Miss Davidson's Journal  1848 

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Saturday, January 1^st 1848

I have now entered another year and all my past life is just ‘as a tale that is told’.  If we are spared to see this new year concluded, may we be more grateful and thankful to the Giver of all oru good, who has within to spared us – It is now one o’clock in the morning

It has been tolerably fine but the streets inch thick of mush.  We had a few cousins calling also the two Miss Ogilvies.  Papa & Mamma called on some new people who have coime & who had introductions to us.  Mr * Mrs Donchan.    We took the three children a drive up  & down Union Street.  The sight of the crowds delighted them. We all except Maggie  went to dine at the Terrac, and a comfortable little family party we all were.

Sunday, 2^nd January 1848

Poured. All went to church but Papa & me.  I have another cold.  Willie says Mr Fairweather preached an excellent sermon in the afternoon.  Read as usua in the evening & one of Blunt’s sermons to myself.

Monday 3rd

 Finally comparison!   Drove about in the morning. We had at dinner today Mrs Young & Miss Morrison, the Forbes Inverernan, Major & Miss Barnes, Mr Skene, Mr, Miller, Mr. Fraser. We had an amusing noisy round game.  Won 3/-

Tuesday 4^th

Fine. Mamma Will & I payed accounts, but the streets were so bad we took the carriage.  In the evening Aleck and us went t a nice evening party at General Forbes.  Laura Forbes Balgownie is to my taste the Belle, as she is so much more graceful than Caroline Hay.  Papa, Mamma & May dined at Westfield.

Wednesday 5^th

Wet.  Papa has still a cough & was unable to go to the dinner given to Mr. Chalmers, editor of the Journal as this the century completed, since its first publication. Aleck had a bit of coal extracted fromhis eye which was very painful.

Thursday

Frosty.  I got out for a walk. We called on the Ogilvies & Lindsays. Willie called with M<A at the Barracks for Mrs Grier. Sherriff Gordon called to bid us adieu at ½ past 10, & gave us an amusing account of the dinner.  He gave me a lucky sixpence.  There has been a Riot & two mmen klled in Stonehaven.  Mr. Leith Hay started with troops & arrived when all was quiet.  Irish Railway labourers are, as usual the rioters.

Friday  7^th

Fine overhead.  I spent the morning with M.A. Walter Leslie is spending a few days with her.  She & I & Willie were out shopping.  We called on the two Miss Grants.  We had a t dinner the Donaldsons, te Miss Hadden, Gen & Mrs  A. Forbes, Capt Ainslie, Capt Forbes, Mr. Muswell.  The Ramsays & Miss Lockhart & W. Leslie came to tea.  We had a round game. 

Saturday 8^th

Poured.  We all sat comfortably round the fire reading. Willie and I  had an invitation lastnight to go to etea at Unio Grove which we did.  It was half a child’s party.  Christina Innes was there and told us that Mr. & Mrs Innes stayed at Cowie as Mrs A Innes was nervous, so could not dine with us yesterday,

Sunday 9^th January 48

Cold & damp. We went twice to church.  Papa has still his influenza cough. We all read in our own rooms as usual.

Monday 10^th

Very fine. Willie & I had a nice walk and made some calls. We wnet round to tea with Mary Anne & to help her to arrange her house for her evening party tomorrow.  The rooms look very pretty indeed.  We had a little supper of oysters before  we came home.  Mrs Gordon Jun of Newton brought her little girl to see us.  We had a great many callers today!   Willie & I called on Mrs M’Gregor & Migvie House.

Tuesday 11^th

Fine. Went round to the Terrace at 12.  We went to a meeting at St Marys of the Ladies Indian female mission.  It was crowded and a very interesting meeting.  I had a letter from Miss Cass who sent me a paper relative to the distressed  Governessses Fund so I am collecting for it & get on very well.  We went to the Terrace  in the evening  It was a capital party & went off very well.  It was a capital party & went off with spirit.  Very tired after it. 

Wednesday 12^th

Damp, warm.  Went round to see M.A. and Kate who are rather knocked up.  We had a walk with the Bannermans.  The Ramsay6s came to us in the  afternoon.  They are to be with us a week.  Walter dined with us. 

Thursday 13^th

Lovely day. We went down to try and get into the Court House to hear the pleading of the Wood Case, but it was too crowded.  We went on to the Pier; it was a very enjoyable on such a day, but tired me dreadfully.  William Leslie came into town & stays with us. Walter & Patrick dined with us.  We dressed and went to the Assembly.  I danced every dance & was not half so tired at the end as when we first went to it.

Friday 14^th

Fine  Had a nice walk & made some calls.  The Ramsay6s went to a party at Bellevue and then we went to a very nice one at Mrs Milnes. We came away early being tired.

Saturday 15^th

Fine.  The Boswells Kincausie called. We went to dancing rom to see the children and were much amused. Jane, Willia & I went to tea with M.A where there were a few juveniles and some amusing games.

Sunday 16^th January /48

Showery, cold.  We went to church and had a very excellent sermon both times from Dr. Forsythe.  Jane Ramsay & I sat in her room in the evening.  Aleck read aloud as usual.

Monday 17^th

Fine.  Hard frost.  Willie and I took Mary Lindsay with us to call at Balgownie.  We had a perfect levee of callers.  The Irvines, Denmore, M’Tyres, Durris, Christina Innes, Migvie Forbes, etc etc. We had Miss Melvin and the children to tea and M. Lindsay.

