Miss Davidson's Journal 1846
Very fine but windy and cold. We went to church. Mr Innes Raemoir and two of our cousins called. we went to see Mrs Hogarth. Papa made his usual round of calls. I think a new year always brings a degree of thoughtfulness. I trust our thoughts were rightly directed. There is sickness around us and many are taken away. Oh that I could oftener bear my latter end in mind for I know not at what hour I shall be called. May all our large family be united in love and rest their hopes on the rock which never can fail. May we meet happily now and for ever.
2nd January
Fine, a little snow. We went to the Blind Asylum. It really is a very flourishing institution. We had a party. Our guests were Sir Andrew I. Hay and family, the Cumines, Gordons Newton, Forbes Migvie etc. Henry Lumsden Pitcaple looked in! we danced merrily enough. I played.
3rd January
Wetish. Aleck returned from the North he was at troup. Lady James & Miss Hay, Mrs Lumsden Clova and the Miss Peploes all called. May dined at the P Piries. MA and Kate took tea at Mrs Innes.
Sunday 4th January
Very cold. we all went to Church but MA who has a sore throat. Dr. Forsyth gave a beautiful discourse alluded to the season of the year and the changes by death passing around us. It was very instructive indeed.
5th January
Very fine. we had a turn with Patrick and also with Mamma. We have been pressed to go to the Theatre but as we do not approve of it of course we did not go.
6th Jany
wet. We were out with Mama a good deal in the carriage at Westfield and Granton Lodge. Helen Ross we are glad to hear is very much better. I trust sincerely she may continue. We went to a very enjoyable party at P Piries. There were lots of people we never saw before!!!
7th January
Fine. We went for a drive with Mamma. We called at Mrs Clements Lumsden. We did for Mr W. Bannerman who expected to accompany us at our walk by going to a number of shops!!! Dr Forsyth Mr & Mrs still , Dr Mackie, & Mr Taylor dined with us. Mamma called on Mrs Milne.
8th January/46
Rather misty. Kate Leslie left with the Skenes for Edinburgh. We went to a large party at Col. Forbes. There was a fire at Mr Haddens works and all the Officers were suddenly called away. It was got under and no great damage done, as it was a small outhouse only.
9th January
Very fine. We called at Seaton and Mrs Millers and they had a walk on the pier. The sea so calm. There was a very large evening party at Miss Brebner's Learney.
Very fine. We went for a very nice walk round by Maberly . Ellen Ross much better. Mrs M'Grivor and her children dined with us.
11th Jany 46
Very fine. We went for a walk with Mary Lindsay. We had a short walk with G.B>. We went to a party at Mrs Clements Lumsdens. It was raather slow at first.
13th January
Fine. We went ot see poor Harriet who really ahs had a severe illness. MA, Pat, Will and I went to a very interesting meeting in the Assembly rooms. A missionary report from Canada and Dr. Simpson Kirknewton gave a very interesting account. Papa was on the platform and spoke a very little. We went to Col Forbes in the evening. Papa & Mamma dined there. Thee was a large party at Capt Leith's but of course we were obliged to decline.
14th January
Wretchedly damp. This was the thanksgiving day for the harvest. We went to church. In the afternoon we called at Mrs Clements Lumsden, Mrs Farquharson Haughton and the on Mrs Innes. Papa & Mamma dined at Miss Grant's Monymusk. We went to hear Dr Simpson preach in the East church. I hope we may long remember that sermon! Aleck went to Mrs F Gordon's where one of us had also been asked but from all accounts of some young ladies conduct I am very glad we were not there.
15th January
Finish. Will & I made two very determined attempts to attend the meeting in St Marys but we were wrong in the hour. We took HF for a drive and called to ask for Helen Ross who is better. Poor wee baby is very delicate and she crows when she is going to cry in a way we do not like at all. We went to a very large party at Mrs Mitchells which we enjoyed very much!! I felt a little queer from the heat of the room just at first. I had a nice galop.
16th January
Fine . we went out with Mamma and Aleck up the Skene road . We called on the Farquharsons Ballogies. We had a letter and parcel from Mrs Gordon Cheltenham enclosing Kate's journal in India. It gives such interesting accounts of poor little Dunny's short life. We read part of it in the evening.
17th January
Wet. Mary Anne baby and Fanny went to Warthill. Baby is to be weaned. Papa went to spend some days at Warthill. Anna came and spent an hour with us. Frank Pirie called.
