Diary of James Black, November 1837 - October 1844 - Manuscript
diary (in pencil) of [James Black], proprietor of the
Randalstown cotton mills and merchant of Charleston,
South Carolina, U.S.A.
1837 Notes mostly for November.
1 November
Nothing very particular: [a parcel?] came from Augusta on
24th. Met a great many acquaintances; examined my books, I
found all pretty fair; had some conversation with Mr. Redmond
about my draft to Mollyneux for £700, said nothing could be
done in it until I made it in business, all my property being
under attachment, [received?] a letter from Mrs B [Black?] of
1st and 4th September which was very gratifying. Dined with
Captain Larmour on board the "China" in company of I. Robertson
H. and W. Blair, R. Witherspoon, C.W. Magwood, Wm. [William?]
Purvis, Capt. [Captain?] H. [Hurst?] Capt. [Captain?] Rown.
4 November
For three days nothing extraordinary happened. Had a
friendly letter from R. Campbell covering one from Robert
Black. I wrote him and enclosed a letter from [B. Newill?]
showing his attention and friendship for Robert and mentioning
his marriage to Miss Bonner last 19th. John McClure arrived
today per "Victoria", by way of New York.
9 November
For several days I have met nothing new to note, went to the
Hibernian Society, paid my arrears. Drank two glasses of
punch; sung a song and told a story, for which I think I was
much laughed at. Mr. Hyde came today to invite me to spend the
evening, but as I dislike card playing, I declined going. On
the 7th I took tea at Thomas Stephens, saw a great variety
of nice work made by his daughter for a fair to be held
shortly, the proceeds are intended for the support of the
Manual Labour School in the interior, a worthy object.Until today
the weather has been uncomfortably warm, but a
smart shower last night caused a change of wind and made the
temperature more comfortable. Margaret and I went to the
Depository to hear Mr. Occult Lecture on Phrynology
[Phrenology?] and were much pleased. He had the organ of
Ideallity [Ideality?] strongly developed and spoke for an hour
and a half without hesitation and without notes. He said he
had not studied what language he was to use on the occasion.
#PAGE 2
22 November [1837?]
Business matters going on pretty smoothly; Redmond modestly
urging some settlement of Molyneux bill, I told him nothing
could be paid until I make some money in business. Spent last
evening at Mr. Hyde's, played cards, supped and drank punch to
12 o'clock; Capt. [Captain?] Larmour, Plain (a fat customhouse
officer) [Jas?] Jones and son and R. Gillfillin were the party.
Miss Hyde played well and sung tolerably, young Jones also played
the piano and myself and others sang several songs
27 November
Dined at Mr. Adger's by special invitation on the 23rd inst.
[instant?] in company with Mr. M. Bones, Mr. G. Y. Davis, Mr.
Boven ( a partner of W.& J. Brown & Co.[Company?] [John?]
Ellison, and four or five others. The Rev. [Reverend?] Thos.
[Thomas?] Smyth's eldest child Sarah died last night of croup.
I had a very extraordinary night last night, I thought
I was on Lurgan [West?] farm at Randalstown, Ireland, the place
where I was reared, that set to eat my flesh, and finally got
off one of my legs, that appeared to me to be very nicely
formed, with a boot and buckle on it , the buckle I plucked off
and was in the act of digging a grave for it in the [front?]
field in company with Hy [Henry?] Devlin when I awoke.
29 November
The ship "Harriet Scott" arrived yesterday from Belfast to my
address with potatoes, coal, hay and whiskey. The "Napoleon"
came in to be today with salt, potatoes etc. I have
therefore been very busy entering the first, selling etc.
[et cetera?] and day is so excessively warm that I am obliged to
put off my coat when writing. I find I have been mistaken in the
"Napoleon". She is consigned to Jas [James?] Adger and Co.
[Company]
30 November [1837?]
I have sold all the coal at $11 per the "Harriet Scott" and
that by the "Napoleon" is sold at $10. I was much suprised
today to meet George Carroll on the wharf. He came by the ship
"Naploeon" on his way to his uncle Robert Campbell. He stays
a short time with me at Mr. Carberry's.2 December
The Rev. [Reverend?] Thos. [Thomas?] Smyth's eldest child, Sarah
Ann Magee, died on 27th ult. [ultimo?] of croup, his second Susan
D. Smyth died this morning of scarlatina. Mrs and Mr Smyth are both
unwell and as may be expected in great grief. The weather is
uncomfortably warm, doors and windows all open.
6 December
Yesterday and today is pleasantly cool; business very brisk,
cotton coming in chiefly by wagons, on account of low rivers,
#PAGE 3
8 December
Had a letter yesterday from R [Robert?] Campbell in reply
to mine of 1st inst. [instant?] respecting George Carroll,
saying he was displeased at his mother for sending him out,
without his invitation, and all his sisters went contrary to his
wishes except my wife. Today I received another letter from him in
reply to mine of 4th saying he had written in bad humour, and
mine was a rebuke to him, and he was well pleased at the
arrangement I made with Russell and Sass for George, to get
his board, lodging and washing and $100 for the first year,
6 December
Yesterday and today is pleasantly cool; business very brisk,
cotton coming in chiefly by wagons, on account of low rivers,
and he hoped he would be grateful to me and conduct himself
well and if he required books or private tuition he would pay
for them. I have this day settled George with Russell and
Sass on the above terms, to commence on Monday 11th and to
board with John Russell at his mother's, Mrs Jones.
November [1837?]
The new theatre opened last night, with the "Honeymoon", Mr.
Abbot manager. The weather has been very fine and pleasant
for some time, today it rains, close and heavy and likely to
continue so for some time. Mr. Carberry's eyes are still very
delicate and his health generally so, and I am afraid he will
not long be able to attend to business.
18 December
Monday. The weather has been warm and dry for some days; last
night it blew very high and rained heavy, this morning fine and
clear. Dined with Wm. [William?] Smith yesterday in a family way
and very good Madeira imported by himself
21 December
Weather very cold and dry and pleasant for exercise. Attended
Th[oma?]s Duggan's funeral on 19th, an Irishman of 62 years of
age and a member of the Hibernian Society. This day went to
the funeral of Robert Pennel's child, four years old, died of
scarlatina.
25 December
Monday Being Christmas day I have two Belfast Captains dining
with me, Arnold and McCa[sspon?], John Cooper, John [McClure?]
and George Carroll is also with us, making eleven in all. The
day is dry, bright and cold, yesterday and Saturday rained
continually.
1 January [1838?]
For a week past we had fine dry clear weather, comfortably
#PAGE 4
at Mr. Adgers for eight days. Mrs B [Black?] in delicate health
and looks ill. Sold E.C. Bryson and Co [Company?] $1,000 worth of
spirits. They say they are shipping 160 bales cotton to me, and
intend doing a considerable business. I have an order today from
Bryson and Millar of Glasgow for 50 bales. Taking everything
into view the year opens well.
15 January[1838?]
Bryson and Millar's order executed, 57 bales per the ship
"Lord Glenelg"; "Harriet Scott" sailed on the 13th; was
attached on the bar by the Marshall, in consequence of
[Trassman's?] disputed bale of cotton. It has threatened
rai1 January [1838?]
For a week past we had fine dry clear weather, comfortablyn
for some days, it still holds dry and very warm, so that the
shade is comfortable. "The Josephine" is just arrived from
Belfast; no letters for me, the last dates were 2nd November
via New York.
