the diary of marianne fortescue 1816-1818 (continued)
TRANSCRIPT
County Louth Archaeological and History Society
The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 1816-1818 (Continued)Author(s): Noel RossSource: Journal of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society, Vol. 25, No. 2(2002), pp. 101-128Published by: County Louth Archaeological and History SocietyStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/27729903 .
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue
1816-1818 Edited by Noel Ross
(Continued from Vol. xxiv, 4, (2000), 503)
Tuesday, 19 [Nov. 1816]. Sunday was so very wet we coud not go to church - Matt read prayers - we had no company but Mr Thursby1
- we read sermons. Yesterday a very fine day
- Matt hunted - Mr T rode to Dundalk
- the same party
- pass'd the eveg as usual. This morng I hoped to have
seen the eclipse of the sun but no sun appear'd
- it is a very dark morng
- we are all well thank
God.
Thursday, 21st. On Tuesday Anna 8c I went to Dundalk - G[eorge] F[orster]2 8c Mr T the only
company at dinner. Yesterday we all went to see a horrible little crocodile - the same party at
dinner with the addition of S. Forster3 whom Cath4 brought home from Dundalk where we met
Lady F[orster] 8c Charlotte5 - we visited at Fair Hill 8c Lisnawilly
- found all at home - Col.
Brotherton6 also dined here - we play'd
at cards - all well thank God.
C-Bellingham, Friday night. Yesterday we pass'd quietly at Stephenstown
- all except us left it 8c
Matt also dined 8c slept at
Phillipstown. This day we left Catherine - went to Dundalk 8c whilst
there Lady Forster told me of Mr Thursby's horse having come in to Dundalk without a rider - he
had gone out hunting -1 coud not hear any further 8c feel very anxious for a good acct of him -
we got home here before five oclock 8c are all well thank God.
Saturday night. No injury happen'd out hunting - we all stay'd at home this day
- had some
visitors - F W Fortescues 8c Milestowns7
- G F is here.
Wednesday morng, 27th. Sunday 8c Monday we
pass'd at home -
nothing new occur'd - we
dined yesterday at Milestown - got home about half past eleven - fine weather since the eclipse
the 19th inst - all well thank God.
Friday night, C-Bellingham, 29th. On Wednesday we went to my mothers 8c in the eveg to a
ridotto which was patronized by Lady Jocelyn 8c very well attended. Yesterday
we drove out, went
to see the famous painting of Boneparte at the Market House Dundalk done by Lefevre - visited
at Fair Hill - dined at Lisnawilly
- a party of 16 & in the eveg more company came 8c there was a
dance of ten couples
- it went off very pleasantly - we did not get home to my mothers untill
nearly three oclock - we got up all well thank God this morng 8c left my mothers at half past one.
I sent a letter to Eliza this eveg containing half a drft for ?30 8c one to Rebecca containing ?3-0-0.
1 John Harvey Thursby, 14th Light Dragoons, of Abbington Abbey, Northants, born 24 June 1793, died 1 June 1860, married 11 Nov. 1818 Emily Fortescue, Marianne's younger daughter.
2 George Forster (1796-1876), only son of Revd Sir Thomas Forster, rector of Barronstown, married 20 May 1817
Anna Maria Fortescue, Marianne's elder daughter. 3 Sophia, daughter of Revd Sir Thomas Forster. She died 14 June 1851.
4 Catherine, eldest daughter of Col. William Blair of Blair in Ayrshire, married 11 Dec. 1811 Matthew Fortescue, Marianne's son.
5 Charlotte, niece of Revd Sir Thomas Forster, married 12 June 1827 Revd Alex. Montgomery, died 1839.
6 Col. William Thomas Brown Brotherton married 12 June 1819 Louisa Anne, daughter of John and Lady Emily Straton.
7 Mrs Rebecca Foster (n?e McClure), Marianne's aunt, was at this time living with her family at Milestown. Her
husband, John W7illiam, had died 6 January 1809.
101
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102 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Saturday, 30th. Lady E Straton 8c Johnny8 visited here - Lady E McC 8c the Faithfuls - we did
not go out further than Mrs Kennedys to whose house I accompanied Lady E McC - a fine day.
Deer 3d, Stephenstown. Anna, Emily 8c I came here on Sunday -
the Milestowns, Mr Bouverie
8c officers here. On Monday Mrs F 8cc left us - the rest remain'd & an additional beau came - we
sat at home all the morng - dined 8c pass'd
our evg pleasantly. This morng Col. B 8c Captn B went
off - so we shall be seven this day -
ourselves 8c Mr Bouverie 8c Mr Thursby. I have written 8c
enclosed the remaining half of the ?30 draft to Eliza - all well thank God.
C-Bellingham, Deer 4. We came home this morng - G. Forster 8c Cs Foster call'd here, also
Miss L B 8c Mr Woolsey - the weather very fine -1 heard from Mrs Ruxton.9
Friday. Yesterday most tremendous storm 8c rain - there was a vessel stranded near Morgans10
-
all the people saved - G. Forster came at four oclock - at six we all went to Milestown to dine 8c
did not return untill one - this morng quite lovely - Anna & G F went to
Stephenstown in the gig -
wrote to Mrs Ruxton.
Sunday morng. Friday eveg pass'd as usual - Anna 8c George got wet. Yesterday a very fine day
-
I went alone to Dundalk 8c brought home my mother - we
pass'd our eveg chatting 8c working.
This morng is very fine - a little frost.
Wednesday morng, 11th Deer. Monday was a severe day -
rain. Yesterday morng wet 8c windy -
it clear'd up before two when we drove to Stephenstown, found them at home - Emily went with
my mother 8c me 8c they forced me to leave her - I expect her back this day - I wrote to Doctr
John yesterday - had a few lines from Eliza telling
me she got the half draft safely - the Jacksons
arrived on the 6th.
Friday morng, 13th Deer. I received a note about three oclock on Wednesday from Emily
saying she was not coming home - we were
disappointed - Mrs F[oster] 8c Eliz'th dined with us -
the weather is severe. I wras yesterday eveg very ill with a head ache 8c it is not yet gone -
Emily I
am to go for tomorrow - my mother is with me - we are very comfortable.
Monday night, 16th Deer. I was very unwell on Friday eveg with a sick stomach -1 got up well
on Saturday - went with my mother to Dundalk, came home by Stephenstown
- brought Emily
who had been ill the day before yesterday - she went to church yesterday
- Anna 8c I stay'd at
home - G Forster came - we
pass'd our eveg as usual. This morng George 8c Anna breakfasted at
Drumcar - the boys arrived about three safe 8c well - old Mr Filgate11 died on Saturday night -
Emily 8c I walk'd out - this day very fine - Mr Thursby visited here 8c Mrs Foster.
Friday morng, 20th Deer, Drumcar. Monday we had George - on
Tuesday George went off
early to
Phillipstown - at twelve I observed from my dressing room window a carriage broke down
with a lady in it - I sent a message of invitation to come 8c remain untill it was repair'd
- she
accepted 8c walk'd in - Mrs Devonport 8c her maid - we were all obliged to leave them as we fix'd
to go to hear Mr Chads the ventriloquist in Dundalk - he perform'd some curious conjurings
with cards 8cc - there were a good number present
- we did not get home untill near six. The
Milestowns 8c G. Forster dined with us - we heard Mrs Devonports carriage was not ready to take
her untill three oclock -1 was sorry we were obliged
to leave her. On Wednesday we came here -
G. Forster also. Yesterday Lady E 8c I went to visit at Stone House, Rokeby 8c Barmeath -
the
Milestowns dined here - the weather is very fine 8c nice frost - we remain here this day.
8 John W., son of John and Lady Emily Straton, born 19 March 1799, died 19 August 1853, married 14 Feb. 1825
Magdalene, only child of James and Margaret Reid.
9 Anna Maria, daughter of Lhomas Fortescue of Dromiskin, born 6 July 1773, died 25 Aug. 1865, married 18 Jan. 1802 William Parkinson Ruxton of Ardee.
10 At Lurgangreen. 11 William Filgate, born 1740, died 14 Dec. 1816, buried at Tallanstown.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 103
C-Bellingham, Deer 21st, Saturday night. We took a pleasant walk yesterday at Drumcar, dined
at six 8c pass'd our eveg as usual. This day we left it before twelve
- call'd at Milestown 8c came
home, dined 8c have pass'd our eveg comfortably
- read a sermon of Coopers -
very good -
Lady
Eliz'th lent them to me. I heard pretty Mrs Ogle of Drogheda had eloped with Sir John Ribton of
the Rifle Brigade - he quarter'd in Dublin.
Deer 22d, CB, Sunday. We went this morng to Dundalk church - Anna went home with Sophia
Forster to Phillipstown -
Emily 8c I return'd here - we heard of Mary's12 having lay'n in yesterday
of a daughter
- both well. I heard from Mrs Salvador - a great frost.
Deer 24, Tuesday eveg. Yesterday all the frost gone 8c an unpleasant damp day
- Johnny 8c
Chads McC rode here - Mr Horner visited 8c my mother on her way to Drumcar - Matt also call'd
on us - so we had many visitors -1 read aloud in the eveg a chapt from Practical Piety. This day I
was kept very busy seeing beef cut up 8c given to poor people
- ten persons got each a piece
- a
damp sort of day -1 walk'd to see the Miss Bellinghams before four oclock.
Saturday, Deer 28, before breakfast. Emily 8c I came here on Xmass day - we first went to
Dundalk church - on that day
we had Col. 8c Mrs Jackson, Captn Badcock 8c Mr Thursby -just 8.
Next day the same party with the addition of Col. Brotherton 8c Mr Hardman (who arrived from
Dublin 8c left H Foster 8c Louisa at Milestown - he arrived on Xmas eveg in Dublin). Mr T went
away before supper 8c Captn Badcock after breakfast yesterday - Cath, Mr H & I went to Dundalk
-
we were a party of eight - Mrs Jackson is not at all well with pains in her side but notwithstanding
is merry as all are here.
Deer 31st. On Sunday we went to Dundalk church -
had the same party at dinner - the day was
uncommonly fine. Monday - a dreadful stormy severe day
- Col. B went away -
the rest remain'd -
in the eveg whist 8c chess was play'd. This morng Mrs J, Anna 8c Mr H went [to] Milestown - I
stay'd at home to write letters - Ed H Junr 8c I walk'd out - Lady E Straton 8c Mrs H McC visited
here. Fredk McC was very ill on Saturday, but on Monday
as I have just heard was almost well - H.
Foster arrived at Milestown on the 26th inst not quite well - Anna came here on Sunday from
Phillipstown - I heard from Mrs Little - Mrs Jackson apply'd 6 leeches to her side on
Saturday 8c
has been better since - Mr Thursby return'd -1 wrote to J Fortescue.
C-Bellingham, Janry 2d 1817. Yesterday we heard Mrs Shum13 had got a son - she 8c he well,
she lay in the day before Xmass day. Lady Forster 8c Sophia visited at Stephenstown - her birth day
58 - our party there was eleven - yesterday very pleasant. We came home this day 8c afterwards
visited Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Woolsey 8c the Milestowns, there the girls entreated me to leave Emily to dine - G Forster came to us this day -1 wrote a letter to Eliza.
C B, Saturday morng, 4th. Yesterday Emily 8c I walk'd out, the Fosters 8c Hardmans came
here afterwards - then Anna &GF went in the car to Miltown Grange - we all dined at Milestown
- play'd whist 8c came home before 12
- heard from Cork.
C Bellingham, Sunday night, Jany 5th. We dined yesterday at Miltown Grange - G. F. with us,
came home before twelve - this morng we read prayers at home as Emily had a cold 8c coud not
venture out -1 sent a long letter off to Mrs Little this eveg
- Frederick has been unwell this week
past - Doctr Fairtlough14
was this day expected to see him - I hope please God he will be much
better tomorrow.
Monday night 6th. I this morng began a good custom of family prayers - Emily 8c I always have
read two chapters 8c Psalms before breakfast - but, for the servants untill this day I never read
prayers except on Sunday evegs. After breakfast we went to Drumcar 8c there saw my mother,
12 Mary (n?e Helden), wife of William McClintock, Marianne's brother.
13 Letitia, daughter of Revd Sir Thomas Forster, married 26 June 1815 Major Henry Shum. She died 12 March
1861.
14 Dr Edward Fairtlough, Laurence Street, Drogheda.
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104 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
John 8c Hardman - Fredk much better 8c no alarm now on his acct. I trust he will recover well - we
came home early 8c had two Fosters 8c Mr Macan to visit 8c Mr Horner - after dinner I reed a note
from Miss Young who had come to the inn with Mrs Young who is on her way to Dublin for advice
being extremely ill - when she went to rest on the bed Miss Young came 8c sat two hours with us -
Emily not well this eveg, went to bed before seven, Anna 8c I now going
- eleven oclock 8c very
well thank God.
Tuesday night, Jany 7. Fredk was alarmingly ill last night
- Doctr Fairtlough sent off for at two
oclock - an inflamation was apprehended
- he was much better in the course of the morng & I
hope it will please God to restore him - Mrs Foster call'd to see us soon after breakfast 8c Mr
Thursby visited us after two - Emily got up well in the morng 8c thank God has continued so all
day.
Thursday night, Jany 9th. We have had very good accts of Fredk McC - yesterday
was a very
fine day -
we, that is Emily 8c I walk'd to Milestown - G F call'd here on his way to Mrs
Thompsons15 - we three dined at Milestown en famille very comfortably
- came home at eleven.
This morng lovely - Louisa Foster, Emily 8c I went to Dundalk
- there we met a great many to talk
to - came home at four, dined 8c shall soon go to bed - all well thank God.
Friday night 10th. Eliz'th 8c Henry Foster came here after breakfast - sat a while, then went off
8c took Louisa with them - we sat quietly all the morng
- Lady Forster 8c Sophia call'd on their way
to Milestown -1 had a letter from Mrs Ruxton -1 wrote to Rebecca 8c sent her half of a ?4 note -
Fredk goes on well - the weather quite like spring.
Saturday, Jany 11th. I this morng heard from Rebecca - her Mary Anne was taken very ill on
Thursday - I went to Drumcar for my mother - she came home with me - Fredk is quite well - I
expect company for dinner - the time is near for their coming.