Sunday 18th January 1846
Damp. We all went to church in the afternoon. D. Forsyth alluded to those who were about to leave for distant lands. HF and WB . Aleck read one of Dr Chalmer's sermons in the evening. JA and I read together. She is a very dear child indeed.
Monay 19th
Wet. We dined early. Mamma Pat & Aleck dined at Mrs Gordon Newton. We went to a party at Mrs Ogilvys where there were a number of people. It was a theater night patronized by the Officers. There were only the Col Forbes there. I hope they enjoyed it, I am sure!! We put Willie Bannerman distracted!!
20th Jany
Dreadful msit. Will & I hopped down the street for some little present to send to Kate by WB> My polka partner is suddenly called away by the death of his piper. Je suis au desespoir , or else not!! Poor boy!! Willie B has been twice to bid us farewell for the last time , but he cannot leave till tomorrow evening so he will be over again. We are much interested reading Kate's journal
Wednesday 21st January 46
Very fine. We twice walked up the Skene road with WB. We chose studs for Aleck. Papa returned from Warthill and brought a letter from Pat Leslie!!
22nd Jan
Wet. Nothing particular happened. We practised duets quadrilles. There was an assembly. We did not go and were told afterwards we were much missed! crikey! Aleck dined at old Mrs Andersons and made us laugh at his description of the dancing!
23rd January
Very fine. We went an bid dear Harriet Forbes farewell as she sails tomorrow for India! we made several calls. Walked with the Bannermans and laughed a great deal. Papa & I dined at Balgownie. The Leiths, Innes, Col Lumsden and J Haddens. Al & Will and I sat up late chatting.
24th Saturday
Fine. Will, Jane Anne and I walked up the Skene road. We made calls on Mrs Mitchell Miss Ogilvy and Mrs Tause who is very sad indeed. Mary & Helen Lindsay and Mr J. M'Grigor took tea with is. 'In a moment of foolishness' Pat broke a glass shade. The gents excited in different degrees by Sir Robert Pell's speech at the opening of Parliament.
Sunday 25th January
Damp. we went twice to church. Mamma slept and nodded in the afternoon. Will & I as usual read and talked in our own room. Jane Anne read the bible to us. We were reading a nice book of Charlie's Witherspoon.
Monday 26th
Fine till two. We did not go out but practised. Mr Grant of Drumminer called. Aleck gave Will a pretty card case.
Tuesday
Gloomy. We thought it impossible to go out but Papa with insinuations not to be resisted made us go up the Skene Road. We went to a large evening party at Mrs Clement's Lumsden. we had very good music and danced a great deal.
Wednesday 28th January
Gloomy. Duncan's birthday. Mamma not at all well, low spirits. The Miss Chalmers and Frank & A Pirie, Dr Mackie dined here. We talked about a party for Thom.
29th Thursday
Fine. Will & I hopped about from house to house verbally arranging for the evening party for Tuesday and our mission was very successful . Pat dined at Seaton. Mamma still far from well. It is very distressing.
Friday 30th
Damp. Wrote India letters and to Emmy Gordon. We took our usual up the Skene Road.
Saturday 31st
Very fine. we made some calls and took our Skene road walk. Mr Lloyd Mr Lee and Aleck leaped some palings on horseback for our amusement. Jane Anne Willie and I went to tea at the Lindsays and after amusing a number of small children for 2 hours. Will & I betook ourselves to the Miss Farquharsons. There was no party, but the Miss Arbuthnotts. We played cards and laughed a great deal.
February
Sunday 1st February 1846
Dampish. We went twice to church as usual and Aleck read aloud Chalmer's sermons.
Monday 2nd
Fine. We were ordering various things for tomorrow. We made a long call on Mary Lindsay. The Rosses dined with us.
Tuesday 3rd
Wet. We had the French bed taken down and the supper arranged in the spare bedroom and the ornaments were nicely stowed away in the dressing room. Then party began to arrive about quarter past nine. We had between 50 and 60 people. The party broke up about half past one o'clock.
4th February
Fine. I was so tired, weak. we went to see General Thomas Thumb. It was very amusing and not disagreable looking at all. We went to a very agreable party at Colonel Forbes. I forgot to say that Tom Leslie MA and Pat came back yesterday from Warthhill.
5th February.