Tuesday 18^th

Hard frost.  Jane Ramsay left per steamer for Edinburgh.  Willie & I made some calls then had a nice walk with M Lindsay. Mamma drove out to see Miss Garioch of Heathcot.  In the evening we went to a delightful party at the Farquharsons. Ballogie which was  kept up with great spirit till past 1 o’clock.

Wednesday 19^th

Fine. Willy and Mamma  & I called at Powis for the Miss Leslies.  Kate Leslie, Eliza Ramsay & I called on Mrs Milne.  We then had a country walk.  In the evening we went to a large party at Mrs Mitchells which was kept up for too late so that we were all quite done up!  More than 60 there.

Thursday.

A little snow.  Mary Lindsay to call for a moment at 11  but we did not let her go tillthree.  I am so very tired.  Mamma & Mag had a drive, Willie went down to the Inverernans & made a long call. We went to Dr Williamson’s in the evening.  It is too much for us as we dance nearly every dance. 

Friday 21^st

Not fine.  I forgot to say that Eliza Ramsay left us yesterday.  Kate came early today & assisted us to send out the invitations for a large party here on the 8^th.  We all enjoyed a nice quiet evening.  Edward Lindsay sent me the beautiful ‘Queen of the Ball Waltzes’ .

Saturday 22^nd

Fine.  I am not well, rather knocked up.  We had the Bannermans, Inverernans, Major Barns, & Miss Jane Irvine calling on us.  Mary Anne insisted on my going to tea at the Terrace, where the Miss Glennies & their nieces were. I played for them to dance & we had some games.

Sunday 23^rd January

Cold but fine.  I went to church in the morning & called to bid Mary Lindsay good bye as she goes south tomorrow,  I wrote dear Jamie a long letter in the evening.  We read aloud as usual. 

Monday 24^th

Very fine frosty.  Will, May & I called on Miss Murray, Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Harvey, Mis Grant Monymusk, Ballogies, Mrs Williamson, Mrs Hogarth and Mary Hicks.  Kate Leslie Aleck & I went to a nice party at Miss Brebners in the evening.  Her room is so large.  I wish Willie had been asked. 

Tuesday 25^th

Hard frost.  Went down to see Kemlo & Jessy then had a country walk & slid about.  Papa Mamma & Aleck dined at the Clements Lumsdens & we two went in the evening.  It was a very nice party. Mr Bryce Hays says he is determined to go & slide with us tomorrow????

Wednesday 26^th

Thaw.  None of us went out .  We sat and made ourselves very comfortable in the little drawing room.  Papa & Mamma dined at the Terrace & we two went to tea.  The Innes, Doudans, Murrays & M’Kenzies and Mrs Maxwell whom we all made laugh amazingly.

Thursday 27^th

Heavy with snow in the air!  We made some calls, but were out very little.  We had a comfortable domestic musical evening. Read Wafareing Sketches, recommended by Mr Chas Dalrymple.

Friday 28^th

Very stormy. We were all much amused by falls & thumps sustained by a number of boys who had a slide opposite our window!  This being D’s birthday, we as usual, had the Miss Chalmers, Uncle & Aunt Alexander were too ill to come, but we had Gordon, Major Burns, Walter & Kate.  Mary Pirie came by North coach to take a bed here, as she starts tomorrow for London.  We went to the Clements Lumsdens about ½past 9.  It was another capital party, but much more crowded than the last.

Saturday 29^th

More snow.  Marion Nuttall called.  Willie & I too M Pirie to the Terrace and then called on Mrs Lindsay & the Bannermans .  M Pirie left at 5  o’clock.  We had a quiet evening.

Sunday 30^th January 1848

Thaw.  I only went once to church having a touch of indigestion.  We read alone in Mamma’s room.   Aleck read aloud as usual.

Monday 31^st

Thaw but more snow. Willie & wernt for two hours at the Dentist.  Miss ‘atier, Miss Farquharson & Lady Hay called.  The latter wishes us to go to her box when her son & the other officers of 93^rd act, but we have declined.  M.A. & Kate passed the afternoon with us.  Maggie & Willie took tea at the Inverernans & I was sent to the Terrace for an hour after tea, on business!

FEBRUARY

Tuesday 1^st February.  I was not out but Mamma & the others went to call on Mrs Lumsden Pitcaple & mrs C Lumsden.  I wrote to Mary Lindsay.  Aleck dined at Migvie House. We two sat up lage, Willy reading Sir Andrew Wyllie!!

Wednesday 2^nd

Fine. Spent a good part of the morning at the Dentiss & saw little Jane Williamson chloriphised.  Then drove about with Mamma called on MA & & then we two had a turn.  The two Forbes Inverernan took tea with us.

Thursday 3^rd

Fine.  Willie & I were out shopping.  We afterwards called on the Miss Robertson’s at Albyn Place.  In the evening we went to our excellent Assembly not so crowded as last, but bad music. I hear poor Anne Moir is very very ill with brain fever.

Friday 4^th

Very warm.  Reading Wayfaring Sketches.  Took a dirty walk to the Craigling Bridge.  We had at dinner Sir A & Lady Hay, Mrs Mitchell, General & Mrs Forbes, Major & Mrs Grier, Capt Backman.  We performed our musical trick & some others highly approved of.  We were amused by Sir Andrew & Mrs Forbes going out together to do one.

