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Monday,
January 1st 1844
Set in cold and
snowy after the beautifully mild weather of Nov and Dec. All the family
are at home except Duncan and his wife who are at Jamah in Bombay, Charles
in Edinburgh and James in London. Little Duncan Patrick's Baby is at Warthill.
Alick Pirie. Waterton , called to wish us all many happy returns of the season
as also did Duncan Pirie, Cottore, Patrick and Anne Pirie, Don Cottage and
Gordon Pirie. We spent the evening alone (Duncan Pirie excepted) very
happily. Papa Patrick and Alick called on the Miss Chalmers; Mrs
Gordon, Newton, Mrs. Hogarth, Mrs Pat Pirie, Mrs Gordon Arthurseat and Mrs
<Macgregor, Mrs Innes Chapel street called. Little Mary Forbes
also.
Tuesday, 2nd January
1844
A heavy fall of snow
and very frosty. ...Papa Mama dined with Mrs Ross at Granton Lodge.
Anne & Williamina went in the evening...
Wednesday 3rd
January /44 Frosty
but no more snow . Mrs. Robertson called and went to St Mary's church with
Mamma, Mary Anne and Williamina to hear a report of the Scotch ladies female
Indian schools. Mamma was made a lady patroness. Papa and Mamma made
a great many calls today. 4th
January /44 Very
cold still. .....Pat and M.A. dined at Mrs Milnes where they met a large
party. Margaret read aloud D'Aubigney's History of the Reformation.
Alick returned from Warthill where he has been since Wednesday. Friday
5th January The
snow all gone and rather a damp day. Mr. Dingwall of Bruelley was
buried. Little Mary Forbes called and sat with Maggie in her
room who is not at all well. ....Alick went with the Lindsays to Mrs.
Robertsons at Balgownie. There was a very nice party. Sunday
7th January 1844 Wet
Day. We all went to church in the morning. Mr. Forsyth preached a
beautiful sermon from Deut.8th and 2nd. Willia:. Anne, Pat and Alick
went in the afternoon. Mr. F. commenced a series of lectures on the
Epistle to the Romans. 1st Chap and 1st ver was the text. Aleck read one of
Blunt's sermons in the evening. 8th
January Very
wet day. Mama and Mary Anne went in the carriage to make some calls.
Papa and Mama dined with Col and Mrs. Forbes. There was a large dinner and
evening party. It was very pleasant. Aleck went there also. We received
letters from India. Duncan & Kate are quite well. Margaret read aloud
to us in the evening. 10th
January Very
fine day. We made several calls. Pat and Mary Anne dined at Provost
Blaikie's. Al went in the evening. It was a very nice party. Eliza
Ramsay called. 11th
January Beautiful
day. Anne and Williamina had a nice walk with Mr. A. Hogarth. Papa and
Mamma went to Dyce and to Waterton. Margt Pirie looked very unwell. There was a
large Assembly but none went from this house but Pat & Al. 12th
Janry Rather
wet. Papa took Mr Chas Innes (who goes to London on Saturday) to Woodhill
to call on Lady Grant. We had a small party: viz Charlie and Mary Forbes,
Inverernan, Little Mary and Gordon and George and Johnny Forbes. Also Dr.
Anderson Balnacraig 13th
Jany Very fine
all day. Called on the Ramsays and Mrs Chas Gordon. ...Anne began to knit
a cushion of Gold and Violet wools. Mary Anne Pat and the children went to
Warthill. 15th
Jany 1844 Fine
day. Mama & Margaret went to Westfield and across the Wellington
bridge for a drive. Margt got a beautiful pattern for working. We
had a nice walk. A levee of callers. 16th
Jany Fine day.
...We drove to the pier where we had a walk. .. 17th
Jany 1844 Beautiful
day. Papa heard of the decision of the case of Buthlaw in favour of Mrs.
Pirie, etc., etc., etc. Pat & the two girlies came from
Warthill. 19th
January Very
stormy. We spent an hour with Annie McGregor trying some music. We
had some lovely flowers from Inchmarlo. Saturday
20th Jany Stormy.
