The diaries

Fig. 4. Title page of 1865 volume, in Hewitson’s hand (Lancashire Archives DP/512/1/1), courtesy of Lancashire Archives, CC BY.

1865

[Letts’s No. 35 Rough Diary or Scribbling Journal, with a week in each opening of 2 pages. Price … Interleaved with Blotting Paper: 1s 6d.]¹

[In Hewitson’s hand:]

Diary of

Anthony Hewitson

48 Fishergate Hill,

Preston,

for the year

1865.

[By 1865, Hewitson was married to Margaret, with two daughters, Ethelind, aged three, and Florence, aged two. In December 1864 he had rejoined the bi-weekly Radical Preston Guardian as chief reporter; it was the highest selling newspaper in North Lancashire. Hewitson was 28 years old. Preston was beginning to recover from the Lancashire Cotton Famine, during which half of its population had been made paupers. The diary begins in March.]

March

Sunday 5 March 1865 Ethelind Hewitson, my daughter, died at 49 Fishergate Hill,² Preston at 20 minutes to 11 o’cl[loc]k evening of tonsillitis. Age 3 y[ea]rs 9 months. God Bless her. Same age as my daughter Madge who died in March 1863.

Wednesday 8 March 1865 My daughter Ethelind interred in Preston Cemetery at 2 o’cl[ock] this afternoon. Minister Rev. H J Martyn,³ Independent. Two hours before interment went down grave, about 20 ft deep, and removed lid above a glass in coffin of my little daughter Madge, interred at same place and same age, two years before. Coffin put into ground 2 years ago. Said to be airtight. Made of iron. Face of Madge dark, eyes sunk, skin dark brown. Hair, cap &c perfect. Ethelind buried in a similar coffin.⁴

[on torn-off slip stuck into diary:]

Thursday 9 March 1865 My son Ethelbert born between five and six o’cl[ock] this morning “without the aid of a doctor.”⁵ Went to Lancaster at eight o’cl[ock] to re-….⁶

[No entries 10 March–21 May]

May

Monday 22 May 1865 Fearful storm of thunder, lightning, rain & hail in the afternoon. Street flooded with water—cellars and low situated houses deluged. Hail stones fell as large as marbles. Lightning awfully vivid. Lot of places damaged with it.

Tuesday 23 May 1865 More thunder but innocent when compared with that of yesterday.

[No entries 24–26 May]

Saturday 27 May 1865 Went to Penwortham Church at noon, to report confirmation⁷ address of the Bishop of Manchester (J Prince Lee).⁸ Weather fine, sight of children and young persons charming; but idea thereof somewhat toned down by the suspicion that the youths & maidens would not care very much for the promises they would make. Such is the fact afterwards. Confirmation seems a solemn farce, and the Bishop who is an earnest man does not know how little his young subjects care for him.

Sunday 28 May 1865 [No entry]

Monday 29 May 1865 Nothing of consequence during day. Went to Mr L.N Fowlers⁹ phrenological class in the evening at Corn Exchange.¹⁰ Heard a good lecture on the affinity between mind and matter. The relationship seems terribly mysterious. A good deal of merriment after the lecture in the phrenological drilling which the pupils got.

Tuesday 30 May 1865 To office at 9;¹¹ police court¹² at 11; Board of Guardians¹³ at 11.30. A deal of authoritative twaddle talked by some of the guardians, who seem to be marvellous ‘spouters’ and very lazy workers. Its odd that working and talking go so seldom together. Extremes often meet. And always in Guardians of the Poor, as a rule.

Wednesday 31 May 1865 Weather fine but windy rather. To police court at 11 in forenoon. Nothing particular. In afternoon at 3 had a row in a boat down the Ribble* for about two miles. Wife and two children (Florence and Ethelbert) and servant with me. Nice afternoon’s enjoyment. Water calm, air clear, sky bright. Went with wife at 8 evening to Mr L.N. Fowler’s phrenological class, Corn Exchange. Laughed a good deal; learned little. Mayor of Preston¹⁴ and myself sat together as specimens (oh!)

June

Thursday 1 June 1865 Fine weather, but very cold in the evening. At 9.20 morning to office in Cannon St[reet]. At 11 to police court. Forgery case partly heard. Left work at half past three in afternoon & went to Cemetery to see grave of two children (Madge and Ethel). Found it in good condition. Cemetery borders beautiful—grass thick and wavy; trees in full foliage; flowers blooming; birds singing. A sort of ‘grave’ pantheism right through the place. To Mr Fowler’s class with wife at 9 o’cl[ock]. To bed at 12.

Friday 2 June 1865 To work at nine in the morning. A slack day. Heard and saw nothing worth mentioning. Left work at half past 12 o’cl[ock] at night. Early for publishing night.¹⁵

Saturday 3 June 1865 “Turned up” at 11 o’cl[ock] in the morning. Nothing except bucolic barrenness at the county police station.¹⁶ Saw C.R. Jacson Esq¹⁷ who promised to get me a new county valuation list when ready.¹⁸ Went to Mr Fowler’s class, with wife, in evening. Saw and heard a good deal of the “dear brother and sister”¹⁹ kind of work.

Whit Sunday 4 June 1865 Read Sam Slick in morning.²⁰ In afternoon had a walk with wife, children and servant. Did the conscientious secular in the evening—made out bills to pay debts.

Whit Monday 5 June 1865 Went up street²¹ in forenoon. Saw Catholic (Roman) and Orangemen’s²² processions.²³ Catholic fine; others moderate. Afternoon; saw thousands of Protestant scholars walk through the streets. A fine demonstration. Then went in “The Orchard”²⁴ and got my head nearly “turned” with the din, bustle, screaming, turning, pulling, riding &c on the ground. Saw “hobby” horses driven by steam! What next. Thought that there was a deal of fun and nonsense in human nature. At night went home to transcribe my notes.²⁵

Whit Tuesday 6 June 1865 Got up at six and continued transcribing. Bustled about during the day after Whitsuntide news. Tremendous numbers of cheap trips by rail. My Aunts Margaret²⁶ and Jane, whom I had never seen for eleven y[ea]rs (although during the greater part of that time we had only been separated 10 miles) called on me. Went forward to Lancaster that night, along with my wife, en route to Dent to attend my Uncle Peter’s²⁷ funeral.

Wednesday 7 June 1865 Went with wife, mother* and two aunts by rail to Clapham; there got a conveyance; drove through Ingleton;* saw the house wherein I was brought up and fields wherein I had often played; drove on to Dent by Kingsdale—a most terrific and unpardonable road. Found uncles, & aunts & cousins there in profusion—one nearly drunk. He was an uncle. Nice man! Saw my grandfather* and grandmother’s* grave. Came to Lancaster same night. A tremendous drive and a rapid ride. Scenery compensated for all.

Thursday 8 June 1865 Up at six. Off to Preston by train at a quarter past seven. Saw by newspaper placard that a great accident had taken place on previous day to an excursion train about Shrewsbury. Went down home at 8.20; found servant and my little daughter Florence, who had stayed behind, all right. To office at 9. In afternoon tried to get particulars of Mr T Miller’s²⁸ mills illness but failed. Wanted them because Miller is dying and my master was anxious to have a full notice. After saw Dr Broughton.²⁹ My wife and son returned from Lancaster at 6.20pm.

Friday 9 June 1865 Great deal of running about after paragraphs.³⁰ Felt terribly tired through a tight pair of new boots. People should always get feet gear big enough. Brother Tom³¹ came at night tired and ‘hard up’³² through Whitsuntide spreeing.³³

Saturday 10 June 1865 Up street in morning with wife and Florence (daughter). Throngish³⁴ market. A steam hobby horse apparatus in the ‘Orchard’ and plenty of patrons. I saw two men one at least 50 years of age upon a hobby horse.

