Charles Morgan's Diary, 1845
January
1st (Wednesday)
Bad beginning of a New Year. Leave Ilston at 1.00 in the morning in a tandem and postilion with Carree, Miss Clarke and EKJ after ushering in the New Year at cards with Mr Herring, new curate of Oxwich. Receive summons to attend an inquest at 11.00a.m. as juror on William Eynon killed by a stone from the hand of Christopher Long Batcock of Llanrhidian at Cartersford Gate, being the gate keeper there. Inquest adjourned to tomorrow at Park Mill. Walk from gate over Willoxton Farm to dine at Mr Nicholls of Park. A large party and real Christmas fare to season the new. Silver Prize Cup, best barley shown at Farmers Club Swansea. Sup at 2.00 and get home in Mr Grose's gig at 4.00 in the morning. EKJ goes to Penmaen. Am to be again at Park Mill at 10.00 on the inquest. Gave man to show way over Willoxton Mr Greenings 3d for a pint of beer.
2nd
After a few hours rest ride Moses by Llythridd to Park Mill, adjourned inquest on William Eynon, manslaughter on Christopher Batcock. Dine at Penmaen with EKJ and home late dark. Lend my watch to the coroner and left it behind me. Safe enough with Molly Davy! Why does not Llewellyn return from Llanon with the fat cow.
3rd
Mr Perrys (both) called to see Eliza servant girl, ill, very ill. Walk to Crickton with EKJ and to Penralt, take guns to kill crows, no luck. Drive 4 in dog cart with old farmer to dine at Mr Perry's and make an evening of it, singing and dancing, no cards. Not home till 1.30. What hours for the country!! Receive letter from EM, Tenby, wanting help, White Lion Hotel failed.
4th
Write to EM, Tenby and to bank Swansea to make arrangements si poss for EM. Send WR on horseback to town, wheat left unsold last week and to post letters. About home all day and Crickton, send for faggots to Llythridd. Again with gun try to kill crows, no go. Fat cow comes home by Llewellyn, my letter not read of course. Mr & Mrs J drive over to call, persuaded to dine.
Sunday. Evening duty, drive cars there, have lost my watch at Park Mill, late in consequence. Dine after church, ill spent day.
6th
Rise earlier than usual, mild dull today. At Crickton before breakfast, all work arranged, get boards in from saw pit. Ride Moses with EKJ to call on Mr Herring of Oxwich, he takes in Les Debats', a pleasant man, a character. Write again to EM in Tenby, ride to Penmaen, tea there after lunch at Oxwich. Home in dark by 9.00. Saw Mr Talbot's chi(ldren) for the first time, the oldest a small image of his papa.
7th
Very mild, like spring. Walk before breakfast to Crickton and arrange work, a fussy sort of day. Horses all in request preparing for tithe day, cord(?), wood, sand etc. Carpenter and sawyers etc. Mr & Mrs Pearce and baby call and make us late at dinner at Mr Grose's. Mr & Mrs Perry, Mr & Mrs Nicholls, Mr Ball etc. Sumptuous entertainment, not home till past 2.00, 3.00!!! Carree and Miss Clark with us.
8th
Breakfast as usual, Carree and Miss Clark too tired to come down. Poor fat cow killed for tithe dinner. Walk out to Crickton. Mr Perry calls, Eliza ill, leeches ordered. Cow quartered and hung up from dogs. Write tithe notices, some for RH, some for Llewellyn tomorrow. Enter accounts of labour etc, beer etc. Think of commissions for Swansea, ought to write to WM. EKJ dines and sleeps at Penrice Castle!!!
9th
Cold east wind, drive Carree and C Teddy to Swansea, I at Board of Guardians in regard to Joseph Jones and family. Meet Howell John at Jas James. Home before 9.00 to tea, dark, find EKJ at Caie Forgan returned from Penmaen having dined at Penrice Castle yesterday.
10th
At home all morning. Cow cut up by RH, Llandeilo Rhynys cow for tithe dinner etc. Walk to Crickton in evening. Neddy 4 baskets 3/4, give him an old hat and beef. Salt beef in the evening, horrid work, up late. Write letters to the end, Mr France and bank and commissions to Swansea.
11th
After heavy rain last night, fine again today. WR sent to Swansea, horses all at job work. Cart out dung to common. Read a paper. Back kitchen cleared by WT. Sawyers and carpenters at work, such a dinner! One of Fanny's, nothing to eat and send for 2nd edition. Walk to Crickton in evening, meet Mr Perry on return home. Called to see Eliza. Read Blackwood in evening. Clement calls to pay 4/6, bricks sold. Enter accounts, WR home early.
Sunday. Morning duty, drive car, 3 children and 2 maids in good time. EKJ dines with us on heart. Walk together to Mr Grose's in evening, foggy night, heavy rain before daylight again.
13th
Wet morning rather after a very wet night. Beautiful day, settled WR as to market accounts. David Jones of Horrod objects to pay with broken leg and receives no fit, make him a present driving stones home for me from Swansea 7/6.
14th
Shoot rabbits at Mr Nicholls and dine there and supped there. EKJ, Mr Perry, Mr Ball, Mr Grose and self. Very hot. Not home till 3.00 on a morning, very dark riding over common; not often that I give up a day to pleasure!
15th
Rise but little later than usual, not from home all today. Drive Carree to Penmaen to dine. Meet Mr Herring and Mr J Collins, played cards, win.
16th
Most beautiful day, begin to rule and prepare new tithe book. Sit with window wide open. Mrs James calls and takes Emma and John to Penmaen after an excellent dinner. Go with Carree to village to pay 1/6 to Mrs C Batcock, gone to Swansea. Call on David Jones Horrod, better. Read Quarterly. Mason, carpenter and sawyers here. Not out to see who is at work today. Receive rabbits etc from Mr Nicholls by Mr Grose and gun and .
17th
Colder day, beautiful for the season of the year. Carree not up for breakfast. Fussy day preparing for Swansea and for tithe dinner. Walk to Crickton Hill to get labour account for week. Calculating expenses of tithe dinner and things wanted. Pack up things and cloth for Fred.
18th
Drive EKJ to Swansea and send WR things wanted for tithe dinner. Proves wet after starting, fine there, wet again and fine return. Mr Voss of bank dead!!! I am very sorry, always behaved well to me as banker. Home about 7, nothing prepared to eat and so when prepared, no eating it. Put everything away, in bed about 11.00.
Sunday. Wet morning, hail and cold. Evening duty. Read Cambrian and enter accounts to my shame but no time tomorrow.
20th
Most terribly wet returning from church yesterday. Ted dines with us on turkey.
Monday. Fine again and cold, glass rising too fast? About home all day making out new tithe book, balancing the books. Benj Austin calls to pay, send early to post. John too late to catch the post. RH brings packet of bills and letters from Penmaen. Walk in evening to see work at Crickton, clean yard up a little at home in preparation for tithe days. At tithe books in evening. Read The Chimes in part.
21st
Miss Clark arrives early from Llanmadock to help at tithe dinners, busy sort of day to get all prepared for tithe dinner for the first time at home. The old stall converted to a saloon 30 ft long, admirably suited for the purpose. RH here all the afternoon making out the books for 1844 tithes, EKJ here also.
22nd
1st tithe day Upper Division and first time at home, fortunate for me not as for them, it is wet misty day. Payments better than expected and parties very well satisfied. Most troubles over work it is Mr Evans of Brynhir comes by invitation. Day passes off very fairly, parties satisfied.
23rd
2nd tithe day, Lower Division. Get up early and out to Crickton before breakfast. Get to accounts with RH, meat, lime etc. J Jenkins comes in to settle accounts with him. All day receiving tithes at home, a most agreeable change for all parties. Mr Collins dines with us, Perry expected, don't come. Ayskew expected. Finish the day with a dinner, supper, punch and balls!! All parties pleased. Mr & Mrs Grose stay late. Very wet evening. Miss Clark of Bodmin here, very useful and very agreeable. Finish Dickens' Chimes, no great deal of genius shown in it.
24th
Up in good time, much less affected by dissipation of tithe days than when at Penclawdd and in the village. Count out my money and try to balance my accounts, a difficult job. EKJ and Miss Clark ride to Penmaen to dine. I get out in the evening to Crickton for air and exercise. Fill out my daybook and this book since Monday. A fine day, cold brisk wind.
25th
Wet misty morning again. Start late for Swansea, drive John Evans in and take my tithe money about £200 minus £22 Thomas Gordon. Draw £12 bank, sign deed of Railway shares. Write to Offey, to George etc, to William, not home till past 10.00. Hurricane of wind and rain on Fairwood Common. Get wet.
Sunday. Fine but brisk and cold. Sacrament, thin attendance. Miss Clark and maid servants and Charles drive down. I walk. EKJ walks up and spends the evening.
27th
Colder and brisk day, seasonable. About home all day expecting Henry Morris about brick yard from 8 Pleasant Row, Swansea; don't come. Write several letters - Benj Jones with bill enclosed, Jos Gwynn and receive £40 odd railway shares, Jeffreys, Lewis Thomas etc and bank. Walk to Crickton to see work. Enter accounts in the evening. Children come home from Penmaen, sent for by WR. J Jeffreys daughter dead. School Penclawdd on account Batcock - £1.
28th
A March day, fine, brisk and showers. Snow showers, about home all morning expecting a brick man from Swansea, don't come. Pigs killed, first for season. Drive Miss Clark and 2 lady children to Llythridd. Take Chimes, a club book, call on return at Cillibion, home to dinner. Afterwards walk to Crickton to give orders about tomorrow. Read no.1 of the O'Donoghue's Harry Lorriquir. EKJ calls in from Mr Harris Godolphin arrived.
29th
Beautiful morning, sharp frost. Snow after 12.00, ground white. Grove of Caswell brings potatoes, go through his account. Wheat winnowed, spring for seed at Llandilo. WR ill. Pig cut up. Walk after dinner to Stafell Haegr; EKJ begins his garden wall. Funeral of J Jeffreys daughter aged 21, fever says Mr Parry. Enter day accounts and diary. Elder wine supper, Carree gives orders about tomorrow's dinner party.
30th
A very fine cold morning and hot sun. Take out gun to try to kill a crow, no go. Walk to Crickton, Ann Rees ill. Return home and prepare for dinner, a party. Mr and Mrs Nicholls, Robert Hancorne and Mr Hancorne and Mr & Mrs Grose. A heavy fall of snow, party not gone till past 2.00. Played cards, win 3/-. Not in bed till 4.00. Write to Offey about spring wheat etc to send by WT tomorrow.
31st
Breakfast at 10.00, white world, hot sun. Walk to Crickton, lime and earth. Balance up tithe book, begin read agricultural journal. Very tired. Receive letter from WM about accounts, not pleasant.
February
1st (Saturday)
Dry and cold, beautiful morning. Read papers, drive Carree and Miss Clarke and Agnes to Reynoldston for sugar and salt peter (sic). Later 2 cheese. Dine at 4 alias 5.00, all pig meat. Walk to Copton Corner and back. Read Cambrian. EKJ comes in from Penmaen to tea. Enter accounts and go to bed. What have I'd done today?