Saturday 5^th

Wet.  We were not out.  Pat dined here and MA and Kate came here about 8  from Mrs Innes.  We had a great deal of fun & a little supper before they left.

Sunday 6^th February

Wetish   We all went to church twice.  Papa called to ask for Uncle Alexander who has gout.  Aleck read aloud. 

Monday 7^th

Damp.  At Dewars in the morning. We had the large drawing door take off & in  a linen cloth nailed tightly down on the floor.  Miss Brebner called,.   We went to the Ogilvies where there was rather a cram.  It was a nice amusing partyu.  I had lots of fun with the Hays & Edward Lindsay.

Tuesday 8^th

Poured.  We got everything nicely arranged for the evening.  We dined in Papa’s room.  Miss Mactier came to our party & stayed all night.  We had several apologies from our nicest girls, owing to the illness of poor Anne Moir, but we had 65 people and they all seemed to enjoy it.  The supper was approved of.

Wednesday 9^th

Poured.  MA’s birthday. She & Kate, Maggie & Pat started for Warthill at 12 o’clock.  We sent some funny things to the Bannermans.  Papa Mamma & Aleck dined at the Farquarsons Ballogie.

Thursday 10^th

Damp.  Mamma & Willie had a drive. Little Mary had a threatening of fits but nothing serius.  Papa & mamma  dined at Mrs Gordon of Newtons. Aleck at Mr H. Lumsdens, & then he and we two went again to Migvie House.  Poor Anne Moir died last night at ½ past 12 o’clock.

Friday 11^th

Fine.  Baby quite well again.  Papa & Mamma dined at Mr Francis Gordon’s .  Pat came back.  He & Aleck went to see the Officers act at the theatre. They did it very well indeed, I hear.

Saturday 12^th

Fine.  Willie & I made several calls.  We went to the Dancing school & were much amused.  Willie & Aleck dined at Miss Brebners & had a nice quiet party .  Fanny & I were very affectionate

Sunday 13^th

Showery. We all went to church  It is just a year today since Papa was taken ill with his dangerous illness.  How thankful ought we all to be that he and all of us are spared and so well.

Monday 14^th

Fine.  We had a great many callers.  Mrs I. Burnett & Mrs Christie, Capts Aislie && Buchanan, Mrs Dou  etc. so were late of going out, but went with Aleck for a walk up the Skene road.  I wished to put a leech on my gum, but by some mistake it stuck on my lip instead – rather provoking as it has swollen.

Tuesday 15^th

Fine.  Mrs Mitchell put off her part for tonight owing to the death of poor Anne Moir. Papa & Mamma called at Seaton & stayed a long time seeing the new cooking apparatus & the French cook!  Willie & Fanny went out together.  The increased dimensions of my lip at no period very delicate, prevents my joining in the like healthful recreation!!   I had several callers, who must have much admired me.

Wednesday 16^th

Cold.  I asked the Doctor’s advice about my lip becoming daily more corpulent and I think his prescription will cure it.  I read all day  ‘Adventures in the South Seas’ and practiced in the evening.  Still lots of callers.   Poor Ann Moir was buried today.

Thursday 17^th

Fine, cold. Wrote cards for two dinner parties.  Papa Mamma & Willie went to Kingcausie.  Mrs Duncan Forbes & Hannah Hadden called. Also Mrs Gen Forbes & Miss Anneie.

Friday 18^th

Cold windy.  We sent the carriage to meet MA & Mag at Kintore.  Lady Hay, Caroline & Mrs Mitchell.  We have moved into the large drawing room.  We were very comfortable!

Saturday 19^th

Perfectly lovely. Went round to see MA Mamma me & the children drove down to the pier;  it was so calm and beautiful.  I was much disappointed at not having a walk.  Mag dined quietly at Migvie House. Willie & I took tea at Mrs Patrick Pirie’s. Such a queer party!!

Sunday 20^th February 1848

Cold, wet. We went twice to church. MA has a sty in her eye.  I sat in Mamma’s bedroom at night reading.  Mamma went to the East Church in the afternoon.

Monday 21^st

Sleety. We sat cozily round the fire.  I practiced in the afternoon.  Jane Anne came to tea.  Fanny’s face has all broken out.   We went to Miss Murray’s & had a pleasant party.

Tuesday 22^nd

As cold & wretched as yesterday till about 4 when it was lovely.  Mag and Willy had a nice walk.  Aleck dined at a Mr Thomson and in the evening we all went to a capital party at Mrs James Haddens.  It was kept up very late, and in a spirited manner;  although the gas went out twice.

Wednesday 23^rd

Fine, windy. We went early to call on Mrs Lindsay as we did not wish to lunch there.  Mamma M & W called at Kepplestone & Winfield and then we two went down the street & called on the Inverernans & then had a nice little walk. We had the Smiths at dinner.

Thursday 24^th

Fine frosty.  Mamma made herself rather unwell from eating cocoanut pudding, we suppose & oysters.  Papa Willie and M went to Inchmarlo at least is to spend a day at Arbeadie with C. Ramsay. I called at Migvie house & had a chat with Emma and then went t enquire for Mrs Skene who has get her 7^th living son.  I then called on the Bannermans.  Mamma and I had a pleasant evening.  I read aloud to her. Aleck & I had a little supper of oysters.