Sunday 11 June 1865 To St Wilfrid’s Catholic (Roman) Chapel, Chapel St[ree]t in morning. Music magnificent; ceremony childish in the peddling nonsense of their details; sermon (by a convert³⁵) terribly metaphysical but full of thought. At night to same chapel. Fine music, eloquently bigoted sermon.

Monday 12 June 1865 Forenoon—Sherriff’s court case—a man sued for 6d. About £40 incurred in case. Reported it. Heard some of jurymen say that the man who brought case must be a scamp. Sent case off to papers.³⁶

Tuesday 13 June 1865 Usual writing and running about. In the evening went to a meeting in Avenham Institution³⁷ of the “Ladies of Preston” for the purpose of raising relief for the freed people in America.³⁸ The meeting was a significant one—it was attended by seven Quakeresses, two Quakers and myself.³⁹

Wednesday 14 June 1865 Sent some reports off to The Tablet and other Roman Catholic papers.⁴⁰

Thursday 15 June 1865 Went to the meeting of the Guardians at the ‘finished town’ of Garstang.⁴¹ Lovely day. Would have enjoyed the walk to and from Garstang station (4 miles) but for two things; dusty roads and tight shoes—the latter being an abomination. Garstang although ‘finished’ continues to improve. When railway is made past, it will be ‘complete’.⁴²

Friday 16 June 1865 A good deal of running about sweating &c for paragraphs in Preston. ‘Vaticinated’⁴³ in regard to one paragraph to the daily papers and found out that I was not a ‘true prophet’—although the prophecy has been done for a ‘real profit’.⁴⁴ Finished work at one o’cl[ock] in the morning (Saturday).

Saturday 17 June 1865 Wrote newspaper correspondence⁴⁵ in the afternoon. At night to theatre. Afterwards to the railway station and there got particulars of an accident—a collision.⁴⁶

Sunday 18 June 1865 Went to Skelmersdale to opening of Roman Catholic Chapel. Reported sermon of Bishop Goss.⁴⁷ Pleasant day’s visit but weather very hot.

Monday 19 June 1865 Writing out Bishop Goss’s* speech to send off. In the evening went to a Missionary meeting. ⁴⁸ Very hot. Got cold when I came out. Afterwards—at half past 9 o’cl[ock]—went with wife to the theatre & saw Miss Marriott perform.⁴⁹ Didn’t like the playing very much.

Tuesday 20 June 1865 Running about as usual for paragraphs. Went to Samaritan Society’s annual meeting, to report, in the evening. Was persuaded that it had a good cause by the main, but that it was damnably attended—only 34 present. Abominable. The meeting on behalf of Indian savages⁵⁰ held the previous night was better attended. Object of Samaritan society—relief of distress at home.

Wednesday 21 June 1865 To Preston Grammar School distribution of prizes at 11 o’cl[ock] in the forenoon. Mayor (Mr Joseph Isherwood⁵¹) in the chair. Many ladies and gentlemen present. A brilliant affair on the whole. Two scholarships were given (for the first time) today. The second was by mistake given to the wrong boy. Two days afterwards it was awarded to the right one Henry C Walton’s⁵² son.

Thursday 22 June 1865 This forenoon went to the finished town of Garstang to report petty sessions⁵³ & Highways Board meeting. Lovely place Garstang. At the sessions a bastardy case⁵⁴ lasted about three hours. Afterwards an old man named Bugless,⁵⁵ 86 years of age (who had fought under Nelson at Copenhagen) charged his housekeeper, a woman named Thompson⁵⁶ about 40 y[ea]rs of age, w[ith] robbing him of about £40. She said she got no wages for 4 y[ea]rs and had been living “tally”⁵⁷ with Bugless, and thought she had a right to it. Bugless lived at Forton.

Friday 23 June 1865 Worked quietly hard today. At night saw Miss Marriott at the Theatre in the character of Hamlet. Well impersonated for a woman. Got from the office at 1.30 in the morning.⁵⁸

Saturday 24 June 1865 Was called up early this morning to get some particulars for second edition of the Preston Guardian (the paper for which I am chief reporter)⁵⁹ of the death of Alderman T Miller. He died at half past five this morning. Was the richest man in Preston; also the handsomest; and by far the largest employer of labour.

Sunday 25 June 1865 Did nothing in particular in forenoon. In afternoon went with wife and two children to Cemetery to see graves of Madge and Ethel.

Monday 26 June 1865 In the morning at 11.40 to Police Court. Reported an artful dodging case.⁶⁰ In the evening saw the outside of Wombwell’s Menagerie in the Orchard. Subsequently went to a presentation at the Police Station (in Mayor’s Parlour) to Mr Brown,⁶¹ Hon. Sec of Preston relief com[mitt]ee whose labours have just been suspended.⁶² Plenty of fruit, wine & talk during proceedings. Got home ‘satisfied’ by 11 o’cl[ock].

Tuesday 27 June 1865 Paragraphing, writing out &c. Saw nothing worth mentioning. Left work at 1.30 in the morning, dull and philosophical. Had a pipe of tobacco and a glass of ale as usual & then retired to God’s own panacea for toil—sleep.

Wednesday 28 June 1865 Rose at eight. At half past 9 o’cl[ock] went to see Mr Alderman Miller’s funeral. An unparalleled demonstration. Thousands crowded in the streets to see the funeral procession. At 11 o’cl[ock] I went by train to Lytham to take account of interment (in St John’s Churchyard) of Mr Miller. A good deal of joking on the way. Will Dobson* Esq in same carriage. Telegraphed a summary to the office. Got home at five. Wrote out afternoon.

Thursday 29 June 1865 Finished account of Mr Miller’s funeral this morning. At 11o’cl[ock] went to Town Council meeting. The Corporation agreed to give £500 toward the Infirmary (The House of Recovery has to be turned into it).⁶³ At same meeting it was announced that a private firm in town had given same sum for same object. Went to vestry meeting⁶⁴ afterwards. Created a row with young Toulmin (master’s son) in afternoon for opening a letter-parcel directed to me. He said it was done by mistake.

Friday 30 June 1865 Finished account of Messrs Horrockses, Miller & Co’s manufacturing establishment for paper. Was after paragraphs remainder of day. At theatre in the evening for a short time. The officers of Fulwood Garrison⁶⁵ gave a performance on behalf of the New Infirmary. Performance well patronised. Saw a comedian named Honey⁶⁶ in the same evening. Promised to give him a critique but was prevented.

July

Saturday 1 July 1865 To police court soon after ten this morning. Got some particulars about a lad who was killed for stopping a quarrel. In the afternoon worked hard at home. Then home. [sic]

Sunday 2 July 1865 Nothing particular in forenoon; fell asleep in the afternoon; had a walk with wife and two children (Florence & Ethelbert) in the evening.

Monday 3 July 1865 At 11 o’cl[ock] to Police Court where I remained till two. Making Bills out in afternoon.⁶⁷ Heard a lady—at any rate a female splendidly dressed in silk—whistle for her lap dog in Fishergate this forenoon. She must have been one of the strong-minded sort.⁶⁸ Got a £1 Bank of Ireland note tonight from Sligo. The first I ever saw. Party sending it said he wanted to engage an editor and verbatim reporter for 35/- per week (Oh!).⁶⁹

Tuesday 4 July 1865 Paragraphing and picking up news all day, more or less. Have forgot the rest, if there was anything besides worth recording.

Wednesday 5 July 1865 Went down to station to take notes of reception of Hon F A Stanley (second son of Earl of Derby).⁷⁰ Reception Election time. Great demonstration but spiritless. Reported his speech & Sir Thomas G Hesketh’s⁷¹ at night. Poor, incoherent attempt at speaking. Both good Tories but miserable thinkers and talkers.

Thursday 6 July 1865 At police court reporting a manslaughter case—a lad killed for stopping a fight—in forenoon. In the evening at an enthusiastic meeting of Liberals, who at the eleventh hour wanted a parliamentary candidate. Meeting at Castle Inn, Market Place. Mr Alderman Goodair⁷² asked to ‘come out’. He came to meeting, made a capital speech and promised to report his intention tomorrow.

