Charles Morgan's Diary, 1835

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January 1835

1st

About home nearly all day and mason and carpenter both at work. Gallop to Caie Forgan and see all that's going on and make my …. plant some elm trees at Caie Forgan sent from Stafell Haegr. David Thomas Junior finishes Stafell Haegr lane wall.

2nd

Walk to Caie Forgan after seeing about work at home and have a grate fixed at Caie Forgan parlour. Have culvert made at gateway Caie Forgan, call at Mr Nicholls. Express sent from Bryngwas, an ox ill, no pony. I am on foot, take black mare from the cart, borrowed Mr Nicholl's saddle and ride to Bryngwas. Ox better, luckily, wind. Two litters of pigs doing well and home soon again. Very cold day.

3rd

Ride Moselle early to Caie Forgan and send Anthony to Bryngwas with good load of fern. At 12 meet Bowen and W Jone in 4 acres to measure hedge done. Called at Mr Jones and settled his account, he went with me. Returned and dined with him, first time I ever dined there!! Again to Caie Forgan before dark. Elections talked of and Mr Jones says we have sunk lots of money, curse on Elliott a deceiving scoundrel!!! I doubted him and find him right, a fineish day, not cold. [1]

4th

Sunday, very cold, sacrament Sunday. Called at Mr Grant's to see how he is copying RH' books. Home to early and solitary dinner. Frosty. Read a little.

5th

Much at home again., dine early, ride Rosy to Caie Forgan and to the post. Receive again bill. Killed a rat at new building. Sharp frost and had housed turnips well covered. Young Howell John calls for payment of his father's account, no stamp, can't do it. Busy writing this evening late to 1.00 am, to my little Carree and things for Mr Lee, errands to Swansea etc.. The black mare ill again, fancy? [2]

6th

Up early … as I usually am, finish my letters, errands, notes etc and send David to Swansea at 10.00. Balance Em. Evans account. Howell John calls, balanced his account. at two months for £222. Far from well and walk to Caie Forgan, take account of every man etc. There late seeing furze cut. Black mare better, order a balli…

7th

Very sharp frost, third day. Take my gun and walk over the marsh by Leason woods, over Cefn Common. Few snipes, wound a hare and get nothing. Send David to post, paper only and now to the building. Last corn just winnowed. Take in a barley … kill a few mice. Dine at 7.00. A little touch at accounts with RH. Ox still unwell. RH has lost his book payments to him. Write several days journal. I'm glad to have done. Very cold.

8th

I carpenter a little after breakfast. David Williams not come and wishing to get the job finished for the geese and ducks. Ride Moselle after an early cold luncheon to the7 acres. Carting clot etc. Richards and Anthony there, on to Penclawdd, meet M Morgan on Marsh. Very bad slippery riding. Met Captain Gunthorpe and old Mr Grant. Called on Clarke to get a statement of all his account. Meet him but fail in my cal,l he promises to comply, doubt him. At Blaenkedy meet RH selecting sheep to kill, geese and ducks. Walk over the lower part of farm, Speck lame fear in round bone but order her shoe off, a horrid fit. Now to Bryngwas at dark. Make some entries of accounts in various books, my receipt book found. See all the stock, little Tall ill, give him salts. One ox still unwell. Home by ten without any dinner. A cold thaw, frost seems going again though the sea yesterday made thunder to the east.

9th

Up early, set Bar Jones at work and walk to Penralt before breakfast, to set Mrs Grant to winnow wheat at Caie Forgan. Idle people not up. Called on David Williams, gone to work. Home to breakfast and wash and shave, after take trees to Caie Forgan, the last at present from Stafell Haegr, and walk up to Caie Forgan. Plant them. Sent David to post and receive answer from Jenkins about suits. Sell nails to Mrs Clarke. Make David pack parsnips. Select a few slates etc for Stafell Haegr and about the building all day and at Cillibion. Richards ploughing. Wet after 2.00, dull and misty all day. Home to dine at 5.30. Settled W Jone and D Bowens account. Write to Edmund, errands for Swansea. William Anthony going with wheat, 21 W. Make entries of day work. Frost gone. Took timely advantage of it.

10th

Anthony to Swansea, wheat, RH ditto, mutton, 2 sheep, geese and ducks. About home with David Williams making place for geese. Bar Jones gets furze, send David for a load of coal to new house after frost. Dine early and ride Moselle to Caie Forgan to see what's doing and light fires in all the rooms I can and to put some things in order there. Settle with William Anthony his errands at Swansea. On my return make books ready for 1835 and enter some accounts. Read Cambrian. No letters. Dull, doubtful day.

11th

Sunday. Tired, up late. Evening duty, read Cambrian and a little of Granville Pain's Christian Survey. Jenkins the clerk tells me not ice enough south of Cefn Bryn to Penrice ice house, bad management. Plenty on this side. Mr Evans at church, speaking about agreement for tithe suit at Jenkins, he knew nothing of it, he said. Had been to Bristol for elms for avenues. Wants to know our terms.

12th

Always up early. Bar Jones thatching goose house. About home till twelve, take Cambrian to Post Office, too early and wait. Man of Port Inon there, thence to Caie Forgan. No letters or papers to my surprise, expecting fully to hear from Caroline. W Anthony swede (?) and turnips Stafell Haegr. Mild. [3]

13th

Plant potatoes oinions (sic), set a hen. Am riding to Caie Forgan, meet AH and turn back to help in 4 Acres Meadow. Order in coal by Richards, arrange about horses for this, W Anthony fern to Bryngwas, take account of men, goose house done. Marsh driven and 400 sheep brought in to new yard. Settled some account entries with RH and received

£4 2 0. Mr Grant came down, finished the evening by ruling a day book for Upper Division and paid Grant £3 school money. Very mild day.

14th

Up early to turn out the sheep and count them. Richard Gordon and - Davis of Friddoe there. Engaged at home with Bar Jones. Mr George for Talbot calls, pay him some money. Mr Thomas Gordon calls and Mr Jones about the school, nothing done, but finding fault with Mr Grant and objecting to writing being taught!!! Goths. Set David the carpenter work at Penralt kiln, order hinges for ditto. Ride to post, blacksmith at plough, receive letter from Mr Lee about amount of tithes and expenses of ditto etc. Anthony and Llewellyn both at Bryngwas. 2 cattle sent up and fern. No key, can't enter house to air it. Dine late, sheep again brought in.

15th

Up by light. Mr Jones sheep selected. Young David Thomas builds to the end of wall north of orchard. An organ comes to Stafell Haegr, delightful sound. Plant a very large stone for corner. Shoot a poor dog with distemper, a stranger called mad. Ride Moselle to Caie Forgan and Fly to Bryngwas. Do not see RH and return. Cannot discover why Derby is so very lame, Llewellyn ill, absent. Home by dark, sheep in again. Thomas (Taylor) calls and tells me 40 and more sheep are lost at Landimore, some of ours. Mild, dull, damp, some driving rain. Wind highish this evening.

16th

A stormy wet night. Up by daylight, breakfast early and ride Moselle by Park y Rhedin. Order oats for horses going to Swansea and on to Bryngwas, clearing yard. An ox suddenly taken ill, wind, bled etc. Better. Saboth takes a pig bought of Mr Collins and three geese to Abercothi. Alfred gone up by packet and takes my turkey, Henry's present. Call on Stephen's about Darby's lameness, will call tomorrow. Now I am at Caie Forgan. Rush not carried in as ordered. Barley ordered for Swansea, gone to William Allen. Take in a wheat rick, about 700 sheaves at Caie Forgan. Before dusk give directions for tomorrow and dine at 6.30. Post neglected. David engaged with rush and sheep. Find F Thomas assisting with cattle. Wind cold, day fine.

17th

Rob. H. and Wm Anthony both go to Swansea. W Allen came yesterday and took half the barley without orders for that matter. Send Phillips with fern to Bryngwas and bring home grubbed trees. Ride Rosy there. Tom P capsizes the cart and trees, luckily no damage done. Meet Stevens about the lame mare at Caie Vorgan, 3.00. Can discover nothing of the locus quo. Cow choked at Stafell Haegr in evening. Send at 10.00p.m. to Bryngwas for choke pipe; she's bled and better, after trotting out she recovers. Settle some accounts with RH as to market, ditto W Anthony, and examine account book copied by Grant, he here. Mildish day but I find it cold. [4]

18th

Sunday. No church here. Read Cambrian and Kentish. Walk to Penralt and Caie Forgan. Inquire of WR about carts etc used tything. W Anthony dines here, beef pudding, at 2.00. Write to Mr Lee about net produce, tithes, and in bed late. Cold.

