Document Request: The Diary of Rafe Neville Leycester (1843-1883)
Document Description: The Diary of Rafe Neville Leycester (1843-1883), reproduced by permission of Edward Fenton
Transcription URL: https://richardson.surnametree.com/library/vdocs/D_302#302
Document Transcription:‘Crawling through Life’: The Diaries of Rafe Neville Leycester, 1859–1865
In the ruthlessly competitive marriage market of 19th-century England, an ability to dance was one of the most important social graces that a young person could have. So if you were somehow disabled, you were at a huge disadvantage.
In the late 1850s and early 1860s, a young clerk named Rafe Neville Leycester knew this only too well – ‘For who would look on a wretch with a lame leg,’ he wrote in his diary, as he remembered a lost love, ‘when they might get plenty of others with good ones.’ For Leycester, parties were generally a trial. ‘There were some very nice looking girls who were dancing all the evening,’ he wrote of one soiree in 1864, ‘so I
of course had not a chance of speaking to them. I spent a most miserable time of it.’ Given that Leycester’s social life was so often a disappointment to him, his diary is filled with a surprising number of remarkable encounters and events. There is a memorable description of Lord Palmerston’s funeral, and among the famous people who appear in the pages are Prince Albert, Garibaldi and the controversial bishop of Oxford, ‘Soapy Sam’ Wilberforce.
Leycester’s main obsession, however, was with the stream of alluring young women who crossed his path: the ‘jolly and well developed’ Miss Burns, the ‘scrumptious and larky’ Amy Abotson, the ‘stunning’ Green sisters, ‘a very rattling sort of girl’ named Miss Byrne, and in particular young Dally Fenton, with her ‘bright face & golden hair’.
Only two volumes of Leycester’s diaries are known to exist, spanning the years 1859 (when he turned 16) to 1865. If any reader knows of any further volumes, we would be fascinated to hear from you.
1859
Saturday Jany 1st. London 21 Cambridge St W. Staid at home all the morning, in the evening went with Thomas to the Colosseum where we saw a Mr Taylor perform a number of conjuring tricks, some of which were very good. We also saw a Mr Foster personify different characters; he also sang several songs & told some stories. He imitated Woodin & others. In conclusion we saw a Madlle Prudence mesmerized and she told (or pretended to tell) people’s thoughts &c. The panorama of Paris by night was very good though I did not admire it so much as London by night which I saw last year. There was a Galvanic battery and Thomas & I were galvanized.
Sunday 2nd. I did not go to church this morning as we were all very late and did not have breakfast till ½ past 12 but we read prayers & a sermon. In the afternoon I went to St John’s church the text being taken from Daniel. Capt Henderson dined here today. This evening there was a very thick fog.
Monday 3d. Staid at home all the morning in the afternoon went with Thomas to be measured for a pair of boots. Miss Deekins & Nantes spent the evening here, the former asked the following conundrum. What caused the potatoe disease? The rotatory motion of the earth (rot-tatory). How was it discovered? By consulting a commentator (a common tater).
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Tuesday. This morning copied picture from “An officer’s log book” by Captn Methven. Nantes dined here.
Wednesday 5th. Staid at home till ½ past 7 when Nantes came here & we went to the Lynes’ in a cab where we met Goslin & a fellow called Danvers. There was a good deal of music and the latter exerted his lungs in attempting to play the cornet; but succeeded only in making a noise. Goslin sang several comic songs. Frank kept us in a roar of laughter nearly all the evening telling stories & relating anecdotes about himself & others. We afterwards played at Blindman’s buff. Berry & Thomas gave a large servants party this evening & some of the guests did not leave till 6 A.M.
Saturday 8th. F. Lyne goes to Whiteplace today & Aunt-Louisa has kindly invited me till Monday when he returns.
Sunday. Went to St James’s Church with A. L. & Louisa Jane. We had great difficulty in getting a seat, but after a great deal of whispering with the Pew-opener we succeeded in gaining our object. The sermon was preached by an old man with a white head. The text was taken from the 2nd Chap of Mat 1 & 2 verses. In it he tried to explain who, and from whence the wise men were, & what the star which guided them from Bethlehem consisted of, but after a long discourse in which celestial bodies, meteors, comets, constellations &c were the principal words he concluded without effecting his object.
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Wednesday 12th. Mr Henderson had some people to dinner it being his birthday. I did not dine with them there being no room for me at the table but I came into dessert, we had the loving cup.