Sunday. Evening duty, tried to drive, horse falls, all ice. Last in, late. Tea at Stafell Haegr and Miss Clarke. Walk up and EKJ!! Misty and mild.
3rd
Sharp frost in morning, no, misty and cold. Thaw. At home all morning making out tithe book, adding up columns etc etc. Walk to Crickton after dinner, Copton. Read Britannia in evening and Marshland on tombs in churches etc. A book of Mr George Francis. EKJ wanting the paper and the book wanted to be returned to Swansea.
4th
Sharp frost again. Beautiful day and both frost and snow vanish. Drive in hay car, Carree and Miss Clarke and Agnes, to Penmaen. Drive there though dinner ordered at 5.00. Frank Price there, invite to celebrate Marquis of Worcester age of discretion at the Mermaid at Mumbles. Mr & Mrs J far from well. Take the circular invite as insult, this for Thursday. 2nd edition, the 1st edition last Saturday at the rooms Swansea. Return to tea. Enter accounts in evening, EKJ here, great talking and much discussion of the Mumbles feast on Thursday, Marquis of Worcester of age.
5th
Beautiful mild day. Up early, go to Crickton, arrange work. Settle sawyer's account, write to Offey, Dr Howell and Mr Price as to the Beaufort dinner, decline. Sudden intelligence of the death of my best cow, well at 12, dead at 3. Walk to Penralt. Pound nitre for horses, 2 not well. At accounts all the evening. Fanny's account not easy. EKJ comes late, day ends.
6th
Beautiful day, wind cold north west. Read the Swansea Journal accounts of the dinner Marquis of Worcester of age, slow affair. Walk to Crickton and home to lunch. Interrupted him preparing to dine out. Go later than intended. Drive EKJ and Miss Clarke to dine at Mr Harris. J Collins, Mr and Mrs Pearce and Godolphin Ayscough there. Home in reasonable time.
7th
Sharp frost. Drive Carree and Miss Clarke to an early dinner at Mr Pearce's, Llanmadock, after going into a long series of accounts with W Thomas mason in morning. A rough, no final, settlement come to. Mr Collins and EKJ there, a hasty dinner made up since meeting them at dinner at Mr Perry's yesterday. Very dark to return home, borrow a light. Get home safe and not late, put EKJ down at Oldwalls, gave man (knowing nothing of horses) 6d.
8th
Very cold, drive EKJ with Valiant out of condition to Swansea. Disappointed not to meet Offey as agreed in Swansea. Fanny and Eliza both to have gone back with him, obliged to return to Gower.
10th
Sunday, morning duty, not 20 in church, snows all day. Most wintry and thaws. EKJ does not show himself at Caie Forgan.
Monday. A white world, a little thawing. At home all day, get tithe books out. Interrupted by Bar Jones, settle accounts with him and for his boys. Write to WM and to Offey and send book to Price Norton. Read Britannia paper, opening of Parliament etc. Enter daily accounts etc. Little Rosy casts two foals, a great loss, what a pity. Two different colours!!! John of Penmaen comes over, do not send a messenger to post, he takes letters.
11th
A mild thaw again, snow going. At home all morning at accounts. Enter some arrears, get out tithe books but do not go into them. After dinner walk to Crickton to see what doing, who works and who been there few days past. Read pamphlet on tombs and a club book and enter accounts. Sharp frost again.
12th
Beautiful morning, snow going. At home all day, very cold. About tithe book and read pamphlets on tomb stones and history of donkey to children and new monthly etc. Get out a little in the evening to help WT at the drain alley upper garden. RH and Francis Thomas called in evening late about Samuel Philip, insolvent. F Thomas involved as security. Write to Richard Gordon in consequence, they stay late. Christopher Batcock and price of wheat and the state of farming talked of. Wind rises to the south, weather going to change.
13th
Thorough wet morning, General thaw. Frost and snow steam. At home all day about tithe book. Read new monthly etc. EKJ comes up, dines etc. Tom Philip brings an account of coals, last year's landing and Albon's work. A day with no adventure, nothing to record, nothing paid!!!!! Dine on eggs and parsley and butter and boiled rice.
14th
Beautiful morning, good day. About home all day, Carree in bed, hear children read. Send them to Reynoldston on donkey cart. 2 fowls, Mr Perry. Settle account as above with mason. RH here, borrow £4 of him. Walk to Crickton and see where water wants letting off. WT draining in garden, pig killed, beans winnowed, carpenter here. EKJ goes to Penmaen, we do not send. Arrange for Swansea tomorrow. Read Swansea Journal. Receive letter from Offey in Swansea tomorrow.
15th
Send WR to Swansea to meet Offey, takes iron and Eliza Davis home. I ride EKJ's grey, very fine. Overtake Mr Hancorne, talk of Marquis of Worcester etc. A horse with a broken leg on the road. Come home by daylight with George Beynon of Burry Green. Very tired, ride so little. Put away all the things brought home in course of the evening.
17th
Sunday, mild and pleasant, snow nearly gone. Evening duty. EKJ at Ilston and not at Caie Forgan. Drive down Carree and 3 children. Read Cambrian and read Bible with Carree in the evening.
Monday. Most beautiful day. Write notes to Swansea etc for post. In garden about drains etc. Washing day, tailor here. EKJ comes up after our dinner but before his. Children sent to Stafell Haegr. Walk in evening to Crickton, Copton carting. Enter accounts in evening. Arranged bookcase in morning. Look over papers and Club books to arrange them.
18th
Fine day, seasonable. At home all morning, very fine. Read Britannia paper, first business of Parliament. Sir R Peel's speech, budget capital, income tax to be continued. A long morning's work, walk out to Crickton in the afternoon. Read one no. of Chuzzlewit and for some reason or no reason do not enter accounts etc. Read donkey adventures to Charlie, finish the book.
19th
Sharp frosty morning, gives in midday. Cart earth in garden, draining going on in garden. Set them all going right, prepare for dinner party. Get wine etc ready. Mr Perry and wife and Mr Ayscough and Mr and Mrs Pearce and Miss Clarke. Sit up till past 2.00. Play several rubbers with Carree against Mr Perry and win 3/- each. Receive letter from WM about accounts to be made up to Michaelmas.
20th
Sharp frost again, cart earth to garden a.m. and dung all day to Cillibion. Rather out of sorts today in consequence of late hours last night. Work in garden, oats winnowed. Call on Mr Lloyd in evening, been scolded and in bed ten days and more. Read Chuzzlewit EKJ calls in on return from Penmaen, oysters. Want his account of payments made for me in my absence.
21st
Sharp frost in morning again, avail it to cart in earth for drains to garden on the grass plot. See that all is set about rightly. Drive Carree and children 2 eldest to Penmaen and dine there. EKJ rides and starts early for Swansea and Bristol tomorrow. We return home safe about 9.00. Mrs Perry and Mr Ayscough have called here. Mr & Mrs James better but not well.
22nd
Frost gone, mild, some rain this morning till 12.00. Fine evening. Do not send to Swansea, WR ill. Saddler here 3rd day and carpenter still about home all today about drain and stables etc. Read Dublin Magazine aloud to Carree. Done nothing wished or intended in writing or accounts. After tea, bottle beer with C Teddy. Enter accounts in evening. Go to bed early.
Sunday. Mr Jones of Loughor comes to preach for Pastoral Aid. Wet day, no congregation, no collection. Mr Philip Evans there, Mr Pearce does duty, Sacrament. I only go, not bad evening, cold. Read Genesis in evening with notes.
24th
Fine dry brisk cold day. Write to George wanting £200 to Colonel Cameron and to Fred all about money. Read Blackwood. Walk with Carree in afternoon to Mrs Grose's. Read Britannia in the evening. Oysters for supper spoilt with vinegar and beards.
25th
Doubtful morning proves a wet day. Drive Carree and C Teddy to Swansea to see Sir W Nott's portrait by Francis, very good, subscribe for a print. Shop a little, call nowhere, get wet returning home. Home to tea. Called at bank about George's bill for £200, agreed to.
26th
Very fine day, rise early and out. RH sees me in garden about poor house, Margaret Evans's case. At accounts all day with W Thomas the mason and all evening at meeting in village about Joseph Jones's family and appointing constables. Not home till 11 and to be in Swansea by 11 tomorrow and to breakfast at 7.00, do so.
27th
Ride to Swansea on Ted's grey, overtake Mr Holland at the gate. Dense fog clears off at village. Board of Guardians, am the first there except C Collins and Colonel Wade, London Commissioner. Swansea one of the few union's working ill, distress warrants recommended. Joseph Jones case considered, children to go to house. Judge to arrive today. Commissioners of roads have a meeting. See Lord Adare 1st time. Tea at Cillibion on return, no dinner in Swansea. George Thomas at Mr Grose's, home in day, bed at 1.00. Mr Herring returns my call at last, I not at home.
28th
Very cold east wind and dull. At home all day getting up account of work etc being engaged all the week. Receive 2 letters from George, 1 from WM. Walk over to Crickton and to Cillibion carting stones to garden and dung to ditto. John brings letters from Penmaen on Spot. Write a few lines to George and enter accounts in evening after reading to children.
March
1st (Saturday)
Very cold, less disagreeable than yesterday. Some little E Rain. Drive Carree and 3 elder children to Swansea for a week. Arrive at Mr Bippert, Mount Street about 3.00, nurse and 2 younger children. Do not go to court today. Get meat, shoulder of mutton, at Jenkins and grocery for tomorrow, unpack etc.
Sunday. At St. Mary's, Dr Hewson not there, a stranger reads and Mr Bowen preaches. We are in gallery. Mr Bippert's pew. Very cold, some calls on us. Walk later with C Teddy on Burrows sands and drive. Do not go to church in the evening.
3rd
Go early into court, meet Mr Perry there, Batcock's case comes on 2nd. Send for C Teddy to hear it, short case. Nothing can be said in his favour, he killed W Eynon at Cartesford Gate with a stone, see December. Sentenced next Wednesday to 1 years imprisonment and hard labour, another at same time for stabbing and killing, 7 years transportation. Get some dinner at 3.00 and spend the evening at Mrs Popkin's in York Street. Mr & Mrs Collins and Mr & Mrs Edmund's of Cowbridge there, play whist and win 1/6. Sharp frost and cold east wind.
4th
In court again before breakfast and not out till 3 to dinner. Mr Collins drops in. Again in court with Carree in evening till court breaks up. Shop a little in the evening, at home all evening.
5th
In court again with Mr Collins as yesterday to 12.00 only today. Hear case of poisoning and sentence on Barr.. music master for indecent conduct to his pupils, 1 year in Cardiff gaol. Sentence on Batcock of Llanrhidian 1 year and hard labour. Another case of manslaughter 7 years oversea. Make calls and find it uncommon cold. Mr Grove, Mrs Popkin and Woodruffe, Mrs Flack and Bevan, see Mr Halkett for Mr James. At Mrs Woodruffe's in evening, cards and tea. The Terry lady party and Miss Parsons, not in bed till 1.00. At bank with Carree, signed bill at 3 months for 200 for George and write about Turnpike Trust money, Carmarthenthenshire? To public works in London.