Friday 7 July 1865 At night went to a meeting of Roman Catholics & Liberals at the Castle Inn, Market Place. Got up for the purpose of inducing Mr Alderman Goodair* (who had refused to accept the invitation at dinnertime⁷³) to reconsider his decision. Large and enthusiastic meeting. Good speeches. Goodair said he had no chance and would not stand—much to the regret of (no doubt) many unscrupulous Romans who were sighing for a contest.⁷⁴

Saturday 8 July 1865 Went at seven o’cl[ock] in the evening to Red Lion Hotel where the two Conservative (and the only) candidates now in the field addressed a large but not very enthusiastic meeting. Sir T.G Hesketh* is a genial half Dundreary⁷⁵ sort of gentleman with a slow flow of speech. Lord Derby’s son is a respectable inexperienced looking young man. His speech tonight was an improvement upon the last I heard.

Sunday 9 July 1865 Took it easy today.

Monday 10 July 1865 Easy day. Went at night to theatre with the intention of hearing G.V. Brooke⁷⁶ the celebrated player. Had an editorial ticket with me; got passes at the entrance; was afterwards told by a woman taking tickets that I had better go to the side instead of the front boxes. I responded to her sovereign impudence by walking right out of the place.

Tuesday 11 July 1865 Election of M.P.’s today throughout the country. Two Conservatives (Sir T.G. Hesketh,* bart. and the Hon F A Stanley) were returned unopposed. The Liberals couldn’t muster a man. Hustings proceedings quiet; not much drunkenness and little shouting. Speeches made moderate. Lieutenant Col. Birchall⁷⁷ and Mr C R Jacson supported Hesketh; Alderman E Birley⁷⁸ and Mr Joseph Gillow⁷⁹ (a Roman Catholic) supported Stanley.

Wednesday 12 July 1865 Everybody in Preston in a state of excitement about distant elections.⁸⁰ At Lancaster about which I was most interested, bribery and corruption prevailed most extensively. Was told that in one village near Lancaster every voter (except three) were insecure viz willing to vote any way if bribed. Sums varying from £10 to £30 and £40 were I am informed given for single votes. Abominable!⁸¹

Thursday 13 July 1865 Saw in the evening a north Lancashire editor returning home from Lincoln where he had been to vote. He told me that he got a first class railway pass to and from Lincoln and that he there got £11 £10 for his expenses. The side he originally went to vote for promised to give him £7 after he had recorded his vote, but he would not accept such terms and afterwards got £10 from the opposite side for expenses before voting. Fine eh?

Friday 14 July 1865 Went to Lancaster in morning and reported speeches (at nomination for Northern division of Lancashire) of Colonel Wilson Patten,⁸² Marquis of Hartington⁸³ &c. Report made upwards of five columns.⁸⁴ Good speeches on the whole. Hartington is improving. He made a better speech than I ever before heard from him.

Saturday 15 July 1865 Neither saw nor did anything worth talking about

Sunday 16 July 1865 Read a book, about duels, in the forenoon, preparatory to a lecture on fighting; in afternoon had a sail on Ribble with wife, daughter Florence and some relative. In evening played at draughts. Did these things for pleasure and diversion.⁸⁵

Monday 17 July 1865 To work at 10 in morning. In afternoon nothing in particular. At night went to theatre to hear Mr Edmund Phelps⁸⁶ (son of the great S Phelps⁸⁷) play Hamlet. Didn’t care much about it. Character not sufficiently energetic nor pathetic. But young Phelps by judicious training and experience should improve. Hamlet should be taken by a man who knows the ways of the world—who is acquainted with its honour, villainy, glory and shame.

Tuesday 18 July 1865 Did very little reporting today- less than ever I did on a Tuesday since I went upon the Preston Guardian 7½ months ago. Everybody has this afternoon been talking about Mr Gladstone,⁸⁸ Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has got “thrown out” for Oxford University and has been nominated for South Lancashire.⁸⁹ He is a glorious fellow and ought to be elected when the day comes. Got home at 20 minutes after 12 o’cl[ock]. Good.⁹⁰

Wednesday 19 July 1865 An idle day. In the afternoon went to an old woman Maud Taylor, in Lancaster Road for some eye water. She told me some amazing tales as to her curative talent, and said that her father had learned her botany. Afterwards went with wife and children to railway station. They were going for an ‘out’⁹¹ to Lancaster, along with Cousin Jim Wilson’s wife⁹² and child who had been staying with us a short time.

Thursday 20 July 1865 Main topic today the contest for South Lancashire—three Liberals and three Tories. Gladstone returned. That’s all I and the Liberals care for. He has displaced a Tory.

Friday 21 July 1865 Paragraphing as usual. Called with Jim Wilson (brother-in-law)⁹³ at a public house at 10 minutes to one in morning (Saturday) and had a glass of ale each. When one o’cl[ock] had been struck the landlord said we had better go out of the front room; but that we could go into another more to the rear and thus evade the police. We objected and went home like honest men.

Saturday 22 July 1865 Went to Newton today. Poll of election for South Lancashire was declared.⁹⁴ Mr Gladstone Chanc[ellor] of the Ex[chequer] made a speech, which I reported. About 25 reporters present. Never saw Mr Gladstone (Chanc of Ex) before. He had a solemn care worn look, but a splendid eye in his head. Went to Lancaster at night after writing out Gladstone for 3rd edition.⁹⁵

Sunday 23 July 1865 Had a sail with wife, children and friends in Morecambe Bay.

Monday 24 July 1865 Came, by myself, from Lancaster, at noon. Went straight to police court, & reported an attempted murder case by rascal who had been 22 times in prison.⁹⁶ When I got home found an Easter due⁹⁷ note from Vicar of Preston⁹⁸ (a personal friend of mine) saying that if I didn’t pay Easter dues in ‘seven days from the date thereof it will become necessary to summon you before the magistrates’ for same. Haven’t made up my mind what to do yet.

Tuesday 25 July 1865 Went to laying of corner st[one] of Preston New Union Workhouse.⁹⁹ Site in Fulwood. Mr T B Addison¹⁰⁰ (who seemed weak in body but clear in mind) laid the stone. Afterwards returned to Red Lion Hotel, in conveyance, along with generality of parties present and partook of dinner. A good spread and plenty of wine, which was too freely drunk by nearly everybody—doctors (who ought to have known better) amongst r[e]st. Lost my hat. Got Town Clerk’s.*

Wednesday 26 July 1865 Proceeded to Lancaster Assizes by 8 o’cl[ock] train. Reported Crown Court cases. Baron Bramwell presided.¹⁰¹ He is a real Englishman in thought and make—stout, full of common sense, combative and critical. Had finished work soon after six. Sent several newspaper parcels off af[te]r[ward]s.¹⁰²

Thursday 27 July 1865 At the assizes all day. The principal case was a forgery and embezzlement one from Blackburn in which Sec[retary] of a Co-operative Co[mpany] had made away with between £1300 & £1600. After business had a walk with two friends to New Quay. Saw Ship Building Y[ar]d there.¹⁰³ It looked big but flimsey [sic]

Friday 28 July 1865 Still at assizes. Returned at night & got to office shortly before 9 o’cl[ock]. Worked till 2 o’cl[ock] in morning.

Saturday 29 July 1865 Went for my hat (taken in mistake at guardians dinner last Tuesday) to Dr Haldan.¹⁰⁴ Got it at night and he kept the one (not his own) which I had got. Too bad, but like a doctor.

Sunday 30 July 1865 Had a walk in aft[ernoo]n in Marsh. Listened five minutes to a swellish young man (unacquainted w[ith] grammar) preaching there.¹⁰⁵

Monday 31 July 1865 At eleven went to celebration of Feast of St Ignatius (founder of the Jesuits) at St Wilfrid’s Catholic Chapel. Ceremony pretty imposing; music exquisite. Only a few persons present. It’s too much of a good thing to attend chapel on Monday when people have been there on Sunday. At the celebration named Father Harper¹⁰⁶ (a convert from Ch[urc]h of Eng[lan]d) delivered an address defensive of Jesuits. In evening to athletic sports.