Tuesday night, Jany 14. I had a party of 13 at dinner on Saturday - Matt 8c Catherine slept 8c
pass'd Sunday also - he went off at nine oclock on Monday morng
- Catherine remain'd untill two
- Emily not well with a head ache but able to sit with us. My mother, the girls 8c I dined together
-
Emily soon went to bed - this morng she got up quite well 8c went to Dundalk with my mother 8c
me - we left her at home - visited about, saw Bessy 8c babes all well -1 had a letter on
Sunday from
Eliza - Fredk McC quite well -John 8c Lord Monck visited here yesterday
- Mary Anne Hardman
much better - she had a billious fever.
Saturday, Jany 18. On Tuesday night frightful thunder 8c lightning. Wednesday was a very
severe day - we sat at home all day 8c dined. Thursday a bad morng
- it clear'd up 8c became fine -
all well - I dined at Milestown
- the girls were very lazy 8c did not follow in the eveg. Yesterday
Lady Eliz'th 8c Fredk came here, she 8c I visited at the Castle 8c at Milestown. Henry Foster visited
here after four oclock. I dined again at Milestown 8c heard of the murder of Rath16 near Ardee by
a shot into his window - the girls follow'd in the eveg - we were all merry 8c pleasant
as possible
-
came home soon after twelve - this morng is very dry 8c fine we are all well thank God. I expect
company this day.
Monday night 20th. Lady E Straton 8c Louisa17 arrived here on Saturday at eleven 8c at half
past twelve they 8c I set out in my carriage to visit at Barmeath 8c Drumcar. Lady Bellew18 8c Lady
15 Of Maine, Castlebellingham. 16 John Reath, a wealthy farmer residing at Irish town, Ardee, was shot dead while at supper with his family. There
had been an attempt to shoot him on the night of Sunday, 22 December 1816.
17 Louisa Anne, daughter of John and Lady Elizabeth Straton, born January 1803, died 3 April 1847, married 12
June 1819 Col. Thomas William Brown Brotherton.
18 Mary Anne, only daughter and sole heir of Richard Strange of Rockwell Castle, Co Tipperary married Sir
Edward Bellew of Barmeath on 13 Aug. 1786. She died 14 May 1837.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 105
Smyth19 were out -
Lady E McC was at home - we sat an hour there 8c eat luncheon - we got home
before five 8c at dinner had Mr 8c Mrs Woolsey 8c the Miltowns20 -
they play'd cards 8c supped, the
Miss Bellinghams in the eveg. Yesterday was so wet we did not go to church, had prayers at home.
Lady E 8c her daughter set out in the rain in their gig - we were alone all day
- no one call'd
except Chads Foster - it rain'd without ceaseing
- Mrs Foster, Emily 8c Chads went this day to
Dublin - the two girls 8c Henry Foster went to Stephenstown -
Emily has been so unwell lately Mrs
F wishes to consult about her. This day has been very wet 8c this night very windy -
Johnny 8c
Chads McC rode here 8c sat some time 8c wrote to Kitty21
- we are alone this day.
Tuesday night 21st. This day very fine - Emily 8c I went to Lisrenny 8c Ardee - we there heard
of the burning of some of Mr [?] Larneys corn 8c vetches - fortunately the fire was discover'd in
time to prevent the whole being consumed -1 heard of the death of Lady Enniskillen - G. Forster
surprized us after dinner - all well thank God.
Wednesday 22d. A tolerable day - Anna 8c I sat at home
- Emily walk'd - G F went to Coll?n to
breakfast - I wrote to Eliza - Lady Monck came to Drumcar yesterday
- wrote to Eliza 8c Miss
Norris.
Saturday morng. On Thursday we sat at home - Johnny visited us, we dined alone, read 8c
work'd in the eveg -
yesterday Friday we sat at home -
my brother, Jn Jr., Lady F[orste]r 8c Sophia
8c the Milestown girls all visited here 8c are going home. I heard from Mrs Little 8c Mrs Foster -
Emily very poorly - we dined at the Glebe
- a party of 16 - merry 8c pleasant
- we took H Foster
with us - all well thank God.
Wednesday 29th. On Saturday morng Anna, Eliz'th Foster 8c I visited at Drumcar - Louis 8c
Emily were at my house -
they had visitors in our absence - we found Mr T[hursby] on our return
- we dined alone. Sunday Emily 8c I went to Dundalk church, sat after service at Mrs H McC -
came home to dinner 8c brought my mother with us. Lady Forster 8c Sophia came to stay. Monday
we sat at home 8c had a number of visitors - the Milestowns dined with us - my mother went to
Drumcar - Mrs F 8c Emily in Dublin - the latter very indifferent. Yesterday we sat at home also 8c
had three visitors - Mrs Kennedy, Captn Badcock 8c Mrs Woolsey - we had no company only
us five -
Lady F 8c I play'd at cribbage after tea - this morng Johnny McC breakfasted with us 8c rode on
after to Stephenstown. Lady Forster 8c Sophia left us for their home -
Emily 8c I drove to
Milestown 8c brought Eliz'th 8c Louisa on the car with us to visit Mrs Kennedy 8c the Miltown
Grange Fortescues - found all at home 8c had a fine day 8c a pleasant drive - thank God we are all
well - wrote to Mrs J W F, Mrs Little 8c Rebecca.
Thursday night. I went for my mother to Drumcar - a most lovely day -
Lady Bellew 8c Lady
Smith visited us 8c the Milestowns 8c this eveg H F & Eliz'th walk'd here just as we had done tea, we were very merry.
Feb 3d. Friday a fine day, sat at home - H. Foster, Mr Horner 8c Mr Macan visited us - sent half
notes for ?50 to J Fortescue. Saturday Emily 8c I went to Dundalk -
shopp'd about there, came
home 8c dined 8c pass'd our eveg comfortably
- G Forster came. Yesterday we went to church -
had, as usual visitors afterwards - G F remain'd with us - our weather very fine - we go this day to
Dundalk to leave my mother 8c go to Stephenstown to remain a few days.
Tuesday morng, 4th Feby, Stephenstown. We left my mother at home, met a good many in
Dundalk - came here, found Catherine alone - Matt to dine in Ardee - we chatted all the eveg
-
came to bed at eleven - we expect Matt home this day.
19 Frances, daughter of Sir Edward Bellew, married 23 Oct. 1809 Sir Edwrard Joseph Smythe. She died 11 Mar.
1856.
20 Mr and Mrs F.W. Fortescue lived at Militown Grange.
21 Eldest daughter of John McClintock of Drumcar, Marianne's eldest brother.
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106 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Thursday morng, Stephenstown. Matt came as expected
on Tuesday - Col. Brotherton 8c Mr
Thursby dined 8cc here. The first mention'd return'd to Dundalk yesterday - the latter remain'd
here - we pass'd the morng reading 8c working
- the eveg also -
there was an attack made on
Tuesday night on a farm house near Mr Stratons - no lives lost
- tho' a number of shots were fired
into the house - the Insurrection Act is in force in this county I believe, the acct of it was
expected yesterday - Matt has not yet rec'd it.
Saturday morng, Stephenstown. Matt rec'd the acct yesterday - Emily 8c I went to Dundalk, saw
my mother 8c Mrs H[enry McClintock] - five officers were invited here yesterday, only Mr T came
- he went to dine at Barracks on Thursday - he slept here last night 8c went off early this morng
-
we go home this day - we expect the Milestowns at dinner.
C Bellingham, Sunday morng. We left Stephenstown yesterday, visited at Miltown Grange -
came home before two & just after Johnny McC, Mr Daly22 8c Chads McC visited us - eat luncheon
- H Foster 8c C Foster also - we had only Mrs F Fortescue, Miss Adair 8c the two Milestown girls at
dinner - Sir Thos Forster surprized us in the eveg on his way from Dublin home
- he woud not eat
nor stop with us as we wish'd - this is a very fine dry morng thank God
- wTe intend going to
Dunleer church to hear Mr Daly preach.
Monday morng, Feby 10th. We went to hear Mr Daly preach 8c were very much pleased with
him - he gave an excellent sermon - we pass'd
our afternoon as usual - all well this morng thank
God - it is not fine - we go to Stephenstown.
Stephenstown, Feby 11, Tuesday morng. We came here yesterday 8c were agreeably surprized
to find Matt at home, he stay'd to attend a meeting in Dundalk 8c will not go to Dublin untill
Thursday - we had at dinner Cols Baker 8c Brotherton, Mr Thursby 8c Wm Filgate
- a pleasant
party -
they all slept here -1 write before breakfast.
Wednesday 12th. Matt 8c Wm Filgate went out early to hunt, Mr T to do duty in Dundalk - so
the two Cols we had at breakfast - Col. Baker went home 8c Col. Btn remain'd - no other company
yesterday - last night
was dreadful - storm 8c rain - this morng clear 8c fine 8c yesterday quite lovely
-1 walk'd nearly an hour - we are all well thank God.
Thursday morng. Yesterday we pass'd reading 8c working
- Matt went to a meeting in Dundalk
- Col. Btn sat most of the morng with us - he, Mr T[hurs]by, Mr Thompson23 8c Wm Filgate all
dined 8c slept here - four of them went off to Dublin early this morng
- Mr Thursby I believe stays
untill after breakfast.
Friday 14th. We dined 8c are now quite alone. Mr T pass'd the morng with us yesterday
- Emily
had numberless Valentines -
very good some of them are - Mrs A Mc Clintock24 died on the 9th
inst - poor woman had a
long illness - I believe we shall drive into Dundalk this morng - I must
buy mourning - we are well thank God.
Saturday. We went yesterday to Dundalk - saw my mother 8c all well - bought mourning
- saw
Captn Badcock 8c Mr T - they got Valentines
- we are all well thank God.
Sunday 16. Yesterday we sat at home - had Lady E Straton, her son 8c Mr T visiting, dined 8c
pass'd our eveg alone as usual since Matt left us -
Cath, Emily 8c I went to church, Anna stay'd at
home - we sat a little time after with Mrs H McC 8c came home - dined 8c pass'd
our eveg as usual.
Tuesday morng. We sat at home all day yesterday - Charls Foster 8c Mr Thursby visited us -
nothing new occur'd - all well thank God.
Ash Wednesday morng, Feby 19. Yesterday we went to visit Miltown Grange
to see Mr2? 8c Mrs
H. Maziere, he was married on the 1st inst to Miss Shaw - she appears a fine young woman. We
22 Revd Robert Daly (1783-1872), bishop of Cashel 1843-72.
23 Robert Thompson of Maine, Castlebellingham.
24 Mary (n?e Perry), wife of Alexander McClintock of Newtowrn, Termonfeckin.
25 Henry Maziere (b. 1790), son of Bartholomew7 Maziere of Dublin.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 107
then went on to C B - it was a terrible wet day
- we hoped to have met Matt but he did not come -
we dined alone 8c between eight 8c nine oclock Matt arrived - very merry 8c well -
this morng is
frosty - he is gone to Lisrenny to hunt.
Thursday 20th. Matt came home safe 8c well at six oclock, had a great hunt - it appears extra
ordinary to me there shoud be hunting on an Ash Wednesday
- G Forster came here - Anna
look'd quite happy - he in great heart
- Catherine had a bad cold in her head - we are all well
thank God - this morng very fine - a very high wind last night.
Friday 21st. We sat at home all day yesterday - Mr T came & stayed to dine 8c sleep
- the
Milestown girls 8c Chads came also to remain - we talk'd all the eveg - G Forster here
- this morng
the ground is cover'd with snow - we are all well thank God.
Saturday morng 22d. Anna told me yesterday of my mother being unwell - we went to
Dundalk 8c thank God found her very much better but in bed from having taken James's Powders -
the party here the same - we play'd
a rubber of whist - the snow has disappear'd & it is a fine day.
Dundalk, my mother's house, Tuesday, Feby 25. On Sunday we came from Stephenstown to
church here -
found my mother in bed - I remain'd with her 8c return'd after service - Col.
Brotherton went to Stephenstown with us, dined 8c slept. Yesterday Emily 8c I went to C B to
arrange -
then came on here - I to stay with my mother -
my girls both with Cath - my mother
certainly much better - I found her sitting up - she had a tolerable good night 8c I trust will
continue to recover well -1 write before breakfast -1 heard from Mrs Little.
Thursday morng, 27th. My mother continued pretty weak all Tuesday morng -
John, Fredy,
Eliz'th, Bessy 8c Henry sat some time with her - towards night her hip became uneasy - she took
laudanum - had a good night 8c yesterday felt so much easier in bed that she remain'd in it all day
- Anna 8c Emily were here - both well thank God - Sir Thos Forster 8c Matt have met to talk of
settlements -
?300 per yr is all he can now settle - so they will only have ?600
- she seems
quite
content26 - there was a
large party expected to dine at Stephenstown
- my mother settled for the
night at eleven 8c did not rest well - nor did I for a more violent storm I never heard - the sun is
up but still a frightful high wind - I hope my mother will feel well enough to get up this day - I
wrote a long letter to Eliza.
Friday, 28th. My mother got up for dinner yesterday 8c was very cheerful all the eveg - had a
very good night's rest 8c got up this day after breakfast 8c came into my bed room whilst her own
was arranging -1 have written to J Fortescue 8c Mrs Little.
Monday morng, March 3d. We had visitors on Saturday -
Lady E S[traton] 8c the
Stephenstowns, Mr Thursby 8c G Forster, the H Mc Clintocks of course every day - my mother
was pretty well - came down to dinner 8c stay'd untill near ten - was obliged
to take laudanum as
she felt restless - but with it she had a
good night. I went to church - on my return she was laying
on her bed feeling tired after dressing - she got off it before five, dined below 8c thank God was
very tolerably well - a little weakish - she slept pretty well last night without laudanum 8c seems
better this morng 8c is now thinking of getting up
- only half past nine oclock, so I think, please
God she must feel a great deal better - I am this day to leave her for home - the Stephenstowns were all at church yesterday. I reed the Sacrament - last night I read family prayers
- a most
dreadful storm.
C Bellingham, Wednesday, March 5th. We came home on Monday, call'd at Stephenstown for
the girls 8c call'd at Miltown Grange - Mr H Maziere they hoped out of danger -1 sent this morng
8c hope for a good
acct. The day we came home G Forster 8c Johnny Straton came to pass two
nights -
yesterday they rode to Stone House - the Milestowns were here to see us. I ask'd H. 8c
Chads Foster to dine, the latter came only -
George 8c Johnny went off before breakfast this
26 Under her father's will Anna was entitled to the interest at 6% on ?5,000 charged on the lands of Killincoole, National Archives, Pyke-Fortescue papers, 1004/5/1.
