Family History written by Catherine Bulmer née Potter (1762-1839)

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Durham, England
Surnames/tags: Regis Bulmer Potter

Family History of Catherine Potter written for her son Rev William Henry Bulmer, transcribed from the original by Rev Edward Bulmer and presently in the possession of the Bulmer family.

Images can be supplied on request. The diary has not been published and is not currently in the public domain in any format.

The letters contain considerable genealogical information about families such as the Regis, Bulmers, Potters, Dawsons, Ogles, Dundas's, Charltons, Buckhams, Delavals, Carrs amongst others as well as insight into life at Windsor in the time of George III.

Spelling was perhaps not Catherine's strongest point and her spelling and punctuation errors are included here to preserve a sense of it's originality.

• Copyright © Rachel Bulmer [Bulmer-1043] 2022. All rights reserved.

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Feb 13, 1810

My dear William Henry,

As I promised to begin my little narative in my last letter, I just now inform you that your grandfather Potter was descended from an ancient and honorable family in Cumberland. He was brought up and educated

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by his grandfather, who was a Clergyman at Kendle in Westmorland. After he had finished his schooling at one of the publick seminarys, he was sent to Queen's College Oxford, to finish his studys and took a degree of Bachelor of Arts and was ordained.

His father, who was a Clergyman, had the Living of Cramlington and Horton in the County of Northumberland, and, having eight sons and one daughter to provide for, made your grandfather accept a curacy in the County of Kent. He was appointed Chaplain to the Marchioness of Rockingham: he there became acquainted with your grandmother, who was the daughter of the Rev'd Dr Regis D.D, who was Rector of Adisham in Kent, Chaplain to his Majestys George I and George II and was appointed Canon of Windsor by his Majesty's express command.

Mary, Marchioness of Rockingham

Your grandfather's interest and intimacy with Lord Delaval^[1] procured him, at the death of the old Duke of Somerset^[2], the presentation of the Living of North Shields and was Vicar of Tynemouth thirty-two years.

John Potter's chaplaincy at Seaton Delaval

Sir John Hussey Delaval

As soon as your grandfather got this preferment Dr Regis no longer opposed his marriage with his eldest daughter, Catherine, who was universally admired for

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her great accomplishments and learning. She was a proficient in her own language, also in French and Italian and what is very uncommon for a female, she understood the Latin tongue equally as well. During her life she kept up a correspondence with the first literary characters and her engaging manners politeness and affability made her company courted by the first people in this country. She was the delight of the young, who reaped both profit and instruction by her company and always joined in their inocent gaiety as her disposition was naturally cheerfull and had none of that austerity that gennerly accompanys great genious and an unremitting attention to all religious Duties. In fine she was one of the best of wives and mothers.

I was her eleventh child, named after herself to oblige your grandfather who adored her for her virtues and great abilities.

Her eldest son John who was in the East India Service unfortunately lost his life in returning with three officers in a boat to the Northumberland East Indiaman off St Helena where they had been on a party of pleasure.^[3]

East Indiaman 'Northumberland'

Their eldest daughter, Sarah, died at sixteen years of age - a great affliction to your

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grandfather and grandmother. She was quite angelick in her disposition, learned and accomplished that she far surpassed all the girls of her age, spoke the French and Italian languages fluently and was so religious and devout that she was the wonder and admiration of all who beheld her excellency. She was by many thought handsome having fine blue eyes, long eyelashes, delicate complection aubern hair and the most interesting countenance. If it had pleased God to have spared her life, it would have been a great advantage to the younger branch of the family, as her sudden death had such an effect on your grandmother that she never was able from ill health to pay the same attention to the rest of her children. She was spared the affliction of witnessing the death of her second daughter Harriet, who was equally good and amiable as her sister. She married in the year 1782 Mr Charlton and left one son, who is at present a Captain in the 61st regiment of Foot, and an honor to his country, also two daughters, Sarah and Jane.

Col. Edward Charlton K.H.

James George Potter was their fourth son and was brought up in the medical line. He was a remarkable handsome man, with great abilities and his company too much sought after by the gay and dissipated, which led him into

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extravagance and dissipation, which hurt his constitution and shortened his life. He was some years in the navy and then went as surgeon to a Regiment in Lord Moria's army and was there during the campaign in Holland. He then entirely lost his health and retired with a pention and lived at Morpeth some years after he then came to Newcastle to be near Mr Ingham and after lingering many months he died in the 44th year of his age.

Their fifth son, Edward, was unfortunately drowned. He was at the particular request of his godfather, Mr Alderman Barker of Newcastle, bound for his Freeledge, as it was his intention to provide for him, having a great concern in shipping, but it please God to order otherwise.

William Anthony Potter was their youngest and last of their children. He served seven years apprenticeship to a Mr Mewburn, one of the infirmary surgeons and a Freeman of Newcastle. He first began business with his brother at North Shields, but, on their separation, he followed his profession at Newcastle in Northumberland Street, the house your grandmother retired to after the death of your grandfather which happened in the year 1789 in the seventy fourth year of his age. His loss was so severely felt by your grandmother

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that she only survived his death four years and departed at the same age, being just 74, and had the comfort of being attended in her last moments by her affectionate son and an old and faithful servant who had lived in the family many years and whose singular attachment and hope will be rewarded by the surviving part of the family.

Now having drawn my narrative nearly to a close I must at some leisure time give you some account of the life of your own mother and conclude this long epistle with my sincere prayers to the Almighty that you my dear child may always walk in the fear of God and that He may give you Grace that you may become a blessing and an honor to your family, which is the most fervent wish of your ever affectionate mother, C. Bulmer

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February 25, 1810

My dear Boy,

Before I begin my own little history, I must give you some further account of your grandmother's family. She was the eldest of four (five?) sisters. Sarah married to Wm Dawson Esq: Harriet to Wentworth Ogle Esq: Ann married to Samuel Cheetham Esq and Elizabeth married to the Rev. Mr Prior one of the

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masters of Eton School. The five sisters were coheiresses, there not being a male heir. They would have had large fortunes if their Father, Dr Regis had not ventured thirty thousand pounds in the South Sea Scheme, which by its failure was the ruin of so many families who ventured their all in hopes of reaping great advantage, but you will read the account in the history of England, how much the people of England were deceived in that Scheme.

Dr Regis was again tempted to put five thousand pound in the hands of the Yorkshire Building Company who failed, so that a small dividend which was paid twenty years after to the surviving part of the family was all that was ever received from that adventure.

Balthazar Regis D.D

The history of Dr Regis' family you will read in a manuscript translated from the French by your grandmother Potter. It was written by Dr Regis' two aunts and addressed to himself, after their wonderful escape out of France during the dreadfull persecution of the Protestants. I most earnestly recommend to you, my dear child, that you will seriously peruse these memoirs as it will show you the errors of Popery, how much your ancestors suffered on account of adhering to the religion.

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My dear Wm Henry,

As you may have some curiosity to know something of the younger part of your mother's life, I shall begin with my birth which was on the 14th of January 1762 at Wallsend, a beautiful village situated between Newcastle and North Shields in the County of Northumberland; being, as the neighbours all said, a nice little red-cheeked girl, happy tempered and tractable made me a favorite among the gentlemen's familys in the village, who had me alternately every day at their houses, where every toy and plaything were provided for me, and having a good voice and an early taste for singing I was much cosseted perticularly at my godfathers James Muncaster's Esq:, also at Mr Water's whose sister Miss Waters afterwards married Colonel Dundas^[4], brother to the present Lord Melville. The other families were Mr Alderman Blackett, father-in-law to Lord Collingwood and Mr Alderman Atkinson, brother-in-law to Mr Muncaster.