August

Tuesday 1 August 1865 Looking after paragraphs. In afternoon went to athletic sports¹⁰⁷ for a paragraph about them to send to Manchester & L[iver]pool. The sports seemed a mixture of ‘physical Christianity’,¹⁰⁸ noise and drunken revelrie [sic]. On leaving work shortly after 2 o’cl[ock] in morning overtook two coarse looking men in Fishergate Hill who were taking home (to his wife and little children) a ‘dead drunk’ town councillor. Abominable. Execrable.¹⁰⁹

Wednesday 2 August 1865 To police court at 11. In afternoon wrote par[agraph]s to send to distant papers.

Thursday 3 August 1865 To consecration of Christ Church, Fulwood, by Bishop of Manchester at 11 o’cl[ock]. A pretty good sermon afterwards preached by a dull Canon from Lancaster.¹¹⁰ There was luncheon afterwards. But neither I nor my professional colleagues patronised it. We were “generally” invited; but a desire to obv obviate work[?] and to avoid any reflections that a milk & water invitation had caught me kept me away.¹¹¹

Friday 4 August 1865 Working and knocking about all day. Everybody nearly talking today about stoppage of laying of Atlantic Telegraphic Cable.¹¹² Left work at one o’cl[ock].

Saturday 5 August 1865 Rise at 9. To police c[our]t at 11. Nothing of importance. Town flat. Wrote par[agraph]s—partially manufactured¹¹³ —in afternoon for distant papers. Bought Josephus’s works for 5s—a cheap and substantial lot. The world is indebted to Old Flavius.¹¹⁴ Got a ‘blowing up’ from wife for buying the book. She said I’d plenty of books without it.

Sunday 6 August 1865 Read and had a walk.

Monday 7 August 1865 To Longridge* at 11. Opening of a new Congregational Chapel. Rev E Mellor of L[iver]pool¹¹⁵ preached splendid opening sermon. Dinner afterwards at Dog Inn. Sir James Watts¹¹⁶ Manchester, in chair. He made a poor speech. Mellor made a good one. Came home in a biscuit cart, as train did not go for four hours. Transcribed notes till after midnight.

Tuesday 8 August 1865 Paragraphing all day.

Wednesday 9 August 1865 Went to Royal North Lancashire Agricultural Show at Accrington. Trial of implements. Poor affair. Only 7 mowing machines tried. Accrington is a clean town mainly built of stone. Had never been there before. Returned home at four & wrote out trial of implements. It is a dry uninteresting job.

Thursday 10 August 1865 To Accrington again, at 8 o’cl[ock]. This was the general show day. Only a poor display. Bad attendance in morning; good in afternoon, because there were attractions independent of agriculture—horse racing, jumping etc—to be seen. Society’s dinner in Peel Institution. Speeches by Colonel Patten, Sir J P Kay-Shuttleworth,¹¹⁷ Lord Hartington &c. Got home at half-past 10 o’cl[ock].

Friday 11 August 1865 Writing about agricultural show from 9 o’cl[ock] in morning till 10 at night. Got from work at 2 o’cl[ock].

Saturday 12 August 1865 Having had a very hard week’s work—sitting up late every night—didn’t get up till noon. Went up street with wife and children in afternoon. To theatre at night to see some remarkable marionettes.¹¹⁸

Sunday 13 August 1865 Doing necessary work; thinking; reading; eating; sleeping; walking; writing. My 29th birthday.

Monday 14 August 1865 To work as usual in forenoon. Had a sail down the Ribble with wife, children and dog in afternoon. Rather rough but on the whole pleasant. Sailing is a pleasant pastime and ought to be more indulged in. Met a parson sailing as we returned and thought him a reasonable fellow.

Tuesday 15 August 1865 To police court, Board of Guardians and other places. Nothing extra; except at Board of Guardians where Christopher Ward¹¹⁹ (a respectable shopkeeper and fuddler¹²⁰) [?] objected to the expenses of a dinner which he was invited to attend. People sh[oul]d be consistent.

Wednesday 16 August 1865 Went to agricultural show at Kirkham today. A pleasant visit. Heavy reporting in evening after dinner,¹²¹ which was a good one. Got home about 9 o’cl[ock].

Thursday 17 August 1865 Writing out Kirkham Show all day.

Friday 18 August 1865 Hunting for paragraphs.

Saturday 19 August 1865 Writing. Oh the never ending work of writing.

Sunday 20 August 1865 Nothing very particular. Writing. Want more spirituality on Sundays.

Monday 21 August 1865 Still writing.

Tuesday 22 August 1865 And yet writing. To Garstang in afternoon. A dull railway meeting, preparatory to commencement of Garstang and Knott End Railway.

Wednesday 23 August 1865 To sessions.¹²² No cases of consequence. Saw old Cobbett’s son.¹²³ He is a barrister; but a rather antiquated man. Don’t care about him.

Thursday 24 August 1865 Again to Garstang. Went to Board of Guardians meeting, where there was a stupid Dr Bell¹²⁴ who proposed that a new union workhouse sh[oul]d be built. The hardheaded farmers were dead against motion which was lost.

Friday 25 August 1865 All day paragraphing. At police court in morning a youth—not a man, for he had 3 years of his apprenticeship to serve—was ordered to pay 2/- a week towards an illegitimate child. Nice doings on part of ‘young England’. The mother of the child wasn’t 20. The ‘gods’¹²⁵ in the court laughed heartily at the affair. Got home shortly before 2 in the morning.

Saturday 26 August 1865 Went to report proceedings in connec[tio]n with distribution of School of Art prizes at Avenham Institution by Major Wilson,¹²⁶ who is a capital gentleman but a poor public speaker. Lots of youngsters came up smiling for their prizes. Some of them belonged to poor people. Ability knows no class.

Sunday 27 August 1865 Thinking & reading & walking.

Monday 28 August 1865 Writing out dull speeches, delivered on Saturday evening at distribution of school of art prizes.

Tuesday 29 August 1865 Paragraphing and ‘boring’¹²⁷ stupid people for news.

Wednesday 30 August 1865 Attended annual licensing session.¹²⁸ 15 new applications, four granted. Miserable reasons—such as houses were built to sell spirits in, only so many yards from the houses &c—given by applicants. Think the trade ought to be thrown open as an experiment. G Toulmin,* my employer, went to America (on a tour) today.¹²⁹

Thursday 31 August 1865 Tremendously long Town Council meeting—Corporation decided to call in an eminent engineer to examine river as to navigation, dock accommodation. They might well do so for they have had thousands of pounds in shares in [the] river navigation company on which no dividends have for years b[ee]n paid. At the meeting a deputation requesting railway directors to build a new station was app[oin]ted.¹³⁰

September

Friday 1 September 1865 Two cases of new cattle disease¹³¹ in Mr G Hunt’s¹³² farm near Preston reported today. This is singular that Mr Hunt has been most busy in circulating papers amongst cattle owners in North Lancashire to take precautionary measures as to t[he] disease and t[hat] he should be the first to have it.

Saturday 2 September 1865 A long meeting which I attended about cattle plague. Reports given are stupid and unsatisfactory.

Sunday 3 September 1865 Thought of going to Blackpool; rained; went to Baptist Chapel in morn[ing]; & to Longridge* (with wife and children) in the afternoon. Nice visit.

Monday 4 September 1865 Writing out a report of cattle disease meeting. In afternoon went with wife and child to make a preliminary inspection of a bazaar to be held on behalf of getting Avenham Institution¹³³ out of debt. Saw some beautiful and very dear articles. Bazaars are legitimate swindles with a good object in view.