Jane Ramsay spent an hour with us, also Annie McGregor. Al. went to the
Lindsay's to tea and polka. Sunday
21st January 1844 Fine
day we all went to church. Mr. Forsyth preached from Rom 1st and 8th. We
read one of Ridoch's sermons in the evening. Little Duncan was born at Jamah. 22nd
Jany 44 Fine
day. Walked with Mamma, Margt with Mary Forbes. Anne read aloud in the
morning....Isabella Gordon called to let us know we could go to their box at the
theater on Wednesday when the officers of the 79th Redgt act. 23rd
Janaury 44 Very
fine day. Mama called on the Farquharson's Haughton. Will and Annie walked
to Ashley. Called on t he Lindsays. Charlotte has caught scarlet
fever. Wednesday
24th Jany Fine
day. We had a delightful walk. We called on Margt Pirie. Pat, Al,
Anne & Williamina went to the theatre to see the officers of the 79th act
Goldsmith's play of She Stoops to Conquer which was admirably
done. The after piece was The Illustrious Stranger and between the
acts 8 highland men danced to us. The house was quite full. We went to Mrs.
Gordon's box. 25th
Jany Rather
wet but mild. Anne wrote to Duncan. She and Will went to Mrs
Hogarth's to dinner; the party chiefly consisted of gentlemen. Pat
and Al went to the assembly which was pretty full....We began to read Windsor
Castle. Tuesday
30th Jany Fine
cold day. Dueena Campbell & Miss Hemsworth called Papa and Mamma spent
the day at Inchmarlo which was looking lovely. 31st
Jany Snowy and
very cold. Finished reading Windsor Castle.
Sandy Scott came &
dressed Alick in full Highland dress. . 3rd
Feby 1844 Fine
day. Mamma Will and Anne were out seeing some old women. The streets
one sea of water. We had a party at home consisting of the Gordons, Newton, the
Innes Raemoir, Thompsons, Banchory, Robertson.s Balgownie, Mr. Michell, Glass Mr
Gainsford 79th. We had the Ross and Annie McGregor in the evening. We
danced, etc etc Sunday
4th Feby 1844 We
had a great fall of snow. We all went to church....We had Eliza Burnett
and Capt Christie in our pew in the afternoon. Al read one of Blunt's
sermons in the evening. 5th
Feby Fine in
the morning but wet in the afternoon. Al was at the wedding of Mr. Esson. It was
a very gay wedding. In the evening he went to a party at Mrs. Millers. Pat
Leslie came from Warthill. We called on the Gordons, Abergeldie... 6th
Feby Very fine
day. We went to another Amateur performance by the officers viz the
Rivals, Stage Mad, etc etc. The house was very full it was very amusing. 7th
Feby 1844 Fine
day. We went about seeing the fancy dresses for the ball. They were beautiful
but it would take too much time to detail them all. Mr Michell, G. Pirie.
A. Pirie and Mr. Holland came here dressed to let us see them. The ball began to
disperse about 3 o'clock in the morning but they did not all leave till 7
o'clock. 9th
Feby Mary Anne's birthday Very
cold and rainy till afternoon when it snowed.....Discovered Jane Annie has a
voice for singing. She finished her first mat. 10th
Feby Deep
snow. Despatched a box to the Cass'. Miss Campbell & Miss Hemsworth
called. Cards were written for the 19th Febry a dinner party 20th
Feby Very cold
indeed. Shrove Tuesday. Willie got the ring in the pancakes, Al the
sixpence and Annie the thimble. Mr. Gordon of Newton was married at 1 0.clock
to Miss Forbes.... 21st
Feby Fine cold
day. We went flower hunting. Papa went to spend a day or
two at Pitfour. Mrs Innes Chapel Street so very unwell and weak scarcely able to
speak. 22nd
Feby Stormy.