19th

Up by daylight, not quite. Finish letter to Mr Lee and send David to post. Collect my papers and walk to Caie Forgan. Meet RH there by appointment and settle all the men's accounts and then to Penralt. Settle also David Bowen's and W Jones's job work at 7 Acres Meadow. Cold day and surprised at dark to find a white world and very cold. Finish entries of my accounts this evening. Dull, damp all day.

20th

Sharp frost most fortunately and beautiful. Walk to Caie Forgan. Plant the trees etc from Bryngwas. Set David, carpenter, to mend carts and clear out rubbish from the house. Taylor of Burry calls. Buy his 4 cattle, to settle tomorrow. Dine late now generally. Settled Tom Phillips accounts, beautiful day, frost again.

21st

Sharp frost, dull day. Grant calls before I am up. I am up late, fine day, take out my gun to look for snipes etc by Wernhalog etc. Killed three. Through the wood by Evans and Prisk to Caie Forgan, lose a woodcock. Tailor brings his cattle about 4.00. Pay £18 for 4 of them. A wet evening, frost gone. RH there and tells me flocks of pigeons are at the turnips.

22nd

A fine day and mild after wet last night. Send Anthony for coal for new house etc. Ride Moselle with my gun through Bryngwas, not a pigeon to be seen. Walk over the farm, get several shots at birds etc and kill a hare, the first this season. Moselle runs away by Llythrid coming home. I am at Caie Forgan til late. [5]

23rd

Send W Anthony and Tom Philip to Bryngwas with fern and to bring back grubbed stumps. Send by them six fowls for market and seven live for Bryngwas. About home seeing after David Thomas Junior and Bar Jone, orchard. Dine early and walk by Penralt, see a beautiful blast of rock at the kiln (D Bowen, W Jones) and on to Caie Forgan by 5.30. Carts not returned. Plant two or three trees same evening before dusk. Home in the dark. Question: write to Mr Lee about charges on this estate. [6]

24th

Dull morning and dull myself. I am not inclined to rise early as I used to be. Finish my letter and errands to Swansea, send David on Rosy, disappointed of going with Mrs Batcock in our borrowed car. Ride Moselle to Caie Forgan, set several things in order and plant all the stumps of trees with W Tucker and home by dark. W Anthony finishes carrying stones to the spring in Cillibion. Planted this morning several stumps of cabbage and lapland kale, plants for seed. Very tired this evening.

25th

Sunday. Dull damp day, misty rain, evening duty. Had Darby bled, wanted bleeding terribly. Walked to Caie Forgan and made W Anthony rub in turning (?) spirits. Small neat church notice about the poor rate meeting tomorrow. Mild enough all day and damp enough.

26th

About home till early dinner. Send to post, wrote to Carrie and 2 notes to Swansea. Receive nothing. Walk to Caie Forgan, Grif Henry overtakes me. Bill of culm £6 0 0 and meet RH at new building. Rick yard cleaning, winnowing, give directions for tomorrow and home again. Receive money of RH and settle some accounts. To the poor meeting in the dark and set several men to the break stones by measure. Pay Grif Henry and home late.

27th

Up early, Bar Jones mows rush. Sheep to be had in, W Anthony carts it. Ride Rosy to Bryngwas, find a hare in a snare. Settle several men's accounts, Walk to Wimblood to see plants taking up for Caie Forgan etc. Home to dinner 8.30 in the dark and enter my payments etc. Give directions for tomorrow by David. Write journal and to bed again. Time flies, dull and mild.

28th

Up early and out. Bar Jones breaking huge stone in the orchard. Give directions to Margaret for Carree to pack up etc. Hunt up Caswell deeds etc etc, ride Rosy by Penclawdd to Blaenkedy. Meet RH there, sheep driven in and sorted, lambs will be late. Several payments to D Collin and W Bowen, send RH round with the pony and walk foot way first time to Bryngwas. Tom Philip takes home hollies etc, make some entries in RH's books and by Tyr Coch to Black Lane to Caie Forgan. W Tucker finishes drain at Cillibion. Sort the hollies etc, catch fowls, arrange for tomorrow going to Swansea, dine late, make entries in my books of payments etc, journal of today. Open weather, cool. [7]

29th

Intended sending Tom Philip with baggage to Swansea, can't get it ready till evening. Meet RH at Caie Forgan to settle about future work etc. Engaged all day planting the hollies etc at Caie Forgan, a great improvement made by it. Dine late, pack up, dress and ride to Swansea on Fly. Luggage to start early morning. Sleep at Rutland, called at 11.30 and see Mr Jackson Price about money for Mr James, none obtained, promised in week or so.

30th

Breakfast 6.30, write to Mr Price about the money for Mr James, ditto to Berrington referred to MrPrice, called for great coat, shoes for Jane at Anstey's, in the packet by 8.00. Tom Phillips, true to his orders with Cora and car. Fine day but cold, am the only person ill on board. Lose all the scenery after Margam till Portishead, in Park Street before 7.00. Up the river by dusk, very beautiful. Meet Carree at door 55 Park Street, introduced to Mr Morgan, Knapdown, Jane's intended and Mrs Craven Ord and Harriet sleep at DurdhamDown and feel by comparison in a civilised country.

31st

Breakfast in a large party of Ords, a delightful change from solitude of Stafell Haegr. Walk over the downs with John Ord, go shopping with my wife and Harriet in a fly. Meet Mrs James in a china shop and home by the Wells Road to Whitchurch where Mr James is curate.

February 1835

1st

Sunday. Double duty at Whitchurch, Mr J gives 2 good sermons.

2nd

Walk with Caroline to Queen Charlton and call on some farmers and Mrs Smith and Mrs Boucher. Meet Jane and Harriet on our return. [8]

3rd

Walked with the three ladies to Stockwood, Mrs Sturche's. Beautiful weather for some time.

4th

Walked with Mr James to Bristol, he on his errands I on mine. Buy beans and hurdles to send to Gower by the Rose, Captain Jenkins. Write to my mother, called on Miss Scroggs in Princes Buildings, hear of Mr Courthopes death in Sussex. Miss Scroggs going home on Friday. Walk a mile homeward and am overtaken by the bridegroom's fly and lighted. Mr Alford attending there, settlements settled and witnessed by me etc. All bustle for tomorrow. [9]

5th

Jane married, a party seventeen, twelve of them named Morgan, three of them Charles Morgan. A Rev. Fred Morgan of Gloucester the clergyman most disappointed to know there is another Fred Morgan in the world, he thought himself alone. He is a pleasant man and knows Colston of Broughton. The happy pair left at 3.00 and the rest dispersed and the evening was of course dull after the excitement of the morning. Engaged for Bristol and the theatre tomorrow.

6th

Write to Henry in explanation of money paid to Howell John etc. Walk at 3 to Bristol, Edward James part of way with me, tells me of an interview he had in London with Elliot, that the latter was friends with Penrice, had shaken hands because he wanted hay of him, that he said poor fellow and looked very ill and trembled like a leaf etc. Entry to Bristol very beautiful, dine at four at Mr Charles Morgan's, Park Street, very comfortable house. Three Mr Charles Morgan's of a party of five, Miss Nancy M(organ) a most pleasing young woman, disappointed that Carree is too unwell to accompany me. Mr McCreedy as Cardinal Wolsey, a heavy play. Mrs Lovell as Catherine. Three weeks after Marriage, good. Theatre heaving and dark, no beauty, very crowded, very tired and late home. In bed at 2.00.

7th

A little wet, but very mild. Miss Morgan plays the harp, walk with Charles Morgan to the Philosophical Institution, Bailey's statue of Eve recumbant, very beautiful but a bad piece of marble. Museum not well kept but many good things there. Enter the Cathedral and am introduced to the Commercial Rooms and read lots of papers, a fine room and well conducted. Subscribers can fine(?) a man for a month. Home on foot, 3 miles exactly to dinner.

8th

Sunday. Cool and finish day, twice at church.. Sunday children dine at Mr James, the change goes to Bath, does not meet a couple … York.