6th
Sharp frost and dull. Resolved not to go to court this morning but to go to Board of Guardians and attend turnpike meeting [none I hear] but poor baby Frank, the picture of health and strength, is suddenly taken with a fit about 11.00. Send to Mr Rowland surgeon, apply warm bath and powder and another fit before 11.30. Frank has 4 fits in all, the last at 4.00. Am not from the house all day. Write to Penmaen for tomorrow, send an excuse to a grand party to Mr Thomas Grose in High Street.
7th
Mr Collins calls, pay him a balance due to him on a bill and sale account. The court occupied with a long boundary case, Mr Talbot, v Sir J Guest, am not in court. Carree has a bad cold, call on the Terry's. Baby Frank evidently better. Very cold, at a party this evening at Mr Popkin's again. High Sheriff there, played cards and win with Mr Stiff.
8th
John comes over from Penmaen to inquire about Frank etc, write to Penmaen. WR arrives from Llanrhidian with supplies. Walk to market etc with Johnny, Mr Powell dines with us and see him off with children from Castle for Neath. At home all the evening, read Cambrian paper. Grand progress for railway to Brecon by Mr Budd. No doubt good plans, will they ever be effected? They ought.
Sunday. Very cold still, church badly served by Mr Rees and Mr Bowen, the Dr ill[1]. Walk with C Teddy over new cut to the back of Morriston works.
10th
Cold still, set to at tithe book to arrange it in order and balance it. Meant to have written to WM in answer to one of yesterday. At home all morning. The swindler Morgan, caught at Abingdon, committed to gaol today. Do not get the Britannia. Receive letter from Penmaen, all ill in the house. At a pleasant and large party at Mr Bevan's in the evening, several card tables, win at whist at Mr Maber's. Showed C Teddy the school and make other calls with Carree. Mrs Rowlands etc at Jacob's shop and meet all the children there.
11th
Very cold. Howell John calls in Mount Street. Conversation about Margaret Evans pauper, about timber. Agreed with a Mr James of Liverpool for vessel to Llanelli. Long conversation with Mr Stroud at bank. Dine early and walk with Carree after about commissions to Penmaen. EKJ arrives from Mumbles and Bristol and sleeps at Mount Street with us. Evening party at Mrs Terry's, pleasant. Win at cards, not in bed till 1.00. Receive a letter from my mother, far from well. I am sorry to hear, may God protect her yet! Worse is to come when she is gone, if I live to see it as probable.
12th
Beautiful morning, less cold but still cold and frost. Finish adding up my tithe book etc all morning. Dine early and walk out with Carree in evening and in the cold to make calls. Dr Howell calls at dinner time. Austance Terry takes tea here with children. Such a noise in the evening, can do nothing. Read a paper or so and neglect writing letters to London.
13th
Excessive cold and sharp wind and frost. Attend Board of Guardians and Turnpike meeting, arbitrary resolution passed, all money received to be spent on the trunk and Pontardulais roads and no turnpike under new act to continue in Gower beyond 5 miles from Swansea. Mr Gough there etc. Make calls with EKJ, dine at 4.00. An evening party at Mrs Popkin's, lose at cards, bed at 1.00.
14th
Beautiful morning. At tithe book, arrange payments made out. The Misses Margaret Davies call. John from Penmaen comes. Inquire for vessel to Guernsey. Call on Mr Bevan, Mrs Popkin and Mrs Collins. Tea at Mr Rowlands, meet Mr Rees Davies Rugbeard. Mr Aubrey and Miss Aubrey play cards, lose 8/-, pleasant evening. Music etc, home at 11.00.
15th
Beautiful morning, prepared to go home. Read Clarke on draining, Long Lutton Simkins Marshall in London Pack up and come home.
Sunday. Evening duty, HW Jones preaches for Church Pastoral Aid Society and gets £1-6-0. I and C Teddy give 2/-. Dine after church, Philip Evans there. EKJ at Penmaen.
17th
Beautiful quiet frost, at home all morning in drawing room, write to my mother who is not well and mean to send accounts and write to WM by John early tomorrow morning. Out late at our horrid fair, shut them out but Ellen opens the door again. When do they come home. EKJ gone to Penmaen, get him to sign papers for South Wales Turnpike money on his return. Not in bed till 11.30 and servants out detestable fair. Children not well and Susan of Penmaen very ill.
18th
Beautiful mild frost looking like change for rain. At home at accounts for WM and write to him and send John to Swansea for post for Welsh post etc. Mr Ayscough and Mrs Perry and Miss Clarke call, the latter going to London. In evening walk to Crickton. At accounts all evening, arrears of work in absence. 2 calves today!! Johnny not well, children all cold and feverish.
19th
Still frosty cold weather, dry and mild frost, no wind. About home all day, John walks to post. Walk to Crickton early in day and home to dinner. Finish Britannia paper for EKJ tomorrow. Johnny far from well. Mr Thomas Gordon and Edward Rees called up about the Nancy account, a long evening's affair. Settled and give him a draft for balance £11 odd. RH here, arranged to go to Blaenkedy tomorrow.
20th
As arranged yesterday, ride Rosie, meet RH at Penralt and ride together to Blaenkedy to get sale bills endorsed over to me oaks, 7 bits at Penclawdd, Howell Johns, and get on Mrs James account. Call on several parties to pay sale bills. Home to dine, calling to see work at Crickton on return. Very tired all evening and do nothing, not accustomed to ride. W Jone of Llaire(?) calls about accounts.
21st
Still quiet, a change approaching. Dry and mild till evening then wettish. Cart arrives from Llandeilo Rhynys with oats. Was to have met it at Llanon. Wrote to say tomorrow, letter not read and Good Friday never heard of in Vale of Towy. EKJ has a funeral at Penclawdd. Dine after church. Send to post late, hear of my Aunt Cobbold's death sudden last Sunday, fit in Baker Street, London. Quite unsettled to attend to anything. Poor aunt!!!! A forerunner of other deaths more dear still and not far distant, how old it makes one feel.
22nd
Was going to Swansea, already arranged with Mr Grose. Johnny seriously ill, stomach and bowels. Write to Mr Perry for powders and commissions for Swansea, send WR. Quite unnerved all day and don't know what to do. Johnny improves in evening, we hope. Phil Dilo here, enter accounts in evening. Receive letter from WM, accounts as usual and Carree from Rugby.
Sunday. Very wet, Johnny very ill. Sacrament and not in church. Mr Perry drives over to see Johnny, a miserably spent day. Mr Perry goes also to Penmaen. EKJ requires duty at Nicholaston Church, now repaired.
24th
Beautiful spring day, bees busy. What a sudden contrast from winter. At home all morning till 3.00, write to WM, Clara, Morgan surveyor etc. Attend vestry at 3.00, called between 2 and 3. No attendance till past 6.00. Pass Churchwarden's accounts, Mr Davies appointed new churchwarden. Notices to quit Blaenkedy and landshares to be served tomorrow by RH; not home till past 9.00. Dine at Stafell Haegr. EKJ's wall up and new entrance. Bed early, no fire. Johnny better, Frank bad cold in eyes. Phil Dilo returns to Llandeilo Rhynys, 20 w oats, 20 brought here in exchange. Leaves stallion in exchange for farmer's car sent. Llewellyn sent to Loughor.
25th
Misty mild seasonable day, at accounts all morning. Not from the house till past 4.00. Read Britannia, walk to Crickton, drain Furzeland. Enter accounts in evening, bids fair to be fine tomorrow. Sent notices to quit Blaenkedy and landshares by RH and to Landimore to pay sale money of Blaenkedy to John Gordon, notice to pay me.
26th
All morning entering up accounts. Walk with Carree to Penralt quarry after dinner 4.00. Go to see fencing Crickton Top. EKJ takes letters to post, no letter back, paper only. Bids fair for foul weather again and so it is. Comes on wet about dark or before night. EKJ calls in on return from Nicholaston.
27th
Stormy morning after some rain in night, workable day however. At home all morning till past 3.00 entering up my accounts. Read part of a magazine Fox and Frog. At accounts and papers all day to tea time, get out for an hour late to set two gin traps, polecats about? In evening EKJ calls, settle some account with him, see yesterday, and sort and tie up letters and paid bills. Wind high, bed 10.30.
28th
About home all day, rose at 6.00. Help WT in garden plant quicks and walk to Crickton meadow to be out of way when RH kills favourite cow. Turns out better than calculated. With WT in garden all evening transplanting shrubs front garden. Howell John called, back a bill for £75 odd timber at 3 months, dated 24th March. Read new monthly. Receive letter from WM and answer late tonight for tomorrow's post.
29th
Beautiful day, north wind. Rise early, cow sent early to market. Stay home to see work done etc. Cut willows, plant apples. Walk to Crickton, trim trees in garden, corn winnowed. See houses and stables etc all out. Settle accounts with RH as to market. Enter accounts in evening. Read new monthly, calculate expenses of turnpike roads for next Trust meeting.
Sunday. Very wet from breakfast to dinner, turns fine after. Evening duty, too ill to go, in bed nearly all day, influenza very prevalent. All the children ill in a degree. Up in the evening, unable to do anything.
31st
Far from well, was ill all yesterday, can do nothing. Walk out with Carree in afternoon to Cillibion Green with my great coat on though very warm and spring like. Meet C Teddy on the road near Mr Lloyd's, why is he there? He looks very sheepish at seeing as and won't join us. Some new steps must soon be taken in regard to him or he will be above management. Richard Gordon calls in evening to request cart and horses to fetch hay from Penclawdd!!! In Carmarthenshire on . Cannot sit up late, very weak and tired.
April
1st (Tuesday)
Fine driving east wind but too cold. Much better but not well. Read Britannia paper. Execution of Tawell, Aylesbury, and Tapping in London. Garden a little. 1st mangold sown by WT. Walk to Crickton before dinner, draining going on, picking clover. Settle about work to go on. Dine and walk with Carree and Emma to village, a funeral of boy of J Jones. Called on W David and on to Stafell Haegr, tea there and up in dark, late for Emma. Enter day accounts and time to go to bed. Settled with mason about finishing work at Dix's.
2nd
Cold strong east wind again. At home all morning, enter accounts, calculate expenses of turnpike roads for tomorrow's meeting. Plant standard roses, cart away and prune trees. Walk to Crickton after tea. Read monthly and enter accounts, Carree writes letters. C Reese caught a polecat.
3rd
Drive Carree to Swansea, lovely weather for it. Attend Turnpike Meeting to propose abolition of Gower gates. Gower under county board to have no turnpike. EKJ meets us at Swansea, prevented going with us. Meet J Hancorne who dines at Kilvrough tomorrow. Sign a bill at 6 months for him for £92. Christian Knowledge meeting, pass accounts at the town hall.
4th
Rise at 6.00 and out to Crickton to see work etc. Catch a polecat in plantation. Plant fir trees in plantation after breakfast. Mr & Mrs James call to dine as invited this morning, come late, we have done. Very tired in the evening, unequal to attend to anything after rising early and working hard.
5th
All day in garden planting hornbeam and privet front of house, division of gardens. Poor Frank again this evening seized with convulsions. Enter accounts in evening. Has two fits.