20 January
A considerable change has taken place in the weather. It
rained heavy for a few hours, the wind got to North East and
consequently cold. The "Consbrook" from Belfast is off the
bar and I certainly expect letters by her as I got none by
the"Josepha". My situation in this family gives me an
opportunity of knowing the ability of the children, and their
different wishes, Propensities and capabilities, and I am
happy to say they are far beyond mediocrity in all; but
William I think is the most studious and would be a clever
man if he had proper instructions. James is steady and
attentive, civil and obliging with good comprehension. John
is smart and may be brilliant in time with good management, at
present he is rather inattentive. I went to court today to
hear a trial between Jas [James?] A. and Mrs Price regarding the
wharf; it didn't come on. I am however sure J.A. the
defendant will stand [acquitted?]. I have been asked several
times to dine by Jas [James?] Lawton who has lately taken up
Bachelor Hall, and by others but so far have declined their
invitations. The theatre is now in full blow. The [Arms,
Diranra?] and several other plays of amusement; but I have not
been to any of them, as I could find no pleasure there alone,
But had I thee my best beloved
And little prattler at my knee
In whose sweet eyes, and speaking face
New meaning every hour I see
#PAGE 5
I have just picked up from a paper the following little
matter,
Maria's like a clock they say
Unconscious of her beauty.
She regulates the live long day,
Exact in every duty,
If this be true, such self command,
Such well directed powers,
Oh! may her little minute hand
Become a hand of hours.
29 January [1838]
The weather continues very fine and mild for the season;
we had heavy rain on the 26th. Since it has been dry and
pleasant. Yesterday was communion at the 2nd Presbyterian
Church. I walked there with Margaret and then went to hear
Mr. Gregory and Mr. Frisk, the Universalists, whose doctrine is
very consolatory as they discard everlasting punishment, but
believe all men will be punished in proportion to their crimes.
30 January
This day remarkably fine. Dined with Jas. [James?] Lawton in his
new house in Bachelor style in company with Messrs [Mon love?]
Lawton, senr. [senior?] and two [servants?] and J. Battersby.
Spent a very pleasant day. In business matters with me it has
been rather dull, being new in the cotton selling way more than
the buying. I am using every exertion to get my old business
brought to a point and am determined to have it done before
May in order to have everything straight.
2 February
Attended the funeral of two of Wm. [William?] Boyd's children, a
third and only one died a few days ago, all of scarlatina. He
is now childless; the ways of providence are past our finding out;
we therefore should be thankful and adore his goodness, as all
his ways are for good to them that are properly exercised
thereby. I am daily settling some matters, and anxiously
trying to have all complete before May.
4 February
Sunday. Went twice to hear Mr. Smythe on the possession of
evil spirits, and [conformi?]ty to the world being against
God, showing that visiting, going to any amusement or anxiety
in making money were loss of precious time and consequently
sinful. Went after night to hear Mr. Gregory the Universalist
on Rev[elations?] 20th and 5th and 6th verses showing John's
#PAGE 6
account of Resurrection as figurative, the absurdity of
everlasting punishment and proving salvation for all men
through Jesus Christ.
7 February
Went with Mrs Carberry, Mrs Mc Kinzie and Margaret to see the
[biggest?] steam vessel "Neptune" Capt. [Captain?] Ponnyoir. She
is in the N[ew?] York trade and seems very substantial and handsomely
finished and furnished. We went afterwards to see Osiola's
[picture?] at Bakers. Saw Miss Ellen Tree also, and a very
large living rattlesnake, 12 years old.
10 February
Very heavy rain for two days and a smart frost last night. J.
Carberry has complained much of pain in his eyes for some time
past, and gave up the writing part of his business three
months ago, although I believe the greater part is imagination
and a wish to get into some other business on his own account.
And imagining he could do so without means or friends to
assist him he has this day thrown up his employment,
resolutely and contrary to the wish of all parties and has
left his family quite destitute.
14 February
Wednesday. Bleak, cold and damp, it has rained then froze
alternately for eight days past. I went last night to the
Medical hall to hear Dr. Irving deliver a lecture on gambling
and was much pleased by his elegant manner and powerful
delineation of the vice and its dreadful consequences.
16 February
Friday. It rained all day yesterday and the night before;
this day is dry and windy. J. Carberry finds it more
difficult to get into business than he anticipated and seems
now inclined to take any fair situation [which?] offfers. One
at Bennett's [Messrs?] was filled up the day before he
applied. An outdoor clerk is wanted at the P & Mechanics
Bank, which he applied for to one of the directors who told
him it was likely he would succeed. He therefore takes it for
granted that he will without further [providing?] although he
must find security for $15,000 and when I told him that was
the case and that he should first try to obtain it, he got
into a violent passion, said I always thwarted him in his
wishes, wished he never had seen me and the farther we were
separated the better, and wished he had never come to this
country. Well Sir, I replied, no person invited you. He then
got into a furious passion bounced round the table with a shoe
in his hand, cocked it to my nose and swore he would knock my
brains out if I would interfere with any part of his business.
#PAGE 7
Fortunately I kept cool and told him he must be crazy and that
I conceived a tight waistcoat would be necessary.
19 February
Monday. Very fine dry weather and the Races going on briskly,
a great many strangers in town. I went last night to hear
Gregory, the Universalist on being born again, John 3rd and
3rd, deprecated the idea of sudden conversions without a holy
life previously and that entering into the Kingdom of God was
conforming to the precept and example of Jesus Christ and
taking him as our leader and redeemer. Went to the Battery
this evening to see a patent rifle fired eight time from one
charge; it is certainly an ingenious article. The barrel
pulls off and the charge is put into eight chambers in the
breech which moves round by every cocking and brings the
charge opposite the barrel; the whole eight can be fired off
in five seconds.
22 February
Thursday. Being Washington's birthday, I went to hear Bishop
England deliver an oration on the occasion at St. Finbar's
before a large assemblage. Business very dull and cotton
falling, 8 to 11 cents are the [extremes?]; freight to
Liverpool 7/8 [ 7 shillings 8 pence?], very few ships in port.
24 February
Saturday. George Carroll received a letter yesterday from
his uncle R. Campbell with $200 to invest in a bill on England
for his mother, 1/4 [1 shilling 4 pence?] which is for his aunt
Mary Mc Vay - he got the draft for £42 1s [shilling?] 4d [pence?] at
7 per cent and I enclosed with my letter to Mrs B. [Black?] by Capt.
[Captain?] [S Seeds?] of ship "Alexander".
5 March
Monday. For a week past the weather has been very cold and
dry. Yesterday it rained the entire day commencing with hail
showers. This day was wet and warm in the morning and got
bright at 12 o' clock and has since continued at summer heat.
I have been three times to hear Dr. Kircham's lecture on
phenology and on the 2nd I had my head examined by him in
public assembly and next day got a chart of it at his rooms
after a second examination. Mr. Carberry is still unemployed
and still very unpleasantly situated, as his family are entirely
depending on his earnings. His mind is constantly brooding
over business on his own account although he has not a dollar
to invest.
8 March
Carberry is still idle and although several places have
offered for a short time and in a partial way he has not
#PAGE 8
accepted of them, his mind is still dwelling on
business on his own account. We are very dull here at present
in the absence of direct accounts from Liverpool for 65 days.
No ships in port to load for Europe; two of the N. [New?] York
vessels from here have been taken up at 7/8 [7shillings 8 pence?]
per llb [pound?] for cotton to Liverpool; 8 and 10 1/2 cents, the
price [of upland?] today.
12 March[1838?]
Monday. Carberry is again gone back to Stevens, Henderson and
Adgers Hardware Store to work generally without being
constantly at the books. The weather is fine and pleasant but
business very dull from want of ships for Europe. A number is
daily expected and ought to be in, but all ever the N. [New?]
York packets have long passages.