Tuesday 5 September 1865 Went in forenoon to opening of the above bazaar. Some ‘spicy’ people present. Had my attention drawn to a brand new curate¹³⁴ at the Parish Church who is a thorough ecclesiastical swell. Major Wilson, Colonel Wilson Patten MP, Sir T G Hesketh* bart, MP and some others made short and barren speeches about Mechanics’ Institutes and working men’s clubs.

Wednesday 6 September 1865 To Kirkham Floral and Horticultural Show today. This was the second held & it was a good one. Returned at four and ‘wrote out’ report of it.

Thursday 7 September 1865 I and wife went with a cheap trip to Keswick today. Fare 3/- each: distance upwards 90 miles each way. Enjoyed the ride excellently. Fine wild scenery over Shap & down to Keswick. Five other persons joined us as a party. On arriving had a sail on Derwentwater, then visited Falls of Lodore; afterwards went to a lead mine; then to dinner at the George Hotel. Later on went up Skiddaw;¹³⁵ I got to top first. Scenery moderate through the mist. Found out I had not been at top. Got home at 12 c[lock].

Friday 8 September 1865 Terrible hot weather today. Paragraphing and running about. Done work at one o’cl[ock] in morning.

Saturday 9 September 1865 To Hoghton to get particulars of a railway collision this morning. Found there had b[ee]n an alarming smash between two goods trains owing to wrong signals. Saw one of the engines down the embankment overturned & partly in a hedge. All the line was strewn with broken waggons and their contents.

Sunday 10 September 1865 Writing, reading & thinking.

Monday 11 September 1865 Had a pleasant drive to Tarleton with a colleague to report a cattle plague meeting attended by a few stupid country farmers who, after growling (some of them) about expenses,¹³⁶ began drinking ale. A remedy against the drink plague as well as the cattle plague would be a great blessing, especially in country places.

Tuesday 12 September 1865 Paragraphing

Wednesday 13 September 1865 Nothing particular

Thursday 14 September 1865 Attended Town Council meeting and annual general sessions.¹³⁷ Long debates at sessions about county expenditure being excessive, and the increase of salary of Roman Catholic minister at the Kirkdale gaol.

Friday 15 September 1865 Running about. In afternoon went down to Exhibition at Corn Exchange & afterwards wrote a column descriptive of it.¹³⁸

Saturday16 September 1865 Attended a cattle plague meeting at Bull Hotel; afterwards went with wife and children to Lancaster* where I worked (writing) till between 9 & 10 at night.

Sunday 17 September 1865 Went to Morecambe* in afternoon with wife. We enjoyed ourselves; had a shilling tea and then walked to Lancaster.*

Monday 18 September 1865 Paid a tailor’s bill & ordered a new suit of clothes. Returned alone to Preston at noon; wrote out Saturday’s meeting; & in evening went to a lecture about Queensland in Theatre & then to look about the Exhibition.¹³⁹

Tuesday 19 September 1865 Bothering about getting particulars relative to Exhibition for the full description on Saturday. Got home about 12 o’cl[ock], with a very uncomfortable idea that I ought to be up at six next morning to write out the particulars named.

Wednesday 20 September 1865 Writing description of Art & Industrial Exhibition to be opened at Corn Exchange tomorrow. At noon went to two ship launches (the “Ribbleton” & “Fairy Queen”) at Mr Mackern’s yard, Marsh End. Vessels took the water well. Afterwards went to a lunch in the ship yard which was attended by a large number of elite of Preston. Jolly affair. Heard that some did not get home till midnight.

Thursday 21 September 1865 This was the Exhibition day. Streets alive early. Got notes from The Times and the Scotsman to send account of Exhibition and to telegraph the speech of Lord Derby who was expected to open it. Illness however prevented him. This was a great disappointment. There was a procession in afternoon; the Mayor & several members of parliament aft[erwar]d went to Corn Exchange & opened the Exhibition which was a very fine affair. In evening Mayor gave splendid banquet in the Theatre Royal.

Friday 22 September 1865 Got up at six; had a shower bath; wrote till eight; went to office at nine; more writing; got two columns about Exhibition into The Times;¹⁴⁰ went to a dinner at Theatre in evening given by Lieutenant Colonel Birchall¹⁴¹ and Major Wilson to members & friends of Artillery Corps of Preston. Got home after two in morning.¹⁴²

Saturday 23 September 1865 Went to a most ridiculous meeting about Cattle Plague in afternoon at Bull Hotel. R C Richards¹⁴³ of Kirkham wanted to be the propounder of some fine theory involving the raising of a fund of £5000. He failed & meeting ended in nothing.¹⁴⁴

Sunday 24 September 1865 Sorted apples in forenoon; in afternoon went to Cemetery to see graves of my two dear children. At night read Watson’s Evidences of Christianity.¹⁴⁵

Monday 25 September 1865 Went to Leyland with sister-in-law (Sarah Rodgett¹⁴⁶) & my child. Ran over our dog & got bitten when starting. Better luck further on. Attended a cattle plague meeting at Leyland; then had dinner; then went on in conveyance to Tarleton where there was a similar meeting. Very pleasant ‘out’ & hardly anything to do. Farmers are very obtuse & don’t talk much worth reporting. Got home about 8o’cl[ock] & found dog mending. It had got part of its tail cut off and a bit of its leg foot or toe.

Tuesday 26 September 1865 Paragraphing. Nothing extra. Weather warm. News slack.

Wednesday 27 September 1865 Today went to Great Eccleston agricultural show in a conveyance. Had to pass Lea Road railway station where there had been a railway collision between an excursion train & a goods train. Twenty injured—some seriously. Just got to place in time to obtain particulars which I sent off to 14 newspapers. Afterwards went on to Eccleston Show—dull affair. Had dinner & paid for my own beer. Returned in evening & telegraphed half a column about accident to The Times.¹⁴⁷

Thursday 28 September 1865 To Town Council meeting at 11 o’cl[ock]. Nothing transpired of any moment. In afternoon gave an order for 2600 envelopes to be printed—for newspapers, also a circular head.¹⁴⁸ Aft[erwar]ds got particulars of 16 cows being seized in cattle plague. Wrote it out for 20 papers. In evening went to distribution of prizes at Preston School of Science.

Friday 29 September 1865 Paragraphing. Went to Preston Exhibition in afternoon & evening for certain particulars. Suggested in what I subsequently wrote that the gas lights should be more guarded to prevent a fire, & that people should not finger things so frequently at the Exhibition. Got home at one o’cl[ock] in morning. Had a cigar & a glass of beer & then to bed.

Saturday 30 September 1865 At ten went to registration court¹⁴⁹ for northern division of county at Court House, before I Barstow,¹⁵⁰ barrister. Proceedings very dull—nothing to report—& afterwards left. In evening went with wife and two sisters-in-law to Exhibition. Looked about; was pleased; then had some bad beer; & ‘fell out’ with a woman who sold it.

October

Sunday 1 October 1865 Had company: Went walking in afternoon; out in evening.

Monday 2 October 1865 To police court at 11 o’cl[ock]. In evening to Blackburn to report on presentation to J G Potter Esq,¹⁵¹ one of the defeated Liberal candidates at the last election. Presentation in Town Hall. Potter made a good speech. Returned with him in a carriage & pair to Preston. Started from Blackburn at a quarter past 10; got to Preston at 11. Fine moon light night. Potter going from Preston by London Express.

Tuesday 3 October 1865 Hard day’s writing—Potter’s speech bad to transcribe—he spoke well & rapidly. In afternoon went to an inquest—a young man named Redhead¹⁵² living in Bow Lane being suspected of having killed his mother.¹⁵³ Evidence cleared him. In evening went to Exhibition. Got home from work about 2 o’cl[ock] in morning.

Wednesday 4 October 1865 Went to report a cattle plague meeting at Great Eccleston. Took wife and my daughter Florence with me in a conveyance. Aspden¹⁵⁴ reporter for Herald with me. Had a lively visit out. The meeting was a confused affair. R C Richards of Kirkham in chair. Several farmers during the proceedings smoked & drank ale. In midst of their twaddle left room, got tea & returned in half an hour when I found them nearly at same point as when I left. Got home about 8 o’cl[ock].