Sunday. Morning duty, Carree and C Teddy go to church and I. Carree airs on the common after dinner, beautiful.
7th
Spend the day uselessly in the garden planting a whole host of things from Whites. Send for hay to Penmaen, work all day in garden and using hatchet late in evening. Am quite tired. Send nothing to the post.
8th
Plant in the garden again, all day. Carree comes out to garden new bed cut. EM arrives unexpected this evening after tea time in pony cart. Enter day book and accounts in evening and talking cosily.
9th
EM here, rise 6.00. About home all day. WT at new hot bed, help him. We cut and plant willows. Walk p.m. to Crickton. Much colder, glass very low, day dull, wet last night. Write to WM, send tally of 3 Turnpike Trust.
10th
Drive EM to Swansea, very very cold. Board of Guardians, election of chairman postponed. Bring laurels and larch home and dine at 6.00. Ted in town, do not see him, he comes to Caie Forgan before tea etc.
11th
Very cold again, keeping vegetation very backward. At home all day planting with EM, no occurrence except poor Agnes tumbling headlong on her head from the chair. Enter accounts and labour of today and yesterday all evening. Receive skins by J Smith from Buse's.
12th
Hoar frost, fine mild morning. Mild wet in showers all today. Walk before breakfast to and over Crickton. Plant remainder of White's plants out with EM between showers. Car home from Swansea in good time. Cambrian etc forgotten. Nothing done in evening but talking. Read one no. of Donaghue.
Sunday. Evening duty, very wet day. EM here. Walk alone to church, overtake Mr Grose, sit in his pew, fine to return. Dine after church. EKJ dines with us.
14th
Cold north west wind, busy with EM taking up thorns in pit etc and preparing for his taking things away with him tomorrow. Cross Inn fair, send C Reese 3 cattle, none sold. Good for large cattle, not small. Trim and head plantation with EM in evening.
15th
Very cold north wind. EM leaves in his pony cart for Tenby. Walk to Crickton to see what goes on. Trim willows to plant. Carree walks alone to Cillibion, I go later to tea there. Mr Stevenson of Penrice there.
16th
Getting hot, right an elm tree after riding Rosy to Crickton and Penralt. Carting stones from clover to drain. Trim plantation in garden. Drive to Ilston to dine, meet Mr & Mrs Griffiths of Cadoxton. Played cards and win with Carree. Home about 12.00.
17th
Court Leet at Bison. Ride Rosie to Penmaen, go with Mr James in his carriage to Kittle and walk on. J G Jeffreys holds the court, Illtud Thomas there. Dine at 5.00. People out of humour. Am on the jury and am appointed Reeve. What are the duties? Ride home after tea at Penmaen with EKJ.
18th
Beautiful morning, hot and still. About home all day except to Crickton after breakfast till dinner draining Furzeland. Thin and pollard plantation garden and walk after tea with Carree on the road towards Cillibion. Enter accounts in evening and settle last week's market with WR. Write to Fred and send a plant.
19th
Drive Carree and C Teddy early to Swansea, Farmers Club draft £10. Home in good time, meet children by Cillibion kiln and drive them home.
Sunday. Sacrament, stroll with Carree on common and meet EKJ.
21st
Rise at 6.00, trim trees etc. Hot summer weather, walked to Crickton after writing to Mr Milville. Work hard in garden with Carree and WT all day. W David calls in evening, pay him balance as above. Enter accounts.
Carree by Catherine Cornish about going to Bristol and Bury St Edmund's £3
Mrs Phelps, begging letter, great distress, lent 10/-.
22nd
Hot day, cold wind. Coals come in by Nancy vessel, take 2 tons. Great hindrance. About home all day, neat up with WT flower garden etc etc. Expect Mr & Mrs Collins to take early dinner, do not come. EKJ calls up, takes nothing, goes home again without a word. Get angry with WT for routing out wild roses. Gibbs daughter called wanting barley, none to spare. Thunder and some attempt to rain in evening, think it rained at Swansea.
23rd
About home all day, ride before breakfast on Moses to Mr Grose about barley. See drill at work and engage it for Saturday. Work in garden, sow mangold in pit. Mr & Mrs Collins come and dine. EKJ after dinner. Very hot day, am ill at night, overheated etc working in garden all morning and too good dinner after it.
24th
Not well all day. Cathe Cornish starts at 4.30 for steamer for Bury St. Edmunds. Not equal to much all morning, dine early and walk to call on Mr & Mrs Wood at Stouthall; Carree rides to R, children in donkey cart, for errands, shoes and hops. Walk into the garden at Stouthall and find Mrs Wood there; the wilderness very beautiful particularly and rocks, caves and wild clematis or traveller's joy. Pleasure garden very sheltered etc. Return to tea, rather late. In bed very early, tired. Repay Carree expenses of Catherine Cornish to Swansea by John Philip, she goes home to Suffolk.
25th
About home all day save at Crickton before breakfast to inquire of work and give orders etc. Read Harris's Abyssinia. Do not go to Penmaen, EKJ does. Plant in garden, quicks etc. Willis calls, mortgage not paid but pay him one peck oatmeal in Cold dull day, rain comes on at night, most welcome. RH calls about lime etc, enter accounts in evening. Wet night.
26th
Drive Bright to Swansea, was to take Mr Grose. He alters his mind, take Mr Ball instead. Am on a committee of Farmers Club at 2.00. Mr Illtud Thomas, Mr Nicholls, Mr Grose, Hancorne, Dodds there. Bread and cheese only at Castle and brandy and water. Pass J Hancorne returning home driving his daughter at 8.30.
Sunday. Evening duty, Mr & Mrs Grose and Master Pollard take tea with us. He and I walk over Crickton farm to see draining etc. EKJ does not come out.
28th
Sow all my barley by drill, about 7 acres, too wet on Saturday last. Out at Crickton before breakfast to see drill at work. Work in garden, WT sows herbs, I plant laurels, privet in nursery. Read paper etc. Write to Beynon about bill due. Wet misty evening, am again out to Crickton and over the farm. EKJ comes up to tea. Enter accounts in the evening. Children had no lessons today.
29th
At home all day, read Britannia, division Manooth grant. Washing day, slender dinner. Walk with Carree, after a little gardening, in evening towards Cillibion, take Agnes. Oats sown, barley, some harrowed.
30th
Lawn mown first time 1845. Would have I been about all day? Was at Crickton, RH calls. Walk out to shear(?) cattle and arrange about fair tomorrow, one cow to go, and walk over Crickton and to quarry at Penralt. Bar Jones there, give orders. EKJ with us. Wet in evening. Expecting to be quiet, obliged to attend parish meeting - overseers [Hopkins]. Accounts passed and new officers named etc. Not home and in bed till 12.00. Carree very unwell.
May
1st (Thursday)
Very cold indeed, drive EKJ to Swansea. Attend turnpike meeting, no business done, adjourned, no clerk. A meeting about County roads at Cardiff. Attend Board of Guardians, a full board appointed, on a committee to petition against new Poor Law union settlements. At supper on return at Mr Grose's, Mr & Mrs Perry, Mr Ball and Miss. Mrs Perry abominable. Carree better in bed.
2nd
On committee at Gower Inn to petition parliament against Union Settlements. J Collins, C Collins, Hancorne, Nicholls, EKJ there. Penrice came. Mrs James comes to Caie Forgan, Carree not well. We return by Penmaen, tea there. C Teddy sent to Penmaen.
3rd
Send WR to Swansea: butter, eggs etc. Henry Morris, brick man calls about brickyard, long affair, preliminary. Walk out to Crickton. Mrs James at Caie Forgan, not Mr. Cold and showery, trim trees in plantation. Sit upstairs, no convenience for writing, am very tired and can't get on.
Sunday. Morning duty. Drive Mrs James to church, no one else. Walk back with Mr Grose. Good sermon on the Ascension. EKJ does duty at Llanmadock, comes to Caie Forgan late. Read a sermon of W L Collins on fear of God's service, very good.
5th
Dry and cold, at home all morning. Begin writing to the bishop about confirmation. George Beynon and RH and Mr Gwyn of L called, long accounts settled. George Gibbs calls, no rent paid. Mr James and C Teddy come, dine and stay. Mrs James here. Carree better. Mr Thomas G calls about Crickton rent, nothing done. EKJ comes up late, all great interruptions. Sow clover seed and open drills for potatoes. Most busy, most interrupted day. Up late, enter arrear of diary etc and accounts and bring up all straight. Mr James agrees to stay over tomorrow.
6th
Wet comes on and coldish yet quiet, beautiful rain. Read Britannia paper. Mr & Mrs James here, talking of schools etc etc. Read Harris's Ethiopia. Up late, write to the bishop as to confirmation at Llanrhidian. Not in bed till past 12.00.
7th
Beautiful day a.m. but cold, showery in evening. Engaged to meet Howell John at Penclawdd about iron, triangle broke, can't weigh it. See over the works at Benson's colliery. Mr Mills shows it. Bread and cheese, Ship, not paid, and glass beer. Henry Morris is down about brickyard, finds a very useful clay Cefn Bryn. I Ride Rosie. Dine at 3 alone and walk to Cillibion to see potato setting begun to day.
School Penclawdd Batcock £1 6 0.
8th
Drive alone to Swansea to attend road meeting to get money spent on Gower roads and learn arrangements of County Board, full board. Much ado with Howell John and write to Liverpool about timber. Left Howell John part way home, home to tea, very cold, showery.
9th
About home all today. Curtains hung, screws put, in plant quicks. Potatoes setting Cillibion. Read WR's accounts taken, commissions for tomorrow, enter accounts.
10th
Swansea fair, sell Moses, hard work. Drive Bright and John Evans. Thunder and rain at fair and a wet ride home again. Drive EKJ also, at home about 7.30. Dine with EKJ and Grose at Cross Keys. Called on Mrs Woodruffe's with flowers. The 2nd child dead.
12th
Mrs James comes over with the two children and takes them back again after dinner. Rise early, about accounts all today. Mrs Jones of Bryngwas, David Heugate etc. In evening go to club meeting at the mill, nothing done. EKJ there, no, he has one of the keys, box not opened. At home at 8.00 with J Edwards, carpenter, very cold.
13th
Ride Rosie early after breakfast to brickyard, Henry Morris. Called at Penralt to tithe lambs etc at George Jones's. Sign petition against the Maynooth Grant for EKJ who I met there. Rose early this morning before 6.00. Walked to and over Crickton farm. Meet George Jones on my return about accounts and arrear of tithes, disputes agreement. Get angry with him and tell him to have no dealing again if avoidable. Read Britannia paper and garden a little.
14th
About home all day, Carree not very well this morning again and low. Rise early, sawyer here. Read Britannia paper and Harris's Ethiopia, finish volume 1. Garden a little. EKJ dines here and has a funeral, Williams of Leason. Write a few lines to Batcock at Bury St. Edmunds. Receive letter from Bishop of St. David's that confirmation will be held next time at Llanrhidian.
15th
Fair at Three Crosses, not away from home all day. A pleasant summer's day, sow flower seeds all day long, disagreeable work, always put it off late. Have kept the hens pretty well out of the garden lately, this very day they trespass again and kick up all my seeds!! Walked to Crickton in evening just as men are leaving work. Do not fill this up till Saturday. Read some club book and forwarded some to EKJ. Buy a white pole calf of Mr Lucas, Stouthall.