Friday 25^th

Poured.  Mamma quite well again. I hear Her Majety has taken Balmoral and Abergeldie for 10 years. If true what a change it will make on Deeside.  They came back from Inchmarlo about 6 o’clock.  Among other reports I hear that the Pope is deposed & that there is a revolution in Paris!   Aleck & I went to a large party at Miss Brebners.  We were all nearly baked alive. It was a nice party.  The Hays were there but I don’t know if they liked it very much.

Saturday 26^th

Damp. The accounts from Paris  of a very serious nature.  Louis Philippe has resigned the throne and he has nominated his Grandson the Compte de Paris.  He & the Royal family have fled. There are 2000,000 troups in Paris, collected by himself but many have turned against him.  I hear that Lord John Russel is to resign withour present ministry & Lord Aberdeen is sent for by the Queen.  Lord & Lady James Hay are rather anxious about their family in Paris.  Willie & I were out a good deal. May & she dined at the Terrace.

Sunday 27^th February 1848

Wet Day.  We all drove to church in the morning and I wet alone in the afternoon. Aleck read aloud in the evening. What serious times these are.  Pat came over in the evening to know if we have heard any more news. It is said that Louis has arrived at Dover .  500 corralled in Paris.  Mrs P Bannerman got a son today.

Monday 28^th February

Fine.  We have heard at 80,000 troups (French) have gone to invade Austria.  The French King is lost no-one knows where.  We had a walk with the Banenrmans.  Willie & I have got a kind invitation to visit Mrs Farquharsn in Edinb7urgh. We had a large dinner party.  The James Frobes, Monros, Williamsons, Mrs Young, Mr Holand, Mr Crawford, Mr Forbes, Mrs Michie.  It got on nicely.

Tuesday 29^th

Lovely.  I went out for a ride with a large party as far as Kingcausie. There were the two Miss Lumsdens and Mr Leith Hay  and Capt Ainslie.  We had great fun. Papa, Mamma, Aleck & Maggie dined Seaton. They are not so alarmed now about their friends in Paris as the ‘Republique’  is established and order restored most wonderfully, but his Ex-Majesty is still missing with some of the the family.    We had the little Bannermans at tea.

MARCH

Wednesday March 1^st

Wet.  Made ourselves very comfortable round the fire all the morning.  I went round to tea at the Terrace. William Leslie suddenly arrived tonight instead of tomorrow so I came home early.

Thursday 2^nd

Showery.  No going out today. We had at dinner the Seaton family, Lumsdens Pitcaple, Griers, C. Forbes, Mr L. Hay & Mr M’Donald & Miss Champion.  Music & a round game in the evening.

Friday 3^rd

Cold but fine. Willie and I had such a busy morning arranging our things to take away with us.  We all went to the Grand Officers ball which really was a splendid affair, and beautifully  and comfortably arranged.  We danced continually & the music was very good, ditto supper, ditto everything.  Edward Lindsay & Gordon Pirie sent us exquisite bouquets which were much admired. Home at ¼ past three.

Saturday 4^th March 1848

Fine, dull.  Willie & I were lazy came down at 11 o’clock.  William & Kate & little Fanny went to Warthill.  We talked over the ball.  It went off with spirit ut it was not a distingue ball.  Mamma & May made several calls. Willie took tea at the Terrace.

Sunday 5^th March 1848

Wet.  Went twice to church.  Mamma has not been very well lately.  I read the beautiful sermons of McCheynes in the evening in Mamma’s room.  Louis Phillipe has arrived in England after wandering about among the cottagers on the French cast for a week.  He and the Queen had but two attendants and change of clothing when picked up by our English vessels from a fishing boat.  This day fortnight he was thought one of the most sagacious and firmly established kings now reigning!!  What a striking lesson it is for all.  The Duchess of Orleans & sons have not been yet heard of.  The others are safe in London.

Monday 6^th

Damp.  Very busy.  Went out early shoppingetc &  made some bargains, in the way of pretty night caps at Gordons.  We three went down with Pat & the bairns to see a good Panorma of Mexico and the Holy Land .

Tuesday 7^th

Wet.  Mamma is still far from well.  The Doctor orders her out as much as possible. Wrote letters and arranged several things all day.  In the evening we went to a very pleasant part at Mrs Mitchells.  I fancy it is our last party as we go on Saturday to Edinburgh.   I confess I am quite sick of going out & meeting the same peple every night!!   I was much pressed to go to Drum on Friday to lunch, riding.  But Charlotte Lumsden & I being the only ladies think it better not to go.

Wednesday

Lovely.  Willie & I have made calls all day and are quite tired. 6 calls & every one at home!  Little Mary has had two fits today.  Mag went round in the evening, she is very dull.  Great riots in Glasgow  and  disturbances in London also.

Thursday 9^th

Fine.   Mag, Mamma & I went to Denmore, & were glad to find them all so well. We two then called at westfield.  Papa dined at Mr. Henry Lumsdens (Mamma obliged to send apology) to meet the Marquis , seaton family & Leith Hays, in a very grand party. Aleck dined & I went in the evening to the Terrace where there was a dinner party.

Friday 10^th

Fine.   Busy packing. Went out in the afternoon & met some particular friends of whom we too a tender leave.  Mary anne came round to tea. We were up very late indeed.  Nothing particular happened.