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108 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
morng - my mother is going
on well - I had a letter from her - thank God Mr H. Maziere is
tranquil 8c much better this day also.
Friday night, 7th. On Wednesday after I wrote the above we had a great many visitors - quite
a
gay morng - dined alone. Yesterday Anna 8c I went to Dundalk to see my mother - found her only
middling - we return'd at five oclock, brought G: Forster home with us -1 heard from Doctr John.
G Forster left us this day -
Emily 8c I visited at Milestown, the Hill, the Castle 8c Miss B - Mrs
Millikin made ginger wine this day - all well thank God.
Monday morng, 10th March, Stephenstown. Saturday was a very snowy 8c windy day - Eliz'th
Foster dined 8c slept with us. Yesterday breakfasted before ten 8c my girls 8c I went to Dundalk,
found my mother almost well 8c Mrs H. McC safe 8c well in bed - as on Friday she lay in of a
daughter27 - we came here to dine 8c sleep -1 shall go home after breakfast to arrange matters for
going to Dublin on Wednesday please God - Col. Baker 8c Mr Thursday dined 8c slept here, Matt
is gone to the Assizes which commenced this day.
C-Bellingham, Tuesday night, 11th. I yesterday came here for a few hours - went back to
Stephenstown, dined 8c slept - the girls 8c I return'd here this day 8c have arranged for going
to
Dublin tomorrow - had good accts of my mother 8c Mrs H. McC this morng
- heard from Eliza 8c
Mrs Ruxton - we call'd at Miltown Grange
- Mr H. Maziere better.
Dublin, March 13th, Thursday. We came here yesterday from C-Bellingham - had a fine day 8c
safe good journey thank God -
found all here well except Emily Foster who is not much better
tho' seven weeks in town under Surgeon Crampton's28 care - this morng is fine.
Saturday, the 15th, morng. We have been out two morngs in a job29 making purchases. Col. 8c
Mrs Jackson dined here on Thursday - she not yet well -
Emily Foster has been better these two
days -
John 8c Lady E McC came up on Thursday. Yesterday Hardman 8c Rebecca dined out 8c
went to a ball - nothing
new has occur'd - the weather is lovely 8c we are well thank God.
Thursday 20th. We went on Sunday to the asylum30 - a
good strict sermon by Mr Mayne.31
Monday 8c every day since we have been busy shopping -
Emily Foster not so well the two last days
8c was blister'd last night - the weather grown cold 8c some snow showers - we expect to leave town
tomorrow.
C-Bellingham, March 22d. We came down yesterday, had a good journey
- on Thursday Mrs
Jackson dined at the Custom House - we have been very busy all day - Henry 8c C. Forster visited
us, George came early, dined 8c is to sleep
- a good deal of snow on the ground this morng.
C-B, 24th. We yesterday went to Dundalk church - G. Forster went with us - we saw my mother
looking well 8c going about as usual - Bessy 8c her babe 8cc all well
- we came home to dinner. This
morng we went to Milestown 8c Miltown Grange - Mr H. Maziere rather better - Mrs F not
recover'd from taking too much calomel - she is in her room 8c her face swell'd - we all well thank
God - Matt 8c Catherine went to Dublin yesterday.
Friday morng, 28th. We have been constantly at home - nothing
new has occur'd - we have
had visitors 8c Mr Thursby frequently. This day I wrote to J. Fortescue 8c enclosed him half a
twenty pound note.
Tuesday, April 1st, C-B. Our weather very fine - we have been at Miltown Grange, Drumcar,
Dromiskin 8c visiting neighbours - drank caudle32 this day with Mrs Cairnes - Mr Thursby break
27 Emily Caroline, third daughter of Henry and Bessy McClintock.
28 Philip Crampton,M.D.,F.R.S., Merrion Square North, Dublin.
29 A hired carriage. 30 Probably the Magdalene Asylum, Lower Leeson Street.
31 Revd Charles Mayne, chaplain to the Female Orphan House (Kirwan House).
32 Thin gruel, mixed with wine or ale.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 109
fasted here - Mr F. W. F. 8c Mrs Maziere visited us 8c Mrs Macan33 - Emily Foster not
quite so well 8c
Mr Maziere not gaining ground.
Friday, April 4th, C-B. Fine weather continues - we have walk'd out 8c pass'd
our time as
usual. Yesterday Matt 8c Catherine came to Mrs Kennedy's - we went there in the eveg
- this day,
Good Friday we go to Dundalk church
- Emily Foster is not recovering quickly 8c as yet very little
change - the children from Drumcar came here yesterday
- all well.
Tuesday, April 8th, C-B. Anna left us on Friday to go to Phillipstown - Emily 8c I return'd here.
On Sunday I went for my mother - she is quite well
- we pass'd Sunday eveg as usual. Yesterday
was
lovely - we walk'd out. This morng is dark 8c I hope there may be nice rain -1 expect Lady Forster
will leave Anna with us this day.
Thursday eveg, April the 10th 1817. Lady Forster 8c Sophia came on Tuesday 8c left Anna with
us. Yesterday my mother 8c I went to Miltown Grange -1 heard from J Fortescue, he rec'd the half
notes for ?40 -1 wrote to him 8c sent the remaining halves - Eliz'th 8c Louisa Foster dined here -
this day has been very cold. We sat at home all the morng - we
generally have visitors - Emily
Foster we hope is getting better -1 yesterday rec'd a letter from John enclosing
me Alick's interest
due last Novr.
Friday eveg. This day has been cold -
Lady E. Straton 8c Louisa came here 8c the Fosters -
when they left us we, my mother 8c I, went to Drumcar, Green Mt. Lodge 8c Milestown - we dined
late as usual - all well thank God - paid Mr Petty his bill ?75-18-2.
Sunday eveg, April 13. Fine dry weather - we went yesterday to Miltown Grange - Mr Maziere
not better 8c no hopes of his recovery
- we then went to Stephenstown
- found Kate alone - we sat
some time - came home, dined as usual - H 8c C Foster drank tea with us. This morng we went to
Dunleer church 8c on to Stone House - found all well - return'd home before five.
Tuesday eveg, April 15. Yesterday we sat at home. Lady Forster, Sophia 8c the Milestowns
visited - Lady E Straton 8c Louisa dined 8c slept here -
they left us at twelve - my mother 8c I went
to Dundalk - she stay'd - a great many visitors here in my absence.
Thursday eveg, 17. A very windy day. I walk'd to Milestown - G Forster came here
- he 8c I
dined at Mrs Kennedy's - Anna 8c Emily went in the eveg
- we pas'd the time pleasantly
- this day
cold 8c dry - Mr 8c Mrs Fortescue were here -
the Drumcar children, Wm 8c Mr Horner visited - G
Forster is with us - all well thank God
- Matt call'd just at dinner time.
Friday. A lovely day - wrote yesterday to Le B[lanc]34
- we walk'd out - no visitor but H. Foster.
Saturday. A fine day -
Emily 8c I walk'd to Lady B[ellingham]'s garden - Mrs Foster 8c her
Emily came down to dinner - left Dublin yesterday.
Monday morng, 21st April, CB. Yesterday very fine - went to church here - walk'd to Milestown
to see Mrs F 8cc - Emily had 12 leeches apply'd
to her side - we did not then see her - but in the
eveg we did, she appear'd pretty well. This morng is lovely -
Emily 8c I are going to visit
- all here
well thank God.
Wednesday morng, 23d. We paid our visits on Monday at Thomastown, Louth Hall 8c Glyde
Farm - a great fog came on in the eveg 8c we
hoped for rain - but none has since come. Yesterday
Matt came to see us - Lady Bellew also 8c H. Foster
- we walk'd out in the eveg. This morng is
lovely - Emily has got a head ache which wont signify please God
- Anna 8c I are well.
Thursday, April 24. Mrs 8c Miss Howse dined with us yesterday 8c slept. This morng G. Forster
came to breakfast on his way from Dublin - Anna went with Mrs H. to
Phillipstown 8c G ? 8c Miss
Howse went in his gig -
Emily & I go to Stephenstown to remain until Sunday. The Faithfuls 8c
Mrs Foster visited us yesterday - Mr Maziere the same way
- Emily Foster better.
33 Mrs Frances Macan, widow of Turner Macan of Greenmount, Castlebellingham. 34 Col. Henry Le Blanc who married 31 Dec. 1801 Eliza McClintock, Marianne's younger sister.
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110 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Monday morng, 28th. On Thursday we went as intended to Stephenstown
- H Foster 8c Mr
Thursby staying there. Friday we walk'd out - Mr 8c Mrs J Pratt came to dine 8c sleep - Wm
Weyman also dined. Saturday we sat home all day
- the Pratts left us. On Sunday we went to
Dundalk church, return'd to Stephenstown afterwards 8c then came home - we call'd at Miltown
Grange -
poor Mr H. Maziere ill as possible
- his wife 8c father came down on Saturday.
Tuesday night, 29th. We yesterday went to Barmeath, Drumcar, The Glebe 8c Milestown - did
not get home untill six - on my return I found a note from Faithful Fortescue telling me of poor
Mr H. Mazieres death - it took place on Sunday night at twelve oclock. This day Lady E McC came
here, I went with her to the Castle 8c Milestown - Mr Kennedy call'd here, he, Mrs K. 8c family
leave the Castle on Thursday - we are very sorry.
May 1st, Thursday. We sat at home yesterday, went to dine at Drumcar - called at Milestown 8c
the Castle - Emily Foster not so well - Mrs Kennedy 8c Mrs McCausland visited us to say farewell - a
lovely night - no rain yet
- this day very fine. Lady E McC call'd on me, we went to Dundalk - saw
my mother, visited Lady E. Straton - came home late - the Fosters walk'd here this eveg
- poor Mr
H. Maziere was buried in Clermont yesterday - Mr 8c Mrs 8c young Mrs Maziere left Miltown
Grange this day for Dublin - Mr 8c Mrs F W Fortescue call'd here this morng 8c some more in my
absence - all well here thank God
- Mr 8c Mrs Kennedy 8c family have all left the Castle - they are
much regretted.
Saturday eveg. Yesterday G Forster 8c Major Shum call'd here - Matt, H. Foster & John also -
Emily 8c I went to Miltown Grange - went in the eveg to Milestown. Hardman arrived there to
dinner - this morng there was
lovely rain. We went to Phillipstown to see Mrs Shum 8c all there,
they arrived on Thursday to dinner - Mrs 8c Miss Jocelyn 8c my mother call'd here this day - we
miss'd seeing them, all well thank God.
Tuesday, C-B, May 6. Sunday we went to church here -
dined alone, walk'd out in the eveg.
Monday Major Shum, G F, Mr Hardman, Sir Thos Forster, H 8c C Foster all visited us - at dinner
we had a party 12 in number - Col. Btn, Mr Thursby, John, Lady E, Mrs Pratt, H. McC, H. Foster,
Matt, Cath 8c we three - four slept here 8c all are gone this day -
Emily with Cath - Anna 8c I just
going to Stephenstown
- well thank God.
Wednesday night, C-B. WTe came home this day, had a few gentlemen at Stephenstown
yesterday - no rain to
signify yet -
Emily has got a head ache - we went to Milestown - E Foster not
getting better.
Saturday night, May 10. On Thursday last we went to dine at Lisnawilly - in the eveg went to a
charity ball in Dundalk, there were a great many pleasant people at it but dancing did not go on
with spirit 8c it was more a promenade than a dance - we
slept at Lisnawilly 8c next day went into
Dundalk to see my mother &c - sat a long time at Mrs H McC's where there was a
large party to
hear the band play - we came home to dinner. This day there has been rain 8c last night a good
deal thank God - Dean Keating35 died on the 6th inst. Mrs Foster, Eliz 8c Emily were here, the last
mention'd rather better tho' still a great invalide. My Emily 8c I took a long walk this eveg.
Tuesday eveg, 13 May. The Le Blancs arrived on Saturday the 10th. On Sunday Emily 8c I
went to Dundalk church -
heard the band afterwards - went 8c dined at Stephenstown - came
home at ten, found Anna 8c G. Forster tete a tete - had family prayers 8c went to bed. Yesterday sat
at home - G F left us - in the eveg walk'd to Milestown. This day G F, Johnny Straton 8c Major
Shum all came here 8c]. McClintock Jun -
gay 8c well -
Emily 8c I went to visit at Dunany, found
them at home, came home at five - this eveg Eliz Foster, Henry 8c Charls came here - we have had
delightful rain.
35 Very Revdjohn W. Keating (1769-1817), dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 111
Saturday morng, May 17. Wednesday we
pass'd at home. Thursday Doctr Concannon36 came
to see Emily about whom I was not quite satisfied, he thinks she will soon be well of a little pain in
her side - she is in other respects in good health. Lady E McC came 8c took her 8c me to Lark
Hill37 8c Miltown Grange - found all at home -
my girls 8c I walk'd to Milestown in the eveg, stay'd
for tea - Emily Foster rather better. Yesterday Lady Emily Straton & Johnny breakfasted here. I got
the tent Lady Bellew lent me put up - we pass'd the morng at home 8c eveg, except a little walk
-
Eliz'th Foster 8c her brothers walk'd here -
there has been a good deal of rain since ten oclock
last night -1 heard from Mrs Salvador this morng.
Thursday, May 22d. Emily had a severe head ache on Sunday - we did not go to church
-
George Forster call'd on his way from Dublin - we had Mrs F W Fortescue 8c Miss Adair. Monday
Emily had a warm bath 8c was very well - went home with Mrs F. after. On Tuesday Anna was
married to G. Forster - we had a large family party - about 18 - after breakfast we went to church,
Sir Thos Forster perform'd the ceremony - it all went off well 8c very few tears. We had luncheon
afterwards - all who were to leave my house went off between three 8c four - Cath. 8c Matt
remain'd here as Anna 8c George went to
Stephenstown - the Milestowns dined with us -
Emily
Foster was able to come to the wedding 8c seem'd pretty well. Yesterday (Wednesday) we went to
see races on Dromiskin Commons - the officers of the 14th rode
- they were very pretty 8c a great
deal of company assembled - we had only six at dinner -
Henry McC, Sophia Forster were with us
- this morng Matt went to Dublin
- we are all well.