16th
Today and yesterday omitted till tomorrow, negligent all this week in filling up diary owing to heaps of club books. Am preparing to send to Swansea tomorrow, about home all day. Mrs James rides over, EKJ calls in, both dine with us. Children at Penmaen good and go to school at Miss Cole's Park, handling of colts! Mr Perry calls in in the evening late. Speak to him and get explanation of his friend A, some foundation for on dit, court martial years ago, honourably acquitted, I doubt.
17th
Penrice fair, ride Rosie there by Reynoldston to ask Mr Lucas to lend me boring irons for a well. Meet Tom Ball on the common working, talk to him and take the short cut to Penrice village. Most exquisite view, most execrable road. Dull fair as usual, pay the above rent to Gordon and Gibbs. Hear sad account of Gibbs son. Meet Mrs James and my two boys. Fair rings, buns, beer etc. Home to dine at 3.00. Work in garden. a little and sow clover seed. Help W David make a turkey coop. Receive letters etc by WR. Enter accounts in the evening late.
19th
Ride by appointment with EKJ early to Ilston meaning to return early. Dine there, roast pig, and not home till 10.00. Write to W Collins about wine, send post office order and write to Bury St. Edmunds, C Cornish. Garden forward and in good order there, get celery plants.
20th
Most beautiful day, rise at 6.00, walk to Crickton Hill before breakfast, lawn mown. Amuse the children, the elders at Penmaen. Sell a cow, sell a pony - Logic. Try to keep out wet, lead from drawing-room, bedroom window. Hen coops, plant celery, trim plantation Lower Field. Tom Philip at fence there, no one calls for money either day, how odd. Poor Agnes has a sad fall in nursery and cuts her eye severely. Caroline pretty well.
21st
Walk after breakfast to Cillibion fields, earth and dung turned over and drive Emma and Agnes to Penmaen. EKJ rides, dine there and return in good time. Rode Mr James black pony with EKJ to Mr Hawkins to inquire about tack for cattle. Not successful. Meet Mr Gape, meet all the Balls going to the Gower Inn, some young ladies staying there. Cold returning home.
22nd
Rise early, about home all morning, Read papers and at accounts and Nancy' vessel papers. Dine early and ride to the brick yard, coal carted in. Conversation with Henry Morris about fire bricks, clay at Landimore and Reynoldston. He was twice to Caie Vorgan today about money. Water garden with John late in the evening and enter accounts. Mr Dunn calls for turnip drill. News of death of George Gibbs of Overton. Had a long conversation with him on Saturday at Penrice fair!!!
Unloading coals for brickyard 6/6.
23rd
Beautiful warm, nay, hot day. Not from home. Read a little and little enough. Write several letters to Swansea, house in confusion, under purification of whitewash etc. EKJ comes up, Tim and Mrs Ball call and take tea. Stroll about garden to hear lulling buzz of loads of cockchafers.
24th
Most beautiful morning after some delightful rain in the night, exquisite weather. Neither go nor send to Swansea.
Sunday. Write to the coroner as to George Gibbs death advising an inquest.[2]
26th
Attend inquest at Overton, George Gibbs, this evening. Suspicious circumstances before inquest called, more suspicions on investigation. How will it end. Adjourned, funeral quite late, great concourse. Sup at Mr Perry's with C Collins and assistant surgeon Wrigglesworth. Not at home and in bed till near 11. Very cold, indeed.
27th
Henry Morris about bricks early. EKJ calls, call on Mr Grose. Walk over his farm, capital wheat. See Ebenezer Reese about arrear of tithes. Mr & Mrs J Collins take tea unexpectedly. C Collins expected from Overton, does not come.
28th
Very cold dull day. Missionary meeting at 6. Mr Pinhorn? Read Britannia. Write toWM. Children return to Penmaen, I walk to Crickton, try guano in garden. At village church in evening late. Call at Crickton on return.
29th
Drive alone to Swansea to the Board of Guardians, long meeting. Dillwyn Llewellyn in chair, Drive late to the Mumbles to meet Cathe Cornish, nurse, returning from Bury St. Edmunds, send out a boat to vessel, no-go. Meet Mr & Mrs Woodruffe, grog there. Call on Mrs Popkin, her daughter dead!!! Died Tuesday last. Poor Mrs Popkin, will she long survive the shock!!? She does. Morris the brickmaker went in with me to Cross Inn and then took in Mr Brandon. Very cold dull day.
30th
Most beautiful day indeed. Mr J Collins calls and takes family dinner, mackerel and turkey. EKJ, by accident, also of the party. Carree not well enough to join us. Mrs Collins too not very well. Both caught cold sitting in garden, see 27th. I am not over well. Ted to show his pony in Swansea tomorrow for sale. Walk to Cillibion fields to see preparation for turnips, 2 ploughs etc. Read Blackwood and prepare to send to town tomorrow.
31st
Send WR to Swansea. Calf sold to RH who also goes. Cathe Cornish returns from home, 5 weeks away. Walk to Cillibion, preparing to turnips. Write to C Collins about inquest by EKJ. About home all day. Borrow a horse of Mr Grose. Sow cabbage and turnips in pit in the evening with WT and J Evans. Beautiful wet night indeed. RH and WR bring home hay corn, Cornish luggage etc.
June
1st (Sunday)
What a splendid mild day, morning duty. Read a little in Bible with Carree who is not over well. EKJ calls in in the evening.
2nd
Very beautiful day again. Gwynn of Landimore calls. Write for him to Mr Penrice. At accounts etc all morning. Start for Llandeilo Rhynys after dinner. EKJ comes and lends me his pony. Start after 3.00 after dinner. At the farm about 9.00. Easy work, feeding pony at Loughor and at Mansell arms. Meet John Jones of Hunts and Mr Pritchard at Loughor and give them beer.
6th (Friday)
A son born today, premature confinement. Caroline dangerously ill, I at Llandeilo Rhynys. An express sent over to me tomorrow evening, the child was baptised by the Rev. E K James, his uncle, at Llanrhidian but lived only about 4 hours. Let us hope its spirit is in heaven and his mother may recover.
9th
Sunday. Ride from Llandeilo Rhynys after lunch at 1.00 to Caie Forgan by Llanon, Loughor, Penclawdd etc and arrived in stables in home before 5.30 easily. Glad to find Carree better after a dangerous confinement, premature funeral of the infant this evening. Find Mrs James here who goes to Penmaen. Am not at all fatigued, how extraordinary. Rode EKJ's grey mare, left EM at Llandeilo Rhynys.
Monday. At home again, rise before 6.00, about home all day. Mrs James comes over and brings letters. Write several to Fred, to Bristol etc. Mr Grose called about church pew. Walk with him over Crickton farm. EKJ calls after and walk with him to Mr Grose's, meet Mr Ball, Mr Grose getting well ...
10th
Rise about 6.00, damp beautiful morning, most propitious weather. Mrs James not here today. Ride to brickyard, kiln being set. Call on EKJ, Stafell Haegr, to see his hay grass, call at Penralt and RH calls on me and pays for a calf killed. Garden in evening. Mr Perry calls, reports favourably of Carree. Sell him a pig £1 10 0 and lend guano. Transplant flowers. Garden trimming quite late. Enter accounts. Finished Britannia and take it to Stafell Haegr.
11th
Very hot after a beautiful dewy morning. Splendid summer day. Mrs James rides over and stays with Carree all day. EKJ rides to Penmaen. I send John to post letters to Llandeilo Rhynys, Mr J Collins, EM and George, latter forgotten to direct a bill at 2 months for £200, enclosed. Carree does not feel so well again, heat of the day! Ride Mrs J's pony to Mr Perry's and come back with him, he thinks favourably. EKJ calls on return.
12th
Most splendid day, could not be better. Carree something better. Mrs J comes over and stays till cool, rides Rosy and keeps her at Penmaen. Read Dublin Magazine, too hot for work. Walk to Cillibion field, see nobody and return to Crickton. Walk over all the farm, everything doing well. Am out very late to enjoy the cool and trim garden, overgrown shrubs. Spoke to Mr Henry Lucas on the road.
13th
Very hot again, walk by Cillibion field, preparing for turnips, by Lodge to Park, call on Mrs Nicholls and Miss Cole. Meet Charles Teddy and Johnny there. Go on to Penmaen, dine and meet EKJ there and returns early to a funeral. I not home till past 8.00. Ride Rosy back, Mrs J had been yesterday. Thunder very loud, little rain at Penmaen, more at Park Mill and heavy at Cillonen almost none at Crickton where I called in evening to see Reese about Swansea tomorrow. RH calls up in evening for ditto.
14th
Drive EKJ to Swansea.
17th
At Cheriton with Howell John about larch spars. Return and go to brickyard, kiln burning, thence to Cillibion turnip field.
19th
At Swansea with Mr Perry, attend Board of Guardians. Am at the Cambrian office to put in Carree's confinement and death of the child, forgotten last week.
21st
Drive Valiant alone to Swansea, take butter, write to WFM Bristol and to WM in answer about shares in equitable and legal insurance.
27th
A thorough wet day, bad for hay and too much for turnips.
28th
Do not go to Swansea, send WR. Cathe Cornish goes also. About home all day except going to Crickton digging in orchard. Order hay not cocked moved in evening. Read Ethiopia, Cornwallis Harris. Send for rush to marsh. Send later to Reynoldston, Mr Perry, Carree not so well. Drizzling comes on.
Sunday. Morning duty, do not go. Expect Mr Perry. Go with EKJ to Nicholaston Church, meet Johnny and there, go to Penmaen. Wet ride home with EKJ before dark. Miss Cole at Penmaen.
30th
Fineish day after heavy wet last night. About home all day. Write to WM of tithe meeting 19th July and day taken up preparing for dinner, peas, carrots etc. Walk to Cillibion field after dinner. WT planting out marigold. What carriage drove by? Ayscough and his wife or cousin? Walked to Crickton and home by common, late to tea. Read Ethiopia and forward it. Mr Grose called, W Jone shoemaker wanted money, none. P Guy ditto. John Harry wife none, W Jone ditto. Tunk, brick maker, his son at Mr Granger's Neath was there himself ask his character there if wanted.
July
2nd
Swansea wool and cattle fair, brisk demand, prices improving. Do not send. RH goes and Jones undernurse, left our service young to marry Edwin Matthew, both paupers. Ride to Crickton to see about hay. C Reese gone to town, hay all abroad. Transplant mangold, gather peas, take children and maids to turnpike road on pony to go to Reynoldston. Drive Carree to Reynoldston shop and bring children home again. Wet evening, tremendous rain and east wind. Most sudden, such rain has not fallen for a very long time. Rock course pours out. Read Nemesis and dread the consequence of such weather.
3rd
Most doubtful day, glass won't rise. Very showery, very windy, cold for the season. About home all day, walk to Crickton after breakfast, can do nothing in hay, orchard dug and plant mangold. Hedges trimmed. RH calls in evening and pays some tithes. Hugh of wern .. brings a box. Gin also sent from Kent's. Work a little in garden. Meet EKJ at Crickton returning from Penmaen, weather bound yesterday. At home all evening. Read Nemesis, very interesting.