Fine. Aleck and Thom went to Corsindae. Will and I had a nice walk. Capt Houghton walked a little bit with us & amused us very much. We taught Tom the deux temps!! He is a very good dancer.
6th February
Fine till 3 o'clock. Mamma & I want for a drive. The chesnut was sold today, poor beast. We viz Aleck, Tom, Will and I went to a very nice little party again at Miss Brebner's. Tom joined us in our room at our supper of cakes & treacle!!
Saturday 7th February/46
Stormy. We took the children to see the dancing school. We laughed extremely at the polka they looked as if they were going to butt! I was nearly blown away on the way to Mains. Baby continues better. The Miss Moirs called for us.
8th February Sunday
Stormy, snow, the first of the season. I was not able to go to church. All the others went. Will says that Dr Forsyth gave very excellent sermons. I read Witherspoon and Jeremy Taylor.
Monday 9th
More snow. The gardener says some of the fruit trees begin to blossom so I am glad the snow has come before vegetation has gone on further. Mrs Bannerman Anna & Kate called. Mr Baillie & George Taylor. The Doctor came . to see me. Baby continues better. MA's birthday We drank her health in champagne.
Tuesday 10th
Very cold. I was better and went out. Will & I called on Mrs Miller and gave her a little gossip! Pat dined at his class supper and bothered us when he came home!!!
Wednesday 11th
Very fine. Papa Mag Will & I walked to the Qurries. A B Mary Lindsay Anna Thurburn, Miss Murray, Miss Forbes, & Miss Lumsden called. I was alone at home to receive them as the others had gone to see M. Gudin's picture at Seaton. Pat & Mary Anne went to Warthill. Papa & Mag dined quietly at Col Forbes. Al Will & I went to the Bannermans to see that wonderful wizard of the north. The room was crowded. It was most curious
Thursday 12th
Fine. Mrs Browning came at 12 o'clock to give me some lessons on the harp. Mag, Will & I had a constitutional out the Skene road. Papa & I went to see Mr Gudin's splendid picture at Seaton. We left Mag & Will to call for Mrs Hadden but she was out. We drove a long way expecting to meet them and we then turned and came home another way, so the poor girls had to walk and actually saw us turn in the carriage.
Friday 13th
Fine. We went for a walk with Mary Lindsay. Capt Houghton would accompany us and certainly amused us extremely. Mamma & Mag went to see a poor old woman who had nothing but boards to lie on. wW took Papa for a walk. Will bought a lovely blue bottle. Aleck dined at the Barracks. Pat returned from Warthill and gave us sad accounts of darling baby's illness.
Saturday 14th
Fine. Letters from India announcing the death of a little ? on 23rd December. St Valentine's Day. Will and I called for Mrs Leith and afterwards had a short walk wtih Mary Lindsay. Mag took tea with Mrs M'Grigor.
Fine. We went to church 3 times today and had in the evening a beautiful sermon from Mr MacIntosh. Accounts of baby rather better.
Monday 16th
Very fine. Willl Mag & I went to call on Mrs Hadden Old Aberdeen. She gave us some lovely flowers a piece of Lilly of the Valley. Mamma called for Mrs Thomas Hogarth. Aleck dined and we went in the evening to a part at Mrs Mitchells. It was very pleasant. Caroline Hay is in town.
Tuesday 17th
Fine. We had a delightful walk round by Ashley. The whins are in flower. We called at Granton Lodge. We heard of the death of Sir John Forbes. Papa Mamma Aleck & I dined at Dr Moir's. The Thurburns and Robertsons were there.
Wednesday 18th
Fine cloudy. Eliza Ramsay made a long call for us. Will & I attended Dr Forsyth's Sacramental Class. Will & I had a walk to the Old Bridge of Dee. We both enjoyed it much. We went accross to tea at Mrs Bannermans. We had an extremely merry evening.
Thursday 19th
Very fine. Mag Will & I walked to eh Pier and were joined by Mr Innes Raemoir who also took us to see the Copper down in the harbour and the commencement of the Railway. Mamma not at all well. Eliza Ramsay came to tea. We had a public examination of Aleck's waistcoats!!!
Friday 20th
Fine, cold. We all took Mamma for a walk on the pier early and then drove to the Dee bridge. In the afternoon Will & I hunted for a doll and got a barking baby!! Papa Mamma & Aleck dined at the Brebners to meet the Hays. We went in the evening and had a nioce muiscal and dancing party, very pleasant. Jane Irvine sings beautifully.