19 March
Monday. John Mc Clure was taken ill on 9th inst. [instant?] with
bilious colic and inflammation of the bowels and is now very weak
and in a high fever and his recovery very doubtful. Drs. [Doctors?]
Scott and Dixon attend him. He is confined here and the family are
much fatigued, some being up every night. The 17th being
St.Patrick's day I dined at the Hibernian Society with 85 and
had a very pleasant time, fine music and singing, band and
piano and singers from the Theatre. S. Clarke and Jno [John?]
[Bones?] of Augusta came all the way to join us. For three days
the weather has been very cold and dry.
22 March
John McClure is much better and the doctors have a good
opinion of him. The weather warm; no ships for Europe in
port, which makes the cotton business very dull. Jas [James?]
[Adger?] and his son William leave here tomorrow for Norfolk on
their way to Europe.
28 March
Wednesday. For a week past the weather has been warm, dry and
hazy. A few ships have got in from Europe after long passages
and much damaged. The "China" is 60 days out and not yet
arrived. Large quantities of cotton bought and waiting for
vessels, freight to Liverpool 1d [penny?] per lb [pound?] for
[Square?] bales, Uplands are heavy sale at 8 and 10 1/2 cents
[Ex] 8 per cent per annum?].
John Mc Clure is quite recovered and will be able to go to
business in a few days. William Carberry is sick today, we
fear it is scarlatina. William Smith [Jr's?] [Junior's?] little
sister fell over the banister of the stairs, 15 feet high, her
head and spine were injured and her recovery despaired of. I am
using every exertion to leave here with Capt. [Captain?] Larmour
about 1st May. I received a consignment of 6 cases ginghams
#PAGE 9
for Duncan Morrison and Con. Glasgow, per the"Thos [Thomas?] Bennet"
that will about cover the advance I have made them.
2 April [1838?]
Monday. W. Smith's daughter died on Wednesday night 28th ulto.
[ultimo?] and was not interred until yesterday; her limbs and frame
remaining supple and no appearance of decomposition until a few hours
before she was buried although the weather was warm. It has been very
uncomfortable for a week past, a thick haze, no wind, the sun blood red
without rays and immense dust. The"Margaret Johnson" arrived yesterday
to Paterson and Magwood. She was six days off the bar with a pilot on
board. I believe she now belongs to D. Grainger.
6 April
Friday. The weather still keeps dry and dusty. The "China" arrived on
3rd inst. [instant?] after passage of 64 days. Horses, cows, bulls and
all stock in good order, some of the pheasant fowls sold at $4 a pair.
They are now busy discharging and will be ready for sea by 1st May. Mrs
C. and Margaret visited Mrs Larmour today. Mr. Pringle has been at
Hamburg making arrangements with [Deney?] and Key for $9,000 of their
paper he [is on?]. I spoke to him today about his attending to my
business during my absence and that I might not be back in the fall.
He seemed to hesitate about it on the score of his want of capability;
his own affairs are much deranged; Short and Co. [Company?], lost
$15,000 last year.
17 April [1838?]
Tuesday. Larmour has got all his coal out today and going on fast
with stowing his cargo. The weather is still dry and if it continues
so he will be ready for sea on 1 May. He has got a full compliment
of passengers, which with his freight at 1d [1 penny?] per 1b [pound?]
will tell well. I went last Sunday morning to hear Mr. Gilman at the
Unitarian House, Mr. Smyth in the evening addressing the Sabbath
School children whom he told some [queer?] anecdotes about little
Barlow a Siberian boy converted to Christianity. After night I went
to hear Gregory the Universalist whose doctrine is very consolatory.
I am extermely busy settling my affairs before my departure for
Ireland and under the hope of making a little money I am shipping
about 200 bales cotton on board the "China", consigned to John Johnson
Liverpool, the proceeds of 107 bales to be paid to the order of the
Belfast Bank Co. [Company?]
24 April
The weather still dry and getting warm. I have got all my
business pretty well settled; some small matters still
undetermined. Weather very dry and rain much looked for.
Charles Magwood has been particularly kind in offering to get
my papers discounted in the Bank.
#PAGE 10
28 April
Saturday. When spending the evening last night at George
Pringle's a fire broke out in Beresford Street, near King
[street?] at 8 o'clock that swept everything before it
until daylight in the morning, carrying away all the houses
both of brick and wood in its range excepting four which were,
Haywards [-----?] Society, East Bay, Jno [John?] Stoney's Hassell
St. [Street?], the Universalist Church in Society St. [Street?] and
one other. The following plot will show the extent of it:-
[Drawing}
Never was such devastation; upwards of 500 houses and as
many kitchens and back buildings in the best part of the city,
where 5 millions of dollars worth of goods were consumed in 10
hours, and several valuable lives lost, Col[onel?] C.J.
Studman and others blown up when [acting as?] engineer in
blowing up houses. The Legislature is to be convened to adopt
laws for the granting of loans to rebuild it, which I have no
doubt will be done very soon.
30 April [1838?]
What desolation appeared in the City, hundreds houseless and ruined
in fortune; those that had insured their property a[re?] not secure,
the offices being bankrupted by the great loss. Town meetings are
called and great efforts making to supply the immediate wants of the
sufferers and a meeting of the Legislature is expected to raise a loan
for the purpose of rebuilding the city.
3 May [1838?]
Dined with Wm [William?] Bones with a large party; all pleasant and
a great deal of good singing.
5 May
Saturday. Went on board the ship "China" Capt. [Captain?] Larmour,
for Liverpool with the following passengers whose characters I will
describe hereafter. Mrs Saffrie, Mrs Gibbs and daughter and son,
Mr. and Mrs Walker and son, Miss Walker, Mr., and Mrs Bones, Messrs
Jas [James?] Brown [and?] G.W. Gilliland, the Revd. [Reverend?] Mr.
Philips, Mrs Larmour and myself in all 15 and two in the steerage.
The tide being too low we had to come to anchor in the Roads. May
Towed out by steam boaat at 3 o'clock am after a detention of three
days, the ships "Casco" and "Windscales" crossed the bar immediately
after the "China". The weather is fine and wind fair at 6 knots, all
well.
May
Towed out by steam boaat at 3 o'clock am after a detention of three
days, the ships "Casco" and "Windscales" crossed the bar immediately
#PAGE 11
after the "China". The weather is fine and wind fair at 6
knots, all
well.company; she longs to get back to England. Mrs Gibbes and
family think of going to N[ew?] South Wales where Mr. G[ibbes?]
has a large tract of land; the old lady says she will not
accompany them although it is distressing to think of being
separated. Mrs G[ibbes?] is a mild, gentle, well informed
woman; her daughter, a plain looking girl with an intelligent
countenance; her son Willey of ten years old is a remarkably
smart boy, very smart and intelligent, with a fine head with
the intellectual and animal points strongly developed and will
make a very clever, or very bad man, according to his
education; at present he is extremely indulged. They are
however altogether a nice family. Mrs W[alker?] is a pleasant
well looking woman, cheerful and seems fond of admiration;
W[alker?] is a clever off-hand Irishman from Armagh who has
made a good deal of money; he is active in business but
has bad health. His son of eleven years old by a former wife
(sister to the present) is a fine, mild, intelligent boy.
Miss Catherine W[alker?] is a pleasant chatty woman of about
30, smart but not very profound. Mrs B[ones?] is a remarkably
pleasant, good natured, lively woman; Mr. B[ones?] is a right
off-hand fellow. Jas [James?] Brown, Capt.[Captain?] and Mrs
Larmour are long known. The Revd [Reverend?] Mr. Philips is a very
mild, conversible and pleasant man and is going to travel for his
health chiefly. G.W. Gilliland is a smart lad of 16 years, playful
but gentle; he goes principally to see the Hardware Manufacturers in
company with his employer W.H. Conner who is to meet him in
Liverpool from N[New?] York.