Thursday. This evening I went with Frank Lyne &c to the Colosseum and saw the same performances as I did before. There were great numbers of people and when they went up to see the Panorama of Paris by moonlight a woman fainted.
Friday 14th. In the evening I went with Thomas to the Alhambra formerly the Panopticon. It is now converted into a circus and is very different to what it was when last I saw it, but the organ is still there. I saw the two celebrated mules “Pete” & “Barney”. A reward of a guinea was offered to anyone who would ride round the ring three times. Several boys attempted it but they were all thrown off. There was afterwards a Pantomyme entitled the “Miser of Bagdad” but it was very stupid.
Wednesday 19th. In the morning went to Aunt Louisa’s to say goodbye but she unfortunately was out. Girt walked home with me. In the evening it being his wedding day Mr Henderson had some friends to dinner and about ½ past 8 set off for Liverpool, he very kindly gave me a sovereign.
White-place Jany 21st. Uncle Henry went out this morning to try and shoot a few birds & I went with him. I fired a gun for the first time in my life altho’ I am nearly 16. In the afternoon went out fishing with the nets and caught some Jack and other fish.
Saturday. Walked round the lawn with U.H. who shot a Black-bird. We then went out in the punt and fished for tench and Roach but caught only a few. We fished near a little point of land at Formosa Lady Young’s place. Mr Norris came here this evening.
Tuesday. We fished in one of the ditches with a casting net and caught an immense number of Perch, Roach and Gudgeon, we also caught an immense number of Bleak also called Fresh water herrings from their resemblance to that fish.
Saturday. Had breakfast at 9 o’clock and the pony cart came for my trunk at ½ past 9 and took me to the Cookham station. On leaving White place Uncle Henry gave me 5 shillings. I left Cookham at 10 and reached Maidenhead at 20 to 11. At Maidenhead took a ticket for Plymouth which cost 1.12.6. Had a pleasant journey and at Bristol a warrant officer got in who was in the Agamemnon during the storm which she experienced while crossing the Atlantic to lay down the Telegraph cable. Arrived at Plymouth at ½ past 9 and was met by Uncle Walton who came up with me to Donegal Terrace. When I arrived I found Frank Lyne here who is appointed to the Gannet.
Saturday 2nd April. C. and F. Churchill spent the day with me; in the afternoon we took a walk towards Western Mills and after having picked some primroses and Perriwinkles came by the beach as far as “Camel’s head bridge” and then came along the Saltash road. When we were near home we were overtaken by Mrs Cowlin who told me that poor Jasper had been killed by means of Prussic Acid. He was so eaten up by the mange and smelled so bad that Dr Dansey said it was quite unhealthy to keep him so this afternoon Mr Hamand sent up a man to kill [him] which was done in Cowlin’s garden. After dinner Charlie played some pieces on the piano.
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Saturday 9th. After school went to Devonport to be measured for a boot. In the afternoon went with H. Boy and GP to the Greenhouse in Cowlin’s garden. I saw poor Jas’s grave.
Good Friday. I went with Peter to Charles Church. All the rest went to Eldad to hear Mr Pimm preach. Eldad being a Puseyite one was hung on all sides with crape.
Monday. I today received my birthday presents consisting of a paint-box from UW some paints from AJ, a sketch block from H. Boy &c &c.
Wednesday 27th. In the morning I went to ask Ramsey to go with me to the Saltash bridge which he agreed to do. I waited for him until 2 PM and as he did not come went by myself. I crossed in the steam ferry to Saltash and walked up to the station where I presented the ticket Mr Carr gave me. I then went across the bridge which, when viewed from the end has the appearance of one of the walks at the Crystal palace. It was blowing very hard while I was there & nearly blew me off my legs especially as I am not very firm upon them. As I was coming back the man who took my ticket met me & in a hurried & excited manner informed me that “a injun was comin along in 5 or 10 minutes” so I waited for a good many “5 or 10 minutes” but not seeing any appearance of a train came home again. As I was crossing the Camel’s head bridge an engine & 2 carriages passed me. This evening I went with GP to the village to hear Mr Ferrand the Conservative candidate for Devonport address the people. He made a very good speech in which he showed the necessity of union in this time of danger.