4th
Most beautiful today, carry clover hay, Crickton, garden all morning preparing for dinner at 12.00. Drive Carree to Wibley. Pay for honey had two years ago. Mr Penrice calls about tithe meeting on 19th, very friendly, q sincere? Think he may, stayed some time, don't like the 1st Tollard, upset, says Llewellyn sold thin. Wants tithe meeting postponed. Left his carriage at the gate. Two young girls in it, one grown up very pretty!!!!! One very young. He says they are sisters, daughters of his Wiltshire agent, why not?
5th
Drive to Swansea, take Emma and Ellen Jones sister, was under-nurse and left to be married. Do not take sister.
8th
At home alone, all children and Carree at Penmaen. Samuel Philip and Howell John call, former wants bill backed for £30 or 3 months, do it to my cost. Latter bill at 2 months for £40. Much said about Samuel Phillips letters, these matters prevent my attending to tithe accounts for 19th inst. Sent to Penmaen, ride at 1.00 to Stafell Haegr, dine there and then all evening. EKJ carries his hay, I send two horses and cars, much other gratuitous aid. Begin at 3.00, done before 9.00. Not home till past 10. What a lucky day, fine crop, not over dry.
9th
At home all day alone till EKJ comes up to dine etc, save Robert Harry being up helping to make out accounts for tithe commissioner on 19th inst. A very troublesome job and difficult. Write a note to Fairy Hill asking for tithes and asking for explanation of a letter in the Cambrian. Send RH over, receive a note from Mr P about same business after his return from Ilfracombe late this evening.Write to him.
10th
At home all day, write to Bristol, WFM and to Mr Herepath as to the poison case. Am concocting a statement for Cambrian. Receive answer from Fairy Hill, send replies. Lawn mown. EKJ comes up, go with him to see Cillibion turnips and walk over Crickton. RH and Eli Gordon come up after 2. Received £2 tithe of Mr Gordon in full to present time. Failure in bottling gooseberries. Dull damp day, drizzly rain at times.
11th
At home all today about tithe accounts and writing to Penmaen; preparing things to send over, being alone and meaning to join the party there tomorrow after going to Swansea. RH comes up and helps in evening. EKJ gone to Penmaen, calls on return. Send letter to Bristol. Get paper ready for Mr Mayberry. WR sent to Penmaen, John to Bryngwas.
12th
Drive to Swansea and return by Penmaen.
15th
2 Misses Voss, a brother and Miss Dodds at tea by invite at Caie Forgan.
18th
Return home from Penmaen, dress and attend christening of Mr Grose's children, party at Cillibion in evening.
19th
Go early to Swansea, take John, sold butter. Attend tithe meeting, important one though nothing done. Adjourned to October 30th. All established that was done before and averages agreed to, valuation entered on.
21st
Rise at 6.00 and get out. Dull heavy hot day, east wind looking like thunder and rain. none seen or heard, clear evening. Sudden brisk wind springs up. Gathering fruit and vegetables all morning, peas, blackcurrants etc. Carree rides, I walked to brickyard. Henry Morris returned, absent above a week at Neath etc, a sly fellow that!!! Am making hay at Crickton and mowing. Called at Penralt on return from the marsh and Carree leaves me at Crickton. In garden with children in evening. Potato onions in evening, write to Howell John and Ilston. Enter some accounts etc. Henry Morris called up, some quarrelling in the brickyard, must see about it tomorrow, do not do so.
22nd
Brisk NE wind, fine day for hay. About home all day. Tucker mows the lawn. Read Britannia paper. 2 Misses Voss and brother and a Miss Dodds at tea here in the evening.
23rd
Most extraordinary dull November-like day to the eyes, threatening thunder and rain, some little falls. Hay making day still but slow, no air. In garden all morning. Write to Penralt. Meet RH and EKJ comes there. Discussion on tithes. Carree comes, do not go to brickyard. EKJ returns with us to tea. Tie preserves in the evening for Carrie. All morning gathering blackcurrants and getting and shelling peas. Washing day, horrid annoyance always.
24th
Another most extraordinary dull day. Calm, hot, electric, threatening. Walk over to Crickton and Cillibion, hay making and clearing turnips. Talk to C Reese as to the quarrel in field yesterday, nothing elicited. Dine at Ilston.
26th
Drive Carree to Swansea. Bill at 6 months for 100 WW Uckfield.
August
Margin note reads very wet weather most seriously for a fortnight'.
9th (Saturday)
Most beautiful hot day, do not send to Swansea or go. This should be meant for next Saturday, a mistake.
13th
Fine day. Mrs Wood and Mrs Falkener call on us at Caie Forgan. Mrs F's a very nice child. Lawn mown. Trim shrubs etc. Dine early, ride Ted's pony to brickyard, kiln lighted. Meet Ted and Carree at the tailor's, go to Stafell Haegr. Meet Samuel Gibbs by appointment at home at 6.00. Long confab about poison case, declare myself author of the inquest and explain the circumstances. Was to have had tea with Mr Collins, can't go. Enter accounts in evening and write to WM about collecting tithe. Corn if ti(the) hay be refused Upper Division.
14th
Drive Carree and C Teddy to Swansea. Turnpike gate removed. Old Road Trust dissolved, attend the meeting and attend Board of Guardians, subject of new union house negatived. Regatta - see nothing of it. Tea at Mrs Popkin's. Home very late, shopping, Mrs Hughes silk gown. Call at Mr Wrigglesworth's, long confab about Gibbs case.
15th
At home all day till Mr & Mrs James call and dine. We all return to Penmaen and tea there. Call on the Terry's, gone to Kilvrough. Meet Mr Collins at Penmaen. Very cold returning home. All children and Kathy, 5 in the car and a sack of malt!!!!! Take care of Martin's act. Sent 2 ponies to Swansea fair, sell neither. Ted sells one.
16th
Most beautiful today. Garden, peas and beans gathered. Plant broccoli etc. Apply oil of vitriol to turnips, experiment. Go to brickyard in evening. Carree and 2 children tea at EKJ's and walk in marsh. Hopkin of Wimmel rock stone. Talk with Thomas the mason about chancel etc. Garden by moonlight, enter accounts evening.
19th
Threatening morning, not out tho' a shower slight. About garden. Luncheon dinner, drive at 3.00 to Swansea to meet WFM from Bristol, can't come, return alone. Gate removed near Uplands. Home by 10.00. EKJ and Carree greatly disappointed, so am I. Monstrous cold. Enjoy a fire in the evening.
20th
Fine day, not from home all day. EKJ goes to Swansea about stones for chancel etc. Coals arrive. Read a magazine, get vegetables. WT mows the green in evening, helps me plant swedes in garden, an experiment. Get very tired after tea. Enter day accounts and experiment of turnips.
21st
Rise at 5.30, walk over Crickton farm, kill ducks and chickens. See turnips at Cillibion etc before breakfast. RH calls about Davies of Welsh Moor for a bill for £12 arrear of tithes and write to Bryngwas. Phil Guy calls, go through his account, unsatisfactory. Write to Howell John about iron, timber etc and send John. Work in garden, trim ivy etc etc. Turkeys nest top of wall. EKJ calls, Llewellyn and Isaac Griffiths. Mr WFM arrives from Bristol most unexpected about 8.00. RH again in evening and gives me £5 on account of Bryngwas. Distracted with tithing hay, Wibley, Cilivor, George Jones etc. Young turkeys hatched. Brew, busy day.
22nd
Mr Morgan of Bristol with us at Caie Forgan. Gower book club at our house, no ladies, a dull affair. Had walked and rode with Mr M to Stafell Haegr in the morning. EKJ at the church preparing chancel for bishop on the 9th September. Beautiful day again.
23rd
Dine all hands at Penmaen by invitation of yesterday. Mr WFM walks over, we drive him back. Arrangement about horses etc and Mr M's returned to Bristol on Monday and our departure on Tuesday.
Sunday. Fine again, morning duty, Mr M rides over to Penmaen. Evening duty also and returns to church early. Some desultory talk in evening.
25th
Mr Morgan was to have gone to Swansea this evening ready for the mail or coach tomorrow to Bristol. All arranged. A thorough wet evening sets in and plans all deranged. He is now to go off tomorrow morning. Message from Penmaen and the horse sent in to Swansea, how unlucky.
26th
Drive tandem to Swansea, Mr Morgan to Bristol by packet at 12.00. Mr Simonds goes. Home by 7.00, Mr & Mrs James here ready for tomorrow. Wear spectacles 1st time all day. Inflammation on my eyes and swelled. Drive carriage of Mr Francis. Caroline and C Teddy with me. Busy about pictures etc by the Gazelle at EM's Captain John's. Take some home etc. Send some to Institution by Mr Francis. Home to tea late and find Mr & Mrs James there. Pack ready for tomorrow.
27th
Start for Carmarthenshire by Poundfold, Loughor, Llanon. 7 hours journey. Mr & Mrs James, Carrie, self and 2 boys. Feed at Loughor, feed at Llanon. Drive Bright and Mr James new man Brown. Beautiful day for journey but few gates to play. Loughor bridge made a county bridge and clears others, a consequence of Rebecca riots. Go with Offey late to see turnips and some crops. Far from clean, ergo not good and backward, not creditable to my mind.
28th
At Llandeilo Rhynys, came yesterday. Give the horses a holiday and walk about the farm. Crops not bad, much layed (sic) by late rains and floods. All corn ripe simul. Hands scarce. Write to Tenby and to George. Very hot, splendid weather, how fortunate.
29th
Drive to Carmarthen, all hands, Bishop's invitation. Meet EKJ and give him his carpet bag. Lots of Gower clergy at the Bush, go to the church, hear the B ishop's charge - very fine language, 2 hours long and more. Dine at the Bush with the Bishop and clergy. Only 3 laymen or 4. Mr J Collins, in wickedness, proposes our healths. Obliged to get up, Mr Phillips of notoriety objects to publication of the bishop's charge. Neat reply of the bishop's and explanation. Enter cattle late for Carmarthen cattle show on the 9th, can't go. Send letter to Tenby and to George. Renew acquaintance with Mr Melvil.
30th
At Llandeilo Rhynys; about the farm, fishing and lounging. Call with Carree late on the Nicholls, out. Very hot, fine harvest weather indeed.
Sunday. Very fine, drive to church at Llanegwad. Mr Evans and Mr James both preach, the former reads all the prayers. Go over the new built house for vicar, very gordoni. Mr J and Mr E discover an exchange of hats at visitation on Friday.
September
1st (Monday)
Again most beautiful, the glass falls a little. Busy about harvest and forego a drive lest to interrupt. Fishing and idling order of the day.
6th (Saturday)
Return from Llandeilo Rhynys by Swansea. Start at 8.00, in Swansea quarter before 1.00. Home at 8.00, relay of horses to Cross Hands, Bishop and Jolly. Mr James and Bright to Swansea. Two greys home.
Sunday. Sacrament. Tea at Penmaen, walk with family by Lodge through wood, park etc. Walk in dark, hard work.