9th

Read Job Nott on the Bristol riots etc, a Bristol periodical continued for two years till December 1833. A person calls for certificates of deaths etc of the Whippies. Walk a little way with Mr James on Wells Road, dine at four. Were to have taken tea at Mr J Colston's, excuse sent from them, go tomorrow. Read Miss Mitford in evening at the cottage. [10]

10th

Sharp Frost. Fine day. Read more of Job Nott, Cambrian etc. Walk with Mr James to Keynsham by Queen Charlton etc. Call on Mr Quartly the rector there, not at home. See Mrs Quartly and several children, not Blanche the eldest. Mrs Quartly a pleasant woman on first acquaintance. Children far from bashful. Country pretty and habitable. Dine at the cottage and take tea at Mr and Mrs J Colston's. Fine moonlight and cold again. Oysters poor. [11]

11th

Cold morning, down late. Received Kentish and a letter from William, action by E(liot) against William, self and Henry. Must get up evidence. Read the Kentish and write arrears of journal.. A Mr Nisbett called. House in disorder, moving to the cottage, going to Bristol tomorrow. Edward (?) far from well. Mr James positively declares Mr Elliot said the tithes were worth 1,000 or 1,500 after land bought at resale. Mild evening and threatens wet tomorrow.

12th

Wet morning prevented going to Bristol. Read and finish the account of Bristol riots in Bristol, Job Nott. Fine at 2.00 and walk with Mr James foot way to Bridlington, call at a Miss Hazel, short of the town. Rich fine country. Some conversation as to E(liot), shall record as evidence against him. See for first time a machine for cleaning the roads of mud, simple and good, invented at Ilchester, patent.

13th

Fine morning, clouds over. No rain til night. Walk with Carree and EJ another road to Bridlington by Stockwood. Rich and very wooded with chiefly elm, most habitable looking country but said to be very unhealthy. Dine at four, tired and read a little. Delighted to get opportunity for light reading. Miss Mitford's Village and Job Nott.

14th

Valentine's day, Saturday. Dull and mild. Read again Job Nott, receive letter from my mother, Mrs J hears from Jane, dated Seaton, letter missent to Townsend? They were at Bath on Sunday and want to hear hence. Go with Carree to the Mars Knoll, she rides Mr Taylor's horse, I walk. Tis a beautiful panoramic view but not a very fine day.

15th

Sunday. Twice to church and hear 2 very good sermons to from Mr James and spend Sunday as we ought to do in other respects.

16th

Doubtful morning, hesitate and at last, as agreed overnight, go to Bristol. No conveyance, on foot, Carree and Mrs James, I and Edward. Shopping at Brokers etc. Do nothing myself. Call at Mr Morgan's Kingsdown, a fly home in the evening after reading papers at Commercial Rooms, the best establishment of the kind perhaps in the kingdom. Fine day, little rain.

17th

After rain in night, beautiful day. Mr Mrs J, self and Carree and one horse for latter, borrowed of Mr Whippie, go to Compton Dando, beautiful walk over high ground. Mr Boodle the curate lives not far off. Lunch at Humphries, dine at five. Called at Mr Whippie's, promises a mare covered by his white horse (Arab) (6 if I like). Wet night on return.

18th

Jane and William Morgan expected back. Wet morning, heavy rain and wind early and beautiful day. Edward very unwell today and yesterday. At home all morning, read papers Cambrian and Kent, journal and evidence against E. Mr James has a fall in the dark going to meet the coach at Whitchurch, fortunately does not hurt himself. No one arrives.

19th

Stormy day. Carree sees elm felled, the first she ever saw. Again got a little evidence from Mr and Mrs J as to E upon which I discover the reason of his saying Mr James is a great liar etc. Very wet evening, Jane and her husband unexpectedly call in to tea in the evening. Very stormy. All conversation changed.

20th

Wettish again. Go to Bristol in Johnson's Cobourg and leave Whitchurch. Called about the sheep dog, got poplars, violets, packed up etc. Took tea at Mrs Craven Ord's.

21st

Went marketing and to the Institution. Called on Charles Morgan, read the papers about election of speaker, Mr Abercrombie chosen, Mr Sutton rejected. Exciting times, every one a politician. Luggage arrives from Whitchurch.

22nd

Sunday. Cathedral service, heavy rain after church, difficulty to get home. Dine early, went to St. John's Church at 6.00, Mr Barrow preached extemporary on "many things hard to be understood" very well. Very mild man in voice and manner. Enquired about coaches, Mr Alford called in the evening.

23rd

Day of visits, Jane in state. Marketed with Carree, Mr James in town, introduced to many people I shall perhaps seldom if ever see again. A very stormy day, decides us not to return to Gower by steam. Old Mr Morgan drank tea and Miss Morgan dined there. Went shopping late in the evening and in the morning in preparation to leave a civilised country.

24th

Leave Bristol at 8.30 o'clock by the Regulator by Chepstow. An old passage for Swansea. A beautiful day. Mr David Powell a passenger, much delighted with the entrance towards Chepstow. Carree a little while on the outside. At Swansea only a little before eleven. Disappointed in not reaching Gower same evening. Slept at the Mackworth Arms.

25th

Wet and stormy again, some difficulty to get from Swansea, wishing to avoid expense send luggage by cart and hire a fly at Bishop's, not home till 6.00. Assizes tomorrow at Swansea for the first time. Stay at Caie Forgan, sleep there for the first time. Everything very uncomfortable.

26th

A miserable day, strong wind and heavy showers, every place drowned with wet, set to to let it off. Robert Harry calls and I go into accounts with him in evening and receive money from him. Went with him to Stafell Haegr, a wet evening and RH sleeps up Leason. In bed late. [12]

27th

Carree writes to Whitchurch et ego in same, set men at work and ride Moselle to the post, just in time. Received Kentish and letters that hurdles are ready. Ride to Mr George about willows, ash etc, and ask questions about GHE. He thinks the outlay great and will never pay etc. Rode part of the way with Jane Rees, talked about Mr James … affairs. Called at Mr Nicholls about waggon, wants it. See the lambs etc and home, paid Bevan for 20 more, give orders for tomorrow. Sam Jones here, bothering about his honesty. Send R Harry, ready for tomorrow, and see to the loading wheat for tomorrow. etc. [13]
28th

Anthony off to Swansea with wheat. I ride at 10 on Fly with Rev. Mr Jones to Swansea and talked about GHE who agrees he has expended money and very extravagantly but gain no particular information. Met Mr Thomas Powell at the Rutland, conversedwith him about JDM and Westlake, two rogues. Went into court, comical witness asked by the judge if he lost his recollection in consequence of his drunkenness, he can't say but he lost his hat. Sent hurdles home and home by dark, just in time to avoid a ducking. A lucky day for riding so far. Met Mr Nathan, wrote to Henry for car, Abercothi. [14]

March

1st

Sunday. Received E's writ just before the Ides of March. Carree far from well. Morning duty and sacrament. Dine early and read with Carree ‘Scots essays' and also Miss Edgeworth's ‘Early Lessons'. Carree too unwell to have prayers at home. None of our servants at church., a very good sermon on utility of the Bible. In bed early. Darby mare very ill, wasting away.

2nd

Up at 7.30, send Anthony to Bryngwas with load of fern first having bled Darby again. See nothing of Llewellyn. Paid Bevan for coal and order work at Caie Forgan. No letters at post, received a paper. Gave an order to Henry Long to get culm of Mr Broom. About Caie Forgan all day. Tucker and Philip cleaning up the cattle etc, Austin and Harry clear ditch etc. Wet evening and cold. Carree far from well. [15]

3rd

Ordered cabbages by William Anthony to be earthed up by drill plough. Rode RH's grey Swallow to Stafell Haegr. Pig cut up 16 score at Stafell Haegr greater part of day and looking out things to send to Caie Forgan. Pack up and send them up by David on Rosy and panniers. Dan Philip moves cabbage plants. No regular dinner, back again after measuring Stafell Haegr fields by Sam and Dan P and attend to poor Darby, very ill. No one knows how. Attend to day book in the evening and in bed 11.30, doubtful morning., beautiful today. [16]

4th

Up early and attend first thing to the mare Darby, very ill. Order her bathed with hot water. Phil Long there, called by appointment as overseer of the roads. Foment and inject, she casts her colt, no one even guessed she was in foal. George Butler called for Brogden of Pembrey, arrear of culm in November 1833. Question if due, I doubt. Survey Welsh Moor road with Phil Long. Amendments to be made forthwith. J Davies there, ride on to Bryngwas, pig killed there (a stag) settled that the heifer of Leason is to go to Swansea tomorrow to chance the market. Arrange about sending her. Mary Thomas going to leave Bryngwas. Ride to Stafell Haegr about the heifer and home to late dinner. Receive a long letter from William as to evidence against E, miscarried and carried about for a week and more. Much annoyed that I had not sent it in due time. Mr Smith expected about the 12th here. Write note to Swansea and long letter to William directed to Mr Lee. Up till past 12.00. Cold high wind and heavy hail showers. [17]

5th

Dull and mild morning, Darby not dead but much the same. Sheep bought of J Bevan market. Intended to have worked hard all day. Carree was to go to Stafell Haegr, rides I walk. Anthony carts turnips there, Phil Evans overtakes us wishing to get some information about the tithe suit and shows copy of letter sent to Jenkins, he says it was the general opinion of the parish. Mr E knew but little of the value of things speaking of an old quarry heap, he said this is good land which Evans knew worth nothing, he had the books of the late lessees to guide him and but for them would have set Mr Evans at a lower rent than he paid before. Mr Evans dined with us, nothing more said of any consequence. Mr Grant calls in the evening, takes tea etc. Thus my day is destroyed. RH went this morning to Swansea with the fat heifer and 4 sheep. Calf dies of murrain. Mr Jones calls, we are out, … sends to Tucker, nothing set, wet evening after 1.00, no end to rain. [18]

6th

High wind, bad morning. Attend to the Welsh Moor Road. W Anthony carts stones, Austin and Bowen work there. About home principally all day. Receive letter from Mr Lee? Rob Harry here, Caie Forgan, a long settlement of accounts etc., calm evening after a high, very high and long continued and oppressive winds and rain last night, really alarming. Wind, thunder, lightning etc. Load cart with fern for Bryngwas early in morning.