Saturday 21st
Fine, warm. but damp. we went to see the Dancing school and then we took a walk with Mary Lindsay. Mamma not at all well. Nothing particular happened.
Sunday 22nd February 1846
Stormy. We all went to church. Dr. Forsyth preached a beautiful charity sermon. As there is to be a parish school built soon. We read as usual at night.
23rd February
Most lovely day. Will & I walked a great deal and made calls. Mamma & the children went for a drive. Mrs Leith called Eliza Ramsay called and stayed lunch. The Bannermans came to tea. We had a good gossip in our own room. Mr Robertson made us laugh very much at a domestic scene embellished by himself!!!
Tuesday 24th
Very showery. We did not go out. I finished reading 'Passion & Principle' a book I like very much for a novel! Will arranged a box full of letters under Mamma's directions. Dearest Mamma not well high pulse. Christina Innes called. Papa & Pat dined with a large party at Mr Forbes Blackford. Aleck dined at Balgownie. The children made a dreadful noise. I wish the nurse was returned from Warthill.
Wednesday,
25th
Too warm. We
went to call on Mrs Mitchell and Miss Hay. Mamma not
well. We were busy burning & reading our school letters. I caught a
bad cold. Another letter from
Thursday
26th
Fine windy. Drove with Mamma to the Pier and
Friday 27th
Very fine. We
had a dinner party consisting of
Saturday
28th
Wetish. Pat went to Warthill.
Papa dined at Mr Lumsden Clova to meet Lord Arbnuthnott.
Will & I called on M L. We got a fright as a fire Engine passed but the
fire in Holburn was soon extinguished.
March.
Damp. We
went twice to Church. Saw Christine Forbes Inverernan.
There was a collection for a Sessional school and
there was £111.12.5 collected at the church door. We had reading as usual.
Monday 2nd
Very
fine. We walked in the morning and then made calls. Will & I went to
Col Forbes for the 4th time this season. It was a queer kind of evening party
. W & I had amusing conversation enough.
Tuesday 3rd
March
Wet.
No going out. I forgot to say that Kate Leslie returned from
Wednesday
4th
Fine but
very windy. Will & I went to St Mary's where was a meeting of the visiting
Association. Doro Forsythe gave a beautiful prayer. We heard in the
afternoon of the death of our cousin Anne Pirie of decline. I hope they
will all be supported in their affliction. We therefore sent and declined
our party at Mrs Rosses as
we shall not visit. Poor Anne. She was a most affectionate
sensitive creature. How distressed she was to leave us last summer.
Thursday 5th
March
Lovely
day. They were all out in the mornign but me as
I had to take my Harp lesson. Papa mag & I
had a walk by Ashley. I went to see Anna Bannerman and was too late for
dinner! There was an absurd kind of Assembly - glad we could not
go.
Friday 6th
Very
fine. Papa Mamma & I went to Inchmarlo.
The spring is advancing too fast, the poplar trees nearly in full leaf and the
roses alas. It frost comes now the fruit & blossom will be destroyed.
There a re a number of new baskets, etc etc in the
garden. They had not good accounts of darling baby.
Saturday 7th
Fine. We
came back from from Inchmarlo
in the evening brought 'cuttings' for Charlotte Pirie. Mag took tea at Mrs Watson.
Pat & MA went to their baby at Warthill.
Fine.
Put on our mourning . Went twice to church. Had a beautiful sermon
on the Parable of the Fig tree. Had a very nice letter
from
Monday 9th
Fine. We had
an argument upon Mrs Milne at breakfast. The
carriage was not sent to Warthill for baby as the
letter giving instructions only came today so it was too late. Miss Smith
and Miss Lammond came to tea. Kemlo
came to see us.
Tuesday 10th
Fine. Will
and I walked to the pier and met Capt Farquhar who
arrived last night!! Darling baby arrived and looks in spite of all her
sufferings much better than when she left.
Wednesday
11th
Still very
fine. We all drove to the pier. The chicks, Will & I walked home. May
dined at Miss grants Mony Musk.
Papa dined at Mrs Gordons
Newton with his fiddle!!! Baby much improved since she came. No
fainting and not severe fits of crowing as yet.
Thursday
12th
Fine.
