Showing 304 results

The volume belonged to Miss Eleanor Williamson, (who married Robert Woodhouse).

The position had been made vacant by the death of John Fuller, clerk. Issued by John Fountayne, clerk, M.A. Dean and the Chapter of St Peter’s. Exhibited at Visitation 1751.

Williamson was a burgess and perukemaker.

Regarding his appointment of Peggy Wilson as laundry maid at Castle Howard.

‘Dear Brother,

I Resevd yours & By your Disier (desire) hes seen Pegy Willson & as you is so kind to give her the ofer of my Lordes Landerey made plase (Laundry-maid place) she thinks her self much oblegd to you & will be glad to except of it & is Reidey to when Ever theay want her if you pleass to give my complements to Mrs. Shiperdson & Let her know that Pegey is very Clever at geting up Linin and good temperd & sivel (Civil) I hope she will Like her very will & hear is a mostLikely young woman that hes Lived all most 3 years with afamely that I know very well and whear Mrs. Whitel is very kind & she wass very much thearfor Days to gether & she says that she is a very hounest good temperd working Sarvant & she is a very good Louking young wooman I hope my sister will Like her the famley went out of town or she had not Left them.
She is a gierl that will be very Disiers of geting her hous work Doun (done) that she may a sist in Sowin or Eney thing my sister may think fite she is very Disiers to sarve you if you aprove of her she is in her Marster Hous until she go to plase but she is at Libertey when Ever you want her Pleass to give my kind Love to my Sister & Blessing to all my Neweys (Nephews) & neises (Nieces) I hope Bobey is beter by this time Dear Brother I am your Ever Loving Sister
C: Taylor
P:S: your ancer I hope will coum with all speed’

Grant of Administration to Jane Pearson of York, widow of John Pearson, peruke maker. Includes seal of the Prerogative Court of York.

He was now in the third book and second fable of Ovid, expected to start Virgil soon and had been given a Greek grammar.

‘Honoured Father
I am very Glad to hear that your leg is much better. I am now in the Third Book & Second Fable of Ovid, and Mr. Flower has class’d me with one Cooper & Walker. Cooper is a relation of Mr. Peirson’s and is a very clever Boy. Mr. Peirson gave me two Grammars yesterday a Greek and a Geografica one, but I have heard him say about me going into Virgil. I receiv’d my Hat on Saturday Sonnit (?) and it fits me very well. So I must Conclude with Duty to you and my Mother and love to all my Brothers and Sisters
I am your most Dutiful son
Jno. Forth’

Small account book of J Woodhouse’s expenses (see two pages from end for his signature) incurred on journeys to London, Portsmouth, Bristol, Scarborough, Hull, Liverpool and Scotland with addresses and details of comb and horn dealers and vessels at Liver

Receipt by J Volans for £10 for instructing Miss Forth in the millinery business.

John describes the examination system there in great detail. The preliminary disputations were performed with much spirit but in ungrammatical and in classical Latin. Students were then examined in divisions by the Moderators - in the Elements of Mathematics, natural Philosophy, Locke’s Essay on the Human Understanding, Butler’s Analogy, Clerk’s Attributes and Rutherford’s Institutes. They were required to attend for 5 days between the hours 8-9, 9.30-11, 1.30-3 and 3.30-5.

‘Honoured Father
The peculiarity of the Academical Exercises, which are preparatory to the conferring of the First Degree in Arts in this University, renders me fully persuaded that the following representation of that Part of our Discipline together with a short Deliniation of one Examination in the Senator House, will be very acceptable to you, who must be quite unacquainted with our present Forms of Education.

At the end of the Month of January, the two Proctors, whose offices are to prohibit as far as possible all Riots in the University, to correct Youths who are subject to be intoxicated, or to frequent Houses of bad Fame &, send their Servants round to every College in the University (Trinity Hall and Kings College excepted) to procure a List of the Students, who, in the subsequent January, intend to offer themselves as Candidates for the Bachelor’s Degree. The Names of the Students, being thus collected, are delivered to one of the two Moderators, who transcribes into a book, for purposes, which will be presently explained. The Moderators are annually chosen upon the tenth of Octr. Their proper office is to preside, alternately, at the public Exercises of the Students, and to examine them, at the Time of them offering themselves for their Degree. These exercises are held in the Afternoon in the public Schools, for five Days in the week during Term time; The Moderator appearing at two; & frequently continuing until the Clock strikes four. Upon the first Monday after the Commencement of the January term, The Moderator, whose turn it is to preside, gives written Notice to one of the Students in his List, that it is Pleasure he should appear in the public Schools, as a Disputant, on that Day fortnight. This Person, who is now called the Respondent, in a few Hours after he has received his Summons, waits on the Moderator with three Propositions, or Questions the truth of which he has to maintain against the Objections of any three students of the same Year, whom the Moderator shall think proper to nominate, & who on this Occasion are called Opponents. The Questions proposed by the Respondent, are written upon four seperate Papers according to a form, of which the following is a specimen.

(Several lines of Latin)

At the Bottom of three of these papers, the Moderator writes the Names of three Students whom he thinks capable of opposing the Questions of the Respondent with the words : Opponentium primus, secondus, or tertius, denoting the Order in which the opponents are to appear. One of these Papers is sent to each Opponent; & from that which remains, the Moderator at his Leisure transcribes Questions together with the Names of the Respondent & Opponents, into his books. When one Moderator has thus given out the Exercises for one week, he sends the Book to the other, who proceeds according to the same Method, and then returns his Book to his Colleague. The Fortnight of Preparation being expired, the Respondent appears in the Schools, he ascends the Rostrum, & reads a Latin Dissertation (called with us a Thesis) upon any of the three Questions he thinks proper, the Moderator attending in his Place. As soon as the Res. has finished his Thesis, which generally takes ten or fifteen Minutes in the reading, The Moderator calls upon the first opponent to appear: he immediately ascends a Rostrum opposite to the Resp. & proposes his Arguments against the Questions in syllogistical Form : Eight Arguments each consisting of three or four Syllogisms, are brought up by the first opp. five by the second, & three by the third. When the Exercises have for some time been carried on according to the strict Rules of Logic, the Disputation insensibly slides into free & unconfined Debate : the Moderator in the Mean Time explaining the Argts. of the Oppts. when necessary restraining both Parties from wandering from the Subject & frequently adding at the close of each Argt. his own Determination upon the Point in Dispute. These exercises are generally well attended, & consequently are often performed with much spirit. But could your old Friend Cicero rise again from the dead & be secretly conveyed behind the Rostrum at these Disputes, he would be highly shocked at the ungrammatical and unclassical Latin wch. is generally uttered by the students upon these Occasions.