7th

Heavy rain and high wind again. William Anthony nearly blown over on common going to Bryngwas. Weather too bad to take pigs to market. David went to Swansea for cloths etc. Drawn map on enlarged scale of Stafell Haegr. Walked to Welsh Moor to see men at work on the road in evening, could hardly stand on my legs, men gone.

8th

Sunday. Evening duty, Carree at church, prayers in morning by Carree to the servants. Ride to church, road too wet to walk. Sit at Mrs Harry's some time. Mr Jones late, notice given of a meeting of parish next Thursday on various subjects. Just home in time, rain again and very cold. Prayers in the evening, Carree's usual good habit.

9th

Cold wind, rain and snow. In many minds, ride after a snap dinner to Llanmadock. Mr Holland, Mr Pearce. Receive letter from William on return, Mr Smith starts 11th. Called at Rees' Leason for poor rate. Robert Williams about culm and Brogden 1833, a cheat. Phil Long about roads, copy rates there and in evening copy poor rate. Carree assists. Up til 10 0'clock. Fine evening but cold.

10th

Cow calves at Stafell Haegr, the first. At Carree's request go to Stafell Haegr. 100 things wanted and to call on Mr Jones. Captain McMeechan dead suddenly. RH calls, go together to Stafell Haegr, cow to be killed. Mr and Mrs Jones at Penclawdd. Dine early, settle accounts with RH, things brought from Stafell Haegr in car by Rosy, beer bought at F Thomas's. Heavy driving rain again at evening. RH goes home in pouring wet. Hannah brews. A most terrible time for the lambs now falling every day. Many lost in consequence. Not half the things I want to do can I do, giving directions to the men, paying wages, attending sick horses. Darby a little better but deplorably thin. Preparing for Mr Smith coming to survey parish etc. [19]

11th

Driving rain again all night. All the rooms wet by rain from windows, at home all morning. A lamb half dead with wet brought in, save it by warm bath and fire. W Anthony houses turnips, RH comes at 1.00, killed cow Stafell Haegr. Fine day after 1.00, bright and brisk wind. Ride to post receive letter from HJM.

12th

Very wet, sent Tom Phillips with Duke and car to Swansea with note for Mr Smith of Lewes. Table home from Swansea. Evening very fine. No tidings of Mr Smith to leave Lewes on 11th. David Thomas a quarter at Caie Forgan, went late in evening to a parish meeting about Stembridge Road, threatened indicted. [20]

13th

Second calf dies of murrain at Bryngwas, the five remaining sent down to Caie Forgan tomorrow morning. Fine day at last. Dine early, write to Stafell Haegr. Mr Grant copies map of parish at Williams request from Mr Smith. Receive two letters, Mr Gwyn in answer as to GHE and Mr Lee angry declining further interference, immediately answered it. He does me injustice, much troubled about it. First cargo culm, Mr Broom's, landed. Long's boat.

14th

Finish letter to Mr Lee and send David to Swansea. Mare Darby very ill and wants physic home. Expecting Mr Smith, very low, fancy Mr Lee's letter has deranged all places. Copying map with Mr Grant. Fine day.

15th

Sunday. Chapel service. Cold, prayers at home, servants sent to Penmaen. Dine early and quite unexpected arrives Mr Smith, not a servant at home. Scots Essays dropped for Llanrhidian map and Tithes etc. Showed him a little of the building.

16th

Fine, fortunately ride with Mr Smith to Bryngwas and Blaenkedy by Brynhir. Met Howell John, RH at Blaenkedy. Walk over both farms and arrange parish meetings etc. Dine at 6.00. Wrote to Henry, Abercothi. J Grant here in evening, always much time devoted to sick horses etc. [21]

17th

Cold but fine, rode early to Stafell Haegr with Mr Smith, had road opened to see depth of stone. Penralt, walked to Stafell Haegr and about it, Llwynybwch and about the farm called at Wibley etc, Leason etc, and call meeting at Caie Forgan Friday. Dine at five. [22]

18th

Fine again, the very stormy weather seems over. Engaged in morning with papers etc, went in market cart and Cora over Cefn Bryn to show Mr Smith the country, sent David on Rosy to post and forgot to send Lord Chichester's letter. Mr Smith returned on foot by Long Oaks, Cillibion etc. Carree and I back by the Bryn. I rode to Mr Murray about poor Darby, whether to kill her on not, found her dead on my return. A release to her and me. She died of some injury on the stifle joint, after months of lameness with no outward sign. Called with Carree on Mr and Mrs Jones, she much distressed, loss of son. Captain Gunthorpe and Mr Evans there. Mr Smith thinks Mr Nicholls will not remain long at Cillibion. [23]

19th

Very fine, engaged at home with papers etc. RH came early, engaged with Mr Smith, I walk with him to Walterston Corner, return and call on Carree to go to top of Cil Ivor. Call on Mr Gordon, Cil Ivor. Mr Gwyn comes over in the evening and stays the night. Had GHE's extraordinary bill, Sunday's not included. [24]

20th

Driving thick misty rain all day, a meeting of Lower Division at 10 at Caie Forgan very amicable. Present: George Gordon, Thomas Gordon, Cornelius Gordon, Bowen of Leason, Evan Jenkins. Dine early and ride an extraordinary short road to Crofte for a meeting at Penclawdd. Mr Gwyn crosses to Llanelli from Pengaervenny, very kind of him to come over. Present at meeting: Howard John, Samuel Eaton, Morgan Morgan, Mr Evans junior and others. Colonel Cameron and Penrice, the former determined to adhere to modus and not to budge, the latter threatens to make tithes not worth a farthing, a fool. Colonel Cameron talks of exorbitant exactions of tithes, called him to account and give Penrice a few broad hints but never spoke to him. The meeting the broke up amicably, Mr Smith in my opinion likely to make them an advantageous offer in compromise. I am for letting government decide.Home again by marsh and Cil Ifor late. [25]

21st

Left Llanrhidian with Mr Smith by Prior's Meadow to Swansea, Land at said meadows dear, says Mr Smith at 5s, taken by GHE at 18/20s. Showed Mr Smith all Swansea, he leaves for Neath. I pay in Fisher Street £25 & for glass balance. Home very tired. Lost Jock (?) in Swansea.

22nd

Sunday. No church at Llanrhidian till 6.00 by Mr Phillips, Mr Jones lost his child. Ride to Reynoldstone with Carree too late for church, go in, service half over. Heard Mr Davies the rector first time, very good sermon, tis not circumcision or uncircumcision etc. Dine early and send all the servants to church in evening. Walk out a little with Carree towards Cillibion and leave house empty. Fine and mild day.

20/3

Beautiful weather, walk with Carree to Stafell Haegr and load my pockets with papers. Preparing to sow beans at Caie Forgan. No letters. J Griffiths pays Caswell rent. All day at papers and with RH in the evening and receive money.

24th

Dry and cold east wind. Funeral, Mr Jones child. About home all day. Walk in evening to Mrs Jones, tea there. Captain and Mrs Gunthorpe there. Dined early. J Grant lately much engaged at Caie Forgan copying map of parish.