Saturday, 24th. Yesterday Sophia, Henry McC 8c I went to Dundalk - Catherine remain'd with
Emily untill past four when she went to Stephenstown - I soon return'd alone
- we dined tete a
tete - the eveg was wet - Matt came down from Dublin -
Henry 8c C. Foster came 8c sat a while -1
wrote to Mrs Salavador 8c Anna - we went to bed at eleven - there has been a good deal of rain -
this morng fine.
Wednesday, May 25 [sic]. On Sunday Emily 8c I went to Dundalk church 8c dined at Miltown.
On Monday we went to Phillipstown, saw Anna, stay'd
some time - visited at Lisnawilly 8c Fair Hill
- brought home my mother. Yesterday we dined at Drumcar. The Le Blancs arrived on
Monday
gay 8c well. This morng Eliza came 8c took my mother to Drumcar -
Emily & I go this eveg to
Dundalk 8c on tomorrow to Tollymore Park. I heard from Alick38 8c answer'd his letter this
morng.
Thursday morng, May 29, my mother's house. Emily 8c I came here last night - drank tea with
Bessy 8c Henry - are very well thank God
- we shall set out after breakfast for T. Park.
May 30th, Tollymore Park. We arrived here yesterday at four oclock -
got wretched horses
from Dundalk -
but excellent from Newry. We have a pleasant party here 8c lovely weather - Mr 8c
Lady E Straton, their son 8c daughter, Mr 8c Mrs Newton,39 Col. Brotherton 8c us. We walk'd after
we eat luncheon 8c dined before seven - were very merry all the eveg untill twelve when we came
to bed - Col. B play'd
on the violin.
C-Bellingham, June 4th 1817, Wednesday. The party all left T Park on Monday after passing a
few days there most pleasantly -
the weather was lovely 8c every thing went on
delightfully. Col. B
had his violin 8c play'd in the evegs - rain prevented
our pleasure
at Rosstrevor, we came home
that way 8c dined there - came round by Newry 8c arrived at Mrs H. McC a little after ten, found
her at tea - slept
at my mothers 8c came here yesterday, Anna 8c George had come the day before -
we were very happy to see them. This day I heard from Mrs Little 8c in my absence a letter had
36 Dr Thomas Concannon, Middle Ward, Dundalk.
37 Near Dromiskin.
38 Revd Alexander McClintock (1775-1836), Marianne's second eldest brother, who at this time was rector of
Newtownbarry, Co Wexford.
39 Walter Newton was bailiff of Dundalk in 1827.
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112 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
come from Mrs Browne - George went this morng to breakfast at Miltown Grange
- we are all to
go to a ball in Dundalk this eveg 8c to sleep at my mothers.
C-Bellingham, June the 9th. The ball was excessively pleasant -1 breakfasted at Phillipstown
on
Thursday morng - Anna 8c Emily too much fatigued to accompany me - I return'd to Dundalk
about one when Anna, George, Emily 8c I came home here -
they both went to Drumcar. On
Saturday Emily 8c I went to Drumcar to visit, my mother return'd with us. Yesterday we went to
Dundalk church - Catherine took Emily home 8c mother 8c I came here. George & Anna pass'd
yesterday with us - this day they go to Stephenstown
- we dine at Milestown - there has been a
great deal of lovely rain - 8c I have written several letters within these few days - to Doctr John, Mrs
Browne, Mrs Little, Miss Blair - my sister of course. I rec'd one yesterday from Mrs Salvador - all
here well thank God.
June 11th, Wednesday. We dined at Milestown on Monday - the two Miss Bellinghams there -
Emily was
tolerably well - Le Blanc, Johnny McC 8c the two boys rode here 8c were very gay.
Yesterday morng we pass'd very quietly and went to
Stephenstown to dinner
- came home at
eleven - a small party there
- this day we dine at Miltown Grange -1 heard this morng from Doctr
John.
Friday Morng, 13th. On Wednesday we dined at Miltown, came home at twelve -
only ten -
Emily came home with us. Thursday we pass'd quietly
- this day raining.
Saturday, June 14. It rain'd the whole day yesterday - in the eveg H 8c C Foster walk'd over
here - the Blairs arrived at Stephenstown
on Thursday
- this morng was dark 8c windy.
Monday, June 16th. Yesterday a fine day - we went to Dundalk, left my mother at home -
Major 8c Mrs Shum, Sophia, Anna 8c George Forster came here - the two Fosters 8c Mr Macan
dined here also. I had a letter from Miss Blair yesterday 8c two pieces of Scotch muslin - all well
Tuesday eveg, June 17. George 8c Anna left us before four for the Temple - a party of twelve at
dinner here yesterday -
Lisnawillys,40 Le Blancs, John, the Shums 8c Sophia Forster, Col.
Brotherton - a very pleasant party 8c in the eveg the Miltowns 8c the Miss Bellinghams. This day
the Shums 8c Sophia Forster left us - Emily went with the Fosters to visit at
Stephenstown -
they
were out walking - my brother Alick 8c Le Blanc rode here 8c we walk'd to Milestown -
Emily
Foster not so well as she was. I heard from Miss Young41 - Mrs Young42 lay in of a son43 the 31st of
May.
Friday eveg, 20th June. On Wednesday Alick 8c John rode here 8c the boys made Emily 8c me
promise to dine at Drumcar - we went on Miss B's car - one of my horses being ill -
Rebecca,
Hardman 8c boys call'd here on their way to Stephenstown. Yesterday Emily 8c I went to visit at the
Temple 8c Coll?n - walk'd about 8c admired the grotto44 excessively - Anna 8c George
came home
with us, we had the Miltowns, Fitzt Ruxton 8c Milestown girls to dine with us -
George went to
Phillipstown in the eveg. This day has rain'd constantly
- no one here to visit except Col. Young 8c
H. Foster -1 heard from Mrs Ruxton this day - Chads Foster in this eveg.
Saturday night, June 21st. This day has been most lovely - sat quiet untill about two -
then went
to Milestown on a car - Emily Foster very indifferent -
return'd here for Anna who waited for
George - he arrived as
expected - she then came with Emily 8c me to visit Mrs Eccleston
- we came
40 John and Lady Elizabeth Straton lived at Lisnawilly, Dundalk.
41 Susanna Maria, sister of Col. William Young.
42 Lucy, youngest daughter of Lt.-Col. Charles Frederick married 20 Sept. 1806 Lt.-Col. William Young of
Derrymore House, Co Armagh.
43 William, who became a cavalry officer in Bengal. He died in 1850.
44 The shell house or grotto, built by John 'Speaker' Foster for his wife, is in the grounds of Oriel Temple, now
the Cistercian monastery at New Mellifont. Mrs Foster decorated it 'with shells and marble in a most fantastic
way and largely by her own hands' (typescript notes on Oriel Temple by Major H.F. McClintock, kindly supplied
by Mr John McClintock, Red Hall, Ballycarry, Co Antrim).
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 113
home, dined soon after five 8c George set out for Drogheda on his way to Dublin -1 wrote a
long
letter to J. Fortescue - Mrs 8c Miss Brabazon of Dunany visited us - Mrs Millikin went this morng to
Dublin for a few days.
Sunday night, 22d. This day lovely - we went to Dundalk church - Hardman call'd on us on his
way to Milestown to breakfast - met all the Stephenstowns
- sat some time at Bessy's after church -
Anna went home with Mrs Shum 8c the Forsters to Phillipstown - my mother, Emily 8c I went to
Lisnawilly - found all at home - we then left my mother in Dundalk 8c came home - took a
long
walk this eveg - read the Bible 8c family prayers as usual 8c am now
going to bed thank God very
well - Mrs Noble45 the surgeon's wife died the end of last week 8c Mr Blashford we heard had died
lately.
Tuesday morng, 24th. Yesterday was
lovely -John 8c his boys came to breakfast - they went on
afterwards to Miltown 8c Stephenstown - Mr Horner 8c Mr Woolsey visited us.
Lady E McC came
about one when we accompanied her to Stephenstown
- found all at home - we went to Drumcar
8c dined. Mr Little 8c Mr Coddington came home at l/2 past nine in Mr Woolseys jaunting
car 8c
went to sup with Mr J Woolsey, the Miss Bellinghams 8c Mrs 8c Mrs H Hardman. We got home just before the most violent thunder 8c lightning I ever heard 8c heavy rain - it continued a
long time -
we got up well thank God this morng.
Tuesday night, June 24. There was some heavy rain this morng but the whole day was fine
afterwards - Emily 8c I dined at four 8c at five oclock Johnny Straton 8c G. Forster arrived -
they got
dinner 8c at half past six John, Lady E, Miss Willamont46 8c six children came to tea 8c the two Miss
Bellinghams. George 8c Johnny went off early - the Drumcars before nine -
Emily to bed with a
head ache - the Miss Bgs soon after - then H 8c C Foster came 8c sat a while with me 8c I shall soon
go to bed - I am thank God very well tho' all the morng I felt unwell in consequence of the
thunder 8c lightening last night -
all is calm now 8c a lovely moon.
Thursday morng, 26. Yesterday was
lovely - we walk'd to Milestown after breakfast - sat a while -
Mrs F, Louisa 8c Emily set out for Dublin at one oclock -Johnny McC 8c the two boys rode here -
he has got a fortnights leave of absence. Eliz'th 8c Mr Hardman (who is now
staying at Milestown)
dined here - H 8c C Foster at Mr Macans. This morng is very hot 8c delightful
- we are well thank
God.
Friday night. The F WT Fortescues sat a good while here yesterday
- H Foster also who was
going to Coll?n - Mr Lindsey pd us a
long visit 8c was very agreeable. In the eveg Emily 8c I walk'd
to Milestown, came home, took tea 8c went to bed before eleven. This day not so warm - the
Drumcar boys pass'd the morng here - Johnny McC call'd for them on his return from
Stephenstown - Hardman 8c his son were with us twice -1 rec'd a letter from Mrs Thackeray from
N.T. Limavady. I wrote to Miss Norris - the Milestown girls 8c we went on the car to Miltown
Grange -
stay'd a short time 8c drank tea
together here, all well thank God - I answer'd Mrs
Thackeray's letter - Emily began
to bathe this day before ten oclock.
Saturday night, 28th June. Wrote to Miss Norris - a fine day - a few showers -
Emily bathed -
Charles call'd 8c Cath 8c Mr Montgomery came here in a
gig to visit us - we dined alone, went out
on the car afterwards - I wrote a long letter to Miss Blair - heard from Anna that they 8c the
Shums woud come tomorrow.
Monday morng, 30th. About twelve oclock yesterday Hardman 8c Le Blanc came here - we
went to church at one - afterwards they came here 8c the Milestowns 8c Mrs Macan -
they eat
luncheon - George 8c Anna came -
Major Shum cut his foot so he 8c she stay'd at Phillipstown. We
pass'd our eveg as usual - it rain'd heavily 8c was cold.
45 The burial register of St Nicholas' parish church, Dundalk records the burial of Mrs Noble on 23 June 1817,
age: 39, cause of death: miscarriage. 46 The governess at Drumcar.
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114 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Tuesday night. There was some heavy rain yesterday which prevented Emilys bathing, Le
Blanc drove here in a gig 8c wish'd Emily to go with him to Stephenstown
- however she coud not
as Anna was with us 8c the Milestown girls to dine here, the men also 8c Mrs Woolsey
- they all
stay'd untill near eleven. This day rain'd incessantly - I went with Emily to the sea 8c the waves
were so strong against the box she coud not get a dip
- George Forster went this day to
Phillipstown - it clear'd up
- the school began on the 29th June - Mr Clifford to get Is per Sunday
- ginger wine made on Friday morng.
Tuesday, 1st July. On Wednesday last Emily bathed - Mr Hardman call'd 8c the Faithfuls -
Anna 8c Emily went together to Milestown to visit - we three dined 8c walk'd in the eveg
- met the
girls - the accts of Emily Foster are much the same. Yesterday
was fine - Hardman, his son 8c G.
Forster all came 8c Eliz Foster & M A Hardman - Emily bathed - we dined at Miltown Grange
-
Anna 8c George remain'd there 8c are to go this day to Ravensdale - Emily 8c I came home at
twelve - no company there, this morng is very fine.
Sunday morng, July 6. Emily bathed on Friday 8c on our return we found Mrs Young 8c family 8c Lady Eth McC here. Mrs Y 8c babe very well 8c going
on to Derramore - Lady E sat some time -
the eveg was lovely
- Emily, the two girls from Milestown 8c I went to tea at Drumcar. Yesterday
was
very fine - we went to the sea, came back - dress'd 8c went to dine at Drumcar - Eliz'th Foster 8c M
A H with us -1 was very busy all the morng as usual, this morng rains - we are well thank God.
Monday 7th. Just return'd from Stephenstown where we went to dine yesterday, slept 8c stay'd
for breakfast this morng - the Faithfuls, Anna 8c George
came to see us yesterday.
Wednesday, June [sic] 9th. Emily bathed on Monday 8c we dress'd afterwards, went to dine at
Miltown Grange. Yesterday we went to Dundalk, found my mother well, we dined at
Stephenstown, in the eveg drank tea at Miltown Grange -
slept at
Stephenstown 8c came home
this morng - the Hardmans came to stay here this day
- the Miltowns 8c Milestowns dine here - our
weather very fine - Mr Montgomery drove us to Miltown last night.
Saturday morng, July 12. The Hardmans, Milestowns 8c Miltowns dined with us as expected
on Wednesday - Ld 8c Lady Jocelyn 8cc visited us.
Thursday Le Blanc came on one of the coaches
to breakfast 8c at one the Stephenstowns arrived, then we all set out for Barmeath except
Catherine who had a pain in her back so sat reading. We walk'd about Barmeath tho' not a fine
day - came home by Drumcar
- eat luncheon 8c all dined here - our party Mr 8c Mrs Hardman 8c
sons, Matt, Cath, Col. Blair, Mr Montgomery 8c Le Blanc - they left us
early 8c took Emily off with
them. Yesterday Le Blanc return'd to Dundalk 8c Edwd Junr went to Stephenstown
to breakfast 8c
dine so we were a small party - we took a
long walk in the eveg - a
good acct came this day of Mrs
Jackson from the Head -1 expect George 8c Anna to dine - all here well thank God.