15 May [1838?]
Tuesday. The weather fine all [week?], but light wind
generally fair at 2 to 3 k[nots?]. Reading, backgammon, and
cards fill up the time, I have read Bulwer's novels of
"Maltravers" and "Alice" with which I am highly pleased. The
characters are drawn to life in fine language and nothing
beyond what is to be met every day in that circle.
17 May
Thursday. Yesterday at 6 o' clock pm. the wind got fair and
continues at 6 to 8 knots and the weather remarkably fine; met
a Brig going to west, sailors busy mending sails and making
spun yarn, passengers playing backgammon and chess, reading
and answering charades and riddles; I gave them one of my own
making, "I am in daily use in most parts of the world, seldom
used twice and becomes the soul of my successor" - writing
paper; and another "I am an annoyance to many insects, useful
#PAGE 12
to my friends, the taller I get I become the shorter, and I
may get so tall as to be quite useless" - a cow's tail. I
also gave the boys some employment to make a pin to fit and
pass through the following figures and make them water-tight
[Drawing of a circle, triangle and a square]. They are now
busy trying to find it out. It must first be made round, an
inch in diameter and inch long, then made triangle, thus,
[Drawing of a triangle inside a circle] which will fit all
the figures. So far I am in good health; we have fine weather
and everything good and comfortable; fine hams, corned beef,
turkeys, fowls, sheep, pigs, pies, puddings, fruit of
various kinds even to pineapples, nice cakes, fresh bread in
the morning and plenty of nice milk. Latitude 30 degrees 10'
longitude 70 degrees 30'.
19 May [1838?]
Saturday. The wind has been fair and brisk for four days, and
brought us on well. It is now N.E. [North East?] and we can barely
lay our own course; clouds heavy and a little rain. The ladies sick;
I never have been so well at sea; two sail in view. George
Walker is a gentle boy and now very sick, Wm [William?] Gibbes is
quite well, ranging about very forward and very smart. I have many
pleasing conversations with Mrs Safrie; she is anxious I
should call to see her in London; she says her son-in-law at
the Bank of England ( Mr. Perigrine Brant) can inform me where she
will be found.
25 May
Friday. The wind has been fair for two days at 5 to 8 knots
and the weather very fine with smooth sea; all on board well
and cheerful; a smart flirtation goes on between the Revd [Reverend?]
Mr. P[hilip's?] and Miss G[ibbes?]. She is gentle and well
informed, plays on the guitar and sings tolerably. Mrs Bones
sings often and we all try it on Saturday night when drinking
to wives and sweethearts, even the old lady gives us the
"Vicar and Moses", "Black-eyed Susan" and some others in true
theatrical style. So far we have had mild weather but got on
slowly, latitude 41 degrees 10', longitude 47 degrees 45'.
29 May
Tuesday. We had a close fog for two days although we were far
east off the Banks; for three days the wind has been N.[North?]
and by east and we were barely able to lay our course at 5 to 8 knots,
going under double reefed top sails; yesterday we had alight fall of
snow and it still keeps very cold coats and
cloaks much used; the ladies all sick, and felt so myself for
a few hours. [Spoke?] the Brig "Ann" this morning from London
for Quebec. Reading, cards, chess and backgammon fills up the
time; I have read "Travels in Egypt and [Arabia?] and the
#PAGE 13
Holyland" by [an?] American, Rory O' More, an Irish novel by the
Le
1 June [1838?]
Friday. The weather has been very cold for a week and the
wind brisk from N.E. [North East?] barely able to lay our course,
and the ladies generally sick. Latitude 41 degrees 50' longitude
31 degrees 36'. I set to dancing on deck with Jas [James?] Brown,
and the ship rolling I made a false step and sprained the back sinues
[sinews?] of my right leg and it is very painful.
2 June
Saturday. Wind still in same point going 4 to 5 knots. Very
cold with slight showers and squalls. The ladies are well and
cheerful. I have been reading some of Byron's correspondence
with Lady Blessington and have studied some lines as follows,
speaking of an elegant and pleasing woman.
"Its like the perfume-giving rose,
Possesses still what it bestows
Fortune a goddess is to fools
The wise are always masters of their own
Thinking is but an idle waste of thought,
And nought, is everything and everything is nought.
Oh, Life thou weak built isthmus,
Which doth proudly rise,
Up between two eternities.
Great wit to madness sure is near allied,
And thin partitions their bounds divide.
For well we know the mind too finely wrought
Preys on itself, and is o'erpowered by thought.
As the shining caskets, worn
The gun within will tarnish too.
The charming Mary has no mind they say:
I prove she has, it changes every day.
And every woo a tear can claim
Except an erring sister's shame.
#PAGE 14
Vice is a monster of such hideous mean
That to be hated needs but to be seen.
They who a length of ancestry enlarge
Produce their debt instead of their discharge.
They search in the root of the tree for those fruits
which the branches ought to produce, too often
resemble potatoes of which the best part is under
the ground.
5 June [1838?]
Tuesday. For nine days the wind has been brisk from North and
N.E. [North East?] barely allowing us to lay our course, and the
ship now lays like a log on the quiet ocean; all the passengers
playing backgammon or reading.
6 June
Wednesday. Yesterday evening the wind got to the west but
very light, during [the night?] it got better and drove us
four knots through the night, it is now S. [South?] and by E.
[East?] at 7 1/2 knots E. [East?] and by N. [North?]
7 June
Thursday. Wind light all last night from S.E. [South East?]
barely able to lay our course at 4 1/2 to 6 knots. The
weather is dry and clear but very cold. Latitude 46 degrees 30'
longitude 19 degrees 26'. Mrs Larmour has been very much afflicted
for some days with rheumatism in her head and through her frame
generally, she was better this morning; but at dinner was
suddenly seized with an affliction of the heart and fainting,
she is now better. I rubbed my sprained leg with vinegar
hartshorn and oil for some days past and find it getting
better.
9 June[1838?]
Saturday. The wind has been brisk for 24 hours from S.W.
[South West?] and W. [West?], going East at 9 knots; all
the ladies are a little sick. Saw a large ship at 7 o'clock
this morning standing to the east, she gained a little to
windward but fell astern and nearly out of sight.
10 June
Sunday. Yesterday evening it blew fresh and before dark got
under double reefed main and fore top sails; at 12 at night
hove the Laid and got soundings in 70 fathoms; at 2 o'clock am
the wind changed to NW [North West?] and from then went to 6 to 8
knots. At 1 o'clock the Revd [Reverend?] E Philips read prayers
#PAGE 15
and gave a short exhortation from the prophet Micah " What doth
the Lord require of thee Oh man, but to do justly, love many, and
walk humbly with your God". At 3 o'clock a man at the mast head
called out 'Land on the larboard bow" and at 5 all on board could
see from the deck the Dungarvan hills. The day is beautiful and
all cheerful.
11 June
Monday. At eight this morning we were abreast of Waterford,
seven vessels in view and the smell of turf was very
perceptible. From 11 to 2 o' clock we were nearly becalmed.
The"Lexington" of Boston from N [New?] Orleans, we [spoke?] 34
days out, at 4 o'clock changed signals with the ship "Windscales"
sailed same tide with us from Charleston. The evening is fine but
cold with occasional light squalls; we are now close to the
Toskar Rock, 5 o'clock p.m. hope to take a pilot tomorrow.