25th

Lady Day. At accounts in morning, no dinner, early lunch. Go with Carree, she on Moselle, I afoot to Penmaen. Dine at Mr Jones, there a sale by auction of Penmaen glebe. Rascally work, short notice, no publicity. Called on Mr Nathan, Mr Jones of Bishopstone, Mr Nathan rents glebe. Took tea at Mrs Jones. Beautiful day indeed, cold night. Borrowed a pony to ride back to top of hill. Bonfires of furze on the moor and in various places. Very beautiful and very mischievous, ought to be stopped. No letters, Kentish only. [26]

26th

Up early, sharp white frost. Busy levelling the ground, lime and earth back of house. Looking after them all day. Went to Stafell Haegr, took down dresser and brought many things up with Rosy. Rode Moselle, drain begun by Sam Philip at Stafell Haegr. Sent David to Penmaen with dresser.Had laurel from Richard Watkins. Planted several trees and shrubs. Carree declines going to Mrs Nicholl's, shyness(?). … moved from front door, altogether a good day's work. [27]

27th

Up early, before men come to work. They come late, the same work as yesterday. Ride with Carree to Bryngwas, walk over farm and pay some men. Spoke to Jones of Llytherid about his cow, take in barley mow at Penralt. Receive a letter, long on GHE from Bristol. Wrote journal in evening, prepared for Swansea, kill fowls etc. Margaret going.

28th

Anthony and Margaret off early to Swansea. Barley, fowls and eggs. Very cold east dull wind, busy at home and walked to Stafell Haegr in my great coat to search for Carree's letters etc, Rosy and car and brought up several things etc back to an early dinner, very tired. Austin and Harry begin thrashing barley at Penralt. All evening at home, moving lime, earth etc and planting cabbage back of house in field. Car home late from Swansea, thought some accident had happened, all well. In bed late, had some accounts with Carree. [28]

29th

Sunday. Always up later on Sunday, very cold again. Morning duty, walk to church with Carree, overtake Mr Jones and received paper of National School etc. Sacrament and funeral sermon. Walked to Stafell Haegr after church and found the letters Carree wanted. Send Hannah to Caie Forgan to dine. Got W Jone to take care of house and returned up to an early dinner. Read Scott's Essays in the evening etc. Servants all went to Cheriton Church and RH. I am very sleepy and tired and can read no more.

30th

Monday. Up by seven. Very very dull and cold wind, east. Set men at work, W Anthony stone cart at Stafell Haegr drain. Expect Henry, he won't come in consequence, busy with Penny Club money. Paid several, ride to Stafell Haegr and back quick. Dine late for Henry does not come. Called with Carree on Mrs Nicholls, busy at plough harrow, moving earth etc, sent Tom Phillips to Bryngwas with harrows, beer etc. At accounts in evening. RH went to Morriston fair, sold 4 cattle and paid me the money and money for things sold in market, Saturday, etc late this evening. In bed late. Several papers, nothing at Post. [29]

31st

Last of March. Much milder, damp and some rain, wind south. Up in good time, set men at work to move earth etc. Begin to cut apple, potatoes. Send David to bush (?) harrow Stafell Haegr etc. Write journal of three days etc. Rain after twelve, wet evening, mild. More good than harm but throws one out. Write long letter of extracts to Mr Lee. Paid Tom Philip and D Bowen and many Penny Club children. Send off two or three men at half day. No Henry yesterday, expect him today because tis wet, no arrival. Evening windy, windows luckily mended yesterday by J Edwards.

April

1st

Up very early, damp morning, very fine day. Preparing for potatoes West Upper Field, Cillibion. Cart lime, earth. Write to Mr Lee, Mr James, evidence etc. Walk with Carree to Stafell Haegr. Mend doors, move calves, look at Philip weaving. Carree never seen process. Poor Carree very tired on return, clothed too warmly.

2nd

Very mild and fine like spring, do a little to improve front of house, cover shavings etc, to make dreariness less lonesome. Cow nearly choked at Stafell Haegr. To Negro beggars came from Port Inon, fed them. Upper field got ready for potatoes. Enjoyed the evening with Carree in the garden etc and expect to have a busy day tomorrow. [30]

3rd

Up early, disappointed, wet morning, misty. Work all to be altered, dull all day but mild enough. RH at Caie Forgan, lambs cut, cow again half choked at Stafell Haegr. Cattle sent to Bryngwas. Carree far from well. Grant calls in evening. Wrote a notice about Penny Charity money subscriptions suspended, expect it will give offence, though it will give me less trouble for it is very troublesome when satisfaction is not given. [31]

4th

No ploughing today, work retarded. Poor Carree not out of bed all day. Wet, all day. Mrs Harry only at market with fowls, eggs etc. Rode to Stafell Haegr, Anthony carts off clay from drain etc. Driving mist all day, get wet. Sow ash keys, almost forgotten. Sit with Carree upstairs in the evening and read Universal History. I am so much involved with the affairs here that I have little time or inclination or zest to read or for ordinary amusement. Jos. Clarke's son calls for payment of a bill at 10 at night, don't see him. [32]

5th

Sunday. Evening duty, Carrie better but not at all well, does not go out. Again misty and dull and damp. Read morning lessons etc to Carree. Dine early and go to church in the evening. Captain Gunthorpe and Miss Johns and Ph. Evans come late. Three marriages published. Read again to Carree this evening, ‘A Mother's Duty' etc. [33]

6th

A wet morning, send all the men home again. Warm, and then clears up and is a fine day. Send sheep and lambs to marsh, walk to Stafell Haegr and find it very hot. Flowers there, particularly wallflowers, beautiful, as Tucker says, “Glorious” to see them. Carrie receives letter from her brother about Nathan and the curacy, answer it for her by return, and despatched David to meet post by Ilston etc [34]

7th

Misty morning, beautiful day. Sow seeds in and about garden with Carree. Walked to Cross Field, Clark met me there, settled his balance of bill in the evening in presence of Henry who arrived this evening after we had eaten all in the house. Sent Tucker to Stafell Haegr, peas sown, bees not yet swarming. RH came in evening, had conference with him and Henry. Howell John's bill canvassed, he has not the accounted to me, the farms he tithed in 1832.

8th

Order of weather reversed, fine morning, and wettish evening. Up early, Henry late. RH came again, enquires with Henry at Wibley for seed barley. Dine early and ride at 5 with Henry to Bryngwas, he for Abercothi, I return, get wettish. Nothing particular, RH fishes from me the probability of the farms being let, Mr Smith said so, he says.

9th

W Anthony carting turnips, swedes from Stafell Haegr. Walk there, and to Cross Field, men putting in order and preparing for barley there. Move potatoes to barn, plant various things for seed. David calls at Stafell Haegr with Rosy and clears stones at Cillibion etc. Cold, dry but fine, misty evening. Fine time for ploughing indeed and daily expect plough from Bryngwas. Some iron part wanted.

10th

Try and cold, north and west wind morning but beautiful day. Walk with Carree to Stafell Haegr, flowers there, particularly wallfowers, beautiful. Wheat at Penralt taken in, great part of day engaged in moving lime, earth, as dressing north of building. [35]

11th

Up very early, see Anthony and Hannah off to market with the barley and potatoes. Cold morning, beautiful day. Again walk to Stafell Haegr with Carree after dinner in garden and servants go to Nicholaston with ponies for sand. Set front of house a little in order, a horrid mess. Settle accounts with Hannah and W Anthony about journey to Swansea and so does Carrie.

12th

Sunday, very fine but cold. Chapel Sunday, go to church at Ilston. Mrs Collins only returned from Swansea last night. Send all the servants to Cheriton Church in evening, Rode with Mr Hancorne from Ilston to Cillibion. Old Mr Grant at Ilston. Read Scott's Essays aloud to Carree in evening and had our usual evening prayers and lessons on Sunday nights. [36]

13th

Beautiful and hot even(ing) in the sun after the sea mist breaks off in the morning. Mornings generally foggy. Very busy day, washing and potatoes planted, Upper Field West early sort. Mr and Mrs Jones called. Llanrhidian fair, walk with them to the village, go on with Carree to Stafell Haegr. Receive note by Eleanor from Mrs Davis of Grange. Carree hears curious account of Mr Nathan, as regards Penmaen, he considers it his living etc. He must be a hypocrite. About all day, a long one, to get on with potatoes setting etc. [37]

14th

Cross Inn Fair. Dull foggy morning and cold till past 12.00. Carree urges me to ride and see Penrice gardens, ride there together after many minds what to do. RH selling cattle at Cross Inn. Delighted with the gardens, small but very pretty and plenty of flowers. Home to dine on trout at 2.30. Miss Talbot very civil in sending us a nosegay. See finishing of ploughing at Cillibion field, potato planting done. Sow a bed of vegetable marrow at Caie Forgan. Wind cold. Carrie came to fetch me home from Cillibion, a long account with RH in the evening, corn sold yesterday, cattle today. Our room full of flowers. [38]

15th

Cold day, very cold. About home and read Universal History aloud to Carree for some time. Walk to Cillibion and Cross Field, ploughing there. Dine early and intended going to post, ride Moselle, intend paying bills at Reynoldstone etc. Met David, gives me a letter franked from Mr Smith, received by Mr Jones. Go on to Manselfold and walk thence to Hillend to pay 7/6. Back early, Mr and Mrs Jones take tea here. Mr Gordon's son, Llwyn y Bwch, calls for church rate. Hear more of Mr Nathan, the bond and Penmaen. Nathan a self-sufficient upstart. Very cold when Mr and Mrs Jones leave.