The three oppts. having, in their Turns, exhausted their whole stock of Argts. are dismissed by the Moderator in their order, with such a Compliment as in his Estimation they deserve: & the Exercises close with the Dismission of the Respondent in a similar Manner. The Moderr. upon his return to his Chamber records the Merits of the Disputants by Marks set opposite their respective names. These Exercises are a Preparation for the subsequent Examination in January, some Days before which Time the Moderators meet for the Purpose of forming the Students into Divisions of six, eight or ten according to their Performance in the Schools, with a view for the ensuing Examination. Upon the first of the appointed Days for the Examination, at eight o’clock in the Morning, the Students enter the Senator House, Preceded by a Master of Arts from each College, who on this Occasion is called the Father of the College to which he belongs. After all the names of the Students are called over, each of the Moderators sends for a Division of the Students: they sit with him round a Table with Pens, Ink & Paper before them : he enters upon his Task of Examination and does not dismiss the set before the hour is expired. The Examination is varied according to the abilities of the students. The Moderator generally begins with proposing some Questions from the Six books of Euclid, plain Trigonometry, & the first Rules of Algebra. If any person fails in Answer, the Question goes to the next. From the Elements of Mathematics, a transition is made to the Four Branches of natural Philosophy, viz, Mechanics, Hydrostatics, Optics and Astronomy. If the Moderator finds the lesson under Examination capable of answering him, he proceeds to the eleventh and 12 book of Euclid Coning(?) Sections, Trigonometry sphericals, the higher parts of Algebra & Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia, more particularly those Sections which treat of the Motion of Bodies in eccentrics & revolving Orbits, the mutual Actions of Spheres, composed of Particles attracting each other according to various Laws, & the stupendous Fabrick (sic) of the world. The Philosophical Examination being closed, the last Day is spent in Examinations out of Locks Essay on the human Understanding, Butter’s Analogy, Clerk’s Attributes and Rutherforths Institutes. When the Division under Examination is one of the Higher Classes, Problems are also proposed, with wch the Student retires to a secret Part of the Senate House, & returns with his Solution upon Paper, to the Moderator, who, at his Leisure, compares it with the solutions of other Students, to whom the same Problems have been proposed. The Extraction of Roots, the Doctrine of (?) together with its application to the solution of Problems de Maximus or Minimus to the finding Areas of (?). The Resolution of Quadratics, Cubics, & Biquadratics & various Properties in natural Philosophy, form the Subject of these Problems. When the clock strikes nine, the Students are dismissed to breakfast, they return at half past nine & stay til eleven: they go in again at half past one and stay til three, & lastly they return at half past three and stay until five. The Hours of Attendances are same upon the subsequent Days; they are finally dismissed on the fifth Day. During the Hours of attendances, every Division is twice examined, daily in Form, once by each of the Moderators, who are engaged for the whole Time in this Employment. Every Master of Arts and Doctor of whatever faculty he be, has the liberty of examining whom he pleases & I assure you, they are all very zealous for the credit of their friends, and are incessantly employ’d in examining those Students who appear most likely to contest the Palm of Glory with their juvenile Acquaintances, after they have, from Examination, formed an accurate Idea of the knowledge of their Friends Competitors, they sometimes make a true but far oftener I fear a partial acccount of their absolute & comparative Merits to the Moderators. After the five Days of Examination are expired, the Moderators & Heads settle the comparative Merits of the Candidates & generally choose out about 20 or so Students who appear to them deserving of being distinguished by academical Approbation, wch they are set down in three Divisions, viz Wranglers first, Senior Optimes second and junior Optimes third, according to that order in wch they deserve to stand. The Divisions & afterwards printed and read over on an appointed Day before the assembled University. The students, generally about 60 or 70 in number; who appear to have merited neither Praise nor Censure, pass unnoticed. Wch number will testify to you, the Difficulty wch attends the promising of a decent Honour, especially a Wrangler. I have now sent you as accurate an Account of the Exercises that attend a student in his last year’s Education here as I possibly could make, & don’t doubt that you will keep it by you, as my Letter this Year will frequently force you to have recourse to it.

I am your Dutiful son
John Forth’

The letters are from Mrs C Taylor and John Forth. Please see item level descriptions for more detailed information about the contents of this series, including full transcripts of each letter.

Letters from William, Archbishop of York, of John Forth, B.A. of Jesus College, Cambridge, as a Deacon. Exhibited at Malton, 1788 and at Visitations in 1809 and 1810.

One bill contains wishes for success in studies, and another is addressed to Castle Howard, Near Malton, Yorkshire.

Letters from William Archbishop of York, of John Forth as a Priest. Exhibited at Malton, 1788 and at Visitations in 1809 and 1810.

Letters from James, Bishop of Ely of John Forth, clerk, as a Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge, vacant by the cession of Benj. Newton, M.A.

The letter concerns his father William Forth’s illness. Although the latter had been unable to undertake much more work for some years, Lord Carlisle was well satisfied and would continue to assist him as necessary. Mark Forth’s conduct had hurt his Lor

Settlement of the account between the Earl of Carlisle and the late Mr Wm. Forth. Balance due to the estate of late William Forth, £572.5.9¾.

Written on the death of his father, Wm Forth. Request him to send the interest due from Lord Carlisle.

‘Revnd Sir,
I condole with you for the loss of your Good Father and my Dear and Worthy Friend. I’m sorry for his family’s sake but it’s a debt due from all and must be paid in God’s Good time. I hope he is now a happy Angel, for he was one of Good Works and Inclinations. I now take the Liberty to desire of you to favour me in Collecting my Interest money now due to me from my Lord Carlisle, and if you please to favour me in that and with a line to me,
I will send you Just receipts on stam’t paper, as I use to do to my late Dear Friend, he use to send me a York Bank Bill to the ammount (sic) of what was then due on Messrs. Bolders & co. London, as this is concerning my Lord’s Affairs I have taken the Liberty to Inclose this in a Cover directed to my Lord, and placed a small Capital F just under thee Seal as usual, so that if my Lord was not at Castle Howard Mr. Forth knew it might be opened there.
I am Reverend Sir, Your most Obednt. and most humble servant,
William Gray.
Please direct to me at Long Orton near Peterborough
Turn at Stilton’

‘Dear Forth,
I am sorry to hear of the loss of you Father, but congratulate you on your Sucession to his office. - Shall be glad to see you as early as you can make it convenient on Tuesday next, as we have in the Evening a small Assembly where some of your Acquaintance I expect will be present. - I shall be exceedingly happy to see you and hope you will at that Time as well as at every other Season when you shall have either Business or Inclination to travel this Road make my House your Home.
I am, Dear Forth, Yours Sincerely
S. Harding’

Mr Lambert was an Attorney at Law, Malton, and executor of the late William Forth. As Mr Forth was tenant of a farm at Coneysthorp, the tenancy devolved upon him. He did not wish to submit him to a law suit, and desired only an amicable settlement.

Probate copy of the will and one additional copy.

The letter discusses the possible appointment of a Regent. 'To this time Mr Pitt has been victorious against him in every Question'. Asks for a brace of cock pheasants and a hare to be sent.

Detailed advice on the management of the Castle Howard estate, including an investigation of suspended poaching, management of servants, sending sheep, and game to Lord Carlisle in London, and payment of bills. 'I am fearful that from the incapability o

The letter regards the estate and tenants. Lord Carlisle wished to have a sketch in future before agreeing to any alterations in land use. Comments on the King’s (George III) madness and its effect on the Ministry.

The receipts relate to clothing for Miss Elizabeth Woodhouse.

The letter informs him of Lord Carlisle’s approbation of his intended marriage and agreement that he should have the best half of the house at Ganthorpe.

Accounts for sundry items bought by Miss (Elizabeth) Woodhouse prior to her marriage to Mr (John) Forth. Expenditure amounted to £117 9s 6d, spent on clothes and various household items.

The expenses relate to her three journeys to Bath with her aunt, Mrs (Elizabeth) Woodhouse; mileage travelled and inns visited en route; and expenditure in Bath, including hairdressing and the waters. Also includes information about 10 days in London on

About his imminent departure from Liverpool on the ship The Mary of Liverpool. The Captain is called Curry and appears to be an agreeable man. Intends to do some shopping in Cork where they stop for provisions, as goods are cheaper. He wishes to know what kind of journey his brother had, and assures him that he hopes to have a better situation and to satisfy his friends. Mentions having clothes altered etc. here rather than the W. Indies because of the expense. Will also write to his brother Thomas before his departure.