Among the villagers I was as much a favorite, being free from pride and always treating them with the greatest civility. The regret they shewed when I married and left the village I shall ever remember with pleasure and gratitude - they crowded round the parsonage house, pouring forth blessings and good wishes for health and happiness. Happy happy days were those, so beloved and respected by all ranks of people.

But to proceed. I was early sent to Newcastle for education, but having attracted the notice and won the affection of my Aunt Dawson when on a visit to my dear Father and Mother, she requested I might be sent to her to have the advantage of a South Country education.

At the age of 10 years I went to London with some relations who had been on a visit to the family and were to return by sea. I performed my voyage without fear or sickness and arrived safe in high spirits, but met with a great disappointment. As I had formed such high notions that the streets were paved with marble and precious stones, that palaces where the king resided were like the inchanted castles I had read of in the fairy tales, I expressed so much disappointment and disapprobation that I afforded great amusement to my friends.

I was also much provoked to be looked at as a curiosity (like the wild beasts in the tower). My healthfull appearance, fresh colour and my north country dialect and burr, tho' much refined by the polite company I had associated with so much, still created great merriment

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among the south country people, who, I thought were very rude and unpolite to quizz a stranger so much.

My first visit when I arrived in London was made to a brother of my father's who lived at Epsom in Surrey. I was there treated with every kindness and spent a happy month with my uncle and cousins. I was then conducted to Richmond in Surrey by my uncle Potter but no words can paint what I suffered on parting with him to be a resident at the great mansion of my Uncle and Aunt Dawson. Its grandure struck me with awe, the great iron gates were thrown open when our humble gig entered the sweep leading to the house and the butler introduced me into the drawing room to my aunt and cousins so different to those I had just left who had treated me as their companions and in the way that was most gratefull to my feelings. Here I was to be disciplined and made a fine lady, a part which I always disliked to assume. In two days after my arrival at Richmond, just as I was recovering my spirits I received a great shock, when my Aunt told me she was going to spend a month at Southampton on the account of her daughter's health; that I was to be left in [the] charge of her housekeeper

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until her return, when I was to be placed at one of the first boarding schools in Richmond, and in the meantime every arrangement was to be made and my necessary equipment for entering me at Miss Moor's boarding school. When the coach and four appeared at the door my heart sank within me, but when my Aunt and cousin took an affectionate leave of me and departed, I gave way to such an excess of grief that the housekeeper was quite distressed and alarmed that she was for sending after my Aunt post haste. In a day or two I dried up my tears, I found I must submit to my fate; but how often did I regret leaving my fond parents whose tenderness and indulgence would never have left me at a strange place under the care of a servant. I was for some days quite melancholy, ranged about the large house and wandered about the grounds and garden which were beautifull loaded with the finest fruit of all kinds. The grapes hung in clusters from every window.

Yet all this did not comfort me: I was separated from all friends and relations and had no one but the servants to converse with, but for all I was so unhappy, I was so quiet and tractable that I won their kindness and they endeavoured to make me comfortable. To my great joy my Aunt returned at the appointed time and when she heard

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I had fret so much, she regretted she had not taken me with her, but her daughter's bad health occupied all the thoughts. She was just 21 years of age and a most elegant and accomplished woman: she survived a very few years after this period to the great affliction of her parents. They had lost a beautifull girl at sixteen a short time before and only saved one son out of eight children by sending him abroad to reside for some years. On his return to England he married the daughter of Anthony Aufrère Esq of Hoveton Hall in Norfolk. She was his second cousin. At the death of his father he came into possession of a large fortune and lives in a most splendid manner at his house in Manchester Square, London. He has two country seats, one at Windsor and another on the Forrest (?) where he has purchased an estate. His two eldest daughters, Sophia and Harriet, have been presented at court. He has several sons and daughters who were much attached to me when children, as we were so much together. They were all handsome.

I have made a long digression from my story and must now begin with my career at school. When I arrived in ___ in my Aunt's coach and four all the young ladies got to the windows to see me alight. This gave me great consequence in their

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eyes if very little in my own, as I always set little value on show and finery. My Aunt left me in charge to the governess, who was a stately maiden lady near forty, very rigid in her discipline and no way engaging in her manners. She was requested by my aunt not to allow me to mix with the day scholars: this prohibition was very painfull to me, as I was afraid of getting the name of being proud with only associating with the boarders. So when I could escape the eye of my governess and the French teacher I used to converse with them as often as I could, so that I pleased both parties and soon became a general favorite, was always attentive to my tasks, having four to learn every night, French and English, and was never known to miss a word.

I was also very attentive to work of all kind, dancing et cetera after finishing my education I left school and returned to my aunt who wished me to live with her entirely as a daughter, as she had been deprived of her ownly one by Death; but the great desire I had to see my parents, brothers and sisters made me reject this kind offer and I wrote privately to my mother to send for me home, as I was tired of being a fine lady.

When the summons came for my return home, my Aunt

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was much offended: I was sent to London and at the request of Mrs Backhouse, an old and particular friend of my mothers, that I might pay a visit to her until the 'Edward' (Captain Norton) was ready to sail. Never shall I forget the pleasing sensations I experienced when I once more viewed Tynemouth Castle and saw my brother James come alongside of the ship to conduct me to Wallsend.

Tynemouth Castle late 1700s

He could not understand my language, nor me his, and we did nothing but laugh at each other. My impatience was so great to see my dear parents that no intreaties from Doctor Watson, who my brother was serving his apprenticeship to as a surgeon, could persuade me to stay alnight, but set off at a late hour to walk the four miles to Wallsend. I cannot express the transports of joy I felt at again beholding my father's house. My brother concealed himself when I knocked at the door: the man enquired my name. I told him I was an old acquaintance and desired to be admitted. He rather reluctantly obeyed as it was so late an hour but as it was midsummer it was not dark. How my heart beat with delight as the parlour door opened and I was received with open arms by my dear parents. After a moment's hesitation they recollected my voice tho' I was grown and improved so much and had not the look of a

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country girl, but a fine boarding school Miss. I understood my father and mother, but not one word hardly of the rest of the family. It was like some foreign language.

After the first few weeks my great joy subsided, and my time was taken up with visiting all my former acquaintance. They were agreeably surprised to find me the same in my disposition and that I had not been spoiled by my residence in the south.

After my return home we had a visit from Colonel and Mrs Dundas (late[ly] Miss Waters and my godmother). They prevailed upon my parents to allow me to accompany my sister Louisa Jane (now Mrs Buckham) to the Hermitage, a beautiful country-seat near Hexham, to spend some months with them. At the time fixed Col. Dundas came in his carriage to fetch me, and I felt the greatest delight at my having to be introduced into publick by people of such consequence, being connected with some of the genteelest families in the country.

They had rather too large an establishment for their fortune, but as Colonel Dundas was only half-brother to Lord Melville and the youngest son of Lady Arniston of Arniston in Scotland, his fortune was not equal to his rank, and it was thought he was not well used by his

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brother Lord Melville who had it in his power at that time, being first Lord of the Treasury, to have given him a sinecure place.

Col. Dundas had two daughters by a former wife. The eldest married a gentleman in Scotland and the younger who was my favorite, to a Capt. Cameron whose regiment went to the East Indies.

I shall ever remember with gratitude the happy three months I spent at this hospitable mansion; the remembrance of it is pleasing to me at this day. I was given in charge to Colonel Dundas by my mother as I was very young, just sixteen I had formed a very serious engagement with an officer in his Majesty's Navy. She was afraid that I might be tempted by going into the world to change my mind and act a dishonorable part by a worthy man who had given the most disinterested proof of his affection and which continued unimpaired through a series of years. My parents would not consent to our marriage untill it suited him to leave the navy which did not happen for several years. Otherwise he would have given up his halfpay and the widows pention.