Saturday, 11^th March

Wet, wretched.  We left Papa & Mamma cozily in bed at ½ past 6 o’clock & Aleck took us down to the steamer where we met Miss Christina Forbes, Old Aberdeen.  It was dreadfully rough and we were dreadfully sick.    I was miserable all day and we did not reach Granton Pier till 7 .  Mrs Farquharson’s servant was waiting and we received a very kind welcome, but were so tired .  We like Miss C. Forbes so much.  We were truly thankful to get into a comfortable house & comfortable beds at 12 Gloucester Place.

Sunday 12^th March 1848

Showery. We went to hear Mr Drummond but instead of him the famous Mr Close of Cheltenham preached.    I  was disappointed. It rained so we did not go out again.  Fanny read aloud in the evening.

Monday 13^th

Fine. We had a chatty morning. After lunch we went out shopping etc and saw the handsome assembly room and Music Hall.  Two Miss Dunlops and Mr Neil, who was the recruiting Officer in Aberdeen, called. Mr Farquharson dined out and we read aloud the ‘Improvisitore’

Tuesday 14^th

Fine but cold. We went out in the afternoon. Called on th Miss Lees with whom we all went to the Exhibition and were much pleased as there are a few good pictures.  In the evening we went to a ball at Mrs Mackays where we did see a soul we knew, but Mr Cameron from Aberdeen, & we only danced once or twice.  Imet a brother of the Miss Cathcarts we used to see in Aberdeen.

Wednesday 15^th

Very fine. We went out early & called for Mrs James Burnett and then had a turn with Jane Ramsay.  Then we went to see the Rooses who are lodging I Princes street, but missed them & then me thtem in Queen Street. We had a merry chatting evening.

Thursday 16^th

Damp. I still have a horrid cold. Fanny & Willie went out after lunch. Miss Rebecca Ferguson called for us yesterday.  Mr. James Fergusson called today.  He seems a very nice person ideed.  W & I met Isabella & Emma and they met a number who asked them to go to the Assembly, so F bought tickets on speculation of ge5ting Mrs F to go. We went and danced every dance but two, altho’ we were perfect strangers to almost everyone there.

Friday 17^th   Papa’s 75^th birthday

Poured. Read the Improvisitore aloud and chatted busily.  Mr F and Fanny dined out.   Wrote several letters. Nothing particular.

Saturday 18^th

Damp.  The Queen had a daughter at 8 this morning, the news arrived at 11, and the bells rang at 2 o’clock .  We made some calls at the two Mrs Rosses, but only found one daughter.  We had a small party of ladies at dinner & some children to tea, so the Miss Dunlps and us acted charades much to amusement & risibility of the party in general. 

Sunday 19^th March 1848

Showery, cold.  We went in the mrningto the Bishop’s & was agreeably disappointed, as I had heard he was not a very practical preacher.  Met Capt Christie, who goes home on Tuesday.  In the afternoon we went to hear the great Dr Candlish, but I confess I was disappointed, as I thought he compelled attention, and in fact was a more powerful preacher, but I think his sermon must have been different from usual, yt the text was a fruitful one.   His manner is not so violent as I imagined, and it is pleasant. 

Monday 20^th

Fine, cold. Several people called in the morning. The two Forbes came up and after lunch we all walked out and made calls, on Mrs Gordon Pitlurg, Mrs Brown, Mrs Arthur Forbes and went to the Exhibition where we met young Mr Irvine, Mr. Neil and the Sheriff who was vociferous in his acclamations of welcome & Mr I said attracted the attention of everybody!!   Mr Irvine walked home with us. In the evening we went to a large party at the #Dunlops & danced a great deal.  It was very pleasant.

Tuesday 21^st

Damp. We as usual had a nice chatty morning. Grance and I did ot go out, the others went with the Lees. We had a quiet evening.

Wednesday 22^nd

Fine. We hear san accounts from Paris and Vienna, indeed all Europe seems convulsed.  Miss Christine Forbes called for us and Mr Grant. William Macdonald came in the afternoon.  He is very quiet & very religious & seems an excellent person. Willie, Fanny and the forbes joined a part of the Lees and went to see Holyrood.  

Thursday 23^rd March 1848

Showery.  A Mr Ruscan came to breakfast.  W.M read at prayers and then gave us a beautiful extempore prayer.  The Miss Fergussons called. There was at dinner Lord & lady Elziabeth, Capt & Mrs Hutchieson, Mr & Mrs Buchanan Hamilton, Mr & Mrs Miller etc, etc.  A Miss Colquhoon came to tea.  Mrs Gordon and Mr James Ross called for us,

Friday 24^th

Very fine.  I did not get up to breakfast as my cold is bad.  W. M left for London.  The Miss Dunlops called when all were out but me.  Capt Small, Miss Horseburgh and the two Forbes diend here. Willie and I were kindly invited to go to tea at Sheriff  Gordons, where there was a dinner party. Miss Rigby authoress of “Letters forom the Baltic”  , Lord Moncreiff, Mr Grant Drumminior , etc, etc were there.  They were very kind. 

Saturday 25^th

Fine. We were all out shopping. We called on  Mrs James Nurnett. We two, Fanny and Mr Niel went to Hawkhill to dinner.  Mr.. W. Forbes, Mr grant, Kincorth, ditto of Druminor, Lady Menzies, etc etc were there. It was a most pleasant party.

Sunday 26^th March 1848

Poured.  Willie & I went in the morning to hear Dr. Muir in the afternoon to Dr Gordon, with whom we were delighted, and in the evening to St Georges to hear Mr Norman M’Leod who is a most energetic preacher.