16th

A busy day and a very very cold one. Wind north west and some sleet. Not up very early, walk with Carree immediately after breakfast to Stafell Haegr. Nothing particular to do there: peas nearly in flower notwithstanding the cold. David Thomas offers ducks fortnight old, 4d each, too dear. Return and hunt for harrows, sow barley at Cross Field, two harrows roll Cillibion. Sow various seeds in garden, drum head cabbages, leeks, shallots, turnips etc [39]. Some sleet and rain falls. Dine 2.30 and again to the field Cross (sic) and glad to sit by a good fire. Hear the cuckoo for the first time and see the first swallows. [40]

17th

Good Friday. Very cold but fine day, ride with Carree to Ilston Church, receive sacrament. Mr Hancorne there, dine 2.30 and read to servants etc in the evening.

18th

Up early and intended going to Swansea, did not. Day doubtful, dull and cold and David Thomas, mason, here at 1.30. Sent David on Moselle to Swansea to execute his errands very well and quick. RH at Swansea, receive Bristol paper, Mrs Burdock's trial at length. All day about Caie Forgan and walked to Penralt, see straw loaded and bring up corn to winnow. Cross Lane field finished. Barley and clover sown. [41]

19th

Sunday. Evening duty, had prayers at home in the morning and dine early and to church. Mr Nathan does duty, Mr Jones exchanges on account of sacrament. Was half inclined to pick a crow with Nathan for propagating untruths of Carrie but refrained on account of Sunday. N(athan) a great puppy and a great fright. Mrs Jones returned with us and took tea and Sarah, baby, sent for - very merry. Walked to Cil Ivor (and Carree) with Mrs J in evening. Walter Tucker at Church!! Very smart!!!! [42]

20th

Half inclined to go to Swansea with Carrie, a long threatened visit. Again deferred. All morning attending David Thomas mason etc Caie Forgan. At a meeting of church wardens accounts in evening. Try a mushroom bed in cellar, make a hot bed. Walk to Penralt after leaving Carrie at Cross Lane. W Richards ploughs and W Anthony harrows, Kiln Close. Walk to Stafell Haegr, get wallflowers for Mr Jones, Mr P Evans at meeting. Walk together after being at both public houses: the custom. 2/6 beer each. School discussed and school room. Mr J mentions letters of Nathan, Bishop and Mr James and asks me question about the bond, this must be looked into as well as the curiosity, the frog cup. Very dark night, borrow his lantern. Mr Nathan and his conduct of Penmaen talked of, he is not anything of a gentleman. [43]

21st

Rose at 7 and about as usual. Very cold and dry parching wind from north west. Some idea of going with Carree to Swansea, thought too cold. About drain and with David Thomas all day at Caie Forgan. Dine early and walk to Stafell Haegr with Carree, ploughing there and W Jone in garden. Carree writes to Whitchurch and we ride in car from Caie Forgan to Penralt. Tip gets into the wars for gallantry and comes home seriously lame, Jock the same yesterday. Send Mr Jones some carrots. The house smokes horribly, sit upstairs. Evening much finer than morning, rain wanted much, obliged to water garden.

22nd

Mare Bright has foaled. Carry lime and earth to Cillibion and about Caie Forgan giving directions to David Thomas etc. Write a little to Mr James, postscript to Carree's. Ride with Carree to Post Office, receive note from Mr Smith. Mr Edwards, Mrs Noel and Miss Babbington waiting there. Take a letter to J Edwards, carpenter. Dine at 1.30. Carrie complains of headache. We walk to Stafell Haegr and garden all evening. What beautiful garden earth, what wallflowers and how luxuriantly things grow!!! Spend a tranquil and most delightful evening but for the small gnats. Hannah tells me she had seen them in large bunches like a swarm of bees or a heap of coal. David harrows, sow a few garden seeds and return home tired. Mild, delightful evening.

23rd

Called early, 6.00, Bright's foal ill, gets better. Engaged with David Thomas mason etc. We are going to ride out. Richard Watkins calls, hear much of the other side the hill and of the apostasy of Mr Nathan of Penmaen, his pride etc. With Carree to Bryngwas and to Blaenkedy, see Bunting's speckled foal, walk all over Blaenkedy, all sowing done there and a lot of it!! At Brynbica and home late, 10.00, no dinner. Evans' garden forward in 24th

Sow many flower seeds at Caie Forgan and busy with David Thomas. Dine early, arrange for tomorrow, kill fowls and pack potatoes, measure corn etc. Sow hot bed. Go to Stafell Haegr, discover Moselle lame. Sow 2 beds cabbage at Stafell Haegr, red and drum heads. Anthony and Richards and W Jone work there. Mr Rowland Pritchard at Llanrhidian, invite him, declines. Get flowers for Mrs Mundy. Hear Mr Jones child is ill!!! He has just lost 2!! Call on Mr Pritchard, tea there, Mr Davis Dr. there. Tea late at home. An odd week, dry north west wind and cold generally till evening. Rain much wanted. How are we to go to Swansea tomorrow, receive nothing at Post, sent over Margaret, no parcel from Mr Smith, how's this? Moselle lame and the borrowed Jeffrey's pony.

25th

Up early to see Hannah and David off to Swansea. Grey won't go and breaks half the eggs. Obliged to change, very inconvenient. Ride with Carree to Swansea, I on Jeffreys pony, young and good. Very cold and brush along in good time and put up at the Mackworth. Dine at Mrs Mundy's, shopped little, a short shower at night. Receive half Mr Smith's parcels from coach office and read various(?) hear about J Groves apostasy in politics and the meeting at Pyle, a conservative meeting. Carree receives letter from Lampeter.

26th

Sunday, at church with Mrs Mundy at St Marys, Dr Hewson. Cold and unpleasant, heavy but short storms of snow and hail. No venturing out for a walk, go alone to the pier head. Dine again at Mrs Mundy's and again to church in evening, sleepy!!

27th

Piercing cold, were to have gone to Ravenshill, Mrs Mundy's cottage, shopping prevents. Up early to prevent letters going to Gower and paid rent of Rhys Berrington to Mr Edwards and talked with Wilkins. Shopping all day and settled several bills. Dined at Mackworth, paid a long bill and got no civility and rode home quietly by dark. Clouds very dark in north and no rain with us. Received the remainder of Mr Smith's parcels, plainly directed but Llanrhidian not known at Swansea. Got home both very tired and extremely cold.

28th

Not up early, about Caie Forgan. Mr Gwyn calls unexpectedly and alters all plans, he dines with us, rode with him first to Mr Jones, saw Mrs J only, he at Penclawdd, child better. Went to Stafell Haegr, Mr and Mrs Davis at Caie Forgan on our return, first call. Hear much of local politics and Gwyn leaves in evening for Penmaen or ? RH here in evening and settled weekly accounts, to see him again in the morning. [44]

29th

Extremely cold for season, north wind. Write to Mr Lee about composition, spoke to RH first thing in morning and sent David to Swansea for clover seed. [45] Arranged about work and rode alone to post, post not arrived, too cold to wait and promised to be at home by 2. Called at Mr Gordon's, not at home. Went to Stafell Haegr, sowing finished there. Carried flowers home. Knife grinder called. Saw W Anthony ploughing at Cillibion. Played double dummy with Carree and wrote journal since Saturday. Wind very high and wintry tonight, when will spring come?

30th

Dull windy cold and some little rain. Walk with Carree to Tucker's expecting letters from post, none there and walk on by fields to Mrs Morris, Walterston. Wait there some time, Miss Morris not arrived, hear a poor and prejudiced account from Mrs M against Tucker and son. Met Miss Morris coming over on the Bryn after being tired of waiting. No letters or anything. Dine early and go to Stafell Haegr, dung being carried to hop garden, Carree puzzled to make accounts straight, in the evening. [46]

May

1st

Sweeps day. Some little rain, sow seeds in garden, sent David to post and with letter from bank to Rob Williams, Llanmadock. Receive two Swansea dunns (sic), and letters from Henry about Goode coming. Sweeps come in the evening. [47]

2nd

Noone at Swansea from here. Awoke early by the horrid sweeps, an impudent set of low Swansea fellows. Up before six and with them all the morning, the kitchen chimney dangerous, the smoke issues through it in all directions, sweeps can't stop it. No bread in the house, mills broke. Abused by the sweeps, can't eat bacon. Walk with Carree to Stafell Haegr, a little rain, borrow umbrella at Penralt. Receive letter and paper in evening by ---- of Leason. Sent word by her to Swansea to that effect. Mr Goode not coming.