Col. Dundas knowing how I was situated kept a watchful eye over me, opened every suspicious letter that came for me and would never let any gentleman sit by me or have any private conversation with me

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but I received some proposals which he had power to reject. Our time was spent in the most agreeable manner. Mrs Dundas was a great invalid, but her husband made it his study to entertain my sister and myself. He took us to see everything that was curious in the neighborhood, but had like to meet with a very serious accident in going a bye-road to see the papermills. The carriage broke down, but we all escaped unhurt. They always had dinner company and frequently private balls and attended the Hexham Assemblies. At that time we became acquainted with Mr Charlton's family. Wife Grace Charlton at that time was a dashing bell used to be invited to all the parties at the Hermitage now occupied by Mr Hunter, who has resided there many years. There came repeated orders from Wallsend for our return home before Col. and Mrs Dundas would agree to part with us. At last the day was fixed when with sorrowful countenance we bid adieu to the Hermitage, where we had spent so many happy days. The Col. went with us in his carriage as far as Harlow Hill and his servant led his horse. As we were to proceed to Newcastle in the chaise. I lost all command over myself when I parted with my good friend who had made us so happy. I never dried up my tears

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untill I entered Newcastle where we met with one of our Hermitage acquaintances a Mr Robert Spearman of Durham at Mr Mewburn's. He insisted on our going to the play to raise our spirits and he joined a party made up for us. This little amusement came in good time and we returned home the next day in tolerable spirits. I shall make a remark which may be of service to you, my dear Wm Henry, as you pass through life, never to suffer pleasure to so far intoxicate you as to wean your affections from home. Young people ought to be grateful to their friends for civility and kindness shown them, but not, as in my case, though only momently, to have given way to grief on returning to my happy home. The little restraints it is necessary for young people to be kept under at home ought to be considered as absolutely necessary for their good, untill they have got age and prudence to guide them. There is no friend like a good parent to give them advice and to direct their conduct: and, that you, my dear child, may continue that affection you have so early shown to your parents, let no temptation or persuasion lead you from your duty to God, obedience and submission to the will of your father and mother.

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It is impossible for me to relate the many little incidents that happened in our pleasant village situated between two towns Newcastle and South Shields. We were able to partake of the amusements of both places. In the year 1781 I was introduced at the Newcastle assemblys by Mrs Hargrave the lady of Wm Hargrave Esq of Shawen. He was high Sheriff for the County of Northumberland.^[5] That year my sister Louisa and I had a general invitation to Mr Errington's. He married a lady of large fortune who was particularly attached to us, and whenever we had to attend any of the publick diversions, we were sure of a home house as they had a large mansion in Westgate Street, kept a carriage and lived in high stile.

Your godfather, Mr Collingwood^[6] of Chirton, always staid their during the publick weeks, therefore we had the advantage of always being beau'd by a man of consequence to all the amusements. He was reckoned the most polite and handsome man in the country: he always professed the greatest friendship for me and treated me with every mark of respect and civility as long as he lived. It was expected by many people, tho' not by me, as he was your godfather, that he would have remembered you with a legacy at his death, as he came across the water, which he had a great terror of, stood for you and was much displeased you were not

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named 'Edward' after him. He possessed every accomplishment, but was not liberal, which made him not lamented by his neighbours and the poor at Chirton. He left an emense fortune to his niece, Mrs Stanhope, wife of Walter Spencer Stanhope Esq. of Cannon Hall, Yorkshire, M.P. and his estates at Chirton to Lord Collingwood.

Chirton Hall, Northumberland

We also attended the Dockwray Square Assemblys, and by that means got acquainted with several of the military and naval characters. Sir Edward Pellew and his officers, Admiral Brunton^[7], all the officers of the Queen of Hazard sloop of war, as my brother James was intimate with them, he used to bring them to Wallsend and introduce them to my father who showed them every civility on his son's account.

Sir Edward Pellew, Viscount Exmouth

It was then I became acquainted with Mr Young in the year 1781, who I afterwards married. (He was a great favorite with his Captain the Hon. Augustus Ann Poulteny, who took him to the West Indies in the Sylph as his surgeon, and afterwards in the Montague). On his being ordered to England he recommended him to Sir George Rodney who appointed him as his surgeon on board the 'Formidable'.^[8] On his coming to England he left him with Admiral Piggot who was his friend as long

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as he lived. He requested to have him as his surgeon when appointed to the 'Royal Sovereign' on the breaking out of the Spanish Armament, so that before the conclusion of the American War when Doctor Blane was sent home to England with Admiral Drake, Mr Young was appointed phisician to the fleet - a station, if the war had continued - worth seven hundred a year.

Col. and Mrs Dundas again prevailed on my mother to let me go and stay with them at Newbiggin, a sea-bathing place nine miles from Bedlington, where I had been living for some time with my brother James, who was settled as a surgeon there, and I was to keep his house, but his turn for gaiety and company determined me to leave him that he might give up house keeping. Therefore I was at liberty to accept my friends' kind invitation - I spent seven months in the same happy way I had done before with them at the Hermitage.

Bedlington, home of James in his 'partying' days

After the bathing season was over I returned with them to Morpeth as they rented a very handsome house belonging to a Major Munrow. They had a visit from the Colonel's brothers Lord Melvil and the Lord President of Scotland in their way to London to attend Parliament.

What made Morpeth more interesting to me

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was my dear sister Charlton living then. At that time she had been on a visit to Mrs Dundas, where she met Mr Charlton who had a house at Morpeth - so strangely do things come about.

Indeed I met with many opportunities of marrying during the time I was with them, but my early engagement made me reject every offer, also those of my own neighbourhood. I was a general favourite as I made it my constant study to please every body, never to attend to myself and I was always fully rewarded by the continual approbation of pleasant looks of my friends and acquaintance.

Col. and Mrs Dundas left Morpeth to my sorrow and went to Doncaster to live as the two young ladies had to go to the boarding school at Hatfield and they wished to be near them. I had many pressing invitations to go and see them there, but the distance was too great. I shall copy out the Colonel's first letter to me after he got to Doncaster, as the original will be fairly worn out before you may read it.

I received much kind attention from our neighbours Mr and Mrs Muncaster, who took a perticular interest in me being his goddaughter. I went with them to several publick places and they were very liberal in accommodating me

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or any of the family with the use of their carriage indeed we could not have been more agreeable situated among so many genteel families.

We generally went once a year to visit Lord and [[Robinson-15158|Lady Delaval], but after her Ladyship's death, we were not allowed to be much with the family as their conduct was so much censured by the gay life they led and the improper company they kept.

Lady Delaval (1730-1783)

We were for many years happy in the acquaintance of Mr Hall's family at Willington, but after the young people married and after they disgraced themselves so much as to end all further connection. The eldest daughter, who was very handsome and amiable married a Mr Pringle and died leaving a small family. The second married Ogle Wallis Esq. and was soon separated from him by mutual consent. The youngest, who was beautifull married John Parslow Esq. of the third regiment of Dragoons and was afterwards divorced for eloping with an officer, son of the late Sir Frances Sykes.^[9]

I married and left Wallsend in the year 1788. We arrived in London and had a most comfortable apartment in Berkley Street, Portman Square, consisting of an elegant drawing room, bedroom, dressing room, the

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use of the kitchen. The hurry of travelling through me into a serious fit of illness and the anxiety of Mr Young's being ordered to go to sea immediately with the Duke of Clarence as his surgeon, but he gave up the appointment and the prince took his old surgeon again, who had disobliged him made him write to the Navy Board to send one of the best surgeons on the list, and on Admiral Pigot's recommendation Mr Young was pitched upon much against his own inclination, as the Prince never made himself pleasant to his officers, and no one would have sailed with him if they could have avoided it.