‘Dear Brother,
I have had this Instant sent to me from Mr. Couplands a Letter Directed to Mr. Jos Hatton St. Vincent. I have also been with the Captain who Informs me - that he has got orders to sail on Sunday Morning if the Weather permits the ship to sail if so I shall not have the happiness of a Line from you before my Departure but if we do not sail until Monday you may depend upon a Line from me by Sunday Post. The Captain Informs me he had a Gentleman wanted to take his passage to Grenada, but he has not seen him this morning, if he does take his Passage it will be very agreeable to me, The name of the Ship The Mary of Liverpool Captain Curry who is a very agreeable person, we Stop a few Days at Cork to take in Provisions & Butter where I shall buy some Shoes where they can be got for half the Value they can be got here and it is my wish to go upon as prudential a plan as Possibly I can.
I have taken the Liberty of Sending Mrs. Forth a letter, I forgot to mention in the Letter that I intended Buying 4 Pairs of Thread Stockings also a Hat, I shall not go to a great Price but what I shall get here before my Departure I shall send you every particular of what I lay out from Cork, If we be Detained by Contrary winds some days longer I shall write to you different times.
I am very well in health and in good spirits but should be more so if I had the Happiness of a Line acquainting me with what kind of journey you had & how you found Mrs. Forth & all Inquiring friends, I can assure you that from the Success of our Proceedings so far I hope that I may soon be in a much better situation (in a! little time - crossed out) than ever I was & have the Opportunity of being a Comfort to my friends for I can assure you nothing shall be wanting on my part to give Satisfaction to any Friends.
We took an excursion yesterday across the River into Cheshire I am sorry to inform you that Mrs. Montrose caught Cold and had a very bad Night and continues very poorly they are very worthy People they Desire to be remembered to you and Mr. Abels family.
I mentioned in the Letter I send (sic) to Mrs. Forth that I had taken the small Cloaths and Waistcoat to a Taylor to make up as Taylors Work is so Dear in the West Indies and I was asking a Person Yesterday who had been resident near 7 Years in the Past near the Island I am going to, he says they charge for making a Fustian or other light Coat 3 Dollars which is 15/- in Value I thought it would be a considerable saving having them made up in this Part
I shall send Brother Thos. a few Lines before my Departure, you will please to give my kind Comps to Mr Abels & all Inquiring friends.
May Health & Hapiness attend you Dear Brother is the Sincere wish of your ever affectionate Brother & most Obdt. H'ble Serv,t
M. Forth’

To say that he has arrived safely and has made the acquaintance of Mr Slee who has found him suitable lodgings etc. Mr. Alladice , Mr Slee’s friend and business acquaintance , has sailed and left Mr. Slee in charge of his affairs. He feels very honoured to have met Mr Thomas, Mr English and a Mr Snagg at Grenada. He says he is unhappy that he couldn’t go any further in his journey, but sold the shoes he brought from Cork and continued.

He is sending this letter by Capt. Curry as he is unhappy that it took so long due to the squalls that made him quite ill, but due to the hurricane season. He assures his brother that he is quite well and happy in Canouan, and Mr Slee’s friendship means a great deal to them both as he is the first person he has spoken to from their part of the county in fifteen years.

Sends regards to friends at home and many members of his family. He explains in a P.S. that he was detained for 12 days in Grenada and was unhappy in his mind. Capt. Curry came to his assistance.

‘Dear Brother,
I have the Pleasure of Informing you that I arrived here Yesterday about Noon after a very tedious Passage from Grenada having left that Place on Sunday Forenoon owing to us having such Squally weather, it being the hurricane months.
My Friend Mr. Slee received me with the greatest Happiness, he knew of my coming as his Father had sent a Letter after my Departure by the Packet so that he had got a Lodging Room filled up for me, I can assure you he lives in a Nice Situation and has a fine Estate, we Rode out Yesterday in the afternoon to different Estates and I can assure you it appears to me a very fine Island and I make no doubt but I shall have my health. Mr. Slee says it is necessary for me to reside a while with him so that I can get into the way of the Island and in the meantime he will procure me an eligable Situation as he does not wish me to enter into a Low one, he is so kind as to send a Letter along with this as I know it is a great happiness to you to hear every particular about me. Mr. Hallidise (Allardice) is gone to England a near Neighbour of Mr. Slees and one who has been a great Friend of Mr. Slees he promised him he would go 200 miles out of his way to see Mr. Slees Father if so you will know every particular from him as I could wish you to see him for he has in his power of being a friend of mine, he is one of the first Familys in this Place. Mr. Slee is the first Person now he being out of the Island, it is supposed that he is Half way to England, he went Passenger with Captain Miller the Person I was to have come with.

Mr. Hallidise is expected back again about January next when I shall hope to hear from you. Please to give my kind Complements to Mr. & Mrs. Slee and Inform them their Son is very well and I wish you to take the opportunity of seeing Mr. Slee to know every detail about Mr. Hallidise whether he expects him or not as he is a Gentleman of great consequence and by your seeing him it may be of great benefit to me, at a future time. Mr. Slee manages all Mr. Hallidises affairs both here and at St. Vincent in his absence.

I think myself very much Honored by the Notice Mr. Thomas, Mr. English and Mr. Snagg took of me at Grenada, but my being so long detained that it took away the Happiness I should have enjoyed by it for no Person could not be more unhappy than I was by having got so far of my Journey and could not finish it, besides the difficulty I laboured under in getting quit of the Shoes I brought form Cork for Sale as without doing that I could not discharge what I owed Captain for remr of my Passage as mentioned in account by the Letter I wrote at Grenada and which comes by the same Post.

I had the honor of sleeping at Mr. Snaggs on Saturday Evening last, & breakfast on Sunday Morning before I left there. He was Attorney for half of this Island but now is Proprietor of it, Mr. Slee, Mr. Hallidise, besides several more Estates were Purchased of him besides he keeps a large Estate in his own Possession.

I send this by Captain Curry who desired me to send him a Letter upon my Arrival as he said he should be unhappy until he heard from me (as there was disagreeable Account from St. Vincent through the hurricanes) as the Vessel was so small, we encountered so many Squalls that made me ill most Part of the way. Mr Hinde, one of the Head Clerks in Mr. Thomas’s Stores said that he would not venture in such a Vessel but that did not deter me for I believe I would have come in a much smaller one rather than not had the Pleasure of getting here, I must again beg leave to acquaint you that I am perfectly happy in my Mind as it is beyond my power to acquaint you the friendship Mr. Slee received me with, I am the only Person he has seen from our Part of the Country these 15 Years.

After I have got a Letter(?) more settled will do myself the Happiness of writting to my worthy friends Mrs. Forth, Brother Thomas and Mrs. Britton who I send my very best respects to, allso my kind respects to Mrs. Woodhouse, Mrs. Silburn, Mr and Mrs. Able, Mrs. Shaw & Mr. & Mrs. Rose, and Compliments to all Inquiring friends. Please do excuse this Scrole as the Musketoes has bit me so much that I am swelled up in small Places over several Parts of my Body particularly in my Hands, their Bite is very troublesome. You will please to remember me to Sisters when you write to them, also to my Grandmother, Mother, Brother Robt. & Brothers and Sisters at Ganthorpe, you shall hear from me by first conveyance after this. Please do give my kind Comps .to Mr. Lambert as I know he is a well wisher of mine.

I am, Dear Brother, Your ever Affectionate and Loving Brother, and most obdt. and Hble. Servt.
Mark Forth.

P.S. I was detained at Grenada 12 Days before I could procure a Passage so think you will think that I had very good reasons to be anxious and unhappy in my mind.
I beg to acquaint you it troubled the Captn. to see me so anxious to get away and not have the opportunity he is a very worthy Man and spared me no pains where he had opportunity of assisting me in making all the Inquiry he could, I was obliged to be constantly upon the watch as the Small Vessel to run between the Islands goes away at a Moments Notices.’