Thursday 5 October 1865 To police court at 11 o’cl[ock]. Forty seven persons summoned by Canon Parr, Vicar of Preston for non-payment of Easter dues.¹⁵⁵ 19 cases settled out of court. The others were proceeded with. Parties generally offered to pay the dues (6½d each) which w[ith] costs amounted to 3½d. It is said the cases will be taken to court of Queens B[ench] for purpose of getting orders quashed. Notwithstanding all our enlightenment the spirit of persecution still lives.

Friday 6 October 1865 Paragraphing. Got home at one o’cl[ock] in morning.

Saturday 7 October 1865 Went to Preston Exhibition this afternoon and stayed till nearly 10 at night. Examined paintings and admired a Virgin & Child by Correggio, an old Gainsborough, some Landseers, Friths, Ansdells, Hunts, Turners &c. Generally viewed with interest the following—a small portrait of King Charles I (made of his own hair dipped in his own blood after execution), shown by Lady Shelly [sic];¹⁵⁶ a laughing Bacchus found at Pompeii; the first finger bone (right hand) of Miles Coverdale, Bible translater [sic], in a box made of wood of his coffin; the boots, gloves, spurs and spoon of King Henry 6th; prayer book belonging to Mary Queen of Scots; a table belonging Catherine Parr; a machine for making glass ships; Chinese & Japanese gods; old local manuscripts; & fabrics from India. Got electrified at night.¹⁵⁷

Sunday 8 October 1865 Went to Lancaster Road Congregational Chapel at night.

Monday 9 October 1865 To a ship launch in the Marsh (Preston Iron Ship Building Co[mpany]’s yard) in afternoon. Vessel, called ‘Maravilla’ took water finely. After the launch there was a lunch, at which several parties were launched into spirituous waters both deep & strong. Amongst the ‘boozy’ ones was more than one lady! In one case, after the affair, a female in silk was heard cursing (as if quite sober of course); in another the fair Desdemona¹⁵⁸ had to be carried home!

Tuesday 10 October 1865 Working hardish all day. At night went to report a lecture in which the Rev Dr Parker¹⁵⁹ of Manchester pitched into the Church of England very fiercely. Dr Parker, who is a Nonconformist minister is a smart, emphatic, practical lecturer. He seems young and has a good voice.

Wednesday 11 October 1865 A very easy day

Thursday 12 October 1865 Went to a cattle plague meeting at Kirkham today. Several contradictory speeches were made, & at last it was decided to form a Protection Society for the Fylde.¹⁶⁰

Friday 13 October 1865 Paragraphing. Got home from work at one o’cl[ock] in the morning.

Saturday 14 October 1865 To Holme with wife and Ethelbert my son in afternoon. Wife’s father* lives at Holme.¹⁶¹ In evening, after arrival had convivial meeting with father-in-law and a brother-in-law.

Sunday 15 October 1865 Gathered plums and tore my coat in forenoon; in afternoon went to get ferns on Farleton Knot; in evening went to Dissenters Chapel & heard a good sermon, by a relation.¹⁶²

Monday 16 October 1865 Father-in-law’s* sale of cattle, agricultural implements etc this afternoon. Left Holme, for home at 4 o’cl[ock]. Landed back at half past six at Preston. In evening had a look in at the Exhibition in the Corn Exchange. Very nice it looked & apparently served as a rendezvous for forward women, fast young men & gossips as well as a receptacle for art treasures & industrial wonders.

Tuesday 17 October 1865 To police court—nothing particular; then to meeting of Guardians where the usual nonsense was manifested; had an easy afternoon. At night went to the Exhibition & heard some hand bell ringers. Got home from work at one o’cl[ock].

Wednesday 18 October 1865 Went to Preston Michaelmas Quarter sessions¹⁶³ at 10.40—late; some county business (as to forming the Wyre & the Ribble into fishery districts transacted). Criminal business of the ordinary sort. Left court at 5.40pm. On coming down Fishergate saw the announcement of Lord Palmerston’s¹⁶⁴ death posted at the newspaper offices.¹⁶⁵ In evening went to the theatre.¹⁶⁶ Saw some good acting & was amused & disgusted with the snoring and ejaculations of a drunken Preston town councillor in boxes.

Thursday 19 October 1865 Again to sessions. The cases were quite of an ordinary character. Everybody outside talking about death of Lord Palmerston; & everybody apparently regretting the event.

Friday 20 October 1865 Yet at the sessions. I took the appeal class today. They were appeals against decisions of magistrates who had refused to grant spirit licences to several beersellers. Mr T B Addison* (the chairman of magistrates) granted the licences on the ground that there might no more to be monopoly in the drink trade than in any other.

Saturday 21 October 1865 Having been in the habit of taking snuff occasionally, resolved today to give it up. Reasons—distress ought to be avoided, so ought head aches, nose stuffing etc

Sunday 22 October 1865 Read Albert Barnes’ life written by himself¹⁶⁷ at 60 years of age. A fine book; full of Christian hope & practical wisdom.

Monday 23 October 1865 Attended a meeting to promote Preston New Infirmary, a transmogrification of the old House of Recovery.

Tuesday 24 October 1865 To police court; then to Board of G[uar]d[ia]ns meeting; nothing particular at either. At night called at Mr Smith’s¹⁶⁸ (manager of Preston Iron Ship Building Co) to get particulars of ship launch; had a glass of whiskey with him; then went to work. Afterwards got a lawyer’s letter issued against a roguish newspaper proprietor in Sligo.¹⁶⁹ Subsequently had a glass of porter. Went home; glass of ale; work and wine.

Wednesday 25 October 1865 To the Preston Exhibition in afternoon with wife. Examined the products department; had two glasses of beer; went home; wrote introduction to an article on products; went to bed at half past 10 o’cl[ock]; slept badly; rose at half past 7; & as usual had a cold shower bath—very cold.

Thursday 26 October 1865 To Town Council meeting at eleven. A deputation appointed to go to London to attend funeral (next day) of Lord Palmerston. The corporation would pay expenses of deputation. Visits to London by corporation deputations are described as being very jolly affairs. Afterwards attended annual meeting—a sleepy affair—of Dispensary.¹⁷⁰

Friday 27 October 1865 Writing out till noon. In afternoon running about. Got from work at one o’cl[ock] in the morning.

Saturday 28 October 1865 To police court shortly after eleven; cattle plague inspector (Mr W Heaps¹⁷¹) submitted a very ungrammatical report as to spread of the disease. Afterwards had two glasses of ale with Mr J B Jones.¹⁷²

Sunday 29 October 1865 To Euxton—opening of new Catholic chapel. Dr Goss* (Bishop of L[iver]pool) preached in morning; Dr Grant¹⁷³ (Bishop of Southwark) present & fell asleep whilst Goss was speaking. In afternoon Grant preached a tremendously spiritual sermon. Several of the singers half-boozey. Sermon excellent.

Monday 30 October 1865 Writing out Bishop Goss’s* sermon. A very fine one in reference to persecutions of Catholics in past times. Gave two columns to it. Only wrote half a dozen lines of Bishop Grant’s sermon. It was more for a magazine than a newspaper. He (Grant) seems a very good man—highly nervous & apparently very earnest. Goss is a real John Bull looking bishop—manly, adipose & practical.¹⁷⁴

Tuesday 31 October 1865 Police court, Board of Guardians & paragraphing.

November

Wednesday 1 November 1865 Easy day. Municipal elections in Preston. Contests in three wards.¹⁷⁵ Affairs very dull except in Trinity ward, where an old fogy of a grocer,¹⁷⁶ a pompous doctor,¹⁷⁷ and a stupid ex-schoolmaster¹⁷⁸ were the candidates. The schoolmaster headed the poll (by his money), the grocer came next; the doctor was ousted. A good deal of bribery & corruption.