Mamma MA and May called at Balgownie Lodge and Dr Moirs. Will & I walked up the banks of the
13th Friday
Astonishingly
fine weather. The Innes left yesterday on their
travels. We must soon according to promise and see Miss Brebner in her solitude. We called at Murtle
and had an account of the ball. We are much amused at the very different
accounts given of it by people. Will & I took tea at Mrs Harveys. The Farquharsons had a pic-nic.
Saturday
14th
Not very
fine. Thomas Leslie Esq came to town for a few
hours. Harriet Dalrymple and Miss Hepburn
called. We looked for a shawl for Mamma.
Stormy. We went twice to church. Poor wee baby had two (suffocating) fits
which leaves here so exhausted. The
crowing is the same as the fits but not so bad.
Monday 16th
Very windy,
cold. Baby had 3 fits before
Tuesday 17th
Snow and
wind! Papa’s birthday. Mamma & Will
called at Seaton for the Gudins as Lady James &
Miss Hay are gone. We three tookt tea at the Rosses. Hong Choo
(????) and George Taylor were the only
people there. We stayed very late.
Wednesday 18th
Very
cold. I forgot to say that poor Aleck
went down to (completely unreadable, ed.)
on Monday. Will & I went to
another party at Col Forbes. It was one
of the pleasantest partys I ever went to there.
Thursday 19th
Cold
fine. Will and I had a very enjoyable walk
together. Aleck came home about
Friday 20th
Cold. Will
and I made calls at Migvie and the Bannermans.
Papa Mamma & Aleck dined and
Will & I went in the evening to Mr William Lumsdens!!
Saturday 21st
Very stormy
wind & snow. Papa Willie and Jane
Anne went to Inchmarlo where the snow fell quite
deep. They returned in time for us to go to hear
Damp. We went three times to Church there was a
collection for Missions to assist the University scheme. Our seat full we went to Miss Murray.
March 23rd
Fine. We
were out looking at carpets etc etc for Mary Anne. We
got some pretty flowers from Reid. We went to a very large evening party at
Miss
24th
March
Fine. We went out to look for work for Mamma. I was
very angry indeed with Will for the way she refused to go out with me. Five Bannermans
came to tea. I practiced the Harp.
25th
March
Fine. Mamma went to call at Seaton. We went with Aleck & ‘Sherry’ for a
walk. I finished reading the Hugonots by James.
26th
March.
Showery. We called at Balgownie
but the Forbes were out. The little Grants , Helen Tawse
came to tea. We did not go to see the
Officers acting on Wednesday.
27th
March 27
Showery. We hunted for a cook unsuccessfully. The little Williamsons came to tea. I forgot to say that Pat left on Railway
business on Wednesday.
Sunday 28th
March
Fine. Went twice to church as usual. Had a beautiful sermon in the afternoon from
the text “But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.” John XII.
Monday 30th
Very fine.
Will & Mag went to see Widow Watson. Jane Anne
& I paraded up and down
Tuesday 31st
Damp,
shower. Papa, Mama and Will went for a
day to Inchmarlo.
I called on the Bannermans and spent the day
with Anne Pirie and poor Katie.
Damp. Poor darling baby very ill; has had 4 fits. They returnred from
Inchmarlo. Miss Louisa Farquharson called and gave us
infallible bride’s cake. Christina
Forbes lunched here. May took tea at Mrs Harveys. Begun to read ‘Cyarina’
by Mrs Hofland.
April 2nd
Baby very
ill, has had 8 severe fits. The darling
had her little feet leeched. Mr. Leslie
& Kate have come in for a day or two.
Mamma & I went to Seaton. I
had a turn with Anna & Isabella Forbes.
Miss Moir has sent ma a good deal of pretty
songs and music.
April 3rd
Gloomy
cold. Baby rather better in the morning
but she has had 8 fits today. We have
got a wet nurse for her which she seems to like extremely. Mg Willie & I went to
Saturday 4th
Showery. The
Leslies left about
Fine. We had two very beautiful sermons today. Baby had 5 fits but seemed better. Reading aloud as usual.
Monday 6th
Fine. I did not take a lesson on the Harp. Took MA out a little to see the progress of
the Railway. Will & I called on Mrs Thomas Hogarth. Baby had only one fit but seems a little
heavy.
Tuesday 7th
Fine but
showery. Pat returned from
Wednesday 8th
April
Showery. We went twice to church. Mr. Bowers of Mary Culter
preached. We walked up the street with
Isabella and Emma Forbes. Poor baby has
cried incessantly for the last two days.
I have dreadful rheumatism in my face.