There was a large evening party a Mr. Crombies. Mary Anne F.F. and Al
went. Pat's cold prevented his going. We practised quadrilles for
playing at our party on the 23rd. 23rd
Feby Very cold
indeed. Nothing particular happened except our having a large party. It
would be useless enumerating the party it went off very merrily. The night
was so stormy the 2 small vessels were wrecked but luckily only 2 lives lost. 24th
Feby Very
stormy indeed. Impossible to go out. Parties going on in the midst of it
all. Al. dined at the Lumsdens and the Farquharsons Haughton had an evening
party. Tuesday
25th Feby 1844 Dreadfully
stormy. We could scarcely get to church. The mails are quite late and
irregular, the roads are so blocked up with snow. 26th
Feby Still
stormy. Papa went to Stonehaven. He required 4 horses. I. Farquharson dined at
the Kincardines. 27th
Feby Still
more snow. All the mails late; in the street the carriages have great
difficulty going. The Gordons Abergeldie and Miss Cathcart took tea here.
Papa & Mamma dined with Miss Grant Monymusk. 28th
Feby Fine
dry. F. Farquharson went to Mrs Forbes with Aleck. It was a nice
party. Pat is not at all well today pain in his head. 29th
Feby Fine day.
There was a large party at Col. Forbes. Pat has had more leeches on but is not
made better. The snow is melting fast and the mails are more regular. 1st
March 1844. Friday Very
fine day. We were all out. Pat kept his bed all day. Mrs Innes is
continuing better. A party at Mrs. Gordons Pitlurg. Papa dined with
the Lumsdens Balmedie. 2nd
March Fine but cold. Pat no
better. Nothing particular took place. The Grants had a party. Sunday
3rd March 1844 Rainy.
Miss Farquharson and Anne went with the Forbes Migvie to St. Paul's in the
forenoon. Pat was cupped at night. 4th
March Fine . We
walked out. Mrs. Leslie senr of Powis died on the 28th. Mama went to the
pier and took the children. 5th
March We were all out.
The Gordons Wardhouse had a very nice party. 6th
March Fine.
Aleck rode to Kincardine and back. He sent a horse tonight before to Park and
changed horses there. He came back in time to go to Balgownie to
dinner. The Migvie Forbes had another party which F. went
to. 7th
March 1844 Very fine
day. We drove to Bal-------House first and then to the
cottage. The Farquhar Haddens had a nice party. Miss McGregor called here.
Mama called on Miss Grant Monymusk and Miss Chalmers Westfield 8th
March Very wet indeed.
Alick Pirie called. Mary Forbes and the Gordons were to have come to tea
but the bad night prevented
them. 9th
March Showery. Mary Forbes called and went out with F.
Farquharson. Pat come down stairs for the first time for a
fortnight. He is better. 10th
March 1844 Sunday Most
beautiful day. We had this day letters from Duncan in India, announcing
the birth of a little son. He is called Duncan after Papa. He is the
4th of the name in our family. His hair was dark for a baby. We went
all to church today. 11th
March Very fine indeed.
Mrs. Gordon of Newton Senr. Miss Morrison and Miss Findlater dined. We
went out. Pat not quite so well. 12th
March Rather
stormy. We walked out. Mrs. Gordon & Bella called also Mrs
Farquharson Haughton. We went to a party at the Forbes Castleton. 13th
March Very fine day. M..A. and
Margt called at Murtle. F. Farquharson Will and Annie made some
calls in Old Aberdeen. 14th
March Fine day. Mr.
Leslie and Pat Leslie came from Warthill today. Mr. Leslie dined at Mr. Lumsdens
and
F. Farquharson went to an evening party at Mrs.
Milnes. 15th
March Rather wet. The
great meeting about the Corn Laws took place today in the Town House. It
went on very well. Papa & Mr. Leslie dined with the Gordons
Newton. They played Whist in the evening. 16th
March Cold but
fine. Mamma and Anne called on the Gordons Wardhouse. Mr. Leslie P.L. and
Mary Anne went to Warthill. Little baby Duncan not being quite well.
The Forbes (5) and the Gordons came to tea . We were very merry dancing and
playing cards. Fanny Farqhuarson's desk went with the Leslies to Warthill. Sunday
17th March 1844 Lovely day.
Papa's birthday he was 71. All went to church but Anne who had a bad
cold. Papa had a kind letter from old Mr. Sandilands. This was St.