3rd

Sunday. Evening duty. Fine day, walk to Cillibion to enquire of Mr Lloyd, very ill, better, do not see him. Stroll about the common and enjoy the smell of furze, common seldom dry, now quite. Dine early and to church. Another cow calves, call after church to see Dix, very ill and enquire about mill now disabled. Home to tea and again walk to the Prisk and enjoy the view over Llanelli and the marsh broken by the fir trees. By Park y Rhedin home. Spoke to J Jenkins about flowers from Penrice garden.

4th

Up early, Rob Harry here and set down to accounts with him before breakfast, as to market last Saturday and receive a little money. Send David with Rosy early to garden at Penrice for a few flowers. He is invited to dinner in servants hall and very kindly treated by Miss T who selects and packs all the roots herself. Plant them in evening late. Fine and warmer weather but not spring like yet. [48]

5th

Cold again, very cold and brisk wind. Set geraniums slips had yesterday, sow clover in and put garden in better order. Washing, have no regular dinner. Lunch and ride to Stafell Haegr and Penralt, and grey horse here, won't cover Cora. Carting earth and lime and picking and burning cooch grass. Rain begins from south west, about for the evening, some again in night but not much. Sent David to Bryngwas for corn to sow. [49]

6th

Richards finishes sowing Cillibion. About home all day. Have Don Pedro here, covers two mares. Several times to the barley field, Cillibion. Tucker sows furze seed in hedge running to new building. About home, do not ride all day. Some sheep lost at Bryngwas. [50]

7th

Up early as usual. Sow peas with David and after breakfast go with Carree to Stafell Haegr. Intend dining at 2.00. W Richards' sister married. All day at Stafell Haegr and sow various flowers and garden seeds. W Tucker there and David cuts grass. Geese a horrid torment on the barley field. Dine and tea there. Sent up for servants etc. Tis summer compared with Caie Forgan but very cold for the season. Warm in the evening, return in dark and threatening rain. [51]

8th

Dull thick misty, sometimes rain, sometimes dry fog, all day. Carree not very well, breakfasts in bed, 1(?) balm tea. In house all morning, write journal and not over well, thick headache, and read Saturday's magazine. Dine early, roast mutton and laver and ride Moselle to Penralt. Received a letter by David from Mr Lee of nothing particular. See what men are at and walked to Stafell Haegr and to see colts on Marsh Meadow, 7 acres. Find 5 cattle in trespass on Mill Meadow, order them turned off and home again. Pay David 8s. Wind cold and chilly and damp, very unlike May.

9th

Dull morning and cold, misty and wet midday, fine evening. Up early, W Anthony and Margaret at Swansea, corn and potatoes. Cart gone. Send most of the men home after a quarter day. Set Richards and Llewellyn to chaff and in evening finish the lime and earth north of building. Set my papers in order and dine in kitchen to prevent derangement of them. Sent David to Llangennith after 6 cattle strayed, found. Cart home very late from Swansea.

10th

Sunday. No church, read part of morning duty at home to servants. Chapel Sunday. Dine early, walk to Stafell Haegr. Fine but windy and cold. Find Hannah very unwell, David calls there too late for Cheriton Church. Return home deprived of walk to Leason and send Margaret to keep Hannah company and sleep there. Walked towards Llythrid in the evening. Cold evening with Carree, read part of the evening service again to servants and in bed early but not to forget having tried to extract an iron from a stone at the kitchen fire by melting the lead that fixed it. Just done and away flew the stone like a gun, luckily no injury. Carree and I should not have been so employed.

11th

Misty dull day, not from home. Hannah still unwell. David thrown from Moselle, ran away going to post. Pony cuts a knee, might have been worse (no letters) just starting in quest of David on Rosy when I hear intelligence by G Edwards, blacksmith. Put up pony and pay Edwards bill and much annoyed all evening. Pay also George Gordon Land tax, brings an old coin he found, no date. RH here, about kiln. [52]

12th

David ill from his fall, advice necessary. Mount Rosy, ride to Dr Davies Reynoldsstone, find him at Hill End, Mrs Thomas in the straw. Hear Mrs Phillips has a daughter on the 9th. Called on Mr Gordon of Llwynybwch, hear Mr GHE has called on Mr Talbot in London to influence him to shut up Stafell Haegr road and oppose us in the tithe business and for other purposes? Q. - Got cabbage plants of Mr G. Rode to Stafell Haegr, Hannah better. Planted some cabbage there, saw Tucker dibbing potatoes in kiln field. Mr Collins calls about a horse, wants to buy. Dined and walked to Cillibion field, wet evening. Met J Edwards and paid him land tax of hamlets. Bright sent to Phillips Meadow.

13th

Up early, fine morning. Ride Rosy by Llytherid, very mild, spring, to Bryngwas. RH at Blaenkedy, walk over the farm looking pretty well of its kind. Wet comes on. Mare Fly looking very bad, order her in and groomed and chaff cutter out of wet. Mark Thomas, saddler there. Rode home in wet with RH's blue coat, nothing done on the road by Welsh Moor, too bad!!! Mr Davies has called and bled David, very ill. Hannah afterwards taken ill with ague, no one sent to Post Office, all in a mess. The brewing going on and no one to attend but Llewellyn - who don't understand it, however, we manage. J Grant came in evening with his accounts and a bad cold, prescribed for him with Carree and broke the bottle of laudanum, very vexing. [53]

14th

Wet morning, very stormy, fine after 12.00. RH came to get his long straw account settled, walk with him to Llanrhidian, he about kiln, I to church yard about setting it in order. Mr Jones and Mr Gordon there. Bar Jones set at work, found Dix's mare in trespass, ordered her out. Did not go to Stafell Haegr, dined at two, not having had a regular dinner of these three days and set to at RH's accounts, not satisfied with Mr E's not paying accounts. Thomas saddler here. RH and Llewellyn go in evening with Cora to Bryngwas for wood for kiln. North of house ploughed late in evening. Beer set to work and seems doing well, yearling cut. [54]

15th

Up at 7, fine morning, cold, wet evening from 12.00. RH here again, Anthony begins carting, kiln lighted. Walk before breakfast to Cillibion field, no one at work there. Wet, prevents potatoes setting. In my slippers all day going through RH's account of receipts. Mary from Whitchurch calls, received by her letters from Mr James, she says he is coming down. Pay Griffiths' land tax, received bills from Tall, thatching. Settled with Tucker and Tom Philip. Received notes from Brogden by Guy as to culm 1833, tis wrong. Very wet evening, pity the poor colt of Bright out all night. Thomas, saddler, here second day. Write journal in evening several days. Errands sent by Carree to Swansea 10.45. Shall I write to Henry? Yes and up till 12.00 as to what I am to do in regard to moduses in Upper Division in agreeing with occupiers.

16th

Up by seven, seal and finish letter to Henry and send David to Swansea. Carree oversleeps herself and send her breakfast in bed at 9.00 to shame her and in fun. She gets up late in consequence, at ten. A heavy shower at 10.00. Pity David, not well, fine evening after. Rosy covered at Swansea by Don Pedro, dappled. W Anthony at culm cart. William Richards at jobs, no potato setting. Sow barley, black and white oats and linseed in the garden in rows as experiments, about 400 grains each of former or about 1 oz, grains not picked and not very good. Question - the produce the linseed not measured but to see if it grows on same soil and same time. Walk with Carree to Stafell Haegr. Sow there broccoli and savoy. Gather rhubarb and gooseberries etc. Dine out 4. Again in garden. Very tired this evening. J Grant calls with present of trout and takes bread and cheese. David returns from Swansea, no letters and goes sulky to bed. [55]

17th

Sunday. How unlike mid May, dull, windy, (wind SW) and cold. This house at Caie Forgan is as if built in a hurricane, horrid, noisy and rattling place. Evening duty, breakfast late, dine after church. Read a good deal of Scott's Essays and also read morning duty at home to servants. Called with Carree on Mr George Harries - sometime ill. A little rain. Mr Jones says Mrs Jones ill in bed and all children have whooping cough. Culm arrived to be landed early tomorrow morning. Set a hen this evening on fifteen eggs, manger in stable. Arrange for landing, at 4.00a.m. tomorrow.