Monday, July 14. My lawn was begun
to be mow'd this day - George 8c Anna did not come as
expected 8c yesterday morng I heard from her - Hardman left this early for Dublin, Eliz'th Foster
went with him - Rebecca, her two sons & M A went to Dundalk church 8c stay'd to dine at my
mothers - we got home at half past nine - there was a great deal of rain yesterday. This morng is
fine thank God -
Edwd Junr went off at two this morng by the mail to Belfast - Rebecca 8c two are
just gone to the sea.
Wednesday 16. Yesterday Le Blanc, Eliza &c came to me - all gay 8c well - we dined, just six -
three Hardmans, 2 Le Blancs.
Thursday, July 17. Yesterday was very fine. Anna came to see us - Mr Straton call'd on his way
from Dublin - Hardman return'd from Dublin 8c Eliz'th Foster - we dined, our own party seven -
this is a lovely day thank God. We all dine at Lisnawilly, M A Hardman goes to Eliz Foster to stay
-
G Forster return'd from Dublin 8c from hence walk'd to Stephenstown.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 115
Sunday morng, the 20th. We dined at Lisnawilly on Thursday as intended - pass'd
a pleasant
day 8c did not get home untill near two oclock. Friday very fine - Rebecca 8c I went to visit Mrs
Vezy47- not at home - we sat comfortably. Yesterday lovely
- the Le Blancs went on the car to
Drumcar - Henry, Bessy 8c babe came here, dined 8c went home in the eveg
- Wm visited us -
dined at Milestown 8c they all came here in the eveg. This morng is wet, we breakfasted at nine as
Hardman, Rebecca, Mary Ann 8c Johnny all set out for Hampton 8c intend to go to Dublin
tomorrow - all well here thank God. I heard yesterday from Mrs Little 8c wrote to thank her this
day for shades &c she sent me.
Thursday, 24th. On Sunday I expect seven from Stephenstown at dinner - the day was so wet
only four came. Monday was
tolerably fine - Le Blanc visited our new curate Mr Magee48 for me 8c
invited him to dinner, he came 8c in the eveg Lady E McC, Miss W 8c six children came to tea -
they left us about eight. Tuesday tolerably fine -
Lady E McC 8c two boys dined here - Mr Magee
drank tea 8c John came from the Assizes a little after ten - 8c went home with Lady E. Yesterday
was a lovely day
- Le Blanc 8c I went to Stephenstown for Emily
- all at home except Matt who had
gone to an execution where all the country were assembled (the man who was hang'd was the
principal person concern'd in the horrid burning at Wild Goose Lodge past Reastown) - we
visited Mrs Fitzgerald on our way 8c Miltown Grange also -1 wrote to Mrs Salvador - we walk'd to
Lady Bellingham's garden after dinner - this morng is not fine - my hay is finish'd - we are all well
thank God
Sunday morng, 27th July. On Thursday we dined at Drumcar, Lady E'th Percival came whilst
we were at dinner - Dean Magee49 8c his son 8c we were the party. On Friday we had Mr Woolsey at
dinner 8c the Miss Bs in the eveg. Yesterday Emily was very billious 8c ill the whole day on her bed - in the eveg she got up 8c took tea in my dressing room, slept pretty well last night 8c thank God
is well this morng. We hoped to have had the Stephenstowns yesterday but Col. Blair 8c Mr
Montgomerie left them for Scotland so Matt 8c Cath woud not come.
Tuesday, 29th July. Sunday we had Mr Magee to
preach - an excellent sermon from the 17th
verse of the 16th chapter of Jeremiah - we had our
family party at dinner - eveg read 8c c as usual.
Yesterday I went to Dundalk for my mother, she is quite well -1 wrote to Mrs Ruxton. This morng
I heard from J Fortescue 8c Miss Young to invite us to Derramore - I have got a severe cold - all
the rest well.
Friday, Augt 1st. Lady E McC visited us on Tuesday - Eliz'th Foster dined here 8c slept
- Le
Blanc at Turner Macan's came home after ten. Wednesday Col. Le B, Eliz &cc 8c Emily went to
the sea - they dined at Miltown - mother 8c I stay'd at home -
they came home at twelve -
my cold
badish. Yesterday they went to the sea - Mr Magee
came in the eveg - he read aloud
- a good book
- many heavy showers during the morng
- Matt 8c Cath were here - John 8c boys rode here - this
day is fine thank God 8c hot sun.
Monday morng, Augt 4, Derramore, Col. Young's. On Friday Le Blanc drove Emily 8c me out
on the car a little round -
Eliz'th walk'ed over to see us - we walk'd in the eveg -
pass's our eveg
working 8c chatting. On Saturday the Le Blancs 8c we all left home for this place - I saw Anna
comfortably fix'd in her house - left my mother at home -
visited Bessy - came on 8c got here
before five - a
lovely day - the eveg rain'd 8c yesterday
was showery, damp 8c unpleasant. Mrs
Young 8c four of us went to Camlough church -
very few attended 8c Mr Henry50 a miserable
47 Mrs Barbara (n?e Taylor) Vesey, wife of Revd George Vesey, rector of Mansfieldstown 1815-43.
48 Revd John Magee (1794-1837), later rector of St Peter's, Drogheda where he died of fever caught in the
discharge of his duty 13 June 1837.
49 Very Revd William Magee (1766-1831), dean of Cork 1814-19, archbishop of Dublin 1822-31.
50 Revd Joseph Henry (1753-1817), perpetual curate of Camlough 1793-1817.
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116 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
reader 8c worse preacher 8c his sermon so
extraordinary we coud not refrain most improperly
from laughter - the text was from the 5th chapter of St Pauls Epistle to the Ephesians 8c 33d verse
- we came home at two - read the Bible - walk'd, dined, had tea, family prayers after which Le
Blanc read a sermon 8c we all came to bed before eleven. Col. Young51 was detain'd in Cavan - is
expected this day - we have a poor substitute for him, his brother Anketel - not very wise I think -
we are all well thank God. This morng has rain'd but it appears as if it woud be fine - I heard
from Rebecca yesterday 8c from Ardbrackan52 8c Mullingar schools -1 heard in Dundalk yesterday
of the death of Lady E Straton's maid of a bad fever.
Tuesday morng, 5th Augt. There were many showers yesterday but the eveg fine - we walk'd
around this place before dinner, a nice very pretty walk. Mr 8c Mrs J Young came here to stay 8c a
Mr Campbell to dinner. Col. Young has not arrived yet, Miss Young 8c I play'd
at chess in the
eveg. The morng before we walk'd, Miss Young amused us shewing her pretty Indian curiosities
-
quite a little museum. This morng thank God has a good appearance.
Wednesday morng, 6th of Augt. Yesterday was a lovely hot day - we set out a party of seven at
twelve oclock for Rosstrevor which was in extreme beauty - the Le Blancs were charm'd with it -
we visited Mrs Carleton, Mrs Spencer 8cc 8c Mrs Fortescue, went to the Wood House, than which
nothing coud be more romantic 8c beautiful - we left Rosstrevor at five 8c got here at seven -
found Col. Young had arrived - our own party at dinner - Miss Young 8c I play'd at chess 8c came
to bed after twelve - we are very well this morng thank God. The sun has shone this morng 8c I
trust the weather will be fine - heard of Miss E Lee's53 death.
Thursday, 7th Augt. A fine morng 8c all yesterday was fair thank God. Col., Mrs 8c Miss Young,
Johnny 8c I went soon after breakfast to Newry, visited Mrs Thompson, shop'd about 8c came
home - work'd, walk'd 8c read - the same party at dinner -
play'd a
pool of commerce for a
beautiful work'd flounce which Le Blanc won - he 8c I were the last to contend the prize.
Friday 8th. Yesterday lovely, we walk'd 8c drove to a mountain
- all well thank God.
Saturday morng, Augt 9, Derramore. Yesterday fine except a few light showers - some of the
party went on a car 8c some walk'd - Mrs Thompson,
two daughters 8c Mr N. Thompson dined
here - dinner at seven - we
play'd at commerce after tea - they went off at half past eleven - Eliza
won it. This morng is windy - there has been a shower but the sun is now
shining - we are well
thank God -1 heard from Lady E Straton - all her family have escaped the fever.
Sunday morng, 10th. Mr 8c Mrs J Young went home yesterday morng - Susan Young, Eliza 8c I
went on the car a beautiful round of one of the mountains - Le Blanc drove us - we had a good
deal of walking as the road which in some
places was
dangerous - the view7 of Newry 8c all along
to
Narrow Water 8c Rosstrevor was picturesque 8c lovely
- we had very little rain 8c were all much
pleased with the drive. The weather not seasonable - being cold 8c fires necessary every eveg.
Tuesday, 12th Augt, Derramore. Mrs Young, Le Blanc, Eliza, Emily 8c I all set out before
eleven oclock on Sunday for Loughgilly Church where Mr Bisset54 preached, his curate read
prayers -
after service we walk'd up to the house, walk'd about it, then sat a while 8c ate luncheon - came back to dinner
- in the eveg had prayers. Yesterday morng Hardman came on his way from
Belfast, breakfasted 8c pass'd the day here - which I am sorry to say was wet as
possible untill
about five oclock when the rain ceased. A Miss Johnston 8c a little Susan Donnelly55 came here
from Rosstrevor - we had riddles, puzzles 8cc in the eveg. My horses are come 8c we go home after
51 Lt-Col. William Young (East India Company) created a baronet in 1821, sold Derrymore circa 1828 and moved
to Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. He died 10 March 1848.
52 Ardbraccan, near Navan, Co Meath.
53 Miss Elizabeth Lee (aged 33) of Clonkeehan, buried in Clonkeen 8 August 1817.
54 Revd William Bissett (1758-1834), rector of Loughgilly 1812-17, later bishop of Raphoe 1822-34.
55 Daughter of John and Rebecca Donnelly. Rebecca, was a sister of Col. Young.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 117
breakfast - Mr Hardman I suppose went off at seven this morng to Drumcar by one of the
coaches from Newry - we have pass'd time very pleasantly here 8c like the family very much.
C Bellingham, Augt 18. I have neglected my journal since our return home from Derramore
on Tuesday last - on our way from thence we stopped some time at Anna's in Dundalk - met a
good many friends there - came on home to dinner - we found a note to ask us, Le Blanc, Eliza,
Emily 8c me to dine on Wednesday at Drumcar. John, Robt 8c Hardman rode to see us - we went
to Drumcar 8c saw Miss D McClintock niece of Robt. Le Blanc fix'd to go next day to Deny with
them - they call'd at twelve 8c he went off on Thursday. On Friday a fine day Emily bathed.
Saturday a dreadful wet day
- Emily 8c I went to Dundalk to see Anna who had not been stout 8c
brought home my mother. Yesterday was fine - we went to church, had a
large congregation - Mr
Magee our new curate reads 8c preaches uncommonly well - he is a most excellent man 8c quite
a
blessing having so good
a clergyman in this village. After church Eliza, Emily 8c I went to the
school - had about 40 children - different visitors call'd but I did not see them - we dined before
six. Mr Magee came to tea, read two sermons for us 8c left us at half past nine as he was to have
prayers at home so coud not stay for ours. This day is very wet - my mother is not stout atall
- this
day rested badly 8c after breakfast became quite weak 8c fainted for a short time - alarm'd us
extremely - thank God she is much better now 8c has just taken toast 8c broth
- it is two oclock.
Wednesday night, Augt 20. My mother became better, went to bed about nine, had a good
night 8c felt well yesterday - she woud not stay so she, Emily 8c I went to Dundalk. We saw Anna
who was almost well - we visited Bessy
- left my mother at home. Catherine came to us to dine 8c
stay - this morng she, Eliza 8c I went to Drumcar - two servants there - little Stanley 8c Harriet have
got a fever - not dangerous.
Friday morn, 22d. Yesterday was very fine - Eliza, her children 8c maid 8c Emily went out on
the car - Catherine 8c I stay'd at home - she went to dine 8c stay at Milestown. This morng is dark -
I wrote to Doctr John. Yesterday I heard the children were better at Drumcar - a letter from Le
Blanc to Eliza - as yet we dont know what day he will come.
Thursday morng, 28th Augt. I must remember since last Friday what has pass'd - that day
Emily 8c I went to Dunany, found Mrs 8c Miss C Brabazon at home - then call'd at Milestown,
found all there - Mr Magee
sat some time with us in the eveg. On Saturday Catherine call'd for
Emily, she accompanied her home 8c has been with her since - we walk'd out a little. On Sunday
went to church - a fine day - after service I went to the school
- sat there teaching untill time for
second prayers (the first day we had them)
- George Le Blanc56 went with me - Mr Stubbs57
preached in the morng - Eliza 8c I eat our dinner alone - walk'd out a little. Mr Magee
came 8c
read aloud with us untill half past nine - excellent young man he is. I look forward with the
Almighty's assistance to becoming what I ought to be - I feel greater pleasure in reading the
Scriptures 8c certainly much less pleasure in gaiety 8c my ardent wish is to please God -1 have the
strongest love for him 8c my Saviour 8c am sensible how little I deserve his loving kindness to me
which every hour of my life I experience. I pray to be made sensible of my own vileness 8c that he
will cleanse me from my sin 8c grant me his grace. On Monday we went to see my mother 8c Anna
8c I thank my God both were very well. It was a dreadful wet day - we dined at Milestown. On
Tuesday we walk'd out a little, had Sir Wm 8c Lady B, Mr Gregory,58 John 8c Mr Magee to dine
- in
the eveg the two Miss Bs sent ?1 2s 9d to Mr Ball - we talk'd 8c had a little supper. Yesterday a
lovely day - Eliza, her children 8c I went to [blank].
56 Son of Colonel Henry Le Blanc and Eliza (n?e McClintock).
57 Revd John Hamilton Stubbs (1786-1866), master of Lord Limerick's Grammar School, Dundalk 1814-26; curate
of Dundalk, 1824-41; rector of Dromiskin 1841-66.
58 Robert Gregory of Coole Park, Co Galway.
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118 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Night, 28, Stephenstown. Found Cath 8c Emily very well - came home, then went to dine at Sir
Wms - Mrs Foster, Henry 8c Eliz'th 8c Mr 8c Mrs Hardman, Mr Magee 8c us - we did not stay for
supper. This morng is very fine -1 am well, I thank God for the blessing of health which I enjoy. I
heard from J F yesterday - this day he was to leave Cork 8c this morng I heard from F W F.