When I was able to see company I had a visit from my Uncle Aufrère and his son-in-law Lord Yarborough and Mrs [Sophia] Aufrère, my cousins Dr and Mrs Duval^[10], and Doctor and Mrs Goodall, now Canon of Windsor, Provost of Eton.^[11]

Joseph Goodall, Canon of Windsor

We had repeated invitations to dinner from all these great people, but I never could enjoy myself among those who thought themselves so much above me, and tho' they were very civil, yet were not like near relations, so formal stiff and ceremonious, except my cousin Dawson and his Lady who were very attentive, often sending their carriage for us, so did Dr Duval^[12] who was

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very desirous I should see the Duke of Gloucester at his house, sent Mrs Duval for me but I not being dressed when she came, I lost the sight, as the Duke of Gloucester's carriage drove from the door just as theirs came up to the gates.

We had an invitation from my Uncle and Aunt Aufrère at Chelsea. He bought Lord Liverpool's^[13] beautifull house and gardens which it is impossible to describe or me to do justice to. He gave a most splendid entertainment in compliment to my cousin Dawson, who, like myself, were just married. The Brides' healths were drunk in champagne and burgundy, Lord Yarborough's children were then introduced to their new relations and the day passed very pleasantly walking in the beautiful gardens and had coffee in one of the summer houses.

As my health continued so bad, my aunt wrote to request Mr Young would give his consent to my going a tour with her through Wales. This was at first refused, but on my aunt's repeating her request and urging it so much, Mr Young with the hopes the jaunt might restore my health, gave his consent, tho' he was much hurt, after so long an engagement to be separated so soon after our marriage. My sister Louisa had

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been wrote for to go this expedition, but my Aunt's recollecting she could travill in a carriage without being ill, it was given up, but she came to London and went to our apartments in Berkley Street and spent a few weeks with Mr Young. She then paid a visit to our old friend Mrs Backhouse and there she met with the Rev'd William Buckham who she married and had one son and a daughter.

I had a very unpleasant journey to Bath, as I was obliged to travill all night. My Aunt Dawson gave me a kind reception and I was charmed with that favorite and beautifull city. My uncles's house was the last but one at the top of Milsom Street, opposite to Marshall's great library.^[14] It is the best and most chearful street in Bath. The company pass that way in general to the Pump room and to the upper and lower assembly rooms.

We set out for Wales soon after my arrival at Bath, my uncle, aunt, myself and her female servant, the lap dog and the parrot in a handsome new coach and four horses. We went short stages, by that means had the opportunity of seeing all the principal towns and viewing everything that was curious. We went by Gloucester, Hereford Ross and Brecknockshire to Carmarthen, the

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principal town in South Wales.

Sarah Dawson née Regis

It is impossible for me to convey to you, my dear Wm Henry, any idea of the beauty of the country the height of the hills and mountains even the historians fall short in their descriptions of the rich scenery and the fertility of the soil the goodness of the roads and the abundance of fine fruit, such as apples and pears in every field and hedge, also full of nutts. Our coachman with his whip as we rode under the branches of the trees used to bring down such a load of apples and pears, and the footman would get off his horse and fill his baskets. I was surprised to hear many of the poor people's children speaking such good English. I often conversed with them: they told me they went to school as they have many English schools in Wales they have no provincial accent therefore. I never was more gratified then to hear them talk.

The Welsh language is very difficult. I made many attempts to learn a few words but could make nothing of it. I was much pleased with a custom I observed the inhabitants had of every Saturday night going with flowers and plants and strewing the graves of every relative with flowers. On the Sunday going to church

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it has a most pleasing and beautifull effect.

The women look very sallow and unhealthy and swaddle their children up in a kind of blanket fastened about them that they may have their hands at liberty to work, makes the children poor rickety things and they can seldom walk alone untill they are two or three years old. The working men are also poor looking creatures imploy themselves in fishing carrying their boats on their backs untill they get to the water.

As we rode out we often saw the women sitting in the hedges taking snuff which they are dyed with and seem quite indolent. They are also furious in temper: We got ourselves much abused one day by disputing the price of a cake at the pastry cook's. She said she knew the English very well. In short was so furious and behaved so rude we could never go to the shop again, which was a great loss as the Pastry Jellys and custards were excellent and could not be had so good at any other shop. They were also very unwilling to trust us withh a book at the library and not untill we left a deposit. The wine merchant would not even trust us with the bottles of corks without paying beforehand. As we came with such a

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number of servants and a coach and four, they could not suppose we were sharpers, or could decamp without being noticed: but the characteristick of the nation is avarice and jealousy and dislike to the English who may have taken some unfair advantage of them.

After we had been a month at Carmarthen finding we behaved well paid our debts &c the inhabitance began to call and have a wish to be sociable with us but it was then to late, for we had been so disgusted with them that we removed our quarters to Abergaveny where we found a great change for the better, the people so well bred and polite to what they were at Carmarthen. We had the best part of a gentleman's house who had run through a large fortune. He was very polite and civil, supplied us with plenty of game, let us have the use of this library - the books valuable and well selected, which afforded us great amusement. The house was well situated and elegantly furnished. He let us have a large drawing-room, parlour and as many chambers and dressing rooms as were required, all fit up in the most fashionable and costly manner and he had as good apartments for himself and large garden. He kept a footman, a boy and several female servants.

We spent two months at his agreeable place and was visited by many of the first familys which

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attached us so much to Abergaveny. It is a publick place where people come from all parts to drink goat's whey for their health; fruit in abundance, when you go into the market they give you so much for a penny that I used to give them great part back again, not knowing how to carry it home. It made the town, which was not large, beautifull, seeing the hills rising over the tops of the houses and the cattle grazing and the people ascending to the cottages on the hillside: so different we found everything to what we did at Carmarthen.

A friend had taken the best house they could procure at Carmarthen which belonged to a gentleman in the same predicament as our other landlord, but the house was dirty and badly furnished, the floors black oak, no carpets and the lady of the house such a fury I rather suspected she made too free with the bottle. It is said Mrs Coalman fell down in a fit of passion on the footman asking her for a carpet for his mistress who never had been without one and a pair of silver candlesticks. She had no notion of letting lodgers have the use of her valuables. She told us she was the daughter of a Dr in Divinity and married to a gentleman. I was much surprised at her behaviour. She fortunately for us left the house and

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went to pay a visit to a Lady Ailmore who had disgraced her title by marrying some low man when the present Lord Ailmore was a boy of seven years of age.

The Carmarthen people were much irritated against us, the streets being narrow we pulled down their porches which projected out, as the coach passed by: they then came out and set upon us like a pack of hounds, but the coachman used to whip his horses to get out of hearing of their abuse. We also had some difficulty at the turn pikes as they often refused tickets and as we went every day an airing a few miles, they opposed our coming back without paying. It was impossible for strangers to be pleased with the behaviour of the town's people in South Wales.

The Welsh mutton is as small as our lamb but fine flavoured and they have a fish called suin that far exceeds our salmon trout and their cheese was excellent and the best perry and cider I ever tasted. The Welsh harp playing in almost every house in the evening was delightfull. Griffith Williams Esq. used to come to church with eight livery servants dressed in green and gold made such a figure in a country church.