18th

Penrice fair. A thorough wet day, RH calls with two heifers and takes two more cows. Nothing sold, no buyers. Send David early to get Rosy shod, long time and take Moselle and ride to fair. Had conversation with Mr George about Mr Elliott calling on Mr Talbot to injure us as regards tithes, all true and his proposition to show maps and papers and how he will explain to Mr T to improve his property. I given to understand Mr T gives no encouragement. I advised him to be cautious as Mr E is very deceitful and has a copy of our map etc. Mr Cherry Gordon half drunk and makes a great fool of himself about the school and our subscription and also about Mr Nicholls and the pews of the church. Rev. Mr Jones there, talked to Mr Gwyn of Landimore about the joint tithes of Llanrhidian and Cheriton and want to arrange with him etc. Home by six and settle accounts with RH. Mr J Edwards called about window tax. [56]

19th

Mild dull morning. Up at 7, rain comes on gently and a thorough wet day again, beautiful growing weather. First cart of lime today brought to Caie Forgan. Ponies and carts to Stafell Haegr. David, Hannah, Carree and me bring up bacon. Books get wet through. Unfortunate for such a journey. No getting on with potatoes. Walter Tucker second day idling at Kiln Garden, arrange my day books. Carree writes to Bristol, funny letter to Herbert Ord. Read Cambrian, Peel's speech to the London Merchants. In bed at 11. Fear Carree will have bad cold.

20th

Beautiful day. Carree complains of sore throat and pain at chest, care must be taken. Send Anthony to Bryngwas with lime. Plant for Carree few cuttings of geraniums in fresh pots and walk with her to the Post Office. Receive a joint letter, William and Mr Lee, dated 13th and 14th. Was in Swansea Saturday, great neglect, was asked for by David there. Noone at Reynoldstone Post Office on Monday, all about arrangements here, houses and land etc. Returned by Arthur's Stone. Mr Pearce at Post Office, detected Flora sucking eggs, Beat her and hurt my knuckles severely. Dine at 3, and ride to Cillibion and again find field full of sheep, terribly annoyed, saving the pasture for calves and the barley just sown. Ride to Penralt to see potatoes sown, kiln etc. Home by 6.30, Pedro horse dappled here. No mare takes. Carree with cold on her chest, both of us much unsettled about unsettled affairs here. Carree to bed early, gruel and Sal. Vol.

21st

Carree very unwell with cold and sore throat, in bed all day. RH here early and go with him, he afoot, I on Moselle, to Bryngwas with gun to shoot crows, they kill ducks and geese, unsuccessful. Walk over farm and talk about the farms to be let etc. Very hot, something like summer this morning till one or so. Cold again in evening, misty. Saw a very odd effect of fog or teaming of the earth at Bryngwas in one field only. No dinner, home early, had lamb chop. Carree better but quite unwell. [57]

22nd

Dull damp morning but fine afternoon. Carree still unwell, sits in bedroom all day, fire. Take little interest in things here but still about all day, at Cillibion Bowen finishes turfing, Richards finishes potatoes M(alt) Ho(use) Acre. Tucker finishes digging Kiln Garden. Intended sending to Scurlage Castle after carrot seed but deferred to get seed at Swansea. Write to Mr Lee about what wants doing at Caie Forgan, also begin to Jane, to send by Mary to Whitchurch. In bed late and prepare and give directions for Anthony going to Swansea and intend going too, if fine. [58]

23rd

Fine day, not hot or sunny. Moselle Carrees me most delightfully to Swansea, start later. RH not at Swansea, can sell nothing. Receive no letter, finish one to Mr Lee, write to Roberts and to Mr Smith, Lewes, at Cambrian office. Met few people to speak to; Mrs Mundy in market place and Mr Haines. Home by six and send Anthony home. Paid money to Mr Walter's and Thomas upholder. Just saved the wet in the evening. Finish letter to Jane to go by Margaret to her cousin Mary for Whitchurch, Monday.

20/4

Sunday. Fine morning, morning duty, sacrament. We late. Walk to Stafell Haegr, flowers beautiful but sheep very mischievous. Country alive all day going to hear ranting preachers at Reynoldstone. Ragged Ranter read in, took orders. Ride over in the evening with Carree, amused, “Gower about to become a place on the Earth”. Took tea at Mr Davies surgeon, Mrs Bristol late of Bevendean the mother of Mrs D there and another daughter. Odd to find anyone who knew Lewes etc. Dr Davies an odd man but good sense. Misty wet in evening, home late and wind stormy.

25th

Stormy morning, some heavy driving showers. Men go home after breakfast. I at accounts all day, dine early, chicken. Carree much better but not well, of her cold. Walk together to Penralt, bring home spar and shell limestone, some curious. Catch a leveret in a drain on return home with two dogs. Annoyed horribly all day by high wind, smoke and rattle of doors and windows. Occupied much time to stop it, so much cold and high winds actually retard the trees coming into leaf, ash still bare in places. Nothing at post, Carree musical but not the notes of the piano. Bed 11.30. Again detected dogs stealing eggs from under hence, Who's the delinquent. Question. Annoyed too that Margaret's cousin does not return to Whitchurch, had sent notes by her, now useless. [59]

26th

Up at 7, fine day busied in arranging to carry out lime etc, east of Upper Field, Caie Forgan. Dine early, Tucker finishes carrot sowing, Penralt. Tea with Carree at Stafell Haegr busy weeding there. Carree rides Rosy back. Tired, in bed early. [60]

27th

Fine morning, very hot. Busy setting potatoes north of barn. Thunder and lightning but not much rain. Eat a second hare, grey. Sowed dwarf kidney beans and curled cress and transplant Convol. Maj. Evans of Prisk called at 7.00a.m., settled about Welsh Moor road, agreed to send labourers tomorrow, two carts. Dine early and ride with Carree to Prisk and sand pit, Welsh Moor. Call at Mr Jones, odd reception, ushered in, waited and waited, no one came, waited again, sent in, both asleep and half, I do not know what. No apology but rather the reverse for interrupting slumber. Enquire at Wernhalog about culm 1833, Brogden's. Saw Mr Long's house there roofed with our of slates, poor concern and no air through. Round by marsh and meadow. Saw calf (Swansea) turned there this morning. Colt etc. Round by kiln home. Nothing at post, Margaret sent. Mr Gwyn, Towns End, here late about tithes of lambs. Get a little information about who is dear etc. I have bad headache all day and very so so. Carree's cold much better but far from well. Much illness about. [61]

28th

Colder morning but dry. Few hands, Richards and wife absent. One cart sent to road, one to level churchyard. RH calls early, long conversation about Mr E again, he has written to Rhean Fawr and to Mr Grant I hear. David cuts vetches bad. Begin drawing perspective view of house. Thunder shower puts a stop and I come into the house. Write journal, measure corn for mill, catch mice in upper room, rain soon ceases. Dine early and walk after tea to Cillibion field, and back to Penralt to row Eli Williams about his colt breaking into wheat and again meet Rob H who returns with us. Cold evening but most beautiful sun setting.

29th

Fine day but dry and cold wind, NW. Read Mr Smith's papers of reports and advice of this concern. A St George's Duck alights in the garden, shoot it, beautiful bird and am sorry, fancying it has young ones, being so tame. Skin it. Maria Allen calls about the school. Appoint 6 children to attend. Plough between cabbage, doubtful of its utility but the ground is bound. Send beer and 3 chicken to Bryngwas by David. Go with Moselle and Carree to post, nothing. Tea at Mr Cherry Gordon's, Rogers there. Cold all day and very cold evening, very cold. See Elliot's letter to Mr Grant. Carree increases her cold.

30th

Carree quite unwell, breakfasts in bed. Forgot everything by way of message to Swansea. RH there but little done. Fine but cold. Walk with Carree to Welsh Moor. Kill a rabbit and get daffodil roots at Prisk and home to dinner. Walk to Stafell Haegr and tea there. Rosy and cart, spirits brought up. Nothing more beautiful than the guelder rose and laburnum in full blossom there. Take up several plants and return loaded late.

31st

Sunday, evening duty, fine and cold dry wind. Really we have no sign of summer at Caie Forgan and here about ash trees many without a leaf. Read morning service at home to servants. Dine early, cold dinner. Read Scott's Essays. Mr Evans at church, subscription to singers, give 2/6 and Carree 1/-, too much. Cherry Gordon and Miss G tea with us, receive seeds Jenkins from Miss Talbot. Hannah ill again, ague. A little rain. Thus ends May, cold and backward.

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