Monday 27^th

Fine. We have at last found our old governess Mrs Mann! We have not seen er for 100 years, and it is quite out of the question to describe how we talked and looked. We were 2 hours there. We  went out in the afternoon & bought 2 pairs of pretty fire dresses.  In the evening we went to a nice large party at a Mrs Abbotts in Moray Place. A very handsome house & nice party.

Tuesday

Fine.  As usual went out to walk & were almost too late for dressing to go to dine with the James Rosses. We met Mr Gibson, Johnston and several Mr & Mrs Lays.  We had lots of music. When we came home we cooked coffee cream for tomorrow’s dinner amid laughing and chatting.

Wednesday 29^th

Fine. Wrote lots of letters. Went to call n the Forbes and then on the Rosses & Mrs Gordon whom we missed. Also on Mrs Abbott who kindly asked us to go to her box at  the theatre to hear Kean & his wife.  We had arranged to go with Lady Menzies, but as a new favourite piece was to be acted we went with her.  Miss Murray (who, I once met at Kincardine Lodge) and the Lees dined here, but we left before tea.  I hate the theatre, but confess I was much delighted with the Keans acting.  I wept profusely!! 

Thursday 30^th

Fine, warm/  As usual were out all the afternoon.  Called at Miss Anderson’s school for one of Dr Williamsons’s daughters. Were undecided about going to the Assembly tonight, and did not go after all.  We went to take tea with our dear old governess.  Mr Mann seems a nice sensible person.

Friday 31^st

Fine. Willie & I made an expedition to the old Town in a cab to order iron fencing for Inchmarlo.  Mr James & Miss Harriet Fergusson took us to see Watson’s Institution,  an interesting sight & well conducted.  We came home through a lovely new cemitary called the Dean. We had a nice quiet evening

APRIL

Saturday, 1^st April 1848

Lovely warm day. Wrote several letters.  Capt Small made a long call. We 4 all went out together.  We left the F at their Aunt Mrs Hamilton and proceeded down Inverleith Row to call  on the Gammells who seemed delighted to see us ( I am surew we were glad to see them)  We were too late to call on Miss Christina Forbes. We are now quite sorry we did not sooner call on the Gammells that we might have had time to go back.

Sunday 2^nd April 1848

Showery. We set out with the intention of going to hear Mr Glover but were so late that we went ot hear Dr Crawford instead, & we much pleased. In the afternoon we went to hear Mr. Stephenson whom the Farquharson liked better.  In the evening Willie & I went to St Georges to hear the famous Mr. Caird, but we could not get in, and crowds were obliged to turn away, for the church was crammed to the very doors & even outside them .  We are much disappointed not to have heard him. 

Monday 3^rd

Fine.  Went out a good deal and I heard sme pretty music at Woods, which I bought.  Poor Isabella Forbes has been very unwell here.  Fainting, hysterical , pain, cold. We went to a delightful party at the Lees,  & danced the whole night.  Met a Capt Hunter whom Duncan had been attentive to when he passed through Jamah.  We talked a great deal.

Tuesday 4^th

Lovely day.  We went to call at Hawkhill and then went to Leith in persuit of a Gong which we were sent back to Edinburgh to an and finally bought it for £55-0, a great bargain as it is a very fine one.  We went ot Dresden’s Concert at the Hopetoun rooms, but were disappointed in the music very much.  The Farquharsons gave each of us a lovely pebble bracelet in a most kind manner.

Wednesday 5^th

Showery.  We were busy all the morning, helping to arrange every thing for the party at night.  .  we had good fun. The party went off well though many left before 12 to go to Lady Youngman’s ball. 

Thursday 6^th

Cold but fine.  Made an unusual number of calls as we leave tomorrow. We were overpersuaded to remain a few days more in hopes of getting home by land on Mondayy, so sent off a letter to apprize our family f the change in our intentions  We went ot the assembly & enjoyed it much, with Mrs Fairly and the Lees.  The music beautiful.

Friday 7^th

Fine, but cold east wind.   A number of callers.  Mr M’Donald came from London (to luncheon) in 13 hours. We all went out together & saw some of the stained glass windows for the new houses of parliament.  Portraits of Kings of England & their queens, as large as life.  We had a nice pleasant evening. W. Macdonald conducted family worship in a most interesting way.  How few young and rich men think at all of serious matters.  He took us through the New Club house in the afternoon.

Satu8rday 9^th

Fine.  W.M also read prayers this morning & spoke most beautifully on the 3^rd Philippians.  He left at 11 o’clock for the north.  Were out as ususal after lunch.  Saw the Honble Miss Murray’s wedding cake.  I read the newspapers to Mrs Farquharson in the evening, to the disgust of all the others, who had books. 

Sunday 9^th April 1848

Fine.  May’s birthday.  The Sacrament Sunday in Aberdeen. I am glad we did  not go on Friday as we should have had so many worldly thoings to speak about and divert them from  better things. We went in the morning to  hear Dean Ramsay & in the afternoon went all the way to Lady Yester’s church, in hopes of hearing Mr Caird, but he did not preach.  Mrs & Miss Furlong took tea here.

Monday 10^th

Cold wind.  Busy packing up but went out and paid a visit to Madame Fergie!! A famous goody wifie, where we invested a small capital in almond cake, etc, etc   Had a merry last evening with our dear friends.  Mrs Farquharson gave me a book which I much  wished for “ Tuppers Proverbial Philosphy” and Williamina got Miss Plumtre’s Memoris.  We have had certainly a most delightful visit here are  very sorry to go. 