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We left Wales at the end of three months and returned by Monmouthshire and came through the forrest of Dean eight miles in dreadful roads only one house for to get refreshments for man or beast. We stopp at this small publick house to dine, but before we had proceeded two miles the main spring of the carriage broke from the badness of the road: We got a terrible fright, as no help could be had but our own three men who set to work and took of the cording from some of the trunks and tyed it up which made it secure, and we arrived at Bath very safe, tho' I was seized with a rheumatick fever which confined me to my bed room for some weeks.

The air of Wales was so very sharp that it brought on a rheumatick disorder that has never entirely left me in my face and head.

I continued nine months with my Aunt Dawson, who did not seem the least inclined to part with me until Mr Young lost all patience having twice come upon leave from his captain - the present Admiral Thornborough^[15] and staid a month with the hopes that I would return with him to Portsmouth, but my Aunt always opposed my leaving her wishing me to live entirely with her while Mr Young continued in the 'Hebe' frigate on that station. But this he would

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The frigate 'Hebe' in 1795

not agree to and took a house and furnished it at the town of Portsea; and after many conflicts between duty and the fear of losing the freindship of my Aunt I risked the latter and determined on going to my house at Portsea. I there found everything very comfortable and pleasant. I was soon visited by Admiral and Mrs Roddam,^[16] Sir Thomas and Lady Briggs, who was a relation by marriage, and many other familys of military and naval officers of the greatest respectability.

Nothing could exceed the attention of the Port Admiral's Lady, Mrs Roddam,^[17] and indeed of all my kind friends who made it their study to make the place agreeable to me, I scarcely ever spent a day alone, always some kind friend calling to take me to their houses and loaded me with their favours; being invited to so many publick dinners at the Port Admiral's and the Lieut' Governor's, I had the opportunity of seeing some of our most distinguished characters both military and naval also some of our princes when they visited the different Arsenals at Portsmouth and were generally entertained at the Port Admiral's or by Sir Charles Saxton,^[18] commissioner of the Dockyard.

After five years and a half passed in the greatest happiness, a melancholy change took place which I must pass over. On the breaking out of the French, Mr Young was appointed to the

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Thalia frigate, Capt Grindall. The ship being new and just painted brought on a bilious fever which cost him his life. I left Portsmouth in June 1793 and went to Mrs Backhouse in London. I was confined three months by illness brought on by excess of grief. My Aunt Dawson requested I should live with her. Therefore my house was given up to my ever revered friend Mr and Mrs Glegg, a surgeon in the navy, who performed all the offices of the kindest relation to me, when I had not one of my that would come to me in my distress to settlle my affairs and dispose of my furniture. All this was done for me by those two valuable friends, who I had accidently got acquainted with by my residence at Portsea.

As one trouble seldom comes alone, my grief was increased by the sudden death of my dear mother three months after Mr Young's dicease. I left London in Sept 1793 and arrived at Bath in bad spirits and my health much impaired. I was two years before I could enjoy any society but that of my Aunt: but time and the constant variety that Bath affords rendered me a little more chearfull and indeed I made every exertion on my Aunt's account.

In the summer we went to Bristol, had a lodging near the terrace at Clifton to be near the

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Pumproom. I was much pleased with the romantic views. We rode out every fine morning for three hours: therefore got well acquainted with the beauties of the country. We sometimes went and breakfasted at Kingswood where we had a view of the passage to Wales.

After leaving Clifton we went to London. I spent some time at Kensington where I had the opportunity of walking every day in those beautiful gardens and seeing all the beauty and fassion of the Metropolis.

We proceeded to Windsor, as we had the offer of Col. Rook's house in Windsor Castle, he having some place at Court and being my Uncle Dawson's nephew made it more pleasant. His family being at some watering place we had the whole house to ourselves. Being opposite to the Queen's house, I had the opportunity of seeing all the Royal Family almost every hour in the day and in the evening on the Terrace, where I had the honor of walking with the Bishop of Salisbury^[19] and his lady.

John Douglas, Bishop of Salisbury

His Majesty and the Queen conversed with Mrs Douglas when I had hold of her arm, which was very gratifying to me, as it gave me an opportunity of getting a nearer view of their persons than seeing them pass. I took particular notice of the Queen's dress. She had an

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old fashioned striped lutestring silk ^[20] gown with a lining of the same down the side of the peticoat, a yellow white silk cloak with blond lace, a white chip hatt with a white rose in front and his Majesty's picture set with diamonds, a most excellent likeness.

Charlotte, wife of George III

The King talked so long to Mrs Douglas that the Queen at last gave him a gentle pull to get him away, as the Bow Street runners was watching with the eyes of an Argus for fear of any ill disposed person coming near him. His Majesty took notice of a young man who stood near us - asked him what was the matter with his eye: he also spoke to the young man's sister and asked her how long she staid at Windsor &c. I every day during our stay went to see the troops reviewed in the Park or upon Windfield Plain as we used to take an airing every day. It was a beautifull sight to see His Majesty enter the field with his five sons.

When the line was formed and the King appeared down dropt the colours, a ceremony only used to Majesty. During the salute the King on his charger with his hatt off was a grand and solemn appearance. He rode all the length of the line and came up galloping on the other side behind the soldiers and then joined his sons and the rest of the Royal Family

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who were in open carriages. I always contrived to get as near as possible to hear them converse, which I often did in Windsor great Park and often went so close to their horses' heels that I had nearly got my brains dashed out as the horses never stood still capering and plunging.

When a girl, going to school at Richmond, in Surrey, the King had to check the reins of his horse, or it would have gone over me, for I was crossing the road, never heard the horses coming untill they were upon me. As soon as I saw it was the King I stept on one side and made a curtsy, which pleased his Majesty: he nodded and smiled at me, as well as his attendants: the Princesses also bowed and smiled at me. One day when I met them in there landeau I made a stop not knowing whether I was to proceed or go on they saw my perplexity and kindly relieved it my noticing me. The King always bowed to my Aunt Dawson on the Terrace, as there was something majestick in her look. His Majesty had remembered her from the time she was presented at Court and the strong likeness she bore to her father who was his grandfather's Chaplain.

I never spent my time more pleasantly than at Windsor. I went frequently to Eton to visit my cousins Dr and Mrs Goodall.

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My Aunt was induced to dine one day at Eton to meet a large party, which she was not fond of: however I injoyed it much to see all the grandees of Eton Colledge. I also had a perticuler invitation to dine and then to join a party of pleasure in a boat to see all the Eton Scholars row in boats all dressed in fancy dresses, satin mantles with silver fringe, the boy at the steerage with a plume of austrich'd feathers in his hat and pink satten mantles eight boats and all different dressed. There was a cold colation prepared for them in the field. As soon as they landed they houza'd, through a cloak over them and sat down at the table and seemed to injoy everything; four bands of music playing all the time they were at dinner. We landed from our boat Mrs Goodall, Mr Thackery another lady myself two gentlemen who would row and soon run us aground

My cousin fainted and we were all in danger of being overset: but luckily we were rescued from this perilous situation and soon got upon Tera Firma. We then walked round the tables and injoyed seeing them so happy. There came a message from his Majesty requesting they would repare to their boats, as the Royal Family were upon a stand opposite the water in order to have a view of them They rowed

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three times past the stand laying on their orrs and cheered nine times. They seemed much pleased and greeted them with a compliment which they returned with bursts of applause. Fireworks finished their evenings amusement. I did not wish to stay to see the conclusion, but Mrs Goodall would not release me untill all was over.