Augt 30, Saturday morng. On Thursday Eliza, babes 8c I drove on the car to Drumcar - the
children better of the fever thank God. We dined that day very cosey at home - I read aloud in
the eveg. Yesterday the Milestowns, Major 8c Mrs Shum, Rebecca 8c Hardman all visited us. At
four we went out walking -
afterwards dress'd and dined at Milestown -
order'd the carriage to be
there at ten if Col. Le Blanc arrived - so he did 8c my mother with him at nine oclock - we came
home much delighted to see them. Yesterday was a most lovely day, very hot - this morng dark 8c
beginning to rain.
Tuesday morng. It rain'd all day Saturday, we sat at home 8c heard the Hardmans had all gone
off to Dublin, they were alarm'd at an acct they rec'd of Janes being ill. Sunday morng I heard it
was billious fever 8c she was much better. This morng a still better acct thank God. Sunday was
tolerably fine, we all went to church at half past eleven - Dean Magee preached a most excellent
sermon. My mother set out for Dundalk immediately after 8c Anna came back in the carriage. I
went to school 8c at half past three to church. Anna arrived at five very well. Dean Magee 8c his
son dined here very agreeable, they left us at half past nine. Yesterday a lovely day - we went to
Drumcar 8c Milestown - the children almost well 8c Stanley out - we borrowed the Retrospect
- Le
Blanc read half of it aloud last night - we all like it very much.
Wednesday, Sept 3d. My son 26 yrs old this day. The whole of yesterday was fine - Le Blanc
drove Eliza, babes 8c me to Stephenstown - sat there above an hour - Matt soon
expected home.
Mr Ball the Dunleer apothecary came to me yesterday, I walk'd to see several people with him
who were ill but in a good way. Le Blanc was not stout last night
- this morng he is thank God
better - we are all well.
Thursday, Sept 4. My brother John breakfasted here yesterday morng - rode to Dundalk 8c
dined with us after - we had Mrs Foster, Eliz'th, Chads 8c Hardman also. Yesterday was fine, only
one shower - we walk'd out - the sick people are
getting a little better. I heard from Doctr John
-
he arrived in Dublin on Monday. There was rain this morng early but the sun shines now, thank
God. We are all well - Anna much better.
Sept 6, Saturday. Yesterday was lovely - Anna 8c all of us went out on the car - Mr Magee dined
here - we
pass'd our eveg very pleasantly
- Mr M read aloud a new book, Retrospect. This morng
rain'd but has thank God since clear'd up -
Eliza, Le Blanc 8c George went to Dundalk to pay
farewell visits - Anna 8c I going to walk - no acct yet of my dear Emily coming home - we are all
well thank God.
Tuesday, Sept the 9th. Saturday Hardman came here 8c was to go to Coll?n - Eliz'th Foster
came to stay - Mr Magee
came in the eveg. On Sunday we had family prayers
- attended church -
Dean Magee preached an excellent sermon - the school after 8c eveg prayers
- pass'd the day I
hope acceptably to my God
- my anxious wishes are to please him. Yesterday G Forster came to
breakfast - he pass'd the day 8c left us this morng. Le Blanc, Eliza 8c I dined at Drumcar - our
weather very fine. Dean Magee 8c his son went off very early yesterday morng to Omagh. We have
had many visitors - Matt 8c Catherine came to see us - all visited Mrs Thompson - the sick people
are getting well except one child who died this morng of the small pox
- we are well thank God.
Friday, 12th Sept. On Tuesday we had our own party at dinner - Le Blancs, Eliz'th Foster,
Anna 8c us two. On Wednesday the Le Blancs left us for Coll?n -
very sorry was I to part them.
Doctr John arrived from Dublin at about one oclock very well. Matt 8c Cath dined with us.
Yesterday Eliz'th left us - Doctr John also - we went to visit at Corbollis, no one at home. Very fine
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 119
weather untill this morng when there was rain - about three oclock it clear'd up very fine. We
walk'd to Milestown - have dined - myself 8c daughters all well thank God. Mrs Jameson was
brought to bed of a son yesterday morng
- a surprize at the Hill.
Saturday night, 13th. This day very fine - we went to see Mrs F W Fortescue - the Drumcar
family all came here -
they woud not come in but left me a number of school books 8c Testaments
-1 heard from Rebecca 8c Eliza -
the invalids are recovering.
Sunday night. This day has been lovely - I have been very much occupied the whole of it. I
read one of Burders Sermons to a poor woman - she seem'd to like it very much - a full congrega
tion at church - Mr Stubbs at morng service - Mr Woods at eveg.
Tuesday night, Sept 16. Yesterday 8c this day delightfully fine thank God - we went to Dundalk
yesterday 8c left Anna at her own house - return'd here at five - dined at the Castle 8c came home
at eleven - a family party. This day Mrs T Filgate,59 Mr Hubbard 8c Mrs 8c Miss Upton
were here -
Mr 8c Mrs Pratt, Lady Bellingham, Mrs F 8c Emily - Doctr John also. At four Emily 8c I went to
Drumcar, only saw Lady Clancarty60
- came home before six, dined late 8c are thank God well - we
walk'd out soon after breakfast. I forgot to say the sick people
are all better - we read aloud to a
poor lame woman who always seems to
enjoy it.
Thursday morng, 18th Sept. Yesterday lovely - we went on the car to Miltown
- dined alone,
read, work'd 8c wrote in the eveg. This morng we are well thank God 8c the morng lovely. I trust I
am thankful for the blessings I enjoy.
Sept 20, Saturday night. I began this day to read Doddrige's Rise 8c Progress. Our weather
continues most lovely, thanks to the Almighty. We went to Drumcar on Thursday, took Emily
Foster with us - sat some time there. Col. Hawkshaw61 arrived during our visit - came home - had
Mr 8c Mrs Thompson, Miss Anderson 8c Miss Thompson, the Miltowns, Stephenstowns 8c Mr
Macan at dinner - Miss Bs in the eveg. Yesterday Emily 8c I walk'd out -
Mr, Mrs 8c Miss Jocelyn sat
some time with us 8c dined at Drumcar - no person there except Col. Hawkshaw - we came home
before eleven. John 8c Lady E set out this morng for Garbally62 before eleven. This morng Mr,
Lady Emily, Johnny 8c Louisa breakfasted here, Col. Brotherton 8c Louisa Foster -
they all went to
Barmeath. I stay'd at home expecting the apothecary to visit sick people -1 walk'd a good deal
-
we are all well in this house I thank God.
Monday morng, Sept 22d. Our weather is such as to call forth every feeling of gratitude to the
bountiful giver of all good -
this morng more lovely than usual - fine hot sun. Yesterday we pass'd
as usual pretty much - Emily 8c I alone. This morng I have got a letter from Bessy telling
me she 8c
Henry wd breakfast here - Mrs Millikin went off to Dublin in great fear for her husband thinking he was ill.
Tuesday eveg, 23d Septr. Henry, Bessy 8c three babes came yesterday, they paid visits after
wards - Mr Hardman came down from Dublin 8c Wm, Mary 8c Henrietta63 drove here on their
jaunting car - a
long time since they were here - they all left between four 8c five. Emily 8c I set out
at nine oclock to Milestown where there was a dinner party - we did not get home untill past
twelve. This morng we went to visit at Arthurs Town 8c all the places thereabout -
poor old Steady
startled coming home 8c cut his knee - we were ask'd to the Castle this eveg but declined - we are
well thank God - Mrs Millikin return'd.
59 Isabella (n?e Ruxton), wife of Revd Townley Filgate, rector of Charlestown.
60 Mother of Lady Elizabeth McClintock.
61 Col. Hawkshaw was married to Vincentia, daughter of Wallop Brabazon of Rath House, Termonfeckin.
62 Garbally Court, Ballinasloe, Co Galway. 63 William (Marianne's brother) and Mary McClintock and their eldest daughter.
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120 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Thursday morng, Sept 25th. Yesterday was a wet day
- we stay'd at home the whole of it. I hope
I was well employ'd - Mr Ball the apothecary
was here 8c visited a number of patients for me who
are all, I thank God getting well - ten in fevers. I had a good deal to do weighing medicines 8c
measuring physick according to his directions. I have nearly finish'd Doddridge's Rise 8c Progress
8cc 8c like it very much. I trust in God I may lay all he says up in my heart 8c never forget the
impressions it makes. I pray for perseverance 8c that I may never tire of doing my duty. I wrote a
letter to Miss [?] 8c enclosed it to Eliza -1 heard this morng from my mother -
also Rebecca - we
are all well thank God.
Thursday night, Sept 25. This day we read, work'd, walk'd 8c attempted a drive on the car but
rain obliged us to return quickly. Mr Horner 8c Miss L B visited us - we dined alone 8c have pass'd
our eveg very comfortably - read the Psalms - 'tis now eleven oclock -
the day was very changeable
- rain 8c sunshine - thank God for all.
Friday 26. This day has been uncommonly windy -
Emily 8c I went to Milestown on the car 8c
there took up Louisa who went with us to Drumcar to visit the children - we found them very well
8c in high spirits - came back again 8c sat at our works - Mr 8c Mrs H Coddington visited us - we
dined alone - well thank God.
Sunday eveg, Sept 28. Yesterday was
windy but fine - we went on the car to Miltown to visit -
dined alone - Lady B call'd before dinner 8c Mr Ball visited the sick people. I went to some houses
with him - all are recovering. This day has been lovely
- Emily not stout -
Cath came to church, I
went with her - came home afterwards - then went to school - then to church - after to read to one
woman 8c to visit others. Emily well thank God this eveg - Cath press'd
us much to go home with
her - we go tomorrow.
Wednesday morng, Octr 1st, Stephenstown. On Monday morng my dear Emily was quite well.
Mr Ball the apothecary came 8c visited all my patients
- I gave clothes to some poor people 8c
weighed medicine for others - all going on so well he thinks he need not attend them again
-
thank God not one died for whom I took trouble except a poor child in the small pox. The
Drumcar children came to see us - Mrs F 8c the girls also. Emily 8c I set out before three oclock to
take caudle with Mrs Jameson at the Glebe - after that we came here
- that day alone. Yesterday
Matt 8c Doctor John return'd from Kiltybegs64 and Anna 8c George Forster came - she is very well.
Our weather is quite delightful - a good deal of frost at night
- we read, work'd 8c walk'd yesterday.
I finish'd Doddridge 8c like it excessively -
Burder 's village sermons I find are excellent. I
anxiously hope the Almighty will look graciously upon me 8c grant me his Holy Spirit that I may be led to think 8c do completely his will upon earth.
Stephenstown, Friday, Octr 3d 1817. Mrs 8c Miss Howse 8c Bessy McClintock visited us on
Wednesday -
also the two Miss Lees. I sent a long letter to Johnny McC - I sent Lady E McC a
recipe for Lady H Osborne. We walk'd out afterwards - Anna, George, Matt 8c Cath play'd at
whist. I have this some time made a rule of coming to my room 8c reading good books for about
an hour in the evegs - this is I think an excellent plan 8c I trust I may continue to do so. I feel alas
little dependence on myself but with the Almighty's assistance 8c my own ardent wishes -
Scripture promises fills me with all hope & joy in believing. Yesterday we
pass'd as usual, talk'd a
good deal on the excellence 8c beauty of the 13th Chap of St Pauls 1st Epistle to the Cor - we
walk'd out - the weather heavenly thank God -1 heard from John.
C Bellingham, Octr 4th 1817, Saturday night. Emily 8c I left Stephenstown yesterday, visited at
Fair Hill, Lisnawilly, my mothers 8cc -
found all well, we got home here about five - dined 8c pass'd
our eveg comfortably. This morng as usual I was very busy -
Lady Forster &c, Mrs F Fortescue 8c
Mrs J W F visited us. At four oclock Emily 8c I went on the car to see the children at Drumcar,
64 Near Inishkeen, Co Monaghan.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 121
found them very well. All those who were sick are almost well as ever - our weather still lovely
thank God.
Monday, Octr 6, after breakfast. Doctr John came to breakfast with us
yesterday - had prayers
-
went to church -
had the Sacrament - attended the school - then went to second service
- he, Matt
8c Cath dined with me 8c slept. We breakfasted at eight oclock 8c she went immediately after to
Dublin - Matt 8c J. Fortescue left us about ten. The weather is most lovely thank God -
Emily 8c I
go this day to Anna.
Monday, Octr 13, Dundalk. Emily 8c I came here last Monday, found Anna only middling -
Captn Capel dined here. About nine oclock we were alarm'd by a scream which was occasioned
by the death of Mr Martin, the master of this house - he had long been ill. Anna pass'd a very bad
night 8c remain'd in bed all Tuesday. Mr Horner dined here 8c my mother came in the eveg.
Anna pass'd the night better 8c remain'd quiet all Wednesday. George dined at Phillipstown 8c
came home about nine. On Thursday Anna continued tolerably well but remain'd in bed - Lady
Forster 8cc 8cc 8c my mother dined here 8c George thinking Anna was better than she really was,
invited Mr, Mrs 8c Miss Brabazon 8c Mrs 8c Miss Howse to tea - they all play'd
a pool of commerce
8c stay'd untill near eleven - Anna, I thought
was the worst for the fuss 8c noise. I stay'd with her -
however did not thank God suffer materially. On Friday she got up - Sir Thos Forster dined here -
slept at Mr Homers, came here next morng 8c took Emily out to walk. I went to CB - pass'd
a few
hours there - came back here to dine. Mr Brabazon 8c a Mr O Grady dined here - went off before
ten - Anna lay down during dinner 8c was pretty well in the eveg. Yesterday she breakfasted with
us 8c dined. George went after breakfast to Phillipstown 8c on to Monaghan. Anna slept well last
night 8c is better this morng thank God but I requested she woud not get up untill after breakfast.
The weather has been invariably delightful, every sort of harvest business appears to have gone
on prosperously, the Almighty has been most merciful. I wish it may fill all hearts with thankful ness to the bountiful giver of all good.
Dundalk, Octr 15. Anna has not been so well these few last days 8c this day entirely in bed - my
mother dined quietly with us yesterday 8c is very well thank God. The weather still lovely
- Miss
Louiza Jocelyn65 met a sad accdt at T M Park66 - she fell down a great precipice
- broke her leg 8c
was otherwise injured - she recovers
rapidly. Emily 8c I have both colds.