Went early to bed.
Thursday 9th
Showery. Did
not go out at all. Baby still cries
sadly. We have had such a business about a wet nurse for her. Thje one we had is
so uncouth. I made a little brown striped
frock. Mamma has a bad cold & kept
her room.
Friday 10th
Fine til afternoon. Willie & I went out for a little. We called on Mr. Lindsay. Baby rather better
today. Christena
Forbes dined with us. Eliza Meiklejohn spent the day with the children.
Saturday 11th
Wet. We all went to church in the morning. In the afternoon the box from
Gloomy. Sacrament Sunday. We all went as is usual at
Wet. We went
to church and had a beautiful sermon from Mr
Cooke Midmar.
Mamma was in bed most of the day.
Baby much better.
Tuesday 14th
Very fine
indeed. Will & I went out shopping
early and bought green cotton dresses. Papa Mamma will went
to Inchmarlo at
Wednesday 15th
Wet east
wind. I went to sing with ML and then
spent an hour with poor Katie Pirie They
all returned from Inchmarlo in time for tea. Will & I had a long amusing chat in our
room.
Thursday 16th
Gloomy. We were out hunting for a pretty carpet for
the Library. We called for Mrs Gordon Sen of
Friday 17th
Damp. Baby laughs quite loud now. Mr James Ross from
Saturday 18th
Fine. We all went out. Mag
saw Widdow Watson safely stowed in the ‘house of
refuge’.
Fine. We
went to church twice. Mr Innes
brought the secretary the Highland Society to call Mr
Maxwell. Aleck & I had a turn round
by Ashley. Read aloud at night as
usual.
Monday 20th
Very
fine. Will and I were out early. We met
Lord James, M. Gudin
and old Bernard. Mamma made calls at Capt Christies, Viewfield,
Keplestone and
Tuesday 21st
Fine. Mag Will and I were choosing a dress for Mag. Emmeline & Dod Forbes called & Mrs Col
Forbes. Papa & Mamma went to dine at
the Patrick Piries. Will & I went to tea. Mr Baillie amused us.
Wednesday 22nd
Fine. Went to Granton
Lodge for a slipper pattern for Mamma. Pat went to Inchmarlo
for the day. We have also sent some of
the servants. We find the stables do not
require new rafters so adieu to the idea of new ones.
Thursday 23rd
Showery. Barking at breakfast!! Mr Leslie has come
to get grinders, which his fond family have at last prevailed on him to
do! We read aloud.
Friday 24th
Wet. Mr Leslie & Mr Innes Raemoir
diend with us. Mary Anne has headache and rheumatism
and blistered her face with laudanum.
Nothing particular.
Saturday 25th
Wet. I went to see Katie Pirie and tripped and
quitted up. I went some messages. We had a note from Mr
Innes telling us that Mrs A
Innes had a little boy this morning. Both doing well.
Showery. We went twice to church. Dr Pirie preached in the
afternoon. Pat did not go to
Monday 27th
Fine. I went
to see the Bannermans. We shopped a good deal. MA dined at Mrs innes. We bought some new dresses. We had oatmeal puddings
for dinner which gave me a very constant recollection of dining the night. Onions in perfection.
Tuesday, 28th
Fine in the
afternoon, hail in the morning. The Gordons Newton, Col & Emma Forbes, Margaret Hadden, Mary Lindsay, Mr Neil, Mr Baillie and Mr Tulcher certainly the most violent polka dancer Aberdeen
has ever witnessed.
Wednesday 29th
Wet. Dear
Mamma’s 60th birthday. We were racketing abut among books. Pat left
for
Thursday 30th
Fine. Sent
off our
Fine. Papa dined at Miss Brebner
yesterday. We have been packing up and
making calls and all manner of things today.
Papa Mamma Aleck & Mry dined at
Inchmarlo, 2nd May 1846
Very fine.
We arrived here at
Fine. We went to the
Monday 4th
May
Wet. I did not move out of the dining room my cold
so bad. I read ‘Coeur de Leon’. Mamma has bruised her ankle and twisted it in
getting up from her chair.
Tuesday 5th
Wet. The trees are far back as it is such
unpromising weather. Mamma foot is much
swollen. We are getting nicely into
order though only two servants.