12 June
Tuesday. Wind ahead beating between Wicklow and Wales off
Barnsley Isle. Six vessels in view in the same way. Weather
dry but very cold; I am wearing a heavy coat and cannot be
comfortably warm on deck. This is my birthday, 60 years of
age, being born the 12th June 1778.
13 June
Wednesday. Head wind all night; passed Holyhead at 10 o'clock,
took a pilot off Point Lynas at 4. The weather continues cold
and dry, the thermometer 53. A number of vessels beating in, all
well and in high spirits.
14 June
Thursday. Calm all last night off [Ormshead?], a steamboat
came along side at 8 o'clock and proposed to tow us up (30
miles) for 15 gns. [guineas?] to which the Capt. [Captain?]
would not agree. She went in search of other ships but found
none and called again on her return. The Capt. [Captain?]
offered 10 gns. [guineas?] but would not be [chivied?] and
she went up without employ, which I think bad management.
We are now at anchor near the light ship, 15 miles out
and hope to get into port early tomorrow.
15 June
Friday. Got safe to the Pierhead at 11 'o clock and got into
dock at daylight. Mrs Larmour and the Capt. [Captain?] went
ashore, all others remained on board and got to the "Star and
Garter Hotel" at 9 o'clock for breakfast. Mrs Saffrey, Mrs
Gibbes and family kept by themselves having abused the Carolina's
and the America's generally. Walker and his family cut them on
arrival.
#PAGE 16
16 June
Saturday. Took a warm bath and got a hat, suit of clothes etc.
Went on change, met several acquaintances, call on J. Johnston and
found cotton had fallen a little and mine would barely cover cost.
Walked about town with the ladies.
17 June
Sunday. Jno [John?] Bones and I went to Dr. Raffiel's church with
Dr. Moore. Took a coach at 2 o'clock to J. Johnson's at
Fazackerly, 6 miles, and spent a pleasant day. He has a neat
comfortable house, good garden and 6 acres of land for £50 per
year and about £12 taxes.
18 June [1838?]
Monday. A very wet morning and could not leave Johnson's
(Brook Cottage) until 12 o'clock. Settled some things in
Liverpool, dined at 3 o'clock and went on board the "Falcon"
at 6 for Belfast.
19 June
Tuesday. Head wind all the way and did not get to the quay
before 12 o' clock. Sent by baggage to T Macauley's and
met Mrs B [Black?] and all friends well and in high delight to see
me. Walked for some hours and paid visits to many friends, Mrs
Mitchell, Drs. Mc Gee and others.
20 June
Wednesday. A wet day and could not go out.
21 June
Thursday. Called on C.A. Carrol and gave her letter from
George, visited several families with Mrs B[lack?] Called on
George T. Mitchell at the Bank and dined in company with him
at Mrs M[itchell?] at his mother's.
22 June
Friday. Went into town and delivered letters. Met Jno[John?]
Gaussen, Arch[ibald?] Barklie Robert Harrison, Robert
Alexander, Dr. Wm. [William?] McGee and others.
23 June
Monday. Called with C.A. Carrol and paid her and Grace £18
9s [shillings?] 4d [pence?] from her brother Robert. Went to
Mary McVea and gave her £16 from same; was quite tired when
I got to Belfast my leg being still weak.
#PAGE 17
24 June
Sunday. Went meeting and heard Jno [John?] S. Porter on the
Resurrection. Dined at J. Dickey's in company with his mother
Jane Crawford and Mathew Black.
25 June [1838?]
Monday. Went to Randalstown on a car. Walked through the
cotton mill and found all in good order.
26 June
Tuesday. Breakfasted at Adam Dickey's and met Rebecca there
from Gracehill; rode J. Brown's horse to Magherafelt; called
at J. Henry's with letters from his Charleston friends, found
Jno [John?] Walker and family as kind as usual.
28 June
Thursday. Fair and market day in M'Felt [Magherafelt?] and
the sessions going on (Jas [James?] Lendrick Barrister) made
a great crowd, I amused myself looking at the different
dealing in cattle linen and law and found all going on much
in the same way as 20 years ago. Spent some time with my
sister McClure, talked about their removal to America; I
have since determined to let them remain where they are and
get the boys to Charleston as they are ready, and think they
will soon be able to assist their father and mother. Got to
Randalstown at 8 o'clock and was surprised to meet Mr and Mrs
Adger, Susan, Jane, Ann and William at tea in Jno [John?] Brown's.
22 July
Sunday. At 7 o' clock p.m. was astonished to see Mr and Mrs
Adger at our lodgings in Bangor on a car from Belfast. I met
W[illiam?], Jane, Ann, Robert Fleming on Friday last at the
Commercial Hotel and expected them all to dine with me next
day. They start for Scotland tomorrow and Mr A[dger?] will
leave them there until he goes for John and his family from
Smyrna to meet him at Paris and bring them on to visit this
country. Since my last notes I have advertised the
Randalstown mills; wrote to Lord O'Neill about them and the
tenement in Ballygrooby and have not yet had his reply nor any
application to purchase or rent the mills. I am now immured
here in the little village of Bangor without employment or
friends and I feel it very irksome. I walk read and talk, and
fill up the time as well as I can, by thinking of the past and
making arrangements for the future. I visit Miss E Templeton
daily being an old acquaintance and relative of Mrs B's [Black's?].
Miss Mary Ann Magee and Miss McCracken are now with her, the former
very lively and sings elegantly and the latter the most
benevolent being in the world.
#PAGE 18
24 July [1838?]
Tuesday. Mr and Mrs left here yesterday morning on
[McQueen's?] car after breakfasting with me at our lodgings
Mrs Jas [James?] Dicky has been here with her children for three weeks
past. J[ames?] comes frequently to see them; Mathew Black and
he were here on Sunday and Mrs B[lack?] and I dined with them.
Wished to get into [Conl?] [Colonel?] Ward's demesne, but no admittance
without order. Visited McVane's muslin works and
establishment. Walked to Capt. [Captain?] Perrie's on the Greyabbey road
two miles out and found it a castlelated [castellated?] house in a plain
country, well planted about his premises with a clear view of
Scotland and the Crig of Ilse [Craig of Ailsa?]. Ann is now visiting
Miss E Templeton after the departure of her friends, Miss McCracken
and Miss M A Magee.
20 August
Nearly a month had elapsed since I last noted any occurrence,
Since then I have been in Randalstown to meet Alexr. [Alexander?]
Mackey about the sale or renting of the mills for a Mr Smith of
Stockport near Manchester. Nothing has yet been done in the matter.
I was at Liverpool for five days to see business people and
look for ships, consignments and orders, without success. Looked
and enquired about a house and lodgings in the [neighbourhood?];
a comfortable house could then be got at £28 per year and taxes
about £6, furnished lodgings at £1 per week at Watree and all round
the country. Made Lord O'Neill another offer of the mills at £3,500
without a reply. A person in Belfast wants them also the Muckamore
Mill Company. Clare Dickey has been with us here at Bangor for a
week. Mrs Mathews is to be in Belfast on the 27th to take her daughter
Mary home. Ann is inclined to meet her there. George Mitchell has
been to see us. Mary Macauley has changed her house and now lives
in Dock St. [Street?] at £16 per year. I am as dull as can be and
do not know now I am to get along until I hear from Pringle and
Short which I expect to do about the 15 Oct. [October.]
30 August [1838?]
Thursday. I have been at Belfast on 27th, with Ann and Clara
and met Mrs Mathews at Mr Ashe's. Dined there early and
returned to Bangor by the car. The Millbrook Cotton Company
have been looking at the Randalstown mills. I met one of them
in Belfast but came to no decision; I intend to go to Larne
tomorrow to see them.