Tuesday 11^th

Fine cold day.  All the horrors of a day on board a coasting steamer!!  But not exactly sick, too cold for the deck.  6 squalling children, etc etc.  Mr James Fergusson walked down to granton and saw us off.  Mr. Grant of Kincorth was the only one on board whom we knew.  Arrived at home at ½ past 5, and talked unceasingly the whole evening.  Mr W. Hogarth called to prescribe for Mamma, who I think is rather better & not so yellow.

Wednesday 12^th

Fine.  Mary Lindsay who came back on Monday called. We went round to the Terrace to see M.A.    Mrs Leslie is there. We saw Mrs Milne who insisted on our going to the ‘Jdges’ party’ at her house!  It proved very slow.   We called on Mrs Forbes to tell  her how Bell was.  Walter dined & Mrs L took tea here.

Thursday 13^th

Fine.  I wnet out with Mamma. We two then called on the Inverernans to tell them about our visit.  We went to the Blind Assylum & after the examination sold 6s.4 worth of their work at M.A’s table.  Papa dined at General Forbes – little Jessie came up to see us at night.

Friday 14^th

Cold wretched. We did not go out till after three and then only I went for a walk with Mary Lindsay to Kepplestone. We had such a chat.  We had Geoge Taylor calling for near an our, poor little man.

Saturday 15^th

Cold, windy.  Out shopping  for Mamma.   I went over to the Terrace to help M.A. to entertain some small children.  It was by no means amusing as they were ill-tempered.

Sunday 16^th April 1848

Cold. Went twice to church. One of our fellow travelers in the steamer, preached in the afternoon.  (Mr Booth).  An excellent sermon.  Mamma not at all well still.

Monday 16^th

Cold wind, and wet.  We as ususal made a snug little place round the drawing room fire. Read, worked and played.  Kemlo came up to see us in the evening.  I was nearly boiled in a hot bath at night.

Tuesday 17^th

Misty.  Mamma & May drove to Heathcot.  We intended going to Inchmarlo today but the weather is so very wretched that Mamma feels unwilling to go.  Mrs Farquharson, Haughton, called  as well as Mrs M’Gregor. I dined at Pat’s with a gentleman’s party, Willie dined at Mrs M’Grigor and May took tea at Westifield.

Wednesday 18^th

Wet.  Sorry I could not go to see the Confirmation at st Andres.  Aleck came up at ½ past two & told us that poor Mrs Forbes of Inverernan had just died suddenly from rupture of the heart.  Mamma 7 Papa feel this deeply, having known her so long, and been with her 14 years ago when her husband died in the same sudden manner.  Maggie went immediately down to the poor sorrowing girls and was with them two hours.  They are in a dreadful state, I fear it will hurt poor Kate and Mary’s health which is delicate.  Mary Anne came to us in the afternoon and then dined.  It is most striking.  May we all be prepared for our own call, may be as short as hers.

Thursday 20^th August 1848

Misty.  Mamma went down  to see the poor Forbes and to offer them our house whenever they like to come.  Papa, Mamma & Willie started for inchmarlo at 10 o’clock.  I took a solitary walk up the Skene road.  May went down at 6 o’clock and remained the evening with the Forbes.  I went to tea at Mrs Lindsays and spent a very pleasant evening indeed.

Good Friday 21^st

Shower.  I mended gloves all the morning. Aleck, Mag & I breakfasted in t he drawing room as the dining room is cleaning!!   Had a walk with Kate Bannerman in the afternoon.  Took tea at Mary Anne.

Saturday 22^nd

Lovely.  Wrote a number of letters in the morning.  Wen to the dancing school with M.L.  Mrs Grier called and made me take a walk with her. She is a very nice person I think.  We were tormented by mice in the evening.

Easter Sunday 23^rd August 1848

Cold. Went twice to church, where Mr. Blake preached. We liked him extremely, so plain & unaffected. Mr Grant & Mr Gordon were in our seat.  I went down to st Andrews to the evening service, with Jessie Hogarth, walked up with the Lindsays.

Monday 24^th

Cold, showery. I went across to the Bannerans for two hours and then Mary L came and after taking a cup of coffee we went out shopping and then went down to the Pier.  Edward joined us for a little and took us to the Coffer dam.  There were 4 poor fishermen drowned a short time before we went  down & they were searching for the bodies.  We did not know till after fortunately.  The Michells called.  I went to Miss Murray’s in the evening where we danced a little.

Tuesday 25^th

Colder!   My brothers left early for Strathdon, with the funeral.  May was with the Forbes last night. I had an invitation to take tea at the Ballogies, but called early and declined.  We called at Westfield, Seaton, Braehead and on Mrs D. Forbes and on Mrs Skene.  I saw her baby.  I had a turn with the Bannermans.

Wednesday 26^th

Fine but bitter cold. I left Aberdeen by the coach and had Miss Burness and Dr Forsyth as fellow passengers.  Willy and I went down to church where he preached. Papa went to town per mail. We sat in the Yellow room at night.

Thursday 27^th

Colder still.  Pat came to breakfast and we arranged a& made improvements in the way of pantry’s at the back.  We went down to the Post & mamma called at Banchory Lodge while we went to Arbeadie.  Pat left at 6 in the midst of snow and rain.