Wednesday 6th
Damp. Papa went to church at Kincardine
and there remained to hear Mr Scot’s case who is not
yet deposed. The carts came form
Thursday 7th
Very
fine. We set the nursery to rights as we
expect the children & M.A.
tomorrow. Papa left at
Friday 8th
Fine. We
were very busy indeed putting every thing nice we have only two women
servants. Papa M.A. baby, Jane Anne and
two nurses arrived about 7 to tea. We
went to Mrs Henderson’s again.
Saturday 9th
Very fine
but windy. Baby already seems better. Dr
Thom called yesterday. We had a nice walk
in the garden in the evening.
Fine. Mamma & Will
& I went to church. Dr. Williamson called and went off without any
luncheon!!! We walked on the Terrace
walk in the afternoon. Papa read aloud
to us in the evening. We had some
porridge for supper.
Monday 11th
Fine,
windy. Mamma & M.A. and J.A. went to
call at Deebank,
Blackhall and Banchory
Lodge. We dine at
Tuesday 12th
Fine. M.A. and I called at Arbeadie, Mavis Bank.
The Ramsays called at last – we walked half
way home with them. Papa and I took a walk through the Glencommon
Woods, the ground is quite covered with primroses and wood anemonies.
Wednesday 13th
Fine. I forgot to say we had a most hearty supper
last night. M.A. shines at supper!! Papa, Mamma & I went to town to see Mag before she goes to
Thursday 14th
Fine. I had
a great deal to do in
Friday 15th
Fine. Aleck
having spent last night at Inchmarlo came to town in
the morning. Pat arrived from
Saturday 16th
Fine. Pat drove out with Mr
Anderson of Balnacraig. The drain is all opened and there is such
a mess. Papa & Mr Innes
were at Glassel and Raemoir
all day but returned to dinner . Pat,
M.A. Will & Jane Annie went to dine
at Mavis Babk
I went to visit all the poor people at the East Mains.
Sunday 17th
May 18, 2008 Wet. Will, Mr Innes
& I went to church. He joined Miss Brebner and has gone to Learney
for some days. Miss Murray has come to Carlogie. We had the
last of a series of sermons on the text John III and 5th. Pat read aloud.
Monday 18th
Fine. Pat
left early today. We heard of Mag’s safe arrival in
Tuesday 19th
Shower. We were kept in the house till
Fine. We were alarmed by the report of a gun not very far from
the house at half past
21st
May 23
Fine. Breakfasted at
22nd
May
Fine. Mrs. P. Pirie called. M.A. read all day. I went about looking for a
pretty sofa and looking for work for Mamma.
Got Lady Londonderry’s travels – a conceited book.
23rd
May
Fine. I
finished all my commissions. Went to
hear the Band play with the Bannermans. Mr Baillie talked
nonsense a long time to us, also Mary Lindsay. I went without my dinner for the
sake of the music. Mr Innes
dined and came home with us. We put him
out at Banchory as Mrs I is
there. Aleck came home with us. We had a
nice walk.
Fine. We all went to
church in the Carr and came home in less than half an hour. We had a walk in
the evening. Will. Read aloud to us.
Monday, 25th
Fine. Baby had rather a bad fit . Nothing
particular happened.
Tuesday, 26th
Fine. The Ramsays drove
up after dinner so we made them remain to tea.
Poor Crichton almost wept when we bid him good bye.
Wednesday 27th
Fine Chrichton
appropriated all the coachman’s suit in an innocent manner!!! We have been most
merfifully protected this day from a frightful
accident. The new coachman drove right
up against Col Gordon’s gatepost which fortunately was rotten . We almost
overturned and the coachman was pitched off.
=He was so kicked by the young horse that he was obliged to let go the
reins and off we went past the house
away to the other gate which was luckily shut!!
The pole was driven into the wall.
I let down the point glass and commanded little Johnny to set
still, for he was about to dump off. The
coachman has his hand cut and rather bruised. The young horse a little skinned
by getting his leg over the traces. I am
thankful Mamma was not with us.
Thursday 28th
Fine.
Friday 29th
May
Fine. Nothing particular happened. Johny Skene road up here.
Saturday 30th
Dreadfully
hot. We sent off our Indian desptches. Papa went to a road meeting. We walked to Banchory
and called for the Innes and Ramsays. Alick drove out
with Calder who had come back. We were
on the top of the house when M.A, Pat and Mrs Leslie
arrived. We took Bounce to the river in the evening.