Patrick's day. 18th
March Damp. We have
heard that Miss Burnett is to be married to Mr Paton Grandholm. F.
Farquharson left us today and returned to Durris. Little Fanny cried so at
parting with her. The Gordons Abergeldie called. 19th
March Tuesday Damp.
Papa and Mamma drove to Inchmarlo this morning and returned at night. The
snow they said was gone except where there had been wreathes, Annie had a
tooth extracted. The Ramsays called and took a walk with Margaret &
Will. 20th
March Fine but rather
cold. Miss Cass sent me a pretty little song called "Forgive but don't
forget". Aleck went down to Buchan on Monday and has not yet
returned. 21st
March. Fine day.
Will & Anne called on the Migvie Forbes. Papa Aleck and A &
W went to concert in the assembly rooms. Mr. Braham and his 2 sons
performed beautifully. Duncan Pirie dined with us. 22nd
March Fine. Papa
dined at Mr. Forbes Blackford. Nothing very particular happened. 23rd
March Lovely day. We walked
out with Mamma. Called on Mrs. Macgregor. Margt walked with the
Forbes. Sunday,
24th March 1844 Damp but fine
in the afternoon. We all went to church as usual. Aleck read one of
Newtons sermons in the evening. 25th
March Wet day.
Mary Anne and Pat Leslie came into town from Warthill. Our old maid Mary
was married today to the schoolmaster at Inchmarlo. 26th
March Fine day. F.
Farquharson came from Durris and passed the morning with us. We walked to
the pier with Annie McGregor. We went to a nice large evening party at
Mrs. Gordons in the reading room New Market Street it was a late
party. 27th
March Fine day. Aleck
has gone to Kincardine on business. Papa Margt, Anne & Will; walked to
the old Bridge of Dee. Mama had a headache. 28th
March Very fine day.
Papa & Mamma dined at Mr. Blaikie's. Al: went in the evening.
Mamma and Anne had a nice drive. 29th
March Another fine day.
There was a large evening party at the Provost Blaikies. Nothing
particular happened. We dispatched a box for Kate in India. 30th
March Fine. Al' and
Anne went for a ride. We had a party at dinner Mr. & Mrs Gordon
Kincardine, Mr. & Mrs Thurburn Murtle and the girls Mrs Gordon Newton etc
etc. 31st
March Fine but
cold. We all went to Church as usual. A; read aloud one of Newton's
sermons in the evening. Monday
1st April 1844 Fine day.
Mama Pat Anne & Will went to Inchmarlo for the day everything was looking
lovely. We were quite sorry to leave it. 2nd
April. Fine. We
walked with Jane Ramsay. Will; and Annie looked about for dresses. It was
dreadfully dusty. 3rd
April Fine day.
This was a fast day before the Sacrament which is to be on Sunday. We went
twice to Church. 4th April Wet
in the morning but turned out fine. Papa Will; and Annie went to Inchmarlo
for the day. There were a number of callers. 5th
April Gloomy day.
Anne & Will: walked with Jane Ramsay. Nothing particular happened but
that the Miss Chalmers Westfield called. Also Mrs. Forbes Castleton and her
son Major Forbes who has just come from India where he has been for twenty
seven years!!! 6th April Beautiful
day. we all went to church. In the afternoon Annie & Al; went for a
ride to the church of Nigg. M.A. made a number of calls. Pat and
Williamina wandered about out of doors. Sunday
7th April 1844 Easter day Very
fine. This was sacrament Sunday. Mr. Forsyth gave us a beautiful
sermon and his concluding address was particularly impressive. We went in the
evening to Church, where Mr. Corbet Drumoak officiated. 8th
April 44 Lovely day, very
warm. We began this morning to read family prayers in the dining
room. We went to church in the morning and took a short walk with M.
Forbes. We found Miss Sophia Grant and the 2 Farquharsons seated near the
Wellington Bridge. Papa & Pat dined with the Forbes
Castleton. 9th
April/44 Very fine and
warm. Margt's birthday. Al and Anne went for a ride. Mamma & Papa
dined at the Gordons Pitlurg and the rest of us at Westfield. 10th
April Very fine. Mary
Anne and Annie were shopping. Pat & M.A. went to dinner at Mrs Millars.