Friday 28^th

Very stormy, snow showers.  St cozily in the library. I had not my specks, so could do nothing .  Read a little of Boston on the Communion.

Saturday 29^th

Fine. We went to church & had as usual an excellent sermon from Mr Brown who preached.  Gathered a very pretty basketfull of spring flowers.   Read in the evening to myself. I slep with Mamma.

Sunday 30^th April 1848

Very fine. We went to church earlier than usual being the Sacrament Sunday. I liked Mr Hutchison so much.   We went to the second table, Mr MacCombie assisting.  We walked home after the morning service was concluded.  It is the first time I ever attended the Sacrament at Banchory. I like our country minister better than Dr. Forsyth.

MAY

1^st May 1848

Fine. I went into Aberdeen in the forenoon, but left Willy at church in passing.  M.A. and Pat came back from Warthill bringing their children. I went round to tea at the Terace as there was a small gentleman party to meet W. Leslie , who had come in for the County meeting.  I sang the whole evening.

Tuesday 2^nd

Very fine. We tried the new carriage today & liked it very much. We went to Balgownie and Seaton taking the Bannermans with us.  Lady James was very kind indeed. I hear in the afternoon the sad news that all the poor Haddens are perfectly ruined and 6,000 people will be out of work by the stopping of the mills next week. They are all at Union Grove together and a sad house it must now be to them, for they have been there in the greatest luxury for 40 years now.  It ought to make one place no confidence in things here.

Wednesday 3^rd

Hot.  I was out and very busy in the morning, went to see M Lindsay by appointment, but she was detained so I waited for nothing.  May & I went down to Phillips on urgent business after dinner,  so I called again on my way home, and they kept me to tea and to talk about their poor unhappy relatives. Poor old Mr Hadden.

Thursday 4^th

Fine. I was up to the ears in mess & boxes till 3 o’clock so was very tired.  Poor M L came in with a message from the poor Haddens thanking us for our sympathy. I had to comfort her till we left at ½ past 3 for Inchmarlo where May and I arrived to tea.  May’s room is very nice with the new door made into Miss Thornton’s closet.

Friday 5^th

Fine hot. I had a cold and wept plentifully all day over “Now and Then”  which I read.    Papa came home to tea, & travelled with the Macraes in the coach.

Saturday 6^th

Fine.  Papa, Mamma & May called for the Macraes at Mavisbank. Willy & I had a most delightful walk by Glencommon, garden, etc.  May went to church. The carts came in the evening so we were busy unpacking & putting things to rights.

Sunday 7^th May 1848

Windy.  Willy has got cold so kept her bed nearly all day. We went to church. It was the sacrament in the Free church. Papa had a turn in the evening and saw the toll woman selling spirits (without a licence) he reprimanded her soundly.

Monday 8^th

Fine. Papa Mamma & willy started for Aberdeen at 11 o’clock. They left me at Banchory, so I went and made a long call at the Manse and then walked as far as Mavisbank with the Hutchiesons.  I met May at the Cottage.  After my early dinner I arranged  a heal pf my letters  and wrote up my journal  from 29^th April.    May wet to evening church and I went to meet her at night.

Tuesday 9^th

Fine but windy.  May & I had a lovely walk round by the river walk to cairnton.  I was reading the “iliad”  in the evening we substituted a heavy tea for dinner.

Wednesday 10^th

Fine very hot.  May & I had a long walk by the Glencommon wood and stuck in a bog!  But happily escaped with only wetting our feet.  In the evening went to the river to see Frank Bell trying to catch a salmon. Wrote letters.

Thursday 11^th

Hot.  Busy all the morning putting right the ornaments in the drawing room.  Papa & Mamma came to tea, Mamma sadly knoced up, Willie’s cold not much better yet/  They came out in the new Britska.

Friday 12th 1848

Fine, warm.  May, Willie & I went to Arbeadie, Dee bank & Feugh and then May and I paid a visit to all the East Mains cottages.  We miss the poor old widow.  Willy has brought out lots of nice books with her.

Saturday 13^th

Very hot.  Mr Aleck Irvine came up early and stayed luncheon.  Mamma, Mag & I went to Crathers and while Mamma was wit her ladyship, Sir Thomas took us through the garden which is looking well.  The Macraes called. Alick arrived from strathdon to dinner at 6.  We had a walk by the river at night.

Sunday 14^th May 1848

Fine.  We all went to church.  Dined early – went up to the school at five we walked home with John Dower & had an  interesting conversation about the “New Light”  as  people call it.  Aleck read aloud at night.

Monday 15^th

Cooler. Aleck left. Mr & Mrs Thomas Innes called early. We called at Glassel but missed them. Drove down to the Banchory road at  night expecting to find little Duncan, who was to be sent out as one of the nurses has caught scrlet fever.  We met the Rasays & drove them to  Mavisbank.

Tuesday 16^th

Windy.  Duncan arrived per mail and astonished the coachman by his getting out at Banchory & marching on the road to Inchmarl while the horses changed!!  He is a young man who can live without his other!   We called at Feugh for Mrs Gordon of Newtonon.  We three went down to tea at Arbeadie, to meet the Macraes.  She seems nice, ut he is too familiar (without meaning it).

Wednesday 17^th

Cold, showery, which doesmuch good.   Papa started at 8 for Stonehaven where he was summoned with the rest of the J.P.s to mee the Justice General on Lord Arbuthnott’ s case.  Sent a lovely bouquet to