Originally enclosed in MFP/8/2. Says that Mr. Mark Forth arrived safely in Canouan from Grenada and is staying with Mr Slee for a while to accclimatise. May be established in the mercantile ways as he has great abilities.

‘Mr. John Forth
Dear Sir,
I am Happy to Inform you that your Bro; Mr. Mark Forth arrived in Canouan yesterday from Grenada in very Good Health and Spirits, your favor I have Received and you may Depend on my Outmost Exersions in his favour, he seems to like the Country and Climate very well I am not yet Certain Whether he will Reside in Canouan or not However I think it prudent that he should Remain with me untill he gets a little used to the Climate fevers are very apt to Attack Europeans on their first Coming out & Often prove Dangerous and Prejudicial to health & I will Supply him with Every thing necessary I Could wish to Establish him in the Mercantile way as he hath Great Abilities it may in time perhaps be more Beneficial an Oppy. may Chance to Offer in the Course of a few Weeks, (Rely on my Endeavours) I’m Exceedingly Obliged to you for the Great Attention you Show to my father.
I am, Sir, your most Obedt & Hble. Servt. John Slee’

The letter comments enthusiastically on the New Town at Edinburgh. Intends to call on the Duke (of Northumberland) at Alnwick on his return. Enquires after his four horses. He requests that Richard West and the other young men take nine days over the j

Reverend Forth was appointed as one of his chaplains in the place of Rev. Jeffrey Ekins, D. D., deceased.

Francis Gregg congratulates Reverend J Forth on his appointment as Chaplain. He is glad to hear that Lord Morpeth continues to hunt, that Lord Carlisle is better and that Lady Payne, a very pleasant woman, '…is coming to enliven the circle'.

The bill is from Richard Joy and is for the education of William Forth and Nathaniel Forth (half-brothers of Reverend John Forth).

There are two letters written on the same paper before being sent. Please note, this letter contains offensive descriptive terms.

10 February 1793
Describing the island and the population. Heat and illnesses that white people fall foul of. Negro population very superstitious, believing in Zombies. Describes various Islands and mentions the possibility of war with France and possible results.

Growing and picking cotton. The vegetables and fruit are new to him, and some are poisonous.
A plantation with ducks, pigs etc.; flour from America and butter from Ireland. Tells of sand flies and mosquitoes and the use of nets at night. No springs so rain water and pond water are all they use.

Mob entered Mr. Allardice’s home demanding hire - he was forced to leave without settling his affairs .

‘Canouan February 10th 1793
Dear Mrs. Forth,
I take the Liberty according to Promise of giving you a Description of the Islands of Canouan and Myrean, flattering myself that it will be acceptable.
The Island of Canouan is about 12 miles Long & 2 Broad a Ridge of Hills goes the whole Length of the Island, there are about 40 White People & about 500 Negroes & Mulattoes on the Island.

There is not above 8 Gentlemen Planters who are Englishmen the rest about 30 are chiefly Frenchmen so that French is more spoke than English on the Island.
Mr. Allardice, Mr. Slee & rest of English Gentlemen & some Frenchmen purchased about 2 years ago (of Wm. Snagg Esq. of Grenada) different Estates.
The other part of the Island is rented intirely by Foreighners the owner of it is a French Marquis of the name of Cayand who chiefly resides in London.
I need not inform you the Negroes are black, Mustees three Part Black, Mulattoes a Dark Yellow, besides there is different Names for others between Mulattoes & the Colours of the English.

If ever I should return to England you will find me become of a dull Complexion for the Sun has very great Powers and I am not affraid of my Complexion for I am generally walking about in the Day time, by Sweating so much I am considerably falling from my Cloaths but as I have my health and stand the Heat so well I am not alarmed at my getting thin, I make no doubt but you will be surprised when I inform you that the weather was hotter last Christmas than I ever found it in England, it is hotter the whole of the Year than in England

We are obliged to dress very light on Account of the heat the Dress in common is a Pair of Wide Trousers and a Light Jacket on and frequently obliged to go without the Jacket, the Stockings and part of the other Cloaths I brought from England is of no use to me for I never wear any Stockings except when I have been going to Dine with any of the Gentlemen and then I wear them. Mrs. Montravers brought me at Liverpool, the Women Dress in Muslinette Slips & short Muslinette Jackets tied with strings before and fine Coloured Handkerchiefs tied round their heads in the Form of Turbans the coloured Women wear a Profusion of Rings on their Fingers, Large EarRings and Beads round their Necks.

From the Manner of the treatment I have seen of the Negroes I can assure you a many Poor People in England would be glad to Live as well as they do they have each 8 Quarts of Corn allowed them besides Herrings or Dried Salt Fish allowed them in the Week, they boil the corn after Ground into a Pudding called Hango(?) besides they have every one a Piece of Land allotted them for Gardens which produces Sweet Pottatoes and a Green called Callilu & in general they have Saturday afternoon allowed them to work in their Garden & besides them that are Industrious work on Sondays(sic), when the Negroes are Sick they have Rum, Wine & other things that are Necessary for their recovery. It is the Interest of the Planters to take care of their Negroes for the loss of every Seasoned Negroe would be l00£ loss to the Planter

The Negroes hurt themselves sometimes for they are very superstitious they believe in evil Spirits called Zombies, they are supposed to be Spirits of Dead wicked Men that are Permitted to wander & torment the Living. If Mr. Wilberforce was to come to the West Indies he would not meet with much civil treatment. The Duke of Clarence has gained much Popularity here by his Supporting the merchants & Planters in the able manner he has done with regard to the Slave Trade.

The Principal Produce of the Island is Cotton & some Corn they Plant the Cotton in rows after they have reaped in their Crops which the reaping time Commences the latter End of December and finishes the latter part of March, they Plant the Cotton in rows at equal Distances in April & continues planting till August, the Cotton Bushes grow in the form of a Currant Tree, the Pods where the Cotton is in the form of a Small Pear the lower Part of Pod opens when the Cotton is fit to Pick, when picked it is Turned in a Machine to get the Seeds out when done it is ready for Boiling nearly in Manner of the Packing of Wool in England, the Planters grow Corn for use of the Negroes but they often fail of making crops & even if they do they have not the opportunity of reaping near the Quantity they ought to do by Negroes Stealing it, it is not the only Inconvenience Negroes stealing but they eat so greedily of the new Corn that they bring on dangerous disorders which sometimes endanger their Lives & the loss of a Negroe is a material Circumstance to a planter.

With regard to Vegetables the Island Produces Sweet Pottatoes, Pigeons Pease nearly same as sweet Pease in England, a wild green called Callilu, Plantains which grow upon Trees & is used in times instead of Bread, Pumpkins which are in the form of a Melon and sundry other Plants English Garden Seeds are very valuable here for everything that is Produced in the Gardens in England would come to Perfection here & in much sooner time, there is a few Cocoa Nutt Trees, Water Melons, some Oranges, Limes, Ground Nutts &c, there is also trees upon this Island which are called Manginel Trees the Fruit of which is a Deadly Poison, even if a Person stands under one of the trees during a shower (and they are very tempting by spreading much) the drops of water that falls from the Leaves upon your Face, Hands &c Poisons your Flesh so much that Ulcers arises & if any by chance gets into the Eyes it will blind Person for several Days & causes the most excrusiating(sic) Pains so long as the Inflamation(sic) continues, the apples when ripe are a beautiful Yellow and has a very sweet smell which causes them to be very tempting to a Person that does not know how fatal they are, an Apple is sufficient to Poison several People, the Carib Indians Poison their Arrows with the Juice & when they cut the bark of the Tree they turn their Heads a Contrary way that none of the Juice may spurt into their eyes.