May 2nd Monday. We had a holiday today as Prince Albert came down to open the Saltash railway. After I came out of school I met Bickford who said he was going to Saltash to see the train cross the bridge. There were thousands of people and every description of cart & carriage going along the generally desolate Saltash road and on each side of the river at Saltash it was quite like a fair there being numerous Punch & Judies, nut shooting &c. The train containing P Albert crossed about ½ past one. The prince got out at Saltash where he had some lunch. He then [went] back across the bridge & embarked in the “Vivia” steamer.
June 1st. I received a note a few days ago from Mr Carr inviting me to dine with him today at 7 o’clock I staid at home all the afternoon to review my English history. I went to Plymouth by the 6.30 train. After dinner Mr Carr very kindly took me to see the Panorama of India at the Royal Hotel. He said that some of the views were good but that upon the whole he did not think much of it. When we saw the city of Benares he said it was no more like the real place than Plymouth was.
June 2nd. As I was coming from school this evening Bickford overtook who said that he was going to Portsmouth at 6 tomorrow morning in order to pass his examination for the marines.
Wednesday 15th June. We all came into school at 10 o’clock this morning as it is breaking up day. I received two prizes for English & Latin. One was Byron’s Poems & the other “Stories of Waterloo.” This afternoon Ramsey & I went for a bathe near “Western Mills.” We return to school on the 26th of July.
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Monday 20th. I again went to SD Place by the 8.25 train. Instead of going to the breakwater we went to Bovisand, where UW met Captn Cox and Mr Davis for the purpose of making arrangements & measurements for constructing a watering pier for the purpose of supplying water to the vessels in the sound. As there was a high wind which [was] against us Captn Cox brought us in his surveying cutter as far as the mount Batten where we got into the boat.
Saturday 2 July. Today Ramsey & I went to the Whitsands. I got some seaweed & shells and then proceeded to the grotto which is a little cavern in the rocks about … feet high & 9 long. It is written all over with verses, some in Latin some in English; one of them commenced thus
“Near to this place once Sharron Palace stood
Surrounded by the rocks & by the briny flood &c”
Tuesday 5th..Ramsey & I went at 12 o’clock to see Captn Price on board the Caesar in Keyham dock. He seemed quite well but was very busy and had scarcely time to speak to us as he had to examine the case of some men who had mutinied. We then went on board the Turkish ship the name of which in English is the “Unicorn”. We then saw a man, one of the sailors who was very fond of Ramsey whose name was Alifende. He showed us over the ship and then took us to a part of the ship where he kept his desk and writing materials. I thought that he was a letter writer, for he seemed to write very well & one of the men brought him a letter to read. Alifende had a very peculiar pen & ink holder made of brass. The pen was merely a hollow piece of wood cut to a point. He gave us some of his writing and showed us a letter that he had received from Constantinople. He understood a few words of English so that by signs we could make ourselves understood. We saw a good many of the men saying their prayers for the purpose of which they each have a piece of carpet. They first stood up, then kneeled down and kissed the deck, which process they repeated many times muttering prayers all the time.
Wednesday 6th. Isabel & I went into Plymouth by the 8.10 train. I took Isabel to Mrs Stewarts at Woodside to spend the day and then proceeded to Uncle Walton’s house. As soon as he had finished breakfast we went to the office where I had a capital bathe, I can now swim tolerably well and all I want is constant practice in order to strengthen the swimming muscles of my arms & legs. We then went to the breakwater calling for Miss Billing and her “lover so brave” on our way. This same gent rejoiced in the name of Berwin.
Wednesday 5th Octr. We received a telegraphic message from Southampton to say that Papa and Mama had arrived there safely this morning. They come home tomorrow. It was GP’s birthday today.
Thursday 6th Octr. This evening Isabel & I went to meet the 5.5 train in hopes Mama would be in it. Papa is not coming as he is obliged to go to London in order to be examined by the doctors. Mama did not come by the express so we went to Mr Carr’s house where we waited till the 7 train came in when we went down, Cousin Emily and Berry included. Again we were disappointed but when the 9 train came in having again gone to the Station we were looking in the various carriages, when I saw
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something looming in the distance from which issued a voice saying “O my dear Nevey” and I was immediately locked in the embrace of the aforesaid “something” which really proved to be my maternal relation but so concealed in huge shawl and hat with long veil that I did not immediately recognise her. She was looking very well and (though somewhat stouter) not at all altered.