Dundalk, Octr 20. Five days have pass'd since I wrote last - since which time there is not any
change in Anna - she has been only one day up since 8c certainly is weak. I heard from Miss
Young 8c from Eliza 8c wrote to both - Emily very well. On Saturday
a circumstance happen'd
which I don't suppose I shall forget. Cath, Matt 8c Doctr John we often see here. I wish sincerely it
wd please God to recover poor dear Anna but at present I see no likelyhood of it - however trust
in a few days she will be much better - on the 16th I sent for Doctr Nelson67 to attend Anna.
23. Anna is this day thank God much better - she suffer'd great pain for some days but at
about eleven oclock last night she got ease, slept well 8c I trust in God will go on well. My cold is
almost gone - Emily went to Stephenstown yesterday 8c George to
Phillipstown - my mother dined
quietly here. Our weather is most delightful
- the Almighty is most merciful - may he make me
thankful for all the mercies he bestows.
24th Octr. Anna continues better - George
was admitted to the Rangers yesterday - dined with
them - my mother dined here with us - went home early. I wrote long letters to Eliza 8c Rebecca 8c
this day to Miss Blair enclosing bank notes halves to the amt of ?5 10s & ?1 8s in change - the
weather still fine - a little rain at night.
65 Third daughter of George and Thomasina Jocelyn. 66 Tollymore Park, Newcastle, Co Down.
67 Joseph A. Neilson,M.D. (1770-1835), 41 Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, brother of Revd William Neilson, minister
of Dundalk Presbyterian Church.
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122 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Dundalk, Octr 27. Anna thank God continues to recover 8c I hope will soon be completely
stout. Emily return'd from Stephenstown yesterday - we went to church -
my mother dined here
on Saturday -
very well. Anna lays mostly on the sopha
as she is not yet strong.
Octr 29. Anna is much better. My mother dined here yesterday - George
at Castletown - the
weather very fine. We walk'd out - this morng Emily had a head ache - she is gone with George to
visit in his gig.
C-Bellingham, Novr 4th. Emily 8c I came home yesterday - left Anna very well thank God
-
George Forster went to G.Blayney on Thursday last - my mother dined on Friday with us & Bessy
came to tea. Saturday we were alone -
Sunday was sacrament - I stay'd for it. George return'd
home & a Captn Shiply with him. Johnny Straton dined also with us 8c yesterday we left them.
Sophia was to be with Anna to stay. W7e had a few days of rain
- this day has been lovely. The
Milestowns 8c Miltowns were here 8c Mrs F[ortescue] of Corderry. I reed a long letter from Mrs
Ruxton on Saturday -1 have settled to quit this house 8c go to live with my mother.
Novr 18th 1817. Just this day fortnight I wrote in this journal since which time many circum
stances have occur'd. On Tuesday the 5th Emily 8c I dined alone. On Wednesday we dined at
Drumcar - Thursday alone at home. On Friday went to Dundalk to Bessys 8c all dined at
Lisnawilly - a gay party 8c a dance of seven
couples. I had a face ache - not then bad
- but slept
miserably. On Saturday I went out in the carriage a little about Dundalk. Emily went to
Stephenstown in great heart to see Catherine
- on the way they heard of the death of Mrs Blair68 -
most sudden it happen'd on the 1st inst at Blair. She was
just going to have a shower bath when
in a moment it pleased the Almighty to strike the fatal blow. Emily went on to see Matt -
Catherine was in her bed -
Emily return'd without seeing her 8c was much affected at her afflic
tion. We dined at Henry's - my mother, Anna, M. Fortescue 8c]. Straton dined there. I was in very
great pain from inflamation in my face - lay all the eveg on the bed
- scarcely slept
a wink the
whole night 8c before 8 on Sunday the 9th inst I sent for Doctr Gillichan to know if I might venture home 8c what I shoud do my face being swell'd to an enormous size - he allow'd me to
come 8c gave directions. I sent Emily to try if my mother wd come with us - she comply'd most
kindly 8c at twelve we three came home. I immediately went to bed 8c took calomel 8c thank God
in a few days became much better. On the 15th I left my room, dined with my mother 8c Emily 8c
since continue well. I feel truly thankful to the Almighty. Sunday 8c yesterday we
pass'd as usual -
this morng my mother 8c Emily are gone to Dundalk, she to remain -
Emily comes home by
Stephenstown 8c is to bring Doctr John with her to dine 8c sleep - the Miltowns 8c Milestowns are
also to dine 8c the curate Mr Craven69 who is here for a time instead of Mr Magee whose absence
is much regretted 8c with great reason. On Monday the 10th the melancholy acct came of the
death of Princess Charlotte a few hours after the birth of a stillborn male child - the loss is
sincerely lamented - she died on the morng of the 6th inst.
- the Almighty knows what is best but
to me it appears a heavy affliction. Mrs F[oster] 8c Emily went to Dublin yesterday.
Novr 19. The expected friends dined with me yesterday - talk'd 8c laugh'd in the eveg 8c all
went before eleven. This day Emily went home with Doctr John to Stephenstown. I wrote to Anna
8c Mrs Browne - there has been a great fog - Catherine unwell with a head ache Emily tells me -1
am well thank God.
1817, Novr the 21st, CB. Yesterday a fine day
- Fosters, Fortescues, Sir Wm Bellingham 8c Mr
Craven visited us. Emily went with the Fosters to the Glebe -1 sat at home - Emily 8c I dined alone
8c read in the eveg, she her book 8c I mine, Chalmers Discourses. A very good acct has been
received of Emily Foster - Crampton expects she will be quite well in six months - this morng is
very fine - we are to dine 8c sleep at Miltown Grange.
68 Mrs Madelene Blair of Blair, Ayrshire, mother of Mrs Matthew Fortescue.
69 Revd William Wray Craven (1792-1824), curate of Mullabrack, Co. Armagh 1819-24.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 123
Sunday night, 23d, CB. Emily 8c I dined at F.W. Fortescues on Friday
- we took Eliz'th 8c Louisa
in the carriage with us 8c Chads Foster - they came home at night in it 8c Emily 8c I slept there. We
return'd here yesterday, dined 8c pass'd our eveg alone. This morng Emily had a severe head
ache 8c pass'd the whole day in her room, came down at five 8c went to bed before six.
Novr 24 1817. I trust she will rest well 8c be quite herself tomorrow - I am very well I thank
God. I was afraid to go to church I so lately had a swell'd face - the day was fine 8c mild.
26 Novr, CB. Emily got up quite well thank God yesterday - we went to pay a few visits - the
Castle, Glebe 8c Drumcar. Col. Skeffington, my brother John 8c Glyde Farms70 visited here in our
absence - the afternoon turn'd out very wet - we dined 8c pass'd our eveg as usual -1 am
quite well
thank God.
27th. A fine day -1 wrote a long letter to Eliza 8c reed one from Fanny Salvador -
my uncle H.
Foster has left Staun ton 8c gone to London. Emily 8c I are alone - yesterday eveg we went to tea at
Milestown, came home before eleven.
28 Novr 1817. A fine day this has been - Emily went out on the car -
Lady Bellingham 8c Doctr
John visited us - I wrote to Willy McC - heard from Rebecca 8c wrote to her - we are well thank
God.
Deer 1st, CB. On Saturday John came to see us 8c ask'd us to dine at Drumcar which we did -
we came home before eleven. Yesterday Emily 8c I went to Dundalk church - saw my mother &c -
all well, we brought home Anna. I wrote letters on Saturday to Willy McC, Kitty McC, Mrs Ruxton
8c Rebecca, all went yesterday. Matt call'd here 8c H. Foster before nine oclock yesterday morng
on their way to Dublin - I expect company at dinner, Fitzgeralds, Bellinghams, F. Fortescues 8c
Milestowns.
Deer 8 1817, Stephenstown. This day week I last wrote in this journal 8c am I thank God, 8c all
of us alive 8c well. Monday's company pass'd off very well. On Tuesday we fuss'd a
good deal 8c
came here to dinner. Next morng Anna, Doctor John 8c I went to CB - left Emily with Catherine -
we pack'd 8c settled much, dined comfortably. Doctr John pass'd the day very differently
- he
married Mr Stein to Miss Bellingham, afterwards came to dress 8c tell us of the wedding -
then he
dined with a large party at the Castle. On Wednesday we all breakfasted together
- he went to
Stephenstown 8c Anna & I to visit at Corbollis 8c Glyde Farm - then here where we have since
remain'd - no certainty on what day Matt will be down. We all went yesterday to Dundalk church -
I rec'd the Sacrament - Anna still with us - we read sermons 8c Doctr John prayers in the eveg.
Anna goes this day as George arrived last night in Dundalk -
it is a very stormy 8c wet day -1 sent a
long letter to Fanny Salvador yesterday.
C Bellingham, Thursday night, Deer 11. On Monday after I last wrote Catherine, Anna 8c
Emily all went to Dundalk. Cath on the way met Ld Jocelyn who gave her a letter from Matt
telling her, what we all knew, that he had gone to London to see really in what state Mrs Jackson
was as different accts had come - he found she was miserably ill 8c little hope of her recovery.
There have been letters twice since 8c not better but poor Cath does not know she is quite so bad
as she is. No mail yesterday but this day I hope it arrived 8c that we shall hear tomorrow.
Catherine was rather unhappy at Matts having gone over without her but from the state she, Mrs
Jackson, was in it was well judged his going first. I came here alone to breakfast this morng 8c
have pass'd a busy day 8c eveg
- tomorrow please God I shall return to Stephenstown. I left Emily
with Catherine 8c Doctr John - I fell off a chair this day 8c escaped narrowly thank God - I was
standing on it when it turn'd completely 8c I came down with it - I feel very thankfull I did not
break a bone. Lady B. 8c Miss L.B. visited me this day - two fine days frost.
Deer 12 1817, CB. This day a
complete thaw 8c rain - no letter 8c I feel very anxious about
poor Mrs J. 8c Matt's return. I have been much occupied here all day 8c thought it best to remain
70 Colonel and Mrs Chichester Fortescue.
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124 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
untill tomorrow when please God I shall go to Stephenstown. Mr 8c Mrs F. W. F. call'd upon me
this day -
they had been paying wedding visits. I felt my ankle a little stiff after the fall yesterday -1
am very well thank God.
Stephenstown, Deer 16. I came here on Saturday
- no better acct of poor Mrs Jackson. On
Sunday we all went to church. Monday
a letter from Matt - no
change, he still in London. This
morng we hope to hear again
- yesterday
was lovely
- this morng dark. Doctr John has got gout in
one foot -
Cath, Emily 8c I well thank God. Since I wrote the above a letter has come from Matt
containing a better acct, it just leaves room for a
gleam of hope of Mrs Jacksons life. I have
written to Mrs J.W. Foster 8c to Hardman. The day continues very wet - Doctr John not yet up 8c
worse with gout.
Stephenstown, Deer 19th. Doctr John became better - dined with us. On Wednesday an indif
ferent acct of Mrs Jackson - I prevail'd
on Catherine to accompany Emily 8c me to C.B where I
had business previous to the auction. We return'd after four, it was a very wet eveg tho the morng
had been fine. Yesterday there were not any letters. Doctr Gillichan has taken the fever 8c a young
apothecary71 he brought down to Dundalk has died of it 8c this morng at one oclock poor Owen
McGlade72 breathed his last, he had a bad spotted fever - how aweful to hear of so many dyeing
around 8c we in mercy are spared, I thank God most heartily for all his kindness 8c unbounded
mercies. This morng is quite lovely, calm 8c sunshine after high wind 8c rain of yesterday. We
know not when to expect my dear son - I fear he waits for the last sad scene as from his acct I
cannot fancy she, Mrs J will recover.
Dundalk, Saturday night, Deer 20. My mother went to Stephenstown yesterday 8c Louis. I
accompanied her here - poor Doctr John we left in his bed very unwell with gout 8c had a bad
night - no letter from Matt the wind so adverse. I arranged
some of my places here 8c dined at
five, read 8c work'd in the eveg. I this morng got up at 7, fuss'd a good deal, read family prayers
-
heard from Stephenstown - Doctr John very indifferent still 8c no letter from Matt. Doctr
Gillichan is better - I went with Lady Forster to visit Mrs Bellingham. My auction began on
Thursday at C.B - this day has been extremely fine. I sat a while with Bessy - my mother 8c I got all
the pictures put up in the drawing room 8c they look very nice -
poor Owen McGlade died
yesterday morng.
Stephenstown, Deer 23d. On Sunday Catherine 8c Emily came to Dundalk church -1 return'd
here with them - Doctr John still in bed. Yesterday the post brought four letters from Matt - the
last date did not give
so good
an acct as former of Mrs Jackson. I went to C.B - paid all my
servants 8c discharged them - the auction over 8c the house looking miserable. The Hardmans all
came down, I only saw Edwd but this morng heard - also a letter from Matt
- Mrs J. the same.
Catherine bears the suspense with great resignation - we hope Matt will soon come - these two
days have been very fine. I saw Mr Magee looking very well.
Stephenstown, 25th Deer, Xmass Day morng. Accts have been worse of Mrs Jackson, Matt
wrote on Saturday the 20th, said he woud leave London on Tuesday 8c I feel sure the last sad
scene is over - the Almighty knows what is best. On Wednesday I had intended on going
to C.B
but felt unequal to meeting a gay company (the Miss Bellinghams had a dance the night before) so stay'd at home. On that day Doctr Gillichan73 died of the fever most universally regretted.
71 Mr Cassorly, described in P. ? N?ill (ed.), Journal of Henry McClintock (Dundalk, 2001), 239 as 'a young apothe
cary of most excellent character 8c ability'.
72 The gatekeeper at Stephenstown.
73 His memorial, depicting the good Samaritan, may be seen on the west wall of the south transept of St. Nicholas'
parish church, Dundalk. It reads 'Erected by the inhabitants of Dundalk and its vicinity to the memory of
George Gillichan,M.D. His unwearied exertions to alleviate the sufferings of the poor, during a contagious fever, with which Providence was pleased to afflict this country, deprived society of his talents and his virtues
and consigned him to an early grave, Deer 24, 1817, aged 26'.
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 125
Stephens Day, 26th. Yesterday Xmass day not a merry one to us but I feel great gratitude to
Almighty God for health which we three enjoy - Cath, Emily 8c myself. I heard this day of the
death of poor Mrs J. Doctr John in bed still but better of his gout. I heard from Eliza, all well
there. A hard frost - we went of course t? church - my brother Henry not well 8c in bed - God
grant he may soon conquer it. My mother walk'd to church the day before Xmass day, 8c it was so
slippery she fell flat on her back, God be praised for all his mercies she escaped unhurt.