12 September
Wednesday. On 31st went to Larne with Arch[ibald?] Barklie;
stayed with him all night and was kindly entertained. Went
next morning to Millbrook to see Messrs. Giffin Robinson and
Co. [Company?] about the Randalstown mills met Mr Wm [William?]
MacLean, a partner,but came to no decision. I found they wanted
#PAGE 19
only the Cotton Mill with the whole of the water. I made several
propositions but fear nothing good will result from them. C
McCreight was with us at Bangor a few days ago looking after Miss
[-----?] and she appears to encourage the matter. Hugh Swan paid us
a visit yesterday; he is now at Donaghadee and will be here tomorrow;
he is a friendly, good humoured man. Mrs B[lack?], Clara Dickey,
little Jane and myself spent last Saturday with G.T. Mitchell at
Craigavad and were very happy. The weather has been very wet and
uncertain all summer, consequently late harvest; it is now fine
and the reaping here going on briskly, crops generally fine.
15 September
Saturday. Left Bangor yesterday morning with H. Swan. Stopped
at Craigavad and took a cup of tea with Mrs Mitchell; walked
into Hollywood and looked at several houses. Saw two opposite
the post office half furnished but otherwise neat and
comfortable at £6 to £8 for the six months, that is from November
to May. Got to Belfast at 1/2 past 12 o'clock. Saw C.McAuley,
Robt [Robert?] Alexander and others on business. Got to R'town
[Randalstown?] at 7 o' clock; I had considerable conversation
with Jno [John?] Brown, [Courtney, Neison?] and others about
the mills etc. Met Mr Geo[rge?] Handcock this morning and he
advised me to write to L[ord?] O' N[eill?] about the
Ballygrooby tenement and field. Sent a bailiff to McAteer
wishing to see him about his rent and said he would be ejected
if he did not pay soon.
24 September [1838?]
Monday. Returned from Randalstown where I met Mr. Jas [James?] Adger
and his sons John and James, very fine young men. I went to
Ballymena with them. Lunched at A. Gihon's; called at W Gihon's,
Dr Patrick's and went to Jas[James?] Henderson's for tea and
got [to?] Randalstown at 11 o'clock p.m. Jno [John?] A's only
child died in Birmingham, and wife in bad health; all the ladies
remain there until the gentleman join them to sail for N [New? ]York
in the ship "Siddons" on the 13th ulto [sic for 'proximo'?]. I
done nothing [sic?] in the sale of the Randalstown property.
22 October
Monday. I got to Hollywood today from Bangor and occupy Mr.
Hodgson's house until 1 May for £10 10s [shillings?]; it is
neatly furnished and very comfortable, a good sized parlour,
drawing room, four bedrooms, kitchen, pantry, scullery and nice
garden, and a genteel neighbourhood. I have written to Mr
Geo[rge?] Hancock as agent for L[ord?] O'Neill about the
tenement in Ballygrooby with[out?] having a reply, which I
think strange as it was by his own desire and I only asked
£200 for the right the heirs of Wm [William?] Dickey had to it.
#PAGE 20
I am now thinking of a Joint Stock Company for spinning flax
with a capital of thirty thousand pounds, in one hundred pound
shares; how it may succeed I know not.
12 November [1838]
Since I last noted I have received reply from Mr. Handcock
saying L[ord?] O' N[eill?] would not give £200 for the
Ballygrooby tenemet. Immediately wrote him requesting to
know what would be given, and he replied through Jno [John?] Brown
for information regarding the rental and tenure to which I replied
that my letter of 26 contained all the office required,
and gave him a copy of the statement.
Finding no person coming forward as I could wish to take or
buy the mills, I have advertised them for sale at auction on
30th inst. [instant?] at Hyndman's Rooms. If that fails I may
possibly try the Joint Stock Scheme. We have many
acquaintances here. Mr and Mrs Fras [Francis?] Casement, Mrs
McClean, Revd [Reverend?] Mr McAllister, Miss Bess McDowell - with
whom we dined yesterday and met Dr Ferguson - Miss Peggy Stuart, Revd
[Reverend?] Mr Tyrell, Mr Willey and some others have called on us.
Geo[rge?] and Mrs Mitchell have been here for a few minutes.
I frequently go into Belfast and sometimes walk, and when the
weather is fine it is pleasant to do so, and I think healthful.
I have a letter today from G Pringle of 12 October stating
great mortality in Charleston, C.S. Simonton was taken off
suddenly; Wm [William?] L. Banks had entered into partnership with
the young Simonton's and Mr Pringle had made him my attorney as he
was going into the country, and also declined accepting my
proposition for future business, but would recommend A Short
to accept it on his return from Greenville.
31 December
Since I last took note I have written to L[ord?] O'N[eill?]
respecting a watercourse from the Hollybrook tail-race, and to
his agent about the sale of the corn mills and kilns, and the
tenement in Ballygrooby. To the former I had a reply through
Mr. Handcock, saying his Lordship would not allow any cut to be
made for water. The latter has not yet been noticed although
I had several communications regarding the tenement through J.
Brown at the agent's request, and I have understood that £80
would be given for it. The mills are still on hand; no person
came to the auction. Several are still looking after them, T.
Hughes, L. Reford, Davidson's Larne Co., and Muckamore Flour
Mill Co. What the result may be is uncertain; I am
determined to try all schemes to put them in motion. I have
submitted a plan of cotton spinning to Jno [John?] [Currell?] and
#PAGE 21
think he would be convinced if his friends would join us. I
have therefore written to Jno [John?] Walker on the subject saying I
would take a share in the business to the amount of the purchase of
the concern, and he has replied, saying he would consult, A.B. and
J.C. but was timid about it himself. Thomas Gaussen and his wife
arrived from Guernsey a few days ago; she is said to £8,000 fortune,
and it is said that he and his father have made £20,000 in grain this
year. Alex[ander?] Macauley [Thomas's son ] died about a fortnight
ago; they expect the old lady to live with them, as the old gentleman
died in London where they went for his health. Thomas's family are
left poor the whole of the old man's property being swallowed up in
engagements for [Frederick?] etc.etc. Lillyanna [Carley?] is to be
married, it is said to John Dickey, Ballymena, very soon, Harriet
O'Rorke to Mr Humphries and Clarissa Gilslan to Revd[Reverend?] Mr
Feries. I had a letter from R. Campbell saying Robert and Margaret
were going to Charleston to do business in my name. It is a new
idea to me and I fear it will not do well. Accounts are received of
Councillor A and his lady being in Augusta and pleased with the
reception they received from Mrs C. etc., etc. [et cetera?]
My time is heavy generally although I have many kind neighbours,
the Revd [Reverend?] C.J.McAlister and Mr Wiley are very
attentive, as well as many others. I got to Belfast twice a
week and generally walk. Mrs B[lack?] has gone twice to visit
our friends. The Christmas holydays went off comfortably and
quickly by ourselves and all things considered we are pretty
comfortable.
12 January [1839?]
Saturday. L. Reford is off with the Mills having taken an old
cotton mill in Smithfield, where he is not spinning flax. The
Davidson's have not yet said anything about the concern, and
L[ord?] O'N[eill?] has not made any reply to my last letter,
regarding the corn mills, and tenement; he has refused to
allow a watercourse to be cut from the Hollybrook tailrace on
any terms. The concern therefore stands in and awkward
situation, and I am at a loss to know that to do with it.