The second time we came to Windsor we lodged in one of the Poor Knights' houses and continued six weeks and then proceeded to Cheltenham. The waters are reckoned very salubrous and of much service to invalids, but, after they affected the King so much, people were afraid of drinking them. I did not admire the place much. Except the walk to the Pump Room there was nothing worth seeing. The inhabitance were not pleasent and at the library they were rude and disobliging.

I was very glad when my Aunt ordered us to pack up and go to Oxford, a place I much admired. I had the greatest pleasure in viewing the colleges, particulerly Queen's as my father was so many years there. It brought to my recollection how often I had heard him describe the beauties of his attachment to that place. My Aunt once had a lodging at Kettle Hall, a place well known by the students.

From Oxford we went to London and from

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thence to Bath, the place I delighted the most in, where I met with so many of my friends from all parts of the world.

I used frequently to go to the Rooms, both upper and lower Assembly Rooms, as I never was at a loss for a party at Bath and was sure to get partners, tho' hundreds of ladies used to be without, wishing so much for to dance. At the Master of the Ceremony's Ball there was seldom less than thirteen hundred people. I had the honor of dancing and turning hands with the Statholder and several of the nobility at the time the Prince of Wertingberg was at Bath, a short time before he married our Princess Royal. He stood at the head of the room to see the Country dances, as he was to corpulent to attempt dancing" indeed the statholder had better let it alone, as I never saw such a vulger coarse man among such smart people. He moved so heavy as if he was asleep.

The Bridal night of Prince Wurttemberg and the Princess Royal

The Duke and Dutchess of York were at Bath at that time and was much admired for her affability and goodness. She patronised a concert for the benefit of the Sunday schools and attended herself, when she was so ill that the Duke had to apply the smelling bottle most all the time. As I saw opposite I saw all his attention to her. I used to meet her at

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eight o'clock in the morning going to the Pump Room in her pattins, holding up her cloathes to drink the water. She amused Doctor Randolph one day at dinner with tellling him of a pert speech she had heard made by a Miss who her father was finding fault with for having neglected to keep her cloathes out of the dirt. "La' Papa" she said "it is quite the fashion, for the Dutchess of York has often a dragle tale".

The Dutchess was in a private room in the library and heard this fine remark. She told Dr Randolph the Miss was quite mistaken for no one took more pain to prevent it by holding her cloathes well up when she walked. She unfortunately set herself on fire when at Bath. She had locked herself into her bedroom, it was supposed to say her prayers and kneeling to near her lamp her dress took fire. Her screams brought the Duke from the dinner room, who immediately broke open the door and soon extinguished the flame, tho' not untill she was much burnt in one arm, which she wore in a sling for long, but used to walk about just the same as ever, often unattended.

The Duke was very attentive to her at that time. He would carry her muff, or, if any of her ribbons gave way, put them in his pocket.

In the year 1798 we spent the summer at South-

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hampton. A family from Bath who we were very intimate with was there at the same time. A Mr and Miss Dobbs, who was much admired for her amiable disposition and devoting the greatest part of her time for the benefit of the poor.

She had a school of her own, which she regularly attended, walking to Church with them every Sunday. She also gave her assistance to the 'Repository' established at Bath: Miss Hanah Moor being patroness, but Miss Dobbs took all the trouble upon herself and gave the greatest satisfaction. Few young people possessed of beauty and a large fortune would have undertaken so troublesome an office and given up their time and pleasure for the good of the poor. She was a ____and valuable young lady and I was much attached to her.

We went with the Honorable Mrs FitzWilliams in my Aunt's carriage to the Assembly, as strangers must be introduced to the Master of the Ceremonies by a subscriber and then they are provided with partners for all the evening. I never spent a pleasanter night, as I danced every dance. My last partner was an officer, a Captain Small, a very genteel and well behaved man, paid me great attention during my stay at Southampton, engaged me for the next

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assembly and purposed a number of parties of pleasure with his friends, which I declined, not wishing to form any intimacy with redcoats.

Southampton is a pretty, clean town. The walks and rides were very pleasant and the inhabitance very polite and agreeable.

The following summer my Aunt gave me a treat by going a jaunt to East Kent. We took up our quarters at the old city of Canterbury. I spent all my mornings in rambling to see all the curiositys of this ancient city, the cathedral, all the publick walks &c. There was four regiments quartered in the town. Each had a most excellent band which played morning and evening on the Abbey green, where the company promenade. We had every attention paid us by the first people in the town and neighbourhood owing to our being relatives of the late Dr Regis. At his death, his successor was the late Doctor Lynch who modernised the parsonage house, pulled down a large hall that would have held all the people of the village of Adisham. He exchanged with the Rev. Mr Palmer took the prebendary of Canterbury which is only five hundred a year and gave up the living which is now one thousand per annum.

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I was invited by an old friend of my mother's to spend some time with her and her son Mr Dilnot who was a gentleman farmer. They had a house at Patricksburne, quite a curiosity for neatness and elegance. They purposed taking me a short tour round the seacoast and as they had friends and acquaintance at every stage, we were well intertained and met with no difficulties. We made a stop at Deal, Dover, Sandgate, Hithe and several other places the names of which I have forgot. We took a view of every place that was worth looking at, went a shopping at the different towns and on our return home we spent a day and a night with a daughter of Mrs Dilnot's who married a son of Admiral Harvey's and who had a beautifull country seat, most extensive grounds and the most delightfull gardens with hott houses and all kinds of fruit in abundance. We were most hospitably entertained. We finished our tour with a visit to the parsonage at Adisham. I was much gratified at being in the house where my mother was brought up, she was born in London, but spent most of her young days untill she married.

We met with a great disappointment when we arrived, as Mr Palmer had just set of

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for Margate, but we took possession of the house and went into every room, some of which were well worth seeing, the drawing room, the dining room and the studdy, which I admired the most as it looked so comfortable and a very large library. I left my card stuck in the glass that Mr Palmer might get a surprise when he returned to to do duty the following Sunday. The moment he saw my card he mounted his horse and came post haste to Canterbury to pay his respects and to give us an invitation to dinner, which we declined as we were preparing to leave the place in a few days. He pretended to lament this as a sad misfortune that we should have been three month in the neighbourhood and never heard of our being in Kent. As he was a man of the world and not a very liberal character, we gave him very little credit either for the sorrow or disappointment he expressed, but as a single man he was afraid I would give a bad report of him among his acquaintance at Bath as he gennerally spent his winters there and was much at Mrs Dawson's. He was always very very polite in noticing me in publick and when we met at the rooms, asking me to dance. He was a very handsome man, under thirty years of age and a genneral admirer of the ladies but was so

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penurious that without he could have met with a large fortune and all things suitable, he would not marry.

I was much pleased with our excursion into Kent. Mr Wm Dawson took a country house two miles from Canterbury called Harble Down. We kept up a daily intercourse with him and his family. I had great pleasure in going frequently to fetch my little cousins to spend a day with their grandmama. They desired I would not ask their governess, Madam Mountalimbert, a French Countess, as they did not wish to have the least restraint upon their pleasure, and would kneel all round me in the carriage begging I would tell them some marvelous stories. Two girls were then eight and nine of age and the boys younger, fine handsome children.

In the year 1799 we went to Malvern Wells, took possession of the parsonage house, excepting two rooms, which the clergyman kept for himself, who had formerly been a very gay man and wishing to retrench he dismissed all his servants except one man who was his cook slut^[21] and butler. When his wife died, he laid down his carriage and lived like a hermit, and let his house and garden for four guineas a

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week. I was much amused with the exentricity of his character. He would sometimes come and sit with (us?) after dinner, but always brought in his own tankerd of ale, as no one could persuade him to take wine or anything but ale of his own brueing.