There is one different Plantations Muscovie Duck ( almost as large as a Small Goose), Fowls and Hogs, Mr. Slee has a Large Quantity of the finest Pigeons I ever saw, the manner of Living is on Fish, Mess, Beef & Pork, Fowls, Ducks, Pork &c. The Beef, Pork & Butter come from Ireland, Flour Biscuit from America so that none of them articles cannot be supposed to come at a reasonable Price.

There is several Land Crabs Red & White the White ones are Poison.

The Furniture consists of everything the same as in England Except the Articles for the Fire Place which there is not the least use for even the Fire Places in the Kitchen are formed by loose stones picked up on the Beeches, there is a Tree grows upon the Island called the Callibash Tree the fruit is seldom eaten; but the shell when dried is converted into a variety of very useful Purposes & serves to make Ladles & many other articles of Household Furniture.

There are several Asps but not Venomous also Sand Flys & a small Insect called Musketoes which are very troublesome when first I came my Face, Hands &c was so bit that I was covered with Small Swelling the same as if I had been going into the Small Pox & besides was very painful, at Nights we are frequently obliged to have Fire to Smoke them away, we sleep upon Matrasses laid upon the Beds with no Covering except a Sheet; round the Frames of Bed at top & for Curtains is thin Muslin called Musketoe Net tucked close in.
There is no Springs neither in Canouan nor Myrean the best water that can be got is Rain Water and am frequently obliged to Drink Pond Water, In Dry Season the Planters are obliged to be as careful of the Water as if it were of the Value of Liquor.

The Island of Myrean is Similar to Canouan in Produce &c. It lays between Canouan & Grenada about 4 Miles from Canouan. It is a Small Island has not above 8 Plantations upon it but a good Deal of land uncultivated, the Island belongs an English Gentleman of the Name of Ashwell Esq. there will at Present only be 2 Englishmen, myself and Mr. Harris Agent to Mr. Ashwell & has a Large Plantation near to where my Plantation is . There is also 3 French People, 2 Free Mulattoes & 1 Free Negroe have plantations. I have got my Houses built, we build them in form of Low Houses in England, Walled on sides with small Hefsils. Mrs. Britton will be so kind to explain the manner of them to you.

Every person that comes to this country is worthy of what they may accumulate in an Honest Manner for I can justly assure you Dear Mrs. Forth that it is rare to find any Person that has resided here (even with all the care they possibly can take of themselves) a few Years but their Constitutions are impaired and the great Numbers that never sees their Native Homes again for if they get the Fever & do not apply to advice immediately in the Course of 48 Hours they are in General past recovery, another Complaint called the Liver Complaint it begins with a Pain in the Left Side, the Doctors Bleed for it & gives large Quantitys of Bark but the best cure for it is to go a Voyage into a Cold Climate either to England or America but the disorder carries a great many off, a Cousin of Mrs. Couplands has lately been here at Mr. Slees for benefit of his Health in that Complaint but after he went to St. Vincent he grew worse and has since been obliged to go on a Voyage to America he is a fine Young Man from Lancaster in all probability the Disorder will get better of him, there is another Disorder which is the Flux, without a Man has an Excellent Constitution he has little chance of getting through any of the Disorders prevalent in the West Indies.

Since I came we have had several times large Parties of the Carab Indians come in their Canoes to Canouan, they inhabit the back Settlements in St. Vincent, they bring for sale Indian Baskets Plantains, Yams, Cassada, the Cassada being so singular I shall do myself the Pleasure of explaining it. It is used instead of Bread & made into Form of Pancakes out of the root of a tree, after it is dug out of the Ground they pound it with a Stone and afterwards presses it for some time, between large stones which drain of a Liquor which is Poison and of which they make Starch, after the Cassada is thoroughly pressed it is laid out into the sun to dry afterwards is sifted through a Fine Sieve & then made up into the thin cakes & baked on Smooth Stones, I can assure you it is very good I have frequently Eat of it and like it very well.

The Indians are a very War looking People, they are very friendly with people that behave Civil to them but they are of that temper they cannot take an affront & they will spare no pains to be revenged upon any Person the may offend them , the Planters if they not purchase any thing of them are very civil to them, they frequently come to Canouan to Christen their Canoes & are very proud of any Planter standing Godfather as they Stile it.

When Mr. Slee goes to England next Year shall send you & Mrs. Britton some Cocoa Nuts (as a Present) Indian Baskets Cassade and any other Curiosity I can get.

The nearest Island to Grenada is a very large one Called Carriacau, the Next Union belonging John Span Esq. of Bristol , in England, Myrean the Island I live on & some Small ones belonging same Gentleman, Canouan, Beckway belonging Warner Esq. an English Gentleman born in the West Indies and another Island near St. Vincent called Mustaks belonging Campbell Esq. born in the East Indies of English Parents, he is the only Person that has a Plantation upon the Island.

I forgot to Inform you that there is not any Churches in these Islands, I make no doubt you will be surprized they have not any in Islands when I inform you they have not one at St. Vincent although the Island is so large, the Place they use as a Church at Kingstown is where the Assembly sits in the Manner of the House of Commons in England, it is also used as a Ballroom when Balls is given upon any public occasion and as a Dining Room at any Grand Entertainment so that religion is not much attended to. The Clergymen enjoy large livings some of them amount to 5 or 600£ pr annum

I am in great Anxiety about the Arrival of Captn. Curry as I flatter myself that I shall have the Happiness of many Letters from England by him, Mr. Thomas rather thinks he is long being out, will not close this Letter until his Arrival

The Inhabitants on the French Islands have had the great Dissentions among them ever since I came and Several Lives have been lost they have emigrated so much from their own Islands to the English Islands that all the Houses were taken at Extravigant(sic) Rents and they even have built temporary Houses on the Beaches. Grenada and St. Vincent were full of them but the Governours are grown more strickt (sic) since there is a Probability of a War with England, If it be a War this Part will be the Principle Scene of War and this Island Particularly will be in a very Disagreeable Predicament having so many French Inhabitants amongst us and they give theirselves very great Libertys with regard to the English Constitution I hope you and the rest of my worthy friends will not make yourselves unhappy any wise about me, as I am in good spirits. If it be a War I shall not go to Myrean until the Disputes are terminated for if I did I should stand a Chance of getting my throat cut for I should be the only Englishman on the Island as Mr. Harris is going to leave the Island and take his Negroes to Grenada entirely on account of the War, there is several of the Planters on this Island will send their Negroes to the Large Islands Particularly the Woemen and Children, there is all the Preparations making that possibly can to give them a severe Drubbing and they deserve it richly from the English as they have always behaved in such a treacherous manner to English and I hope to God the War will be carried forwards with the greatest Vigour.

I have the Happiness of Informing you the all the Gentlemen in this part has shewn great Civility to me, I have the pleasure of seeing Mr. Allardice frequently and has had Invitations from him, he is a worthy Gentleman Mr. Slee and him are very Intimate, Mr. Slee is verymuch respected amongst the Gentlemen and I can assure you he is very worthy of it, he has behaved to me with a Brotherly tenderness since my Arrival here.

The Collector of Tobago has been at Mr. Allardices Ltely for a week he was obliged to Lave the Island, the Mob entered his house and told him they wold Mrder him instantly if he did not get a way Imediately he was obliged to Hire a Vessel fo 15£ Currency the money that goes here which is Equal to 10 Guineas English, although the Island is only 2 days sail from here, he even was not allowed to stay to settle his affairs but was obliged to leave all his Property behind him to the amount is £4000 English Money and to the Mercy of the very people that threatened to murder him, he had been above 20 years in the West Indies it is extremely hard that a Person should be endeavouring for such a Number of Years to get a Competency to support them in their old age and to have it taken from them by a Lawless Mob, he has a Little hopes of getting his Property again if it should be a War.