8th
At home again from Llandeilo Rhynys. Beautiful weather still, busy day, tithing. Fanny Woodward with us, walk to Crickton.
9th
Beautiful day, very fussy tithing etc. Mr and Mrs Parry call, tea. EKJ's pointer leaps through a window in hall.
10th
At home all morning gravelling front. Read Britannia, walk after dinner with family and two boys to brickyard. See inside of church., EKJ there, much cleaned and improved. Dull day, damp almost. Wet a.m., corn carried.
11th
Dine at Ilston, a large party, and meet the Bishop.
12th
Bishop of St. David's Canon Thirwall confirms children, first time at Llanrhidian church. Lunches at Caie Forgan. I, unfortunately, quite ill. My friend Mr Melville with his Lordship as chaplain, how unfortunate. Am well enough to come down and see them on sofa before their departure. See yesterday's imprudence.
17th
Very wet morning, showery all day. Mr & Mrs Woodruffe dine with us and Miss Parsons and Miss Langdon. Drive to Arthur's stone in carriage in evening by Fairy Hill and Manselfold. EKJ at funeral, Chapel.
18th
Showery drive to Penmaen and leave Fanny Wooward there. Miss Cole home as governess.
19th
Beautiful day, glass very low, all hands about corn. Bind barley etc. Walk with Carree to Mrs Grose's in evening, Miss Cole and children meet us there.
20th
Neither go nor send to Swansea, tithes about. RH takes mutton and veal, have hind quarter of mutton and sheep's head. Read Blackwood, give orders about tithes home, not executed, actually caught in wet, thorough wet after 11.00a.m. Walk to Crickton, long conversation with Phil Long about Gibbs family etc. Get wet, dine at 2.00. Read Blackwood, unpack box of books(?), London. Look over papers in dark. Gip found again, lost a week. Enter day accounts etc late.
22nd
Drive to Swansea with Carree, Fanny Woodward and EKJ to concert of Mr Wilson, Scotch songs. Dine at Mrs and Mr Woodruffe's and sup and home at 2.00. Monstrous cold returning home, frost.
23rd
White frost, cold brisk wind.
24th
Very sharp white frost and ice!!!! Fine day, all tender plants destroyed viz dahlias, hydrangeas, vegetable marrow, nasturtiums etc. Beauty of garden gone.
25th
Dull doubtful morning, warmer. Rain comes on, fine again before midday. Rise early and get out to see wheat capped, meant to have carried and do before night. To the brick yard after breakfast to meet Mr Jennings and Howell John. Sell former 10 or 12,000 bricks at 25/- on board a vessel, RH there. Carree has face ache. Mrs J calls, do not see her. Read Britannia. Carry wheat till late in evening.
26th
Milder weather, not settled. Fine day after showers in night. Rise early, read my college friends, very good, WLC, read Blackwood. Shell peas, ride Llewellyn's pony to Wibley with Fanny and EKJ. Never over inside of castle before. An old bed, shall try to buy it. Look for a hare on commons. Plant a few laurel cuttings, Mr and Miss Perry, EKJ dine with us. Play backgammon, German game as shown me by Mr Perry. Hear Glasbrood, relieving officer, is dead!! Not true I think. Bed at 12.00 after entering accounts etc.
30th
Cousin Fred Woodward arrives by Flying Francis from Newport and
Swansea. We all dine at Penmaen and find him at Caie Forgan on our return. Fanny
Woodward left at Penmaen.
October
3rd (Wednesday)
Wet again, woeful for late harvest of which a good deal is out.
6th
Subscription National School 10/-
8th
Get wet through driving Fred W by Llythrydd Cwms to call on Mr Gape and dine at Penmaen. Difficulties in Cwms, man 1/-.
10th
Slept at Penmaen, drive carriage to Mumbles by Caswell, Rev. F Woodward, Fanny, Mrs J, self and Carree . Beautiful day till late, rain again in Sir J Morris's park. Meet Mrs J's carriage at Killay. Home wet, thunder and lightning just after return home. This should be for yesterday.
11th
Drive to Swansea, leave Mr Francis carriage. Fred Woodward and Fanny only, in time to save mail to Newport, they are gone. Return home, Carree, two daughters and Cathe Cornish in dog cart. Beautiful evening. Tandem two Greys, Rees Thomas postillion, 1½ hours easy work.
13th
Walk over to Llanelli with Howell John after riding to Penclawdd. See timber arrived by Watchful. Cross back in boat, a party of 10 by moonlight, one hour and half. Tea at Penclawdd, boy pony 6d boat man Morgan 6d. Ride home by marsh a fearful adventure with George Gibbs of Overton, he was however quite sober and wonderfully civil, got home safe by 10.30 o'clock. He had called at Caie Forgan and learned I had gone to Penclawdd, it savoured of way laying and premeditated mischief, is he only brave when drunk or only civil when sober?
14th
Ride with RH to Howell John's, Bryngwas and Blaenkedy. Receive a few pounds of Guy and arrange for a sale loan, just save the tide and home by 4.30. Ride Llewellyn's Star pony, what an animal!
15th
Walk to Crickton, ploughing Cross Lane field, Mr J Strick's plough, a great improvement on ploughs. Get wet, expect Mr & Mrs Allen to dine and Penmaen, neither comes. Church in evening at 6, harvest sermon, poor attendance
16th
Ride with Carree to mill about Ruth and to brickyard, coal landing and bricks out to Penclawdd, Howell John's barge. Mr and Mrs Allen dine with us and EKJ. Go to top of Cilivor Hill, they leave early and we tea at Cillibion, Mrs Nicholls there and the Perry's, Pollards etc. Large party, lose at whist 7/-!!! At 3d points. Not home till 2.00, shameful.
17th
Dull threatening day, cold and windy.
20th
Mr Grose's sale at Cillibion begins today, lasts all week, am there every day. No rain all the week, mild warm and calm, how fortunate for Mr Grose. They leave next Saturday evening for Swansea for packet, Early Monday, by return of steamer, our new cook [Williams] comes over.
28th
Spend morning at Oxwich, lunch and drive Carree, Mr & Mrs Allen leave , Mr & Mrs W Collins return home to tea.
29th
Blaencedi sale, Phil Guy sold up. Robert Hancorne auctioneer, Mr Beor there. Went by Penllwyn Robert, new thrashing machine.
30th
Tithe meeting, drive EKJ to Swansea. Wet morning, beautiful day. Carree prepared to go, disappointed, no second horse. RH rides Mr J James pony. No meeting after all, Mr Jones injured, mail upset, wheel came off. Penrice and a host came into the battle all disappointed. Write to WM, finish letter at Mr Beor's after dinner. EKJ and Phil Evans there, draw £12. Pay poor rate Upper Division tithe £6.15 0, Lloyd of Crofte collector.
31st
Fine weather indeed. Walk early to Cillibion, winnowing wheat. Lead colt after dinner and Carree rides to Penralt village and brickyard and tea at Stafell Haegr. Home in dark.
November
1st (Saturday)
Most exquisite weather today and for some time. Neither go nor send to Swansea. About home all day. Wheat sowing nearly done. Fetch straw from Cillibion with children.
3rd
Grave dug for son Henry 5/-
Drive Carree to Mrs Pearce's, Mrs Perry's and home to tea by Fairy Hill. Oatmeal 2 quarts and borrow bag of Willis, not paid. Vinegar at Reynoldston. Settle accounts with WT tailor. Write letters and at accounts all evening. At accounts in morning with RH. Llewellyn here about Blaencedi. J Walker about brick kiln. Men about corn at Cillibion.
4th
Very cold and dry east wind. About home all day, begin draw potatoes. Ride to brick yard, meet Howell John in village, cuts elms in lane. Kiln at brick yard going on. Ted calls, breaking in new pony. Walked to Crickton, see headlands of wheat sown. Arrange for cows to be tied up. Send letter to Penmaen for Offey etc. Make out Blaenkedy accounts, settle with Guy who is leaving.
5th
Walk with RH to Blaenkedy by marsh, etc, lunch at Penclawdd 2/6. Call at the works, see Captain Jennings. Mortar from cockle shells. Phil Guy not at home, useless journey. Cross to Penllwyn Robert etc. Call at J Davies Welsh Moor, agree for cows £7 as part of bill at 2 months for £12. Home late to tea. Exquisite mild day, beautiful light night. Not very tired though not used to long walks.
6th
Drive Carree to Swansea and Cathe to meet Howell John and Mr James James about Oxwich, iron etc. Home to tea. Most beautiful day and night. Dry east wind, coldish and windy.
11th
Beautiful weather again.
12th
Balance wages of Maria Williams by cheese plate broken.
13th
Nancy loaded with bricks. Horses wanted to thrash at Cillibion. Wait till tomorrow, ride to marsh to meet EKJ. Mrs J called, don't see her. Walk with Carree who rides to Cillibion. Read last no. of O'Donaghue. About home all evening. Trim a tree, write notes, arrange for tomorrow etc. Enter accounts etc. Exquisite day, hoar frost in morning.
14th
At home all morning, arrange and enter some bills. Walk to Stafell Haegr, Carree and children, donkey. Dix, no money, borrow £3 of EKJ. Horses thrashing at Cillibion. Preparing to go to Carmarthenshire tomorrow, fussy work, people calling for taxes. J Davies of Welsh Moor brings his cow to fat, less fine today but fine.
15th
Doubtful wet morning so we start after lots of fine weather for Llandeilo Rhynys by Loughor. Start too late, bait at Loughor and get an extra leader to top of Fellinfawr Hill. Lunch at Loughor. Showery at Llanon, expect horse to meet us, just gone! Gallop on and overtake him at Cwmmawr Bridge, no harness!!! Substitute rope to attach traces to, Offey!! All's well that ends well. John Philip and Fanny Rees arrive by cart with furniture etc. The latter leaves our service, will she marry WR!!!? She does.
17th
Sunday. Very wet, no church. Scarcely from the house, not till the evening, Llandeilo Rhynys.
Monday. At Llandeilo Rhynys, walk over farm with Offey, EM's bailiff from Cwm Rappon waits orders, write to EM, where is he?
18th
Drive Valiant to Llan. Carree wanting to see Mrs Griffiths, late Jones. Return and drive to Abercothi, party shooting: Colonel Love, Major Scott etc. Masons here today and also yesterday.
19th
Showery day, flood rising in Towy. Most vivid lightning tonight and thunder but very quiet and starry. Not much rain this evening. Was improving the garden fence today, much wanted by the bridge.
20th
A better day after lightning last night. Send 2 oxen to Pontardulais for Gower by John Philip to meet C Rees and bring to Llandeilo Rhynys a cart of furniture from Gower. Arrive late but all right. George called this evening from Allt y Gog, is now in some hobble with Jenkins about the place, he claims a life interest. Read Agricultural Report and Blackwood. Repairing garden hedge Llandeilo R. Mrs Jones now Griffiths comes from Llan, Mr Bridger called, go with him to Ystrad. See over the house under repair. In the evening at accounts with Offey.