Fine. Papa
& Pat went to church at Banchory, but we went to Kincardine. I shall
never forget the impressive solemn manner of Mr Brown
when he read the Deposition of Mr Scott by the Gen.
Assembly. We all waled
in the evening to the Cottage and met Mr Innes, Mrs Lindsay and Edward how
had been calling here!!! Alick read aloud.
Very hot. We are obliged to
look out for another nurse for baby. Mrs Leslie & Mary Anne lunched at the Skenes. Mrs Lindsay & Edward
came to lunch, but we made them stay dinner and walk about. Mr. Thom dined here
also.
Tuesday, 2nd
Very
hot. We have moved the nursery down to
the housekeeper’s rom!! As it was too hot
upstairs. M.A. & Mrs
Leslie left us. Mamma & Will went to
see Mrs innes
but she has gone to Learney so then went to see Mrs M’Grigor at
Wednesday 3rd
As hot as
yesterday. Baby has had luncheon from one of the tenants’ wives till an ew nurse comes. Papa
& Mamma went at
Thursday 4th
Therm; from 78 to 80 day and night on an average.
Friday 5th
June
Hoter and hoter still. We went down to the river after breakfast and
saw the sheep washed. It was most
enviable I thought to see the men in the river.
We called at Invercanny
on the Gibbs.
Saturday 6th May (sic) 1846
Fine.
Thunder at a distance. We went to call at drum they made us stay to luncheon.
We went over the house and tower!! We had letters from
Sunday 7th
June
Cooler,
damp. We went to the
Monday 8th
Cool
fine. Weill
and I were very busy re-arranging the library and have got it very nicely in
order now. Letters from Mag who seems to have enjoyed her visit at Herbertshire
extremely. She spent one day at Callander and went to see
Tuesday 9th
Fine. The Skenes called
and lunched here. Mamma & Papa
called for Mr. Mansfield Forbes at Woodend. The Lindseys
arrived to dinner. Mrs M’Grigor
& Family came to tea. We walked the half way to Cairnton
in the evening. The Queen’s birthday.
Long Life to her!! There was a grand
procession and the laying of the foundation stone in the Copper Dam.
Wednesday 10th
Fine. Aleck Mr Innes and Mr
John Blaikie breakfasted here and then went with Papa
in the Carr to Kincardine – the Lindsays
left after luncheon. M.A. Willie & I
went into town after tea at
Thursday 11th
Fine. We went to see M.H. new house in Bonaccord Terrace.
It will be very nice indeed. We
left at
Friday 12th
Very hot. We
basked in the sun all day. Papa Willie
& I went to dinner at the Skenes Sir Thomas &
the Bishop. Col Gordon and Capt Leith were
there. Miss Pople!!
Reading the Maid of Honour, a book Mag brought from Calendar.
Saturday
13th
Hot. Papa
& Mamma called on Sherrif Douglass & Miss
Harriet
Very hot. Mag had card and letter from Kate and I had one from
Harriet Forbes & Bella. Mag walked to Banchory where
Divine Service is held in a barn the Free Church is repairing. We read aloud.
Monday 15th
June
Hot. Mamma & Will called at Crathes. We set upon
Papa to make him go abroad. No point was
gained abut never despair. Had the two
little Miss Corbetts at tea. Nice children
Tuesday 16th
June
Very stewy. Did not go out.
The M’Gregors all dined with us. We played at Les Graces. Spent a long time in the Garden.
Wednesday 17th
Hotter
still. Papa collected the rents. Ejected
an uncivil tenant! Mamma & I went to
Kincardine Lodge.
Mrs G uncommon smart. The Miss Ramsays came to tea here.
Thursday 18th
Broiling. We
played at Les Graces in the evening.
Effie ran off in the cart from the west gate and down to the other
leaping the rustic one which it broke.
Friday 19th
Very
close. I took Jane Annie and bathed her
in a large tub in the Washing house. We
had a severe strok of Thunder & Lighteing which lasted 3 hours. Owing to the late heat the brook &
heather on the hill of Brathens and Moss Maud took
fire from the lightening. Papa Mamma and
Willie went into
Saturday 20th
Cool. Got up, bathed, dressed, read to myself, had
prayers, breakfasted, wrote letters and journals, dined at
Fine. Jane Anne and I went to church and had a very
impressive sermon from Mr Corbett Drumoak. Mag also went to
church. We took a little walk to warm
our selves. Eat too much cabbage!
Monday 22nd
Fine. Left at