25 February 1793
I cannot express to you the Happiness it caused to my Mind on Receipt of yours and the rest of my Friends kind Letters by Captn Curry and particularly my having the Honor of such a Friendly Letter from you. Wm Snagg Esq. was so kind as to bring me the Packet from Grenada the 13th Instant, Captain Curry arrived the Day before he left Grenada, I scarce knew which Letter to open first it caused me to be so happy.

I cannot speak too much in Mr. Slees Favor with regard to his behaviour to me but this I can justly afsure you that he is universally respected by the Gentlemen and is very worthy of it, he cannot be too much repaid for the great Hardships he has gone through in the Sea Service and the fortitude he always bore adverse fortunes with but now he is in such a fine way of doing well that in the course of a few Years ha can return to England with an Independent Fortune, even now Mr. Slee could return to England with a Genteel Competency.

It was impossible for Mr. Allardice to go to Yorkshire as he had such Little time on his Hands he is a very worthy Gentleman I frequently have the Pleasure of seeing him.
I am sorry that my Letter to my Brother should give him so much unhappiness with Regard to the little Illness I had, by taking a Dose of Salts it prevented any bad Consequences, it also hurts me much to find it made my Brother unhappy about my mentioning sending part of my Cloaths (Which were not of use to me) to England, far be it Dear Mrs. Forth my wish to cause my Brother to be unhappy in the least, God knows, I have too often done it but I have seen into my errors and hope to be by the Blessing of God and if I continue in health that I shall return to England with a Moderate Competency so that I shall be enabled to live amongst my Friends with Credit, it is not my wish in the least to return to England until I have accomplished the Intentions I hold formed in my mind before I left England, my wishes to come to the West Indies was not a resolution framed in a hasty manner but the result of about 2 years consideration in my own mind of which Mrs. Britton can inform you.

I hope you would receive benefit from your residence at Scarbro’ last Summer.

Am much obliged to you for not forgetting to drink my Health on your Birth Day, on Christmas Day I wished you all a Merry Christmas & happy New Year.

In my Brother Thomas letter he mentions that Mrs. Silburn intended doing me the Honor of sending me a Letter, I shall think it a great Honor of a letter from a Lady of her rank. I take the Liberty of sending my best regards to your Aunt, Mrs. Silburn.

Am sorry to find you are so unfortunate with your Servants but hope by this time you have got a good one.

I hope you will excuse the liberty of sending you this Long Letter but as you requested before I left England to write to you and after receiving such a friendly Letter from you a few Days ago emboldened me to write to you, I am certain you will excuse any Imperfections in this Letter, the Friendship I received from you when in England and the sincere well wishes I am certain you have for my welfare and Happiness will always be in my Mind to the latest Hour I have to Live. May you and My Brother enjoy Health and Happiness is the sincere wish of
Dear Mrs. Forth
your most Obdt and Hble Servt & Sincere affectionate Brother
Mark Forth.

P.S. I hope you will excuse my signing myself Brother all the Preparations are making for a Vigorous Defence at the Approaching War, I hope you will not make yourselves in the least unhappy about me as I am perfectly well & in great Spirits, there is a New Battery erecting on this Island, all the French on this Island are gone to St. Vincent to take the Oath of Fidelity before to our Government before the Governor, I am affraid I shall tire you.

I send this letter to London by the Zephyr Captn Scott, I am much obliged to Mrs. Britton, Brother Thomas & Robert for their kind Letters would have wrote to them but has not time as the Zephyr Sails in a few Days and I have an Opportunity of sending my Letters to St. Vincent by a Vessel of Mr. Couplands that is taking up Cotton, If I can learn when Captn Curry sails will favor all my Friends with answers to all their Letters they were so kind as to send me, please to give my Love to Brother Thomas & Mrs. Britton. by the time Capn Curry Sails shall be able to acquaint you more, particulars about the War, at present this part is all confusion.

There is a French Gentleman on this Island has had 3 Good Negroes run away Yesterday Morning they took a Vessel away belonging to another French Gentleman it is a great Loss as they were very capital Negroes.

Dear Brother

War was declared on Saturday the 23rd Inst at St. Vincent & the other English Islands as soon as the Packet arrived from England. Governor Seton the Governor at St. Vincent is very strict with regard to the French that are upon the Island he has ordered all their Arms to be taken from them but they are to Muster equally the same as rest of Inhabitants but without Arms he further has ordered that every one that were of the late Unfortunate Kings Party to wear White Cockades and Black Crape around one of their Arms, from Accounts the Governor is a Brave Old Gentleman and he had proved himself as such as everything was in the greatest forwardness when the News arrived by Packet.

A Vessel came in the same Evening the War was Proclaimed at St. Vincent so that we commenced watching that Evening Mr. Slee and me take our Watches alternately the one the Fore Part of Night and the other the Morning Watch, several of the Weomen Children are sent of the Island, have sent great Part of my Cloaths to St Vincent (particularly my shirts) by Mr. Slee Housekeeper as in all probability this Island will be plundered the English Gentlemen are taking all the precautions they possibly can to prevent their being plundered as they have built Houses near a New Fort that is Erected ( and that Commands no less than 6 Bays) the Negroes will go up there to Sleep at Night when the White People will watch at the same place.

I wrote to you by Zephyr Captn Scott bound to London from St Vincent, he Sailed the 28th Last Month but as a declaration of War would take Place before he got to England he would run a great risk in being taken but in ease he slips them you will all have recived your Letter long before the Arrival of this have also wrote you by Captn Curry who has not Sailed on Account of War and will not until a Large Convoy goes together at Present the whole Crews of Different Ships & even the Captains are obliged to do Duty so I have taken the opportunity of sending you this by the Packet.

News arrived at St. Lucie a French Island some Days before it Arrived in Barbadoes, it is surprizing the French always have had the Start in every War they have engaged with the English in Conveying the Intelligence, by the Start they got in these present disputes it caused some of the First Sloops, Schooners &c that were in their Ports to be Captured there has also been some Vessels Captured in the Northward that were Becalmed under the French Islands.

On Account of this War it prevents me from going to Myrean and God Knows when I shall be able to go, Mr. Harris the Gentleman Mr. Slee took the Land off has taken all his Negroes to Grenada, there is not a Single Gun on Island and the whole of Inhabitants are Frenchmen and Creoles so that I flatter myself you will commend me for staying at Present on this Island for if I should take any Negroes there I shd stand a good chance of being Plundered, I think I am born to nothing but misfortune in being thwarted in every thing I expected I was perfectly happy in my Mind at the Idea of beginning to do something for myself, and now this War will at least prevent one form doing any thing of some time, Mr. Slee holds the Land on.

There being so many French People in this Island makes it very disagreeable I rather suppose Mr. Allardice has orders from the Governor of St. Vincent to watch them strictly and that if any gives themselves any Liberty with the English to take them up and send them to St. Vincent when Governor will secure them in a proper manner.

The Governor of Tobago a French Island has been for (word obscured by seal) past at St. Vincent being obliged to leave Island on (word obscured by seal) of disturbances the Inhabitants sent several Messages to him to resume his Government and that they would neither hurt him nor Inquire him in his property through them promises he went last Week to Tobago he had not been above 24 Hours on Island before they Murdered him and his Son, Several French Gentlemen are happy at the War thinking that Peace will be made amongst them in French Islands.