Saturday morng, 27th, Stephenstown. We are still anxiously expecting Matt - the gig went
yesterday to CB to meet him in vain, this morng it is gone again. I wrote a long letter to Eliza -
my brother Henry thank God was much better yesterday 8c I trust I shall hear a good
acct this
day. It is blowing very strong 8c snowing just now.
Sunday morng, Stephenstown, 28th. Matt arrived yesterday thank God - he has a severe cold,
took whey, went early to bed & I trust is much better this morng. Henry was quite himself
yesterday - Catherine has been in her room since Matt arrived as she then was made acquainted
with the death of her sister. Doctr John is better but not up yet - he has kept his bed since the
16th inst - it was on that day Mrs Jackson died. This morng is lovely
- mild 8c serene. I feel
thankful 8c happy my son is come back safe - he pass'd four weeks, all to one day truly in the
house of mourning watching the death bed of poor MrsJ. I trust in mercy the scene he witness'd
may prove a blessing
to him.
1817, Monday night, Deer 29, Dundalk. Emily 8c I left Stephenstown yesterday 8c came to my mothers where we are to reside. I have parted all my servants except a maid 8c a coachman. Poor
Catherine in very great affliction for the loss of her sister. Doctr John in his bed - much better
however of the gout. Matt was this day to go to Dublin to meet Miss E Blair74 8c to bring her down
to Stephenstown. Emily 8c I have been very busy this day - Mrs Howse, Sophia Forster 8c Anna
visited us - Bessy 8c Henry also. I have got a great cold - our weather very cold. I finish'd reading
Cottage Sketches 8c liked it excessively -
very religious 8c entertaining - I am now
reading
Pearson's life of Dr Buchanan.
Deer 31st. On Tuesday we went to CB to see the Hardmans also Mrs Stein - all well. They
leave C-B on Friday which I was very sorry to hear. My uncle H. Foster & Johnny McC drove here
to see us - we pass'd going
to CB but returning had a great deal of chat on the road - we dined 8c
pass'd our eveg alone
- I read aloud. Yesterday Bessy call'd on us 8c we walk'd with her to the
Charter School - pass'd
some time there. Mr 8c Mrs Thackeray were also there - we came home,
dined 8c pass'd our eveg as usual. My mother 8c all well thank God - the fever here rather better. I
trust in God next year will in general be a more happy
one than the present just now at an end -
so much misery from pestilence 8c famine 8c so very many have in consequence suffered severe
affliction. I thank the Almighty for the blessings I enjoy 8c hope to live according to his Divine
commands 8c serve him cheerfully as
long as I remain in this uncertain world 8c I pray that he
may guide me in the way I shoud go.
My mother's house, Dundalk, Jany 1st 1818. We are all well thank God this morning 8c hope 8c
trust we shall have a happy new year
- the day has been very fine - a hard frost. We had the
carriage for going to church 8c the service had begun so much sooner than we suppos'd it was
nearly over when we got there
- no sermon. Mrs F.W. F. 8c Miss Adair visited us - Henry 8c Bessy
dined here - we talk'd 8c work'd during the eveg. I have as usual read the Psalms 8c chapters &c
and am now going to bed. I get up a little after seven every morng 8c read a
good deal before
breakfast -1 began Home on the Psalms this morng 8c hope to go regularly through them.
74 Elizabeth, fourth daughter of Col. William Blair of Blair, Ayrshire and sister of Mrs Matthew Fortescue.
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126 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Jany 2d, Drumcar. We came here this day to dinner - heard from Stephenstown in the morng.
Catherine was better 8c Doctr John still has gout but hoped to be in the library against dinner -
Matt 8c Miss Blair both there. The day was fine but windy - a large family party here -John, Lady E
8c seven children, the governess, Mr H. Foster, Henry McC, my mother, Emily 8c I - we remain
untill Sunday. We chatted in the eveg - I went with Lady E to hear the three youngest children
their prayers - after which she read a prayer when the six were present
- it was very delightful to
see the little creatures all so attentive. I hope 8c trust their little hearts may be visited from heaven
with a beam of warmth to enable them to serve their Creator.
Drumcar, Jany 3d 1818. We all pass'd our morng as in general
- assembled at ten oclock - Lady
E read family prayers 8c a chapter in the Bible after which we all sat down to breakfast - after that
meal Lady E went to her children untill near one -1 to this room (bedroom) to read 8c write -
the
rest of the party did as they pleased. About two I went down stairs 8c found them sitting very
comfortable -
it has been a cold snowing day but 'tis all going off this night. I went with the
children 8c Lady E to prayers at eight oclock - then we had tea, wine 8c wafers at half past ten 8c
came up before eleven.
Dundalk, Jany 5th, Monday morng. We left Drumcar after breakfast yesterday, proceeded to
C-B church where Mr Magee gave us an excellent sermon from [blank] "Blessed is he who is not
offended in me". After church service we went to my house 8c I must say, was there obliged to put
up some articles in my trunks tho' it was the Sabbath day. We then came on here - all the snow
gone and rain followed - we dined 8c pass'd our eveg
- not unprofitably I trust - we are thank God
all well this morning.
Wednesday morng, 7th Jany 1818. Anna 8c Sophia F. came to see us. On Monday Mrs H. McC
8c I went to Fair Hill to see Miss Jocelyn who had broke her leg - Mrs Jocelyn also 8c two more
daughters - the first mentioned still keeping her bed but in a
good way towards recovery - she
poor soul has borne her painful illness with the greatest patience 8c resignation. After that visit,
we went to Lisnawilly - sat some time with Lady Emily
- then came to the Charter School, heard
the girls sing a Psalm - then proceeded to see Keith's family (he is in jail) 8c most wretched they are, a young wife 8c five children all half naked & starved looking. We hope
to assist towards their
relief 8c set his work going on (wheel making) by his journeyman. I return'd home, dined 8c
pass'd our eveg as usual -
my cold was heavy. Yesterday was fine - Lady E Straton call'd upon me to
go with her to Phillipstown - we found all at home 8c pretty well in very good spirits. I enquired
further respecting the Keiths 8c fear he is more in debt than we were aware of. However I
requested Mr Hale to manage to get timber to finish half done work - for which I shall advance
?3 as the man said it wd require that sum - came home at four oclock. Bessy 8c Henry dined with
us - my cold better thank God -1 slept well 8c as usual up early at seven this wet morng
- wrote to
Mrs Jocelyn 8c Susan yesterday.
Dundalk, Jany 8 1818. Yesterday was very wet - we all sat at home -1 busy as possible
- dined as
usual 8c all well thank God. We feel great concern on acct of Williams second son Richd who met
an accident three weeks ago 8c in consequence an absess has form'd on his knee which gives him
great pain 8c is attended with danger - different surgeons have been call'd in to see him 8c we
hope the best.
Sunday night, Jany 11th. We went on the car on Thursday to see Anna - took her 8c Mrs H
McC -1 stopped at the Charter School where I pass'd above an hour examining the children who
are extremely well taught 8c taken care of. I heard them to read, to
spell, multiplication table 8c
pence table. Anna 8c Bessy paid a visit at Fair Hill 8c call'd upon me afterwards - we then came to
our respective homes. Emily walked with George. At six we set out for dinner at Lisnawilly where
there was a party of 14 - in the eveg a party of whist - 4 gentlemen - the rest danced 8c I look'd on -
we did not come home untill after one. On Friday my mother 8c I went to CB - left Emily with
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The Diary of Marianne Fortescue 127
Anna - fuss'd a good deal 8c brought many things home with us - we dined tete a tete. Emily
came
home at ten. Yesterday I sent the carriage for the looking glass which came safe, 8c many other
articles - a fine day. George 8c Anna, Henry 8c Bessy dined here - this good Sabbath Day we went
to church, heard Mr Johnston preach an excellent sermon from [blank]
- it made me feel much.
I was very unwell yesterday eveg with a sick stomach - was better this day. Matt was at church 8c sat
a while with us after -
very well thank God. We pass'd our eveg as usual -
Emily, my mother 8c I
came up at half past ten -1 have just taken calomel 8c am going to bed. I had an answer from Mrs
Jocelyn -
they think poor Keith very worthless and are not inclined to assist him as Mr J was much
his friend but he has misbehaved - so, how I shall manage I do not exactly know - sent Mr
Thackeray a
long letter.
Wednesday, Jany 14th, morng. On Monday I took calomel - it agreed well 8c I thank God I
have been better since. Yesterday I return'd visits in the town - pass'd some time at the Charter
School - have seen Anna every day. Bessy, Henry 8c Louis dined here yesterday - we heard poor
Rich'd McClintock was calm 8c free from pain but not out of danger - received a letter from Eliza
- also Mr Thackeray.
Thursday. The wind is frightfully high 8c a dark gloomy morng. We stayed at home all day
yesterday - Mr Thursby visited us - heard from Stephenstown
- all pretty well there. My mother 8c
we are all well thank God - just heard from Johnny McC -
Lady E has got a daughter75 8c well
thank God.
Friday eveg, Jany 16 1818. We sat at home all yesterday morng - Mr Thursby 8c F.W. Fortescue
visited us. Emily 8c I went at nine oclock to call on Bessy who went with us to Lisnawilly where
there was a dance - we got home before two 8c were very well thank God this morng. We drove to
Stephenstown - all pretty well there - a sad wet day, we did not stay long out - Anna went with us. I
wrote to Johnny McC, Eliza Le Blanc 8c Rebecca - Rich'd McC is recovering, thank God for all his
mercies.
Sunday morng, 18th. Yesterday there was frost 8c snow but a fine clear day -
Bessy 8c Henry
call'd upon us - Lady E McC 8c babe going
on well thank God. I wrote a long letter of advice to
my dear Matt 8c trust he may receive it as I wish. Emily had a head ache but got well towards eveg
8c is this morng I thank God well - my mother 8c I are both well. It snows
just now 8c has much the
appearance of a continuation.
Monday 19. Yesterday cleared up 8c was very bright - we went to church - sat a while with Anna
afterwards - came home 8c wrote some
religious things, dined, pass'd our eveg reading good
books 8c had family prayers - came to our rooms about half past ten. I read untill twelve -
slept
well thank God - got up early as usual - read 8c wrote untill ten when the bell rung for family
prayers which I read every morng. I had a note from Johnny McC - Lady E 8c babe go on well
-
Rich'd McC does not recover quickly
- we are all well thank God.
Thursday morng, 22d. Anna dined here on Monday. On Tuesday my mother 8c I shopped about the town - went to see the wretched Keith family 8c more dirt, indolence 8c irregularity I
never saw -1 fear they are
hopeless - the materials I gave for clothes were stuffed to stop broken
pains [sic] 8c the youngest child roll'd up in a piece of flannel naked 8c not any thing made of all
she got - how melancholy to see such sloth 8c idleness -
certainly, careless of things temporal 8c
much fear also of things eternal. I then went to the Charter School where as usual I found the
house very clean -1 heard the 3d class to read &c - it is surprizing how well they are instructed 8c
very delightful to see there is so much care taken of them in every particular. Emily went to pass a
few days with Anna so my mother 8c I are alone - very comfortable 8c happy. Yesterday we were
occupied at home 8c I hope 8c trust we are
living a life pleasing to the Almighty
- my ardent wish
is to [?] him from the strongest sense of gratitude for all his loving kindness 8c mercies. Bessy 8c
75 Emily Selina Frances.
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128 County Louth Archaeological and Historical Journal
Henry drank tea with us last night - I slept well thank God
- I have written to Mary, to Rebecca,
Miss Blair 8c Lady E. McC.
Saturday morng, 23. On Thursday I felt very ill at dinner - was so sick left the parlour
- came
up 8c vomited a great quantity - I was better after - drank tea 8c slept well thanks the Almighty. I
awoke yesterday with a terrible head ache - it got better 8c my mother 8c I set out at eleven for
Drumcar - we took Louis - there was a good deal of snow on the road but the day fine. We found
Lady E wonderfully well 8c all there - we met John 8c Mr Balfour coming to Dundalk for Quarter
Sessions. We got back here a little after four oclock -1 intended taking an emetic but became so
well I put it off-1 took medicine this morng 8c trust I shall quite well [sic].
[end of diary]
From the time she left Castlebellingham, Marianne does not seem to have had a house of her
own. Her brother Henry's journal76 allows us to follow her as she moved around to stay with her
children and other relations. In May 1819 she left her mother's house to go to live with the
Thursbys who had rented Ballymascanlan from Wolfe McNeale but came back to her mother at
the end of September. In January 1821 she returned to the Thursbys, and when they gave up
Ballymascanlan in March 1822 she went with them to Northamptonshire. She was back in
Dundalk from May to September 1824. In June 1826 she passed some time with her elder
daughter, Mrs Forster, in Dundalk. She had come home in the sure expectation of seeing her
son, Matthew, elected as MP for Co Louth but instead had to endure the trauma of his defeat by
a mere five votes. In June 1828 she came back from Northamptonshire and in April 1830 she
went to her sister Rebecca (Mrs Hardman) in Dublin. In 1838 she was staying with Mrs Forster
who was then living at Coolderry, Co Monaghan. In September 1842 she went to live (it would
appear permanently) with her widowed sister-in-law, Mrs Nancy McClintock (n?e Pratt), at 1
Fitzgibbon Street, Dublin and it was there that she died on 14 October 1849, aged 82.77 She was
buried on 18 October 1849 from St George's parish church, Hardwicke Place, Dublin.78
Although there is no memorial to her it seems likely that she was interred in St George's
graveyard, Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin in the same grave as her son Matthew and his
wife who are commemorated by a
large recumbent tombstone. Beside this stone are three
memorials to members of the McClintock family, including one to Melesina, the widow of Henry
McClintock (Marianne's youngest brother). Marianne outlived both her son, Matthew, who died
21 January 1845, and her elder daughter, Anna Maria, who died at Coolderry on 2 May 1848
after a long and painful illness.79
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to thank Mrs Imogen Hamilton for the loan of the original diary and for permission to
publish it. I am grateful
to Mr Brendan Hall who found the record of Marianne's burial and
located the Fortescue and McClintock tombstones in St George's graveyard.
76 P. ? N?ill (ed.), Journal of Henry McClintock (Dundalk, 2001).
77 Ibid., xiii.
78 Burial register, St George's parish, Dublin in R.C.B. Library.
79 Neiury Examiner, 10 May 1848.
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