On the night of Sunday 6th this country was visited by one of
the severest storms of wind ever known here. The house I
occupy shook to the foundation but no injury was sustained
although there is scarce a house in Holywood that is not less
or more uprooted, several blown down and many trees uprooted
in the neighbourhood. It has made great havoc all over the
counrty, but it has been much more destructive to the
southward and in England. The accounts from sea are truly
distressing. A heavy fall of snow succeeded the wind, that
#PAGE 22
remained a few days, but is now quite gone, and the weather
very mild and pleasant. In Dulin, Loughrea, Limerick, and
many other places a number of houses were blown down and many
burned, with great loss of life; The destruction by sea is not
yet ascertained.
7 February
Since my last notation, I offered Lord O'Neill the whole of
the Randalstown concern for £2,000 or £1,000 without the machinery;
I have a reply from his agent, saying "if his
Lordship would think of taking the place at £1,000 without
machinery would I pay £200 forfeiture for the place being
formerly sold without his permission". To this question I
have not fully replied; requested a little time to think of
it, as I had negotiations in Scotland regarding the premises.
John Brown of Randalstown has failed in £7,000 and only shows
£2,000; he owes me £200 borrowed money.
Harriet O'Rorke was married on 7th ulto [ultimo?] to Mr Humphries
of Dublin; Lillyanna [Carley?] to John Dickey, Ballymena last
week, Richard Ashmore died of apoplexy on 2nd. I sent Jno [John?]
Thompson a plan for a joint stock company for flax spinning at
Randalstown for his consideration. The weather for the last
month has been very stormy with snow, frost and rain; it is
still coarse and unpleasant. Eliza Templeton died at Bangor
on 24th January, in her 67th year and was buried there. She
left all her property to her brothers family by will made 22
years ago, about £800 ; her sister Mrs McGee got nothing. Mrs
Jas [James?] Macauley is arrived from her son Frederick's to
Thomas's and is likely to be left in want, although £160 per
annum is said to be left her.
4 March [1839?]
I have heard that Mr Ashman's property will barely amount to
£10,000 in place of £20,000 in consequence of informality in
the will of his brother John, Mrs A[shman?] is left £150 per
year and the house and furniture during her life providing she
does not marry. The weather has been very stormy until two
days ago. It is now dry and pleasant and farming going on
briskly. We find ourselves very pleasantly situated here ( in
Holywood) and will like remain another year; it is a
comfortable place and agreeable neighbourhood. I have not yet
been able to dispose of the Randalstown property; L[ord?] O'Neill
is looking for it but I fear he will not come to my terms, £2,000.
4 April
The weather has been remarkably cold for a month past; wind
generally east and today a heavy fall of snow. We have been
#PAGE 23
at several parties lately and very pleasant. sometimes
clergymen of different denominations, that took their wine,
and some of them played cards and took their whisky punch.
9 May
For a month past the weather has been remarkably fine and the
spring more rapid than I ever saw it and the country looks
beautiful. Removed from Mr. Hodson's house last week to one of
Stuart's, nearer the shore at £26 per year, furnished. This
day is very cold, wind N.E. [North East?]
12 June [1839?]
This day thank God I enter my 61 year (after many changes in
circumstances, trials and difficulties) in good health and
many comforts with my wife and daughter Jane at Holywood. My
daughter Margaret and son Robert are in Charleston. I have
been in negotiation with S Courtney about the Randalstown
Mills for Lord O'Neill without any prospect of agreement. I
have written to John Gaussen about joining me in the flour
business, also Robert Mcauley but yet without a reply. The
weather for the last month has been dry and generally cold;
for three days past it has rained gently and much warmer, and
the crops are coming on rapidly. The Melbourne ministry is
tottering and we are likely to have a Tory administration very
soon.
12 July
All appears to be quiet on this day regarding Orangeism and
both parties attend to the order of the Lord Ebrington (the
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland). I am quite idle and very
unhappy, spending money and can be no way useful, my property
at Randalstown unemployed, and I am obliged to attend to it
and leave my Charleston Business. Robert Campbell has very
kindly sent me a draft on Thos [Thomas?] [Cravden?]. Liverpool
for £144 6s [shillings?] 3/4d [pence?] to assist in paying the
rent which I handed to John Thompson on 11th inst. [instant?]
The weather is now remarkably fine and the crops look beautiful.
Clara Dickey and Mary Mathews are now with us on a visit to
Holywood.
30 July
This day I received a letter from John Walker, Magherafelt,
announcing the death of his daughter Mrs Searight in childbed
on 25th inst.[instant?] leaving a living male child. He said he
had got a remittance from Mr Adger of £631 15s [shillings?] 4d [pence?]
or linen sent to me. I can do nothing with the Randalstown concern,
L[ord?] O'Neill is still [tampering?] about it. For three weeks we
have had frequent showers, the crops all look well and promise an
abundant harvest.
#PAGE 24
31 December [1839?]
The last five months have been spent by me in a very
unsatisfactory manner, every day expecting purchasers for the
Randalstown property but all without effect. I am now about
to try a Joint Flax Spinning Company, but have little hope of
success. The corn mills are now in my own hand and I fear
will not be productive. Randalstown is going to wreck
and cannot recover unless the mills are occupied.
13 January 1840
Nothing yet done at Randalstown. I intend advertising the
Flax Spinning Company in a few days, how it may go on is
uncertain. T Bushel of Belfast, John Walker, Magherafelt,
John Raphael, Ballymena, and John Craig, Randalstown are to be
agents for selling the shares. The weather for the last
fortnight has been very mild and generally dry with only three
days frost. On the 10th the postage of one onepenny a letter
of 1/2 oz [ounce?] commenced all over the kingdom.
10 February
Her Majesty Queen Victoria 1st of England was married this day
to Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha. She is in her 21st
year and he is twenty-two past. He is said to be a fine young
man with fine taste for music and every way agreeable. I had
a few friends for supper on the occasion, Mr. Wm [William?] Wylie,
C.J. McAlister, Hugh Stewart, J. Greenfield and Dr. McKittrick and
spent a very heavy evening. The weather for the last
fortnight has been very wet and stormy. My Joint Stock
Company at Randalstown gets on very slowly and is not likely
to succeed.
28 February
For ten days past the weather has been dry and cold with smart
frost. This day has been very fine and many persons sowing
wheat.
9 March [1840?]
For three weeks we have not had a shower; very cold and
frosty. The ploughing and sowing going on well and every
prospect of a good crop. Mrs Adam Hudson of Lisnabreen near
Belfast had three daughters at a birth, and all likely to live
(on 26th February?]
17 March
Patrick's day. Dined with Mr Casement in a family way and was
very comfortable. The weather has been dry and cold for a
month without a shower, and the labour going on briskly. Our
dear little clergyman, the Revd [Reverend?] Thos [Thomas?] J.
McAlister has been very ill in fever for a fortnight, but is now
#PAGE 25
thank God recovering; His death would have been a serious loss to
Holywood. Received a letter from Margaret today that gave me great
pleasure, saying she had a house of her own in Charleston.
31 March
The weather continues fine with a few gentle showers. The farming
business goes on briskly and many are planting potatoes here
(Holywood) for a general crop. A rumour appears in the papers today
of Lord O'Neill's death in England. Fras [Francis?] Casement is at
Ballymena about buying a place. Mrs C[asement?] has dined with us
twice in his absence and she is an nice creature.
27 April
The weather still continues very fine, not a wet day for two
weeks. All the labour and farming has been done in fine
order, which has caused a fall in grain. Some of the dealers
in it have failed. The lodgings in Holywood are not filling
up so fast as last year.
Nothing yet done with the cotton mill concern and it is likely
to be a total loss. Everything about Randalstown seems to be
going to the bad; it is indeed a wretched place and never can
be better under the present state of management, and the mills
unemployed.