My Love to Mrs. Forth shall be obliged to her to save all your News Papers so that if I have any thing comes from Yorkshire they can be sent to me, in these Islands Books are very Valuable I flatter myself Mrs. Forth will thing (sic) it no trouble in preserving them for me.

My love to Brother Thomas, Mrs. Britton, Robt. &c kind Comps to all Friends, I find Lord Loughborough is made Chancellor & it is thought Lord Carlisle will accept the Seals, shall be glad of a Letter from you by Packet

I remain Dear Brother your ever affectionate Brother & most obdt Hble Servt. M Forth
Mr. Slee is well in Health he sends his love to Father & Mother and kind complements to you (word obscured by seal) bad Pen and haste.

Informing him of Mark Forth’s death at his residence in Myrean on 29 Sep. after a fever lasting 4 days. Promises to dispose of his negroes to the best advantage and render an account of the cotton, provisions and all his possessions.

Mr. John Forth

My Dear Sir,
How shall I Begin to Relate to you the Dismal Tale your Brother Mr. Mark Forth is no more he Departed this life the 29th ult. after an Illnef s of 4 Days. This fatal fever that has been Raging here with such Violence so long was the Cause of it. He was Taken ill on the 25 and the fever Continued Without the least Intermission Untill his Death, He was down at his residance In Myrean when it Happened and for Want of an Oppy I Did not Know of his being Unwell untill a few Hours after his Death.

However I Can Afsure you he was Well Attended on and had a Decent Burial I am Just Returned here again from Performing these last Services I Cannot Describe to you how much I have suffer’d by this Unfortunate Event he was one of the Best of Men and I had no manner of Doubt of his Doing Well as I Informed you in my Letter of the 1st September he had just Received yours of the 10 June and Answered it two Days before he was taken Ill. It gave him the Greatest of Pleasure as you will Perceive by the Letter I forward you herewith Which he Wrote me the Day he was taken Ill. The Negroes I will Dispose of to the Best Advantage his Cotton and Provisions I will Reap in when Ready and Render you a Just Acct of their Ammt as also Every other Article in his Possession

I am Sir, with Sincere Esteem, Your most Obedt Hble Servt
John Slee.

‘Dear Forth,
Foxton has just been here to inform me that Mr. Lambton’s hounds will hunt Newboro’ pack on Friday - I shall be extremely happy to see you here, if you mean to join them, either on Thursday to our Family dinner at 3 or on Thursday evening, when a well aird bed will be ready for you , & the stable for your horse.
I meant to have done myself the pleasure of spending a day with you at Slingsby before this, but Sqr Bulliers death induced me to defer my visit. I sincerely condole with you on the occasion, & doubt not but yr own reflection of your conduct towards him will mitigate the loss as much as possible.
I had a few lines from Ella yesterday & have engaged to take a day’s coursing at Kiplington on Tuesday (?).
I am with compls to Mrs. Forth, Dr. Forth
Yours most Sincerely
J Bowman
P.S. I ask beg the favour of an answer by the first’

Proposing to visit him before meeting the hounds, and to send greyhounds for a little coursing before dinner.

‘Dear Forth,

I understand from Isaac on Friday that Settrington wood is not farther distant from you than from Castle Howard and as such I have some thoughts (if perfectly convenient to you and Mrs. Forth) of taking a family
dinner with you on Tuesday & a bed; and to meet the hounds from your house on Wednesday. I partly engaged to dine with Preston, Lumley etc on Tuesday at five at Harkers, but should you not be of the party, I shall certainly feel myself more at home under your roof and would send a brace of greyhounds over on Monday to have a little coursing on Tuesday before dinner. Probably you would see Mr. Preston at Malton today. I beg the favour of an answer by my Servant & am with compls. to Mrs. Forth
Dear Forth, Yours most truly
J Bowman’

Please see item level descriptions for more detailed information about the contents of this series, including full transcripts of each letter.

Includes housekeeping accounts, 1791-93.

Includes notes of general and family interest. Includes topics such as duties of underservants, recipes for lip salve, cough cures, ink, shoe blacking, various puddings, cakes, 'Minch’d Pyes' and wines. Also includes a prescription for preventing miscarri

The letter informs him that Lord Carlisle wished him to have the house at Ganthorpe, lent to Mr Hodgson for so long and which his son now attempted to retain. His Lordship is 'convinced that it is by far the most proper & Eligible Situation for the resid

The letter relates to the raising of Volunteers to act in the event of an invasion. Asks his opinion and who would support the Government’s scheme in the Castle Howard neighbourhood. The position among the Gentlemen in Rutlandshire. 'I am sensible we do

He was admitted as an Attorney of the Court of Common Pleas.

Forth was a farmer and grazier. The bond was issued to George Stockton of Scarborough, Attorney at Law in £1000 to pay £600 to such persons as Frances Britton of Hovingham, widow, his intended wife, should direct. Signed & sealed by Thos Forth.

The accounts are of Mrs Jane Pearson, widow of John Pearson of York, peruke maker, decd to whom a 4th part of the securities of the late Geo. Waters of Newcastle upon Tyne, gent, was assigned, 25 Oct 1775, by Jas Sherwin and Sarah his wife, in trust to ra

The letter advises him on the sale of his horse. Suggests it might sell well as a charger and 'as there are so many new raised corps of cavalry it might on that account be prudent to try Tattersall’s'. Includes news of Mr Gregg’s father, and information

The bill was to to Mrs Forth at Slingsby. Covers rents received from the six houses, their condition ('old & only fit to accommodate the labouring poor'), estimated cost of repairs, and proposals to sell their share therein.

The book has not been completed.

Reverend Forth was nominated to the curacy of Hovingham, vacant by the resignation of Rev. Michael Mackereth.

The sympathy was offered on the death of his daughter, Mary.

‘Dear Forth,
I have just received the melancholy account of the death of your little girl, upon which occasion my Wife and I cannot but feel extremely both for you & Mrs. Forth. In a sum(?) of distress, it is some consolation to know that we have friends who are not forgetful of us, & as such, in the present instance, I trust you will consider yours at Craike. My wife begs to join in my good wish to you & Mrs. Forth, with (?) Forth
Yours most truly
J.M. Bowman’

Written at Mrs Woodhouse’s Blake Street, York, offering condolence.

‘Sir,
I sincerely condole with you upon yr misfortune & desire you will take the time for yr return as best suits your convenience.
l am, yours
Carlisle’

The bill is to Mrs Forth at Castle Howard concerning arrangements for repair of the houses (at Berwick).

The letter is to to Reverend (John) Forth at Castle Howard on the valuation of the premises (worth £400 in all). The sum Mr Pattison offered was inadequate.

Munby was appointed as a Commissioner to take affidavits in Yorks, Lincs, Notts, Derbys, and Durham and the cities of York, Lincoln, Kingston upon Hull and Nottingham.

The letter relates to her tenancy of her aunt’s apartment which devolved to the Burdett family on her aunt’s death.

The letter is an agreement to rent the house in Blake Street for one year at £80 per annum and stating what decoration would be necessary. Also includes an inventory of fittings at the property.

Enclosed with the letter were deeds for execution by him and his wife.

The letter informs him of the death of Mrs Margaret Williamson, widow of Ralph Williamson, Coroner of Berwick, and requests him to send the deeds to Alderman Pattison, who would pay him £60 as agreed.