21st
A still better day, about home all morning lopping trees at Llandeilo Rhynys. Superintend. Drive Carree after lunch to Allt y Gog, more about Jenkins, speak to him in gig on the road, [he seems reasonable though inclined to bite because snapped out by FG so he says]. Introduced to Captain and Mrs Scott, they meant to call on us. On returning meet Colonel and Mrs Love who have called on us, we are quite ashamed they should see the place. Mr Bridger takes pot luck with us and spends the evening.
22nd
Fine day save a misty shower at Carmarthen. Drive there with Carree early, called at Allt y Gog, see George. Go to new market with George, not finished. Call on Major and Mrs Scott, they know my mother etc. Lunch there, drive Mr Bridger back, call on Mrs Lewis, Abergwili. Call at Palace on Mr Milvil. Gone from home.
24th
Church at Llanegwad, drive Carree, call at Castle Howell, Mr D ill. Very foggy. Mr Bridger dines with us and makes the evening pleasant.
Monday. Drive Carree, call at Allt y Gog. Return, call on Colonel and Mrs Love, pleasant house. Call on Mr & Mrs Evans clerk of Llanegwad, could no shoot with George. Copy Offey's books. H Williams here at 10. Jenkins of Allt y Gog calls about dispute with George, decline interfering.
25th
Wet morning, fine mild day. About home all day, Carree far from well, gets better. Weigh butter and cheese and take various accounts of all things and make sundry future arrangements. Prepare for tomorrow, Jonah Williams calls about butter, sell some. Settle Fanny's accounts and gun paper for Offey to pay.
26th
Start home from Llandeilo Rhynys. Carree and I with Bishop. Sent on Bright to Llanon. Meet old Farmer with Rees Thomas, his father there too. At 2.00 some dinner there and come on tandem home to tea just at dark. Heated a wheel for want of oil and delayed at Cartersford. Agnes and Frank glad to see us. Rest at Penmaen, all well. Dull gloomy rather windy, no rain.
27th
At Caie Forgan again, dull and sometimes damp and misty. About home, all things pretty well, find out what has been done, what wants doing etc etc. Walk to Crickton, Rees at plough, Long Acre W stubble. Return and set WT to drain inner garden, neatred up front garden with him this morning. Mrs James calls, I do not see her. EKJ calls, forgets the papers. Arrange to meet cart from Llandeilo Rhynys tomorrow. A budget of letters: Mrs M of Priory sends godson £5 order on Post Office, my mother writes too, in trouble about houses, the last person to be in trouble.
28th
Walk early to village and Penralt. Meet Clement, do not go to brick yard, go to mill. Order WD by wife to make case for two bricks for Cwm Ammon. Detained by heavy rain at F Thomas. After return meet Mr Wood and WL Collins hunting. Mr Thomas Gordon calls about vessel account, deferred to Tuesday. Drive Carree to Penmaen to dine at 3.00, lucky in weather. Return late and write letters for Swansea to send by RH: Mr Tripp, Mr Beor etc.
29th
Not from home except to Cillibion turnips. Garden a little. Read a little, magazines and papers. Feel very heavy and tired all day. RH calls in evening with mutton and Cambrian and learn by him F Davies is to be sold up. Children return home from Penmaen and Miss Cole. Wettish day. Mrs Eynon widow late of the gate, dead.[3] Up late writing to Mr Beor in regard of P Guy.
Sunday. Rather fine, a shower. Sacrament, can't get all the children to church, Emma sent back crying. Evening spent oddly routing out drawers, hunting for green handled knife and fork, not found.
December
1st (Monday)
After wet windy night, wind south, fineish day. Get up potatoes, rout out book case, hunting for green-handled knife and fork. Sort newspapers etc. J Jenkins cows taken in trespass on turnips. Walk in evening to Cillibion. Worked in garden. Settled with Llewellyn about wheat sold etc.
2nd
Nanny Batcock £1 0 0/ Very showery, not from home. About accounts, Joseph Gwyn of L calls to settle his account, nothing done, no voucher for £10. Paid C Collins. EKJ and Mr Hawkins there. Wanted to prepare for Mr Gordon on the Nancy account, prevented. Enter account of cheese and butter from Llandeilo R. Mary Thomas calls, has a cask. Various customers for jam.
3rd
Fine day, cold. Ride by appointment to Thomas Gordon's to settle vessel account, a day's work involving accounts with Howell John etc. Leave pony at Oldwalls. No dinner, home to tea and cold mutton. Most curious phenomenon in the sky, aurora borealis and light spiral from northeast about 7.00, before 9.00 becomes a white rainbow reaching over half the hemisphere from north east to south west and gradually vanishes. Evening quite quiet and cold.
4th
No rain in night, beautiful tranquil morning. Bustling sort of morning, write to Mr Beor statement of Guy's account. Send by EKJ who calls, Mrs J calls, brings papers and bill of 1836 to Cambrian office. Write answer to Mrs J. Drive Carree for Stouthall, get to Mr Perry's, dine there. They go to Llythrydd and we come home again wet. Wet evening, read Britannia paper through and go to bed.
5th
Walk to brick yard, give orders to improve entrance. Go to Stafell Haegr, see Dix about F Woodward's cloth. EKJ's mare bled, RH there. Return and go to Cillibion, thrashing oats there. Picking potatoes at home, winnowing, geese and prepare for market. Wet in evening part. Write to Offey etc.
6th
Drive Carree and C Teddy to Swansea. I attend road meeting at hall. Received Post Office order for £5 for Emma from Mrs Mabbot. Very showery, particularly on return, Fairwood Common. Mr James James and Howell John about timber at Llanelli and iron Oxwich etc. Home to tea, no dinner. Carree and CT dined at Mrs Woodruffe.
8th
Sunday. Evening duty. Children of school 1st day in gallery. Ted has Rosy to go to Nicholaston church. Dine after church, turkey. EKJ comes up.
Monday. Driving misty day, all hands thrashing at Cillibion. Mason about back kitchen, pick out iron for same. Out of sorts all day. Children most noisy and unpleasant. Frank often shows signs of intelligence for 18 months old. May God protect him and increase his faculties if he deserve it.
9th
Thomas Thomas calls in, settle accounts with him. Carree rides to Penmaen, I dine alone. Long morning at home. Walked to Cillibion, barley/winnowing, receive letter from EM, one from Liverpool, not pleasant. Must answer it and write to my Aunt Mabbott.
10th
Fine day, at the forge about new grate making.
Cheese, home-made, Mrs Batcock at Dolphin 2/6
About home attending to putting up new grate, back kitchen. Drive Carree and Agnes to Mr Howell John's about timber and Liverpool £464 6 5. Bill overdue. Terrible road. Howell John to make necessary inquiries tomorrow, most beautiful day. Read Britannia in evening. Carree attends school in village, singing.
11th
Ride Rosy to the fair, meet RH and Martin Gordon on common going. EKJ overtakes, look at the cattle at the fair. Mr Stevenson very civil. Some good cattle indeed. Do nothing at fair, send nothing. Dine at 2.00. No one from Penmaen. Cold day, fine wind, strong NW. Mason at home fixing grate in back kitchen. Richard Jones late of L here all evening. Called a meeting of Parish for Tuesday next. EKJ leaves with Mr Jones.
15th
Ride to Penmaen on Bright early. Drive to Swansea with Mrs James, business with James James. Timber account, iron etc. Tea, dinner at Penmaen. Find Carree there and ride home together.
16th
Walk over Crickton, fine day, read politics in Britannia. Ministry resigned, Lord J Russell party in again. God protect us. Attend parish meeting in evening to little or no purpose. Transplanted a little in garden this morning, a grand squirrel hunt on common, children find one near Moor Mills and catch it.
17th
About home all day except walking to brick yard and Carree rides. Some showers. Old Walker the farmer there, his son gone, q if married. Mr Perry and EKJ called here to shoot at Prisk. He sends us a woodcock. Winnowing and brewing and carting mangold. RH and W Davies of P in the evening about old accounts.
18th
Drive to Swansea cattle show and dine at Club dinner, 150 sit down. Mr Vivian in chair, do not enter for prize. Mr Vivian gets Mr Rolls Cup for 4 quarters of barley. Good sample indeed. Very cold going, no wet going or returning yet very wet again before morning. Write at Swansea to EM
19th
About home all day, rather tired, late home last night after Farmers Club dinner. Walked to Crickton. Settle accounts with George Walker and F Clements, the father here in place of his son now married. Seems honest, can't say.
20th
Very windy and cold, at home all day. Get the road and haggard cart shed, yard etc put in order and cleaned up. WR at Swansea. Llewellyn from Blaenkedy ditto. Read Blackwood.
22nd
Sunday. Evening duty, very fine and cold, four children go. EKJ and RH come up to tea..
Monday. Most wet and stormy again. At home all day, tithe book. Cut chaff in evening to get warm. Mr & Mrs Perry come to tea in evening and to woodcock and oysters. Illuminate windows.
23rd
Brick yard account Mrs Batcock for George Walker £1. 3. 0.
Wet morning, fine stormy day and cold. All day about arrear of tithe book. Walk to see ploughing at Crickton in evening. Carpenter making alterations in nursery.
24th
Very fine sunny calm day. Walk with RH to Cillibion about Mr Grose's potatoes, poor speculation. Look at my own turnips, contemplate drains and the probable chance of getting water to the house. Drive Carree and two boys over top of hill to Penmaen. Dine and meet Mr & Mrs Nicholls, sleep there. Mr and Mrs James very well. Inclined to get misty again at night. Play at Fright and Johnny wins all.
25th
At Penmaen, breakfast and drive home by the farm in time to dine at 1.00. Evening duty, good congregation. Contemplate going to Stafell Haegr, dark night and lowering look of sky, say no. I call on RH at Penralt about Blaenkedy and walk home to tea. Llewellyn also at Penralt. Guy, it seems, has left and taken the house at Cilivor Common. Fine day after damp morning.
26th
About arrears of tithe book all morning, misty driving day again, what changeable weather!!! Am about the barn, corn winnowed and garden. Write to EM and many commissions to Swansea for tomorrow. Bed late.
27th
At home all day, read Blackwood. Windy showery unpleasant cold. Go to forge and get iron made for common turnip cutter. WR to Swansea, only barley. Read Morning Herald in evening, Conservatives in power again.
Sunday. Sacrament, go alone, very wet. No horse can go. I want shoes and tired can't walk, read Bible in the evening to Carree and the children.
29th
Wet still, comes on misty and worse. About home all day, day gone in no time. John Hancorne calls about Cillibion to be underlet and back a bill for £42 at one month. 3 children and Miss Cole go to Penmaen. Read newspapers, Southover Priory. Do not pay poor rates on tithes Upper, object to the rate. Carree writes various letters and congratulates the season. Enter accounts in evening and mean to write to Lewes.
30th
Misty morning blows off cold, not very fine, bright night. About home all morning, read magazines. Model tuning pianos, sleeps here. Walk in evening to Cillibion barn, thrashing. Read Britannia in evening, bed late.
31st
Wet again after 11.00, deplorably so, a new moon too. Walk to Crickton and send 7 young cattle by Llewellyn to Blaenkedy. Mason at work here, alters a window to a fireplace. Read Blackwood, write to Willey, enter accounts.