Annie went in the evening; it was a nice party but there was an opposition part
at the Forbes' Migvie. 11th
April Very fine. Papa
sent the carriage to Blackburn to meet and bring in the Leslies. The
Farquharsons called and left this house for Haughton at 2 o'clock. There
was a large party at Col. McDonalds. We heard the band quite
distinctly. Aleck was there. 12th
April Rather showery.
This was the day of the grand ball. It would be endless describing it.
M.A. Kate Leslie Pat and Alick. They came home at 3 o'clock in the
morning. 13th
April Showery. The Forbes
Inverernan called as they go home on Mon. Nothing particular
happened. Both Pat Leslie and his wife are ill. Sunday
14th April 1844 Showery.
We went to church. Anne went to St. Pauls in the afternoon. Pat read aloud
in the evening. We had a little walk after dinner. 15th
April Showery. we walked
out and were caught in the rain. We had a dinner and evening party:
Col & Mrs Donald, Col Chas. Forbes, Mrs Millar, Capt. Leith etc etc.
Lindsay Millars, Annie McGregor etc and officers of 92nd in the evening.
It went on very well. 16th
April Fine.
Annie & Will took out the children to walk as Peggie was ill. We
called at Granton Lodge. Emma Forbes walked with us in the
afternoon. Papa & Mamma dined at Mr. Lumsdens Clova!!! Al &
Kate Leslie went in the evening. Mrs. P. Leslie is not much butter but P.L.
is recovering. 17th
April Fine. We walked
out as usual. We called on Mrs. Hogarth who played to us Thalberg's
Andante. The Gordons called and we had a regular raffle for the
Delhi painting Duncan sent us home. We managed with the calling cards of
some of the officers of the 92nd. Anne Will and Al went in the evening to
Mrs. P. Pirie's where there was a party. 18th
April Fine but
windy. The Leslies left us for Warthill. Anne & will had a delightful
walk with Kate Millar. We made the Ross a visitation. Papa Mama Al
and Margt dined at Banchory House. Mama called at Berrybank. Mrs. Smith
Glenmillan who the other day fell and dislocated her arm is getting
better. 19th
April Fine.
Pat went to Arbuthnott House to breakfast. Pat and M.A, went to
Warthilll. Margt and Annie had an evening walk and looked into the
Hogarths to see Margt. Pirie. 20th
April Showery.
a party went with us to Lady Jane Taylor's house to hear the band. We
discharged Grant the coachman for getting intoxicated yesterday. We three
M,A,W, took tea with Jane Aybury. Sunday
21st April 1844 Fine.
We went in the morning to St. Paul's to hear Mr. Bickersteth and were much
pleased with his address. We went to church in the afternoon.
Aleck read aloud in the evening. 22nd
April 1844 Fine
but windy. Mamma took the Miss Chalmers for a drive to the lighthouse and
waved her handkerchief to some ladies whom she fancied were us on the
pier. We went to Cruickshank shop and saw the Judges arrive. The
band of the 92nd played beautifully. 23rd
April Fine.
windy. We went out shopping and made several calls. Patrick
came from Warthill. Nothing particular happened. 24th
April Dreadfully
windy. Papa, Mamma & Margt went to Inchmarlo. Peggie the nurse
ill. Anne & Will went to the pier for a walk with Emma Forbes. The children
were rather unruly. 25th
April Rather a
mild day. Pat went to Fordoun. This was the night of Mrs Milns party about
which she has been making such a fuss. A & W went to Cornhill with the
Lindsays to get some flowers. 26th
April Dusty
and windy. We went to the market and bought some flowers. There was
a delightful party at Col McDonalds. We had the band which was very nice
indeed. 27th
April Showery.
Papa Mamma & Margt dined at Westfield. Pat went to Warthill.
Anne & Will dined at Mrs. Forbes, Castleton. Aleck at home alone!!! Sunday
28th April 1844 Fine.
We went to Church as usual. We 3 went in the afternoon to hear Mr.
Davidson in the free West Church. Margt. read in the evening. 29th
April Fine.
