc on Moselle. Morris's kiln of lime to be carried off. Change of weather probable. Arrange for it all. Richards finishes ploughing little field and carries up 2 loads, Anthony 4, after doing some work at Stafell Haegr. See that the lime is well covered by Long's, Pwll y Brag, go with Llewellyn to turnip field, two horses. Tom Philip loads David and Rosy with furze; home to dine and again up to Caie Forgan. Parsnips housed in cellar. Lime all done by dark. Fires lighted in the house and see all safe and home late. Cold, windy day, tired and do little in the evening.

28th

Sunday. Up later, breakfast at 10. Read Cambrian. Mr Hancorne has nearly had his house burnt. Walk to Leason and miss poor Carree much, our usual walk. Called on J Rees, offended about tithe dinner. They sit down 13 to dine. Evening duty, Mr Nathan, a very good sermon, good congregation, singing more horrid than ever - anthems!!! Talked with Cor. Gordon about potato tithes for 1832, can't give in. Richards at Landimore, dine at 4, finish Cambrian and write to Mr Lee. Cold, windy day, beginning winter after mild season we have had.

29th

Up early and with the men here, David Thomas, Bar Jones etc. W Anthony brings down turnip cutter and to go on clearing field of turnips. RH here all day, all day at home with him going through his and Mr E's books, a difficult job. The more I see of RH the more honest I think him, it was past eleven night before I was aware of the time. I return to bed indifferent to all around me. A wet evening after 2.00, get wet through giving directions for a gate and sheep to come to yard. [38]

30th

Up very early before light, so busy with ordering work, abusing the idle boys about hay, putting bars to the manger, setting David Williams to work to make sheep pens, mend barrows, fix turnip (cutter?), cattle etc. Breakfast late, forget to shave and wash all day. Again at accounts all day with RH, receipts and payments more likely to balance than I expected. Let out the fat cow, changing place of calf. Took account of two days men, booked a week's accounts, wrote 3 days journal, worn out, RH goes home.

31st

About home all day. Carpenter working rough work, backyard Stafell Haegr. D Bowen and W Jone in George Thomas's close. Ride to Caie Forgan and Cillibion. W Anthony spreads lime here. Question: Mr Grant here this evening. Wettish, but crases as he goes home.

▲ Back to the list         ▶ Next year