1 June [1840?]
Went to Randalstown to see how my mill concern stood, and
found it in a bad way, and a threatened ejectment against it
fir 1 1/2 year rent due to Lord O'Neill although I only owe Jno
[John?] Thompson one year. Everything there seems to be going
wrong, and I think I must give up the property at a sacrifice
of £3,500. For three months the weather has been fine and the
crops look remarkably well; oatmeal 16s [shillings?] per cwt
[hundred weight?], potatoes 3s [shillings?] per cwt [hundred weight?]
22 June
My property at Randalstown is still unsettled, and likely to
be so for some time. The last fortnight has been very boisterous
and showery and has injured the early potatoes; they generally
however look well. I have just received a letter from Mr L. Banks,
Charleston with a draft on B.Smith and Sons, Manchester for £140
14s [shillings?] 2d [pence?]saying it was all the funds he had. My
present prospects are gloomy, and my family being divided makes it
very unpleasant.
2 October
This day Wm [William?] Jno [John?] McClure and his wife and three
children, Emily 14, W[illia?]m 11 and Robert 9 years of age sailed
for Charleston in the Ship "Margaret Johnson" from Belfast. I
wrote to Robert Campbell, Margaret and Robert by them and sent
#PAGE 26
a piece of linen, gave rather and unpleasant account of my affairs
generally. From 1st June to the first of this month the weather
was wet, it is now favourable and likely to be fine.
7 October
For eight days past the weather has been very fine and the
crop has been generally saved; oats, and potatoes are abundant.
26 October [1840?]
Got a notice of ejectment by Jno [John?] Whelan, Lord O'Neill's
bailiff for the Randalstown mill concern, for non-payment of
rent 1 1/2 year due his Lordship at May last. I paid John
Thompson half a year that he never paid to L[ord] O'[Neill].
It now appears that I am to lose the property after an
expenditure of upwards of £3,500. The weather has been
remarkably fine for the past month and an abundant crop will
be saved.
4 November*
The weather continues mild and very favourable for farming
operations and there has been an abundant crop well saved.
14 November*
I have just got a monument and railing with the Dickey arms,
for the burying place at Randalstown that cost Mrs Black and
Clara K. Dickey £35 12s [shillings?] 5 1/2d [pence?]; the
inscription is as follows:-
The family burying place of Charles Dickey of Millmount, who
died 14 August 1827, aged 66 years, and Jane his wife, who
died 14th April 1837, aged 66 years. Also William Irwin
Dickey their eldest son who died the 1 April 1826 aged 37
years, and other members of the family.
* These entries have been overwritten in ink.
4 December
John Gaussen and Son stopped payment yesterday. The amount is
not yet known, nor what they will pay. The Randalstown mill
concern isn now under ejectment and I will lose about £3,500
by it.
15 February [1841?]
This day Clara Dickey was married to David McCreight of
Gilford in Mrs Mathews Linen Hall Street, Dublin by Dr Drumond
the Unitarian clergyman of Strand Street. They set off for
Gilford immediately after and were drawn into the village by a
crowd of men.
16 March
Sold my right, title and interest in the Randalstown mills for
£100 and nearly £500 of arrear rent. I lost by the concern
£3,000.
#PAGE 27
26 March
Lord O'Neill died in Dublin on 25th inst. [instant?] in 63rd year
of his life. The estate goes to the General his brother who cannot
enjoy it long as he is in bad health.
9 April
Mrs Jno [John?] Walker died this day; she was a kind, well
disposed woman. Jack Henderson of Kilrea died on 9 March in the
75 year of his age; he was under-agent for the Proportion and
Seneschal of the Mercer's court for 37 years; his first wife
was my sister, Mary. He was and honest, kind and friendly man.
His three sons and one daughter are living in Kilrea.
19 April
Revd [Reverend?] Mr Caldwell died this morning and left his wife one
child.
7 August.
Since my last not many things have occurred. Many strangers
have come to Holywood, and myself and family have got
acquainted with many of them, viz [namely?] Mrs Crawford, Mr and
Miss Coughran, Miss Hull, a very nice old governess that we met today
at Miss Sim's at breakfast; I there met the Revd [Reverend?] Wm
[William?] Blackwood. The season has been generally fine and the
crops very promising.
31 August [1841?]
Attended the funeral of Mrs Jas [James?] McCleery this day to
Randalstown. She died on 17th inst. [instant?] in the 62nd year
of her life; she and I were born in Randalstown and nearly the same
age. I was a year sooner in the world; our families were intimate
and I may say I was in daily intercourse for 30 years and always
intimate. She had no family but brought up her nephew Jno [John?]
Adams as her own child.
18 September
Went to Greyabbey with Mr Alex [Alexander?] Arthur and family; had
a pleasant day and cost 15s [shillings?]
28 September
Received a letter from daughter Margaret, Charleston, dated 6
July giving a pleasing account of her situation. I also had
one from Robert dated 25 August on board the ship "Henry Allen"
and N [New?] York, 30th, saying he had formed a partnership
with Wm [William?] N Hamilton, and was going on business for the
concern.
10 December
Wrote to Margaret this day and said I was much disappointed in
Robert not having settled his partnership with Hamilton. Forsome [time?
past the weather has been very wet but mild.
Holywood Public Bakery started with 200 shares at £2 10s [shillings?]
#PAGE 28
each. I hold three and Mrs B[lack?] one. It goes on pretty well
with a small weekly loss but I think will soon be gaining. Miss Mary
Archer married to Mr Ferguson of Summerhill, Co. [County?] Meath.
23 December
Spent a very pleasant evening with Mr Archer's family. Find
Christmas going well. Dr and Mrs McCreight gone to Dublin on
their way to Jersey.
31 May 1842
Mrs J Dickey of Leighmore died. She was Lillyanna Conley [Carley?].
Mrs Mathews of Dublin is about going to France in consequence of
her embarrassment with the [Steam Company?]. Mr and Mrs McCreight
has[sic] been in Jersey during the winter and are going to Dublin
to assist Mrs Mathews to regulate her affairs. The weather
remarkably fine; it is the nicest I have seen since the unfortunate
Rebellion of 1798. If I live to 12 June I will be 64 years of age.
10 October
The weather continues very fine and crops excellent. Oatmeal 9s
[shillings?] to 10s [shillings?] per 112 lbs [pounds?], potatoes of
best quality at 1s [shilling?] to 1s [shilling?] 3d [pence?] per cwt
[hundred weight?]
15 October
Mrs Mitchell died in Holywood aged 50 years; she was highly
respected, about 41 carriages at her funeral, her daughter Mrs
McCluny is very ill and not expected to live many days, she has
a large fortune.
22 November
Mrs McCluny died on 12th inst [instant?] aged 57 years and was buried
on 16th at the family ground at the poor house.
4 March 1843
The winter has been something like the summer, very fine, producing
an abundant crop; potatoes 11d [pence?] to 1s [shilling?] 3d [pence?]
as in quality per cwt [hundred weight?]; all other useful articles
in proportion, eggs 5d [pence?] per dozen butter fresh 9d [pence?]
per lb [pound?], prime beef at 4 1/2d [pence?] per lb [pound?], by
the quarter.
8 August [1843?]
C Mathews has been with us for a month and is this day gone to
see Lord O'Neill with a letter from Mrs B[lack?] for
the purpose of getting some situation. His mother and aunt McCreight
are at St. Souvan in France. The latter soon expects a
baby. His brother Irvin is apprenticed to an Indian-man and now on
his way to Calcutta. The great political agitation at present is the
repeal of the Union by the great leader Danl [Daniel?] O"Connell;
#PAGE 29
[Rebeccaites?] Chartists in England and