The hills at Malvern reminded me of some of the Welsh mountains. Tho' not near so high, they looked green and pretty, fine springs of water and beautifull walks through a wood to the publick wells, where the company drink the waters. There is a large Pump room, a good Assembly room and some neat lodging houses. The people who attend at the wells inform you of the wonderfull cures done by the waters.

I left my Aunt Dawson and went to Worcester. I had to wait a day or two for a coach to Leeds to make a long promised visit to a Mr Paley's family. I had several times plan'd this journey, but my Aunt always opposed my leaving her, as if she had a presentiment of her losing me entirely if once out of her sight, which proved to be the case in the sequel.

I took a view of the town of Worcester, the Cathedral, the China manufactory and in the evening I went to see the wax-work figures of the royal family of France as well as England then exhibiting.

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The following day I got forward to Gloucester and there took up a young lady going to Newcastle. I was much pleased with her and she found me a useful fellow traveller as I prevented her being imposed upon and assisting her to take care of her luggage. As she had never travelled before, she was quite at a loss. There was a gentleman in the coach who we discovered to be the son of Lord Hardwick going to Birmingham on military business. He was very attentive and polite, appeared much interested for Miss Byne; particularly when I left her to secure our places in the Sheffield coach for the next day. On my return to the Inn, I found my fellow traveller in tears, supposing that as I had disappeared, I had left her to manage for herself. She was overjoyed at my return and I told her how I had managed to prevent our disappointment in getting forward. Had I mentioned my intention before the passengers in the coach, they would have got before me and we thrown out of places and stopt on the road for some days. The waiter at the Inn at Worcester had given me this caution. The gentleman, our fellow traveller, lamented my disappearance on Miss Byne's account as he found she was entirely at a loss how to proceed without me. He was directing her to a better Inn when I appeared and explained

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the reason of my sudden flight. He appeared rejoiced that all had ended well, wished us a good journey.

As we had to stay a day and a night at Birmingham, after securing our room, we locked up our trunks and went to see the town which is very large. The church and squares were worth seeing, but we were struck with nothing else. We retired to our room as we had to set forward to Sheffield at four o'clock in the morning.

Miss Byne then gave me a little history of herself. She was niece to Mrs Carr of Dunston Hill^[22] in the county of Northumberland who was so unnatural as her brother had married some low person she could not brooke his children by this woman should inherit the estate: therefore as soon as her brother died, she had the boy and the girl concealed and given out that they were dead. When the boy was old enough, he was bound to the sea without having been learned to read or even to say his prayers. The girl was boarded at a hutt on Gateshead Fell, where she was kept in profound ignorance who she was and was neither learned to head work or do anything At the age of fourteen she had everything to learn. Doctor Poyntz of Durham hearing there was two children concealed he made it his business to find them out, and discovered the boy in some ship quite a profligate, ignorant of his own name, and having

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had no education, was quite like a young savage. Search was then made for the girl who was found in the situation described. What was my astonishment when I found in my fellow traveller this ill-treated young lady, who appeared to have been brought up from her childhood with every advantage. She was gracefull in her person, remarkably handsome, a tall fine figure and appeared sensible and interesting. She accounted for improvements in having been put to Miss Smith's boarding school and her great desire to make up for so much lost time. She had applied herself to the different branches of education that in three years she had learnt as much as some would in ten.

The reversion of her brother's estate was sold when he came of age for twenty thousand pounds. He married a lady, a very charming woman at sixteen many years older than he was. She put him to school at Boldon to the Rev. Mr Robinson, and took a great deal of pains with him, but his mind being so long in an uncultivated state, he still continued his thoughtless way, had no idea of economy, had a taste for dissipation. After his wife died, left him two children he took his sister from school to keep his house in Savile Row, Newcastle and to see to the children, but he soon consoled himself by

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marrying a Roman Catholick lady who had five thousand pounds. He then left Newcastle, took his sister and his children into the South, kept his carriage and dashed as long as the cash would hold out. His wife and him quarel'd and were obliged to separate. the children placed at a boarding school at Taunton near Bath and Miss Byne sent back to Miss Smith School.

At the time I met with her I was much affected at the relation of her story, which cost her many tears before she could get through with it: but she said that the interest I had taken and my care of her demanded her confidence and gratitude. We got to Sheffield at a late hour and was much importuned by a gentleman to take a chaise and go immediately forwards to Leeds; but I considered it a great risk for two females to trust themselves with a stranger to travell alnight and positively declined going. Miss Byne was much hurt and even shed tears at the disappointment, but when I pointed out my reasons she was more thankfull than ever that she had met with a friend who knew the world and a little more of mankind than she did, as she owned she was such a novice in these matters that if she had been quite alone and the gentleman

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had proposed there going in a chaise at night quite dark, she never would have hesitated but accepted his offer.

We arrived safe at Leeds at eleven o'clock at night, where I found Mr Paley's man waiting for me. I just step'd into the coach office to secure a place for Miss Byne to Newcastle, but all was taken for two days. She was then in the greatest distress to have to wait at the Inn by herself two days. I gave her all the comfort I could and told her I was sure the moment I mentioned her situation to my friends, they would not suffer her to remain long there, which was the case; for they sent back the man, as soon as I mentioned the circumstance.

She declined coming that night, as she had bespoke her bed. Miss Paley arose early in the morning and brought her to their house, where she was made welcome untill a place was procured and she arrived safe at Newcastle without any further adventure. I sent her heavy luggage by the waggon. She wrote me a pretty letter of thanks, also to my friends for their polite attention to her.

When I arrived at Newcastle two months after, I called upon her and she visited me

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at my brother's.

The civility and kindness I met with at Leeds, I shall never forget: every pains was taken to intertain me. After seeing the woollen manufactory, the cotton wills and everything that was curious, Mr and Mrs Paley took me to York races. We spent a week there. I was much delighted with the Cathedral. I also went to the Assembly Rooms, which are so much admired, but I thought the pillars made the building look heavy. I must own I give the Upper Rooms at Bath the preference.

From there we went to Harrowgate. I was much pleased with all I saw their. We dined at the publick table, saw all the company drink the waters: the smell was dreadfull as we approached the waters. I should like to have continued their much longer. I liked Harrowgate very much.

On our return to Leeds I found Mr and Mrs Dawson had arrived. I was much delighted. I prolonged my stay and on their departure for London, I came forward to Newcastle to pay a visit to my brother, Wm Potter and my dear sister Charlton.

I spent a month at Hexham with her, and on my return to my brother I found a letter

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from Mr Collingwood of Chirton requesting me to spend a few days with him, and he would send his carriage for me on any day I would fix. Tho' I only intended to stay a few days, he kept me a fortnight, taking me to see all my old acquaintance and inviting all my perticuler friends to dinner with me at his house. He took me to Whitley to see Mrs Hudson, all my acquaintance in Dockwray Square, Tynemouth.

In short, nothing could exceed his polite attention. His old servants were quite amazed to see him have his carriage out all weather sent to Newcastle for reinforcements of cloathes.

I had great difficulty to get away at the end of the fortnight, and as the season was getting late for my journey to Bath, I was obliged to be positive and determined. I had my poor brother James to see at Morpeth and I was under a solemn promise to Mr Marshall of South Shields that I would not leave the North untill I had made him a visit of a few days, which ended in my spending another fortnight at Shields, as he and Mrs Marshall were so very kind and hospitable I had some difficulty

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in leaving them.

It was when on my visit to them I got acquainted with Mr R. Bulmer, who with the rest of his family were so perticulerly kind that I formed an attachment which I expect will only end with my life.