Friday 7th. I had a holiday today and this evening Mama AJ Isabel and I went in to Plymouth to meet the 5 train in which I was most delighted to find Papa had arrived. He was looking rather careworn, excited and as if he scarcely knew what he was about but I hope in a few days he will feel the benefit of pure air.
Friday 28th Octr. I had a holiday today in order to go to the confirmation. Although the service did not commence until 11 o’clock the church was very full and Papa & Mama had the greatest difficulty in obtaining a seat and even then, they could see nothing that was going on. After the usual service the Bishop of Oxford gave an admirable charge and then commenced the confirmation. The Bishop of Exeter was so old & infirm that he was not able to come down and perform the ceremony. There were an immense number of sailors and also soldiers.
Saturday 5th. Papa went this morning to London.
Friday 11th Novr. Harriet and Mrs Neville dined here this evening when I heard the melancholy news that poor Mr Stoddart had died suddenly on Wednesday evening. On that evening the dispenser was walking between the two gates at the hospital when he saw a body lying on the ground near the dial, and on lifting it up, found it was Mr Stoddart. He was immediately taken up into the doctors’ room but life was quite extinct altho’ his eyes were still open and there was a smile upon his face. AJ is in great grief about it. We got a letter on Friday from Papa (Dated) Whiteplace saying that poor Capt Ralph Leycester had been murdered at Vizirampoa India. When I was in London last, Aunt Louisa, Harriet, Girt & I went to him, previous to his going out to India.
Wednesday 14th. This evening I went [to] Mr Jonas’s breaking up party being invited by Pinwill. We passed a very pleasant evening especially when Mr John brought in a galvanic battery.
Thursday 15. Today being breaking-up day we went to school at 10 o’clock; for a long time before we went into school the boys amused themselves by sliding in the playground. I received two prizes and a certificate for Mathematics Classics and English Examinations. Papa came home by the 5 o’clock express train from London. I went to see G. Cuerton today.
Friday 23rd. Joll called for me at 10 o’clock and we went out for a walk with the gun. He shot 5 birds and I shot 2. On my return I was informed by Isabel of the death of poor Mr Cuerton. I understand he has been ill for some time but was pronounced by the doctors in no immediate danger. I am much grieved as he was truly kind and hospitable to me.
Saturday. We all went this morning to see the Christmas market. According to Mama’s account she was frightened out of her wits by the waits.
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Christmas day. It has rained all day today. Mama and Isabel went to St John’s in a fly, Papa & I walked, & we read prayers at home this evening.
1860
March 23rd. I now write a few lines to say that Isabel was yesterday taken with the measles which today have “come out beautiful” to use a household expression for her face is one mass of red blotches and she is very sick, but Dr Dansey says she is progressing favourably. She is rather light headed and asked Mama why she did not take her to the Tournament. Unfortunately Papa is now in London, he went to the 1st Lords Levee yesterday. I continue at school till we leave the place. I was going to the Cuertons tomorrow, but have written to put George off.
Saturday 7th [April]. Went this morning to Plymouth by the 9.20 train in order to rouse up Mr Luke about my boots which he has been promising to send up for the last fortnight. He says I am to have them this evening but I do not expect them. When I was waiting at the station I heard a voice from the bridge saying “Nevy, Nevy”. I immediately looked up and beheld Mama who cried out, “Nevy, Papa’s coming home this evening” which of course delightfully attracted the attention of all the by-standers and spectators. I nodded my head in token that I understood her, but having mis understood me she again repeated the same news, however fortunately the train came in at the moment, and drew off the people’s attention. As soon as I had been to Luke’s I hastened up the hill and out towards Mannamead on the road to which I appointed to meet George but missed him. I spent the day with the Cuertons, George and I passed the afternoon in firing the rifle and pistol. I returned home at ½ past three having concluded all the arrangements for going with him to the Whitsands on Monday, I hope it will be asfine as today. Papa returned home by the express minus his moustache.
Thursday June 28th. Called for Williams this morning at 10 o’clock in order to go with him to see the bugles presented to the Devonport rifle volunteers. This ceremony took place on Mt Wise in front of the general’s house. A large space was first enclosed by the soldiers of the line and shortly before 11 o’clock the volunteers of Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport preceded by the band of the 10th marched upon the ground and took up their position in the form of a semicircle. At this time the rain which had been threatening for some time came down pretty smartly but shortly after cleared up. The silver bugles having been presented the buglers executed a flourish upon them, and then the v’trs went through a little manoeuvring under the superintendence of the general, whilst sergeants &c rushed about in a state of fearful excitement, and into each other’s arms.