Mama's birthday, she is 58
today. We went to the Barrackyard with a large party of ladies to hear the
band which plays beautifully. 30th
April Fine.
We 3 went to Old Aberdeen and spent the day with the McPhersons. The
Gordons were there. We had a very pleasant day indeed. We had a long walk
in the Seaton grounds. 1st
May 1844 Wednesday Very
fine. We walked out. I forgot to mention yesterday that Mary Anne
came from Warthill and brought darling little Duncan. We had a party today
viz Provost & Mrs Blaikie, Mr. & Mrs Murray, F. Forsyth etc. 2nd
May Very
fine, warm. Annie & Will had a walk with Miss Nuttall. The Pat Leslies
came from Warthill as also did Mr. Leslie. Aleck dined out at Mrs.
Farquhar's. 3rd
May Very
fine. Mamma took Mrs. P. Leslie to see the College in Old Aberdeen. Mr.
Leslie Warthill dined here. Most of the party went to tea at Mrs. Innes'. 4th
May Fine
day. A day of packing. Margt, Anne & Will had a long walk with
Papa. Mrs. Innes dined here. The P. Leslies left by the
steamer. Sunday
5th May 1844 Coldish
but fine. We went twice to church. Pat Anne and Will walked to the
Rubislaw toll bar. Al read aloud in the evening. 6th
May Cold
and damp. Isabella Forbes came to luncheon. There was a crowd
of foolish people went out to the bridge of Dee merely to see a few caravans and
an elephant come into town. Al read in the evening. 7th
May Rained
till 0 o'clock and then cleared and became very warm. Papa, Mamma and
Margt went to Inchmarlo. The Gordons and Mrs. F. Hadden called. We took an
early dinner as Pat was at Johnstone and Al at Pitlochry. 8th
May Fine
but cold. We went to see the Flower show in the assembly rooms. Anne
took a violent fit of toothache and could not take a longer walk. All the
party came back. A & W took tea with the Col. Forbes. Letters
from Duncan. 9th
May '44 Fine.
Papa Mamma, Margt and Anne spent the day at Waterton and saw all over the paper
works. Pat & M.A. dined at Col M'Donalds. We heard from the Pat
Leslie's who were almost wrecked on Flamburgh Head in a fog. Luckily the
sea was so calm that the engines kept the pumps going so that they arrived safe
in London. 10th
May Fine.
Al & Margt made calls in Old Aberdeen. Dnncan Pirie dined here.
Papa took tea at Westfield. The circus (Cooks) was opened
today. 11th
May Fine.
Mama made several calls. M.A. and W. called on Miss grant and went
shopping., M. Forbes A & Miss McGregor and the 2 Tawse's took tea
here. Sunday
12th May 1844 Fine.
We went to church both forenoon and afternoon. M.A. had a little sore
throat. I forgot to say that Pat and Al went to Inchmarlo yesterday, Al on
his way to Strathdon. Pat returns on Monday morning 13th
May Fine.
We were busy packing to go to Inchmarlo. A & M went to the Circus with
Mrs Gordon. Mama had a note from Kate. Mr. Flowerdew took tea and
spent the evening with us here. 14th
May Fine.
We heard of Charlie's being not at all well so Pat went off by the mail to
Edinburgh to see baout him. We are not to go to Inchmarlo till he comes
back as we wish to receive the letters soon. 15th
May Fine.
C. no better, etc, etc, etc.
Inchmarlo 20th May 1844 Monday
As my desk has been packed up I have had no opportunity of
writing daily in my journal however nothing particular happened. The
weather became very cold on Friday and has continued so. Pat returned from
Edinburgh on Saturday morning. Charlie continuing better. We viz
Papa Mamma and 3 girls came to this sweet place on Saturday evening. Papa
Anne & Will went to Church and walked home. Today we have been very
busy indeed arranging books etc etc and are now pretty well settled for the
summer. The day is fine but rather cold. Mr. Hall called.
21st
May 1844 Very
fine. We had sad accounts today of the death of our cousin Margt.
Pirie which happened at 3 o'clock yesterday. It must plunge her family in
deep grief. Papa Mamm | 