It was November before I began my journey to Bath. The weather and roads were so bad that the coach stuck fast on the hill at Grantham. Another pair of horses was put to the coach and the six could not move it. A farmer, passing by and seeing our situation, put his five horses too, which made Elisa myself and another lady jump out of the coach and stuck fast in the clay untill some men came and assisted us in getting out.

My assistant proved to be a Maniack who had escaped from his keepers and was attracted by the curious appearance of us all. He behaved so rational that I should never have discovered anything was the matter with him.

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A letter to Catherine Potter from Mr William Dundas dated Hatfield 7th Nov 1783.

Dear Catherine

I have taken up the pen merely to tell you that we are not all dead and to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to Mrs Dundas, which she has long talked of doing herself, but you know she was never fond of writing and I think she grows less so if possible. My wife complains of her legs. Rheumatick I suppose. She imputes this to the want of sea-bathing. She mustered up both strength and spirits to go through a very busy and fatiguing walk at Doncaster, where we went to the Mayor's Feast, a great deal of company, but a great scramble for seats at least among the gentlemen. What it was amongst the ladies I know not, as they were seated before we went upstairs. The custom is very stupid and disagreeable; for, altho' the ladies and gentlemen dine in the same room, they have no intercourse, unless the eyes speak and that is not very practicable, as the ladies are stuck up at a table by themselves and the gentlemen at another. After dinner the ladies and I believe, many gentlemen, having drunk wine and pocketed as many dry sweetmeats as they can lay their hands on, retire. The ladies go pay their visits and the gentlemen, some to the bottle and others to dress etc etc. At eight o'clock all meet again to tea, where those that chose it

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have an opportunity of showing all the wit they were necessitated to deprive the ladies of at Dinner by their backward situations. The whole concludes with a ball. There is the same business goes forward the next day, but not the same company. A great many 'Misses', among the rest, your two young friends. We have not seen them since, to know how they liked it. So much for the feast.

I did not expect this 7th day of November '83 to have been scribbling to a giddy spinster, whatever I might have been doing to grave Mrs Young. You mention in your letter that the gentleman had been some weeks at Wallsend. In my opinion he must be a very cool sentimental lover indeed, to have been so long absent - return - be four weeks under the same roof with his beloved - all matters of consent etc settled, and goes away as he came.

I beg my compliments to Mrs Potter: tell her I thought she had known the world better: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If it was necessary for him to continue in the navy for a while he might have brought you this far and left you with us. We would have been glad at your company. My wife complains of company

page 57 folio 370

when I go out, the children being at school.

You had been misinformed, I fancy, about Capt. Dundas being at Tynemouth this winter.

Have you seen my nephew who commands the Reg't. now at Newcastle. He is a handsome young man that ought, as I said before, to have been nothing to your 'ere this, but as matters stand, you must have a little flirtation at times. Has my friend, Louisa Jane got any gentle swain to give her a palpitation at present? If not, I will write to my nephew. You remember Captⁿ Spencer of the Dragoons at Hexham? He was at Doncaster last week and enquired after you.

I dare say I have tried you with so much nonsense, if you have patience to read so far: I will therefore have pity on you and conclude with Mrs Dundas best respects to Mr and Mrs Potter, Louisa and yourself.

Remember us all to other friends at Wallsend and Hexham when you write, and to Mr and Mrs Waters. They would tell you that they had been sometime in this part of the world. They were two nights with us.

I am, dear Kitty

Your sincere friend and well wisher

W^m Dundas.

copied from the original M.Ss by Edward Bulmer 6 Park Street York April 1912.

• Copyright © Rachel Bulmer [Bulmer-1043] 2022. All rights reserved.

---

Footnotes

1. ↑ Lord Delval's father Francis succeeded the old Duke as MP for Northumberland
2. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Algernon_Seymour,_7th_Duke_of_Somerset&oldid=1092277535 (accessed June 20, 2022).
3. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "East Indiaman Northumberland (1805 EIC ship)" Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Northumberland_(1805_EIC_ship)&oldid=998851419 (accessed June 19, 2022)
4. ↑ Marriage Allegation for William Dundas and Isabella Waters witnessed by Emmanuel Potter England, Durham Diocese, ... & Allegations, 1692-1900: "England, Durham Diocese, ... & Allegations, 1692-1900"
   Catalog: England, Durham, Durham Diocese, Mandate for Wetherell appointment; and marriage licence bonds and allegations Marriage licence bonds and allegations, DDR/EJ/MLA/1/1776, January-December 1776
   Image path: England, Durham Diocese, Marriage Bonds & Allegations, 1692-1900 > 1776 > DDR EJ MLA 1 1776 > image 98 of 949
   FamilySearch Image: S3HY-6PHS-TK5 (accessed 20 June 2022)
5. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Shawdon Hall," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shawdon_Hall&oldid=1083676775 (accessed June 21, 2022)
6. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, Edward Collingwood (1734–1806), a barrister and coal mine owner of Chirton "Dissington Hall," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dissington_Hall&oldid=1083047770 (accessed June 21, 2022)
7. ↑ Admiral Nathan Brunton Stockton Heritage heritage.stockton.gov.uk (accessed June 2022)
8. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "George Brydges Rodney, 1st Baron Rodney," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Brydges_Rodney,_1st_Baron_Rodney&oldid=1093224663 (accessed June 21, 2022)
9. ↑ Trial of Frances Sykes for adultery lawcat.berkeley.edu/record/382748 (accessed June 2022)
10. ↑ Will: "England & Wales, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858"
    The National Archives; Kew, Surrey, England; Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Series PROB 11; Class: PROB 11; Piece: 1475
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 5111 #112248 (accessed 21 June 2022)
    Will of The Reverend Philip Duval of St Marylebone, Middlesex, England, granted probate on 30 Mar 1808. Died Abt 1808.
11. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Joseph Goodall," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joseph_Goodall&oldid=991395037 (accessed June 21, 2022)
12. ↑ Philip Duval was chaplain to the Duke of Gloucester
13. ↑ 2nd Earl Liverpool, Prime Minister 1812–27
14. ↑ Circulating Library and Reading Room in Bath, England There were about 600 circulating libraries across England by the end of the 18th century. Most towns were lucky to have one. But Bath had ten to serve the growing influx of leisure visitors. The most elaborate was on Milson Street. James Marshall and Samuel Pratt opened their reading room in 1787. It catered to the elite and famous including royalty, nobles, knights plus military and religious leaders. As tourism declined in Bath, however, so did the circulating libraries. By 1820, many of the original establishments were gone.
15. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Edward Thornbrough," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edward_Thornbrough&oldid=1022751572 (accessed June 21, 2022)
16. ↑ Robinson Shears (Vol 17)
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Image (accessed 21 June 2022)
    Robert Roddam
17. ↑ probably Alithea Calder Mrs Roddam Marriage: "Westminster, London, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1935"
    St George, Hanover Square > 1768-1777
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Image (accessed 21 June 2022)
    Robert Roddam
18. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Sir Charles Saxton, 1st Baronet," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sir_Charles_Saxton,_1st_Baronet&oldid=1013651444 (accessed June 21, 2022)
19. ↑ Best known for outing Lauder's accusations of plagiarism against John Milton (Paradise Lost) as fraudulent. In April 1765, he married, 2ndly, Eliz. daughter of Henry Brudenell Rooke.[Wikipedia contributors, "William Douglas (priest)," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Douglas_(priest)&oldid=997707495 (accessed June 22, 2022)]
20. ↑ A silk fabric much used in the 18th century. In the reign of William and Mary, an Act was passed for the encouragement of the making of alamode and lutestring silks in England
21. ↑ kitchen maid or 'drudge'
22. ↑ see profile of John Carr