We then proceeded towards the Stone-house gate, an immense number of people being assembled on either side of the road to witness the procession of the order of foresters. In due time they arrived habited in true Robin Hood fashion, armed with bows and theatrical spears. There was also an open van full of shepherdesses looking very blue about the nose & arms, and none being remarkable for personal attractions. The procession wound up with all the members of the order arrayed in scarfs &c &c all armed with the insignia of forest life.
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We then went on to Devonport where we saw an Italian who played 6 instruments at the same time, and his wife who played two, viz a fiddle and a brass box in which she made the coppers rattle.
Papa saw this very man playing in the village of Cookham about 2 months ago.
Thursday July 26th. Leycester Lyne has just come down here for a short time in order to make arrangements for being curate to a Mr Prynne a Puseyite clergyman of Plymouth. Leycester has brought with him a young Scotchman of the name of Buchan, an[d] who is dressed in Highland costume. The latter is rather a nice fellow and we have been to bathe &c several times. They have dined with us several times and the latter was one day sitting on one of our chairs which have horse-hair cushions, when he was obliged to get up and beg to have a softer cushion to sit upon.
We one day went round the Keyham yard, where we saw at work one of Nasmyth’s Steam Hammers. A huge & shapeless mass of iron was first placed in a furnace until it attained a white heat, being first welded in some method to a long pole which was held by 4 or 5 men and then placed beneath the hammer under whose powerful blows it soon began to take a more definite form. We also went all over HMS Howe which is at present the largest vessel in the British Navy.
Tuesday July 31st. This morning at 8 o’clock I called for Williams as we are invited to spend the day with Mrs Price. We walked round to Wiveliscombe and about ½ past 12 we were joined by the rest of the party from Mrs Dansey’s. We shortly afterwards proceeded to dinner in the open air. It was a very “sumptuous” repast with numberless quart cans of cream into which huge spoons were recklessly plunged and then emerged with their rich loads leaving behind them cavernous holes. The dinner over, the poney was saddled and the girls rode upon it all the afternoon, I had one little canter and terrified by my “violent” riding the old ladies of the party who seemed to have an idea that poneys and horses were made only to be walked about with little girls on their backs.
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Tuesday August 7th. The long talked of and anxiously expected scheme of retirement having come out and Papa not being able to benefit by it, he determined this morning to start off for London in order to ask for a ship. We, that is Papa Mama and myself went into the station this morning as Papa intended going by Express. The usual scene of activity bustle and amusement was going on, excited mothers snugly stowed away their numerous families, only to learn that, that train was not going to their intended destination. Young men in irreproachable suits of clothes and small moustaches were doing the military, up and down the platform with an apparent contempt for all sublunary affairs. The train off, we went into Plymouth where a shower coming on, we retreated into the porch of an eye infirmary, and were asked by a woman to sit down in a room, the walls of which were covered with tablets on which for the trifling consideration of a 5£ or 10£ note any one could have the distinguished felicity of seeing his name subscribed in golden characters.
Thursday 20th Septr. This afternoon Danvers who is in the E. Bengal, Ry Cy called for me and we proceeded for a short walk. I have above mentioned that the marriage of Harriet and Mr Bate was fixed for today, but last night and this morning great doubts existed as to whether it would take place in consequence of Mr B. having made some demur at signing some settlement; but that was smoothed over and they are now knotted. The following are some notes I took at different hours of the day. –
9.10 a.m. Great confusion at the other house. Mr Bate and Uncle went up there at 7 o’clock this morning to break off the wedding in consequence of sundry unpleasant revelations on part of Mr Besley de rebus amantium. I been up there this morning and told part of this by Ramona.
10 a.m. Just been up to the other house. Marriage to take place. “Carriages to leave the house at 10.30.” Mama and Isabel now gone up.
12.40. Harriet and Mr Bate now set off for the train, great display of emotion on all sides, attempt at a speech on the part of G. Papa, but failure.
The married couple having returned from St George’s Church having been united by a Mr Nantes, we all adjourned to the drawing room, where the cake was cut with all ceremony, in which Isabel, Ramona, and Aunt Jane officiated. Wine of two kinds was handed round and various healths and toasts drunk, and thanks returned, the bride alternating between “Tears and Smiles” a story to be seen in “Cassel’s family Paper”. The bride then went up to change her dress and having returned she and Mr Bate went off to the train. They are to stay a week at Ivy-bridge and then proceed on their way to London.