Thursday 2 November 1865 At 11 o’cl[ock] in morning to Garstang guardians’ meeting. Not worth reporting—only about two sticks.¹⁷⁹ Got dinner and ‘destroyed’ time by staring about until shortly after two; then went to station & got home in due time.

Friday 3 November 1865 Slack day. Went to exhibition at night for some particulars. Got home at 1.30 in the morning.

Saturday 4 November 1865 In morning to police court—just got there when it was over. In afternoon went with my daughter Florence to the Exhibition. At night to theatre with wife. Performances poor & full of common sensation.

Sunday 5 November 1865 Nursing Ethelbert in morning. In afternoon walked out with Florence & at night to Fulwood Church where the Episcopal Bishop of Edinburgh¹⁸⁰ preached a most excellent sermon.

Monday 6 November 1865 To police court where there was nothing of importance at 11; in evening to Exhibition with wife.

Tuesday 7 November 1865 Newshunting. Got home at 2 o’cl[ock] in morning. Working till this time (for anybody except myself) is outrageous.

Wednesday 8 November 1865 Went to see through Avenham Institution with wife & two ladies in afternoon. Saw Dr Shepherd’s library¹⁸¹ —a fine concentration of literature but damnably looked after by the trustees. In evening went to a concert at Exhibition but could hear nothing worth admiring. Afterwards went with wife to see a sewing machine work at a house in Cannon Street.¹⁸²

Thursday 9 November 1865 To Town Council at 12 o’cl[ock]. Mr C R Jacson of Barton Lodge (a Tory but a perfect gentleman) was elected mayor. Six aldermen were afterwards re-elected. Subsequently the aldermen ‘stood’ champagne for the municipal topers at the Bull Hotel. Our present lot of corporation men constitute a weary pack of ignoramuses & blackguards¹⁸³ & drunkards.

Friday 10 November 1865 Paragraphing.

Saturday 11 November 1865 Doing nothing particular. To the exhibition at night with father-in-law.* Place Corn Exchange—terribly crushed.

Sunday 12 November 1865 To Cannon St[ree]t Chapel (independent) in morning. In afternoon went a walking.

Monday 13 November 1865 Wrote a column out by half past ten; afterwards went to police court. Then (with father-in-law*) called at Angel Inn, Lune St[ree]t. Had three or four glasses of ale (very good) each. Got home to dinner at four o’cl[ock]. In evening called again at Angel Inn & had a glass of ale. Then to the exhibition & at half past 9 to the theatre. Performances moderate.¹⁸⁴

Tuesday 14 November 1865 Working hard all day. Called at exhibition at night & saw Town Clerk of Preston (Mr R Ascroft)¹⁸⁵ drunk. He often gets drunk, & is a very fair example of several of the municipal big-wigs of Preston. As a rule they are a weary lot.

Wednesday 15 November 1865 Stayed at home all day. My daughter Florence was ill—thought she had caught a fever but it was not one.

Thursday 16 November 1865 Finished work (for the office at noon). Afterwards writing out for my own private interest. Finished about 10 o’cl[ock].

Friday 17 November 1865 Got up at half past six o’cl[ock] & finished some writing. A very easy day. Concluded work at one o’cl[ock] next morning.

Saturday 18 November 1865 Up town at eleven. No news of importance. Weather cold & unhealthy.

Sunday 19 November 1865 Reading Watson’s Evidences of Religion. Fell asleep in afternoon.

Monday 20 November 1865 To work at 11. At night to a meeting of Preston branch of the Liberation Society. Speeches made by Councillor Haslam¹⁸⁶ (chairman) Carvell Williams (London) Esq¹⁸⁷ in favour of separating Ch[urc]h from state.

Tuesday 21 November 1865 Wrote out about two columns of last night’s Liberation meeting. The object of the Liberation Society—divesting religion of state patronage & control—seems to be a good one. Real religion can live without temporal trappings. The force of truth alone ought to support it.

Wednesday 22 November 1865 To Theatre Royal this evening with wife. Saw Tom Taylor’s ‘Ticket of Leave Man’ enacted, pretty fairly. The farce which followed ‘My Wife’s Dentist’ was only poor. Got home at 11.30.

Thursday 23 November 1865 Slack forenoon. In afternoon went to get particulars of a fire which broke out at the New Hall Lane Mill of M[e]ssrs Horrockses, Miller & Co[mpany]. About £5000 worth of damage done. If the building had not been fireproof it would have been burned down. Five engines ‘played’ upon the flames.

Friday 24 November 1865 Went at 11 o’cl[ock] this forenoon to Blackpool to get particulars of a shipwreck which took place off the pier head there during a severe storm on previous Wed[nesday] night. Vessel was called ‘The Favourite’ bound from West coast of Africa to L[iver]pool. All on board—10 men and captain—drowned. The Blackpool life boat made three attempts to reach the crew but could not. Lost my hat at Kirkham, on returning at night.

Saturday 25 November 1865 Got my hat this morning. At noon went to Blackpool again to report the inquest held in afternoon at Gynn Inn on bodies of four of the crew of the ‘Favourite.’ All the shore was strewn with pieces of wreck. Five other men belonging to her were washed up at other parts. Got home all right. Train was however nearly an hour late.

Sunday 26 November 1865 Reading etc

Monday 27 November 1865 At 11 to police court where I heard a very singular swindling case. Afterwards sent it off to about 15 newspapers. Did nothing particular during remainder of day.¹⁸⁸

Tuesday 28 November 1865 Usual paragraphing and skirmishing for paragraphs.

Wednesday 29 November 1865 To criminal sessions this morning. All the cases (36) very trifling in character. Left at half past 4 in afternoon & on getting home found Mr Paul,¹⁸⁹ chief reporter for the Scotsman waiting for me. Met also a cousin whom I had not seen for about 16 years.

Thursday 30 November 1865 In morning to a Town Council meeting. In afternoon went to Blackburn. Heard John Bright M.P.¹⁹⁰ at a banquet in Town Hall, Blackburn & took part of his speech, Mr Paul of the Scotsman took remainder & then we came back to Preston and telegraphed speech to the paper (Scotsman) at Edinburgh.¹⁹¹

December

Friday 1 December 1865 Forgot to state that Sir John Bowring¹⁹² as well as Mr Bright was at Blackburn. Bowring is old, grey head & yet clear in perception & full of wisdom. Bright is more determined, prejudiced & eloquent. He has a burly middle age English contour. Did my own work today and at night looked in at the Theatre.

Saturday 2 December 1865 To police c[our]t at 11. Cases unimportant. At night went with wife to theatre. Saw two good plays. Afterwards had supper with the two principal actors at the Red Lion & didn’t get home until ‘early in the morning’.¹⁹³

Sunday 3 December 1865 Nursed in forenoon. In afternoon had a walk with two ‘poor players’ who had tea at my house. Left them on going out and went to report Father Cobb’s¹⁹⁴ lecture pitching into present position of Church of E[ngland].

Monday 4 December 1865 To office at half past 10. To Blackpool at 11 to report the annual meeting of the Pier Company.¹⁹⁵ Peter Catterall¹⁹⁶ of Preston pitched into the movements of a certain Captain Preston¹⁹⁷ who whilst chairman of Pier Co[mpany], promoted an antagonistic concern evidently for private gain. The captain shuffled out of the mud very tamely.

Tuesday 5 December 1865 Writing for five consecutive hours. To exhibition at night. Afterwards to annual tea meeting of Mill Hill Ragged School.¹⁹⁸ A very nice gathering. Glad to see improvements amongst rags & poverty towards improvement. Wrote a paragraph of the meeting. Got home shortly before 2 o’cl[ock] in morning; killed about 40 crickets; drank a glass of ale; had a smoke; went to bed.