He was sending, by the York Boat the 'Thetis', two brace of deer. Arrangements for them and three brace of red-legged partridges and three goats. Enquires what effect the 'new water has now being full', whether any trees have been planted towards the Wes

Desires a list of those willing and proper to serve in the proposed corps of riflemen, for which he was promised arms and a drill sergeant. Intends to cut stable expenses 'for these are not times to spend money or time upon mere amusements'. Asks about

The letter regards the choice of men for the corps, and storage of arms and powder. 60 men would be sufficient at first. Also asks 'How are you for Carthorses?'.

Offering congratulations on the birth of his son. Lord Carlisle agreed to be godfather. Kendale was the only suitable person to command the new corps raised by Lord Carlisle.

‘Dear Sir,
Lord Carlisle will stand Godfather to your boy. I sincerely congratulate you & Mrs. Forth, on your acquisition to your family.
It is extraordinary that no persons can be found in the neighbourhood to take the command in the new Corps. raised by Lord C. Young Kendale appears to me the only proper person in the neighbourhood. I wish he would offer himself.
You will let me know when the bills are paid.
Is anything done respecting the purchase with Singleton ?
The Solicitor of Mr. Preston should be pressed to return now the Abstract.
I wish to know if the Rain has reached you – we have had a broad ....of water.
I am, Dear Sir, Yours Sincerely
Francis Gregg’

The volume is mainly in J Forth’s hand, and includes notes on the servants engaged, their conditions and wages.

John is apologising for not writing for some time, especially as he had received some cheeses, and had not acknowledged them. He comments on the fact that Jane’s mother is ill and would like her to tell him more about her complaint. He suggests a visit to London might do her some good.
He refers to his brother Thomas, but doesn’t seem to think to highly of him and his chosen profession (is this teaching?).
He writes of a harsh winter, that he has been troubled with cold and of a brief heart problem. Mentions that his wife was delivered of a daughter and has given her the name Frances.

The lease relates to a messuage on the north west side of Blake Street, lately in the tenure of Mrs Elizabeth Woodhouse, deceased and now of the lessees, together with the adjoining backhouse and yard, and all fixtures mentioned in schedule. Term 6 years

The volume is mainly in J Forth’s hand, and includes notes on the servants engaged, their conditions and wages.

Marriage Licence of Richard Heckley of Castle Howard, wood valuer, and Ann Forth of the same (sister of Rev. J Forth).

Includes (in a different hand) calculations on the average price of agricultural labour in the neighbourhood of Castle Howard: 2/9d per day for a young man and 2/- per day for a man over 50. Cottage husbandry by a labourer’s wife and family should yield

The volume is mainly in J Forth’s hand, and includes notes on the servants engaged, their conditions and wages. Also includes Mrs Forth’s notes of their social engagements and family events.

P.W. Overend at Manor House, Whixley, aged 76, to Lord Carlisle at Castle Howard, on his financial misfortunes and his sons’ careers.

The letter gives legal advice on the powers of the Lord of the Manor over freeholders within the manor, and of his gamekeeper killing game on freeholders’ lands or waste land.

The writ authorises them to receive the oaths of John Forth, clerk, as a J. P. of the N. Riding Annexed: copies of the oaths.

A disputed transaction caused him to threaten William Wrightson with prosecution for trespass. Billy, a witness, is 'characterised for lying worse than a tooth-drawer and crying with more ease than a crocodile'. Asks who was the Mr Smith who would not co

Desires that £80 of Wilson and Co’s notes be exchanged for Bank of England notes. Estate matters. William Laycock’s problem in carrying his turnips to Overton – damage to the roads. John Kendall to patch up Mr Wharram’s stable but feared he would be f

Written at Bath concerning the felling of oaks and ash at Widdington and Overton, the repair of Wm Cundall’s house at Widdington, the possible sale of Widdington and the benefit he expected from the repeal of the Income Tax. Asks whether he would be liab

Unable to attend Mr Munby’s election because of gout but wishes him success. Requests his advice on supplementary militia schedules.

Comments unfavourably on his 'ill-fated lawsuit' concerning the repair of a bridge on the York to Easingwold Turnpike Road.

Thoughts on the approaching trial concerning the bridge and also of the right of loading and unloading goods at Nun Monkton Ferry and of passage through his grounds.

Both cases deferred until the next Assizes. Entitlement of Fawcett family to part of tithes.

She had been unwell and the many sudden deaths made her fear for herself and friends. Her son recovered from his inoculation.

Complains of the constant demands of some named tenants and is convinced a system of collusion exists between them and the master carpenter. Visit Mr & Mrs Langley at Wykeham Abbey - but would prefer residence in Ouse Bridge Gaol!

Had returned from nine days of luxury at Wykeham Abbey, wealth of Mr Langley. Visit to London on 17 February. Charles Tuke was as little able to pay his debts as Mr Pitt to liquidate the national debt. The disgrace and expense of attending the bridge c

Their rent had been increased to £20. Hopes to see her mother in Assize Week. Sends two pecks of dried cowslips for making wine.

Still suffering from gout. Considers Britain to be on eve of annihilation. 'Nothing can redeem us from insignificance among the nations of Europe but an immediate peace on Bonaparte’s terms, which, however, humiliating, we cannot reject.'

Enquires about the balance due to him at Wilson and Co.’s shop. Wished to have about £70 in £2 and £1 Bank of England notes to pay for post horses and turnpikes on his proposed visit to London.

Written from London. Pleased that his tenants had paid punctually and that he was so rich for the time being.

Written from London. Congratulates Mr Many on his the birth of his child. (Jane) Was sending his gardener some flowers by the York High Flyer.

Had returned Knowles’s horses as being unsatisfactory; requests Mr Munby to pacify him, and to procure others from Watson of York. Was arranging to transport Mr Hotham’s China orange tree to Beningbrough. Requests account book, for settlement.

The horses had arrived. As in many letters, comments on his ill-health. Receipt of present for Mrs Earle. Queries about his accounts.

Requests Mr Munby, in secrecy, to collect two wigs from Mr Hands of Blake St., opposite the Assembly Rooms, to cost 3-4 guineas and to deliver them to him personally. The bricklayer’s bill was £72, exclusive of 'Fare and Fret'.

Was to dine with Mr Richard Thompson at Moat Hall the following day, and at Mr Miles Stapleton’s in York on Thursday. Hopes to stay at Stillington Hall and Sutton Hall from 8-11 July. Satisfied with the shipping of some Madeira and quotes an ‘Irishman’ j

Please see item level descriptions for more detailed information about the contents of this series, including full transcripts of each letter.

Written at Craike, and regarding the birth of Caroline Eleanor. Also thanks him and Lord Carlisle for some promised venison.

‘Dear Forth,
I congratulate you most sincerely on the arrival of the young stranger at Ganthorpe, of whom as well as Mrs. Forth we rejoice to hear sp favourable an account & it will afford either my Wife or me very great pleasure if in your future arrangements we can either of us be of any use to you - I have just mentioned the young Lady to your namesake - you must take good care of her or she may be in danger of being taken off to Gretna.
We are extremely obliged to Lord Carlisle & you for the venison, if the buck could be killed on Tuesday or Wednesday next it would come in well but any day will suit as that is convenient to you & your other plans.
My Wife & her Sister beg to join in best wishes & Compts to Mrs. Forth & yourself, (Not forgetting the young one)
I am, Dr. Forth Most truly yours
J.W. Bowman’

Discussion on the tenancy of the farm at Shipton; raising a rent from £173 to £400 a year. Hopes Mr Munby will keep his promise to out-live him and to assist Mrs Earle.

The inventory is of the furnishings of Rev. John Forth and Mrs Elizabeth Forth at Slingsby and Ganthorpe. (Rev. John Forth married Elizabeth Woodhouse of 3 Blake Street, at St Helens Church on the 23rd June1791.) They lived at Slingsby for 3 years befor

The estate was at Crambeck.