Friday. Every-body is very much surprised at the wedding having taken place so quietly and speedily.
Friday Octr 12th. A short time after lunch we all started off for a walk, going by a roundabout lane towards Ugboro’ Beacon, another Tor about 4 miles from here. In passing thro’ the village I called at the constabulary station to ask for the earthly abode of Mr Maxwell. I was recommended to the notice of a particular suspicious looking gentleman in the garb of a policeman, who accompanied me back for some distance in order to show me the way. I soon entered into conversation with him by which I learnt the interesting fact that he had [been] in the Crimea in the artillery which he did not like &c &c &c. On our road Isabel and I picked a large quantity of nuts to the terror of Mama who has prophesied an illness to both of us.
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Tuesday Novr 6th. We all went today to the Carew Arms an Inn about a mile ½ from Brent to see the meeting of Mr Tralawney’s Fox hounds. The meet was advertised for 11.15 but they were not all assembled till near 12. When we reached the ground there
was a small sprinkling of Red Coats and others imbibing Bitter Beer and blowing clouds, among whom was Captn Woodleigh an old ship mate of Papa’s who came up and talked to us until the arrival of Mr Tralawney. It was curious to observe the various habiliments of the men, the polished boots and variety of hats, the hounds are entirely the property of Mr Tralawney. I was much disappointed as I had a sort of vague idea that it was a very brilliant sort of scene and that we should see all the hounds start off in full cry with the horses at their heels &c &c.
Cowyard, Underhill Farm
Wednesday Novr 7th. Proceeded to Devonport, did various commissions and having plenty of time to spare went on to Plymouth to see G. Cuerton; we went to Devil’s Point and loitered about. As I was coming from the train I met Mr Edwin Jonas and Pinwill, the latter of whom gave me a ticket to see the fireworks at the Block house. They were pretty good and were accompanied at very long intervals by the dulcet strains of a few men from the Marine Band. There were a good many people, but I met no one that I knew. After the conclusion of the proceedings George and I returned to his house, where I slept the night, in the morning I went to the market to try and get some fish, none to [be] had. I lost the 1.45 train in consequence of a hamper from Hawkins not being there at the right time. While I was waiting at the door on the lookout, I was much amused at the people who came in for their tickets. A hughe Guard with a voice to match stood at the door to keep out those who were not going by the train. First came an old woman evidently unaccustomed to travelling “going by the train” shouted the Guard. “Yes? Come in then my dear woman” bundled her into the ticket office, allowing her under no inducement to return to say goodbye to her friends. Next came a potatoe faced, nervous young man, perhaps a draper’s assistant. Guard. “Going by the train Sir”. Young gent startled out of his wits. “Up the Rhine. – Er – Ivybridge.” Pushed in, and summarily disposed of.
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Saturday Novr 10th. TOTNESS. At 1.30 today Papa and I set out to walk to Totness, distant from here about 8 miles. After the first two miles I began to feel hot and weary but gradually freshened up again. I was greatly tempted to go and steal some of the apples from the yellow heaps in the numerous orchards by the way side. Papa endeavoured to lighten the journey by telling various stories of his youthful exploits in the way of catching rabbits &c &c. Here and there you get some beautiful bits of scenery.
Wednesday. Decr 26th. We today dined with Captn and Mrs Price, and spent a very pleasant evening in inspecting the various things, brought by Captn Price from abroad. While talking about our last day at “the Cottage” Wiveliscombe, Captn P said he understood I showed great attention to one or two of the female portion of the party, I am afraid my conscience tells me who one of them was, a passing fancy.
Decr 28th Friday. Papa has today recd. the offer of an appointment to the Superintendence of the Transport and Mail Agency department at Liverpool, he first told me of it when I was in the orchard looking out for some Lapwing Plovers, by asking me if I was ready to go to Liverpool, to which I immediately returned an affirmative.
1861
Jany 1st. Shortly before dinner G. Cuerton called for me to go to tea with him and the Maxwells. Spent a pleasant evening and returned at 11.30 when I found Mama in tears. It being an intensely dark night she thought that by some means I had walked into the river & should not have been again heard of till my swollen body was fished out some miles down the stream.
The new year was ushered in with a gale of wind and much rain, much damage done of rooves and chimneypots.
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