Wednesday 6 December 1865 In forenoon to police court, where there was more business than usual; in afternoon went with mother-in-law* & sister-in-law to exhibition and whilst there my wife came and from what she said I proceeded to police station where I reported an inquest on two children (ages between 5 & 7) suffocated in a house in Mellings Yard, Friargate during their mother’s absence. Sent report off to 15 newspapers. Bought a new tobacco pipe at night.

Thursday 7 December 1865 By train to Garstang at 11 o’cl[ock]. They are now constructing a line to Garstang from Lancaster and Preston railway.¹⁹⁹ In a journey to Garstang this will save 5 4 miles of walking. Very little reporting at Garstang. Got home about 4. Went in evening to exhibition—closing ceremony. About 4 columns of weary twaddle talked by about nine Tories. The two Tory members for Preston (Sir TG Hesketh* & Hon F A Stanley) spoke miserably. There was a concert afterwards.

Friday 8 December 1865 Writing out last night’s speeches. Started about a quarter to 10 & got done at six. George Toulmin* my employer (who after going absent for 3 months on a tour of America) made his appearance this forenoon. He had a deal to say & made allusions to one fact in particular—that American heads of families do not like & will not have more than two or three children. Got from work at 2 in morning.

Saturday 9 December 1865 To police court at half past 11. Afterwards had a glass of beer with father-in-law.* Went up street with him in afternoon & evening & had each three glasses of ale & two glasses of whiskey which improved our appetites for meal considerably. When drinks mend the appetite, but not else, it is good.

Sunday 10 December 1865 Wife ill this morning; read one of five Barker’s sermons²⁰⁰ (an excellent one) in afternoon. In evening went to report a lecture by Father Cobb* at St Wilfrid’s Chapel.

Monday 11 December 1865 Wife ill today; had to fetch doctor. Did not go to work until noon. Nothing particular there. In evening went into the Orchard. Saw a “cheap Jack’s” establishment,²⁰¹ with 100 gas lights in front. Afterwards went with father-in-law* & had a ‘refresher’ at the ‘Plumpton Brook.’*

Tuesday 12 December 1865 Working as usual today. At night went to the annual meeting of the Preston Samaritan Society.²⁰² A tea party preceded it; but didn’t go to that. Don’t care for tea parties unless there is something really good to eat. During the proceedings the Mayor of Preston (C.R Jacson Esq) delivered a good speech. Got home from work at about half past one o’c[loc]k.

Wednesday 13 December 1865 In forenoon went to police court. In afternoon went with father-in-law* to John Noblet’s²⁰³ cottage in Ingol. A lively walk to place. Had a decent tea, two glasses of beer, some pleasant chat & then returned in the dark to ‘Plumpton Brook’* where father-in-law and I were hospitably treated by Mr Noblet.

Thursday 14 December 1865 To Garstang Board of Guardians’ meeting at 1 o’cl[ock]. Nothing beyond the usual stupidity. Returned by afternoon express, & on getting to Preston station had a narrow escape. Our train arrived between two others & seeing no chance of getting away for some time I followed the example of a lawyer (Green Watson²⁰⁴) & climbed across some waggons when between two they started! But got off safely.

Friday 15 December 1865 Paragraphing. Day very cold. Had a warm glass of ale at the Golden Cross in forenoon. Refused a second which was offered me. In evening had a glass at the Plumpton Brook* but didn’t relish it. Got home from work at one o’cl[ock] in morning, awfully tired. I had been tortured with a pair of tight shoes all day. Devil take tight shoes.

Saturday 16 December 1865 To county police court at half past 11 o’cl[ock]. A long assault case—lasted till between two & 3 o’cl[ock]. Didn’t get dinner until four o’cl[ock]. In evening went up street—was both tired & starved.²⁰⁵

Sunday 17 December 1865 Nursing child in morning whilst wife went to chapel. In afternoon had a ‘jar’²⁰⁶ with wife & then went to Cemetery. In evening reported Father Cobb’s* third lecture.

Monday 18 December 1865 Have got nine days behind hand with my diary. Very bad; but I have been terribly hard worked. Well, today wrote out Father Cobb’s* lecture; then went to police court; came home; got dinner; made out some bills; & in evening went a gossiping with father-in law* & landed at Plumpton Brook* public house, where I examined some old books & manuscripts. Had sundry glasses; af[terwar]ds called at a Cheap Jack’s; got home at half past 10 o’cl[ock].

Tuesday 19 December 1865 Rather easy day; still plenty of fair average work. Made a calculation today that I had written 90 pages of MSS [manuscripts] for our Wednesday supplement. Got home at half past 12 o’cl[ock].

Wednesday 20 December 1865 Up at six; to Liverpool with my employer (Mr G Toulmin*) by 7.5 train. Gossipped [sic] along the road about America. Got to L[iver]pool at half past 8. Rambled about till ten; then went to Assize court to report a libel case; but as it did not come off spent the day in pleasure with Ernest King.²⁰⁷ Went to Prince of Wales Theatre at night & saw Mr Sothern as David Garrick.²⁰⁸ Afterwards had oyster supper.

Thursday 21 December 1865 Got up soon after 8 o’cl[ock] having slept on an air bed²⁰⁹ at a house in connection with Grapes Hotel opposite St George’s Hall, L[iver]pool. Got a shilling breakfast in Drury Lane at 9. Went to St George’s Hall at 10. Hung about with employer’s son till 11 o’cl[ock]. Then had a look through Free Library & Museum. Afterwards to dinner, then rambled on landing stage; reported case at assize in evening.²¹⁰ Got home at midnight.

Friday 22 December 1865 Pretty hard day’s work. At night saw Messrs J Clayton & Sons Soho Mill (Fylde Rd) on fire. It is burned down. Damage between £20,000 and £30,000. Tremendous sight. Got home at two o’cl[ock]

Saturday 23 December 1865 Writing fire for distant papers. At night went with wife to see the pantomime at theatre. Didn’t like a deal of it. But the finale scene was grand. Got my wages raised to £3 per w[ee]k today, having been a year at office.²¹¹

Sunday 24 December 1865 Nursing from 11 to one. Had a walk out in afternoon; at night reported Father Cobb’s* 4th lecture about glories & spirit & actions of Christianity.

Monday 25 December 1865 Writing out lecture till noon. Afterwards read some of it over to Father Cobb.* Had a talk with him. He wondered why I was not a Catholic. Don’t believe in Roman Catholicism. It is the superstition of religion. Spent the whole of this day (Christmas Day) at home.

Tuesday 26 December 1865 Working very hard all day & writing these very words after leaving work at 25 minutes to three o’cl[ock] in the morning of Wednesday! Am going to have a glass of beer, a mince pie and a pipe of tobacco and then to bed.

Wednesday 27 December 1865 To theatre in evening; having done nothing particular during day. Saw pantomime at theatre. Was wonderfully pleased with it. Afterwards had a discussion with an old Tory about Roman Catholicism & the Church of England at the Fox & Goose public house in Fleet St.

Thursday 28 December 1865 Went to annual general sessions of magistrates of Lancashire held at Preston in forenoon. Nothing particular transpired. In evening (after working desperately hard) went to annual dinner of Preston Licensed Victuallers’ Association. Wouldn’t have anything to eat. Was ill humoured & independent. Afterwards had three or four glasses of wine & a bottle of beer. I responded to toast of the Press. Made a good speech.²¹²

Friday 29 December 1865 Working hard all day. Got home at two o’cl[ock] in the morning from the office.

Saturday 30 December 1865 To police court at 11. In evening to distribution of prizes to artillery men in Corn Exchange.

Sunday 31 December 1865 Laid in bed, being very tired, until 11 o’cl[ock]. In afternoon had a walk & carried my little daughter Florence. In evening went to St Wilfrid’s Catholic Chapel to report Father Cobb’s* fifth lecture. Afterwards saw Father Cobb. Had a glass of wine with him & he gave me 10/- for a Christmas present. Went to bed at half past 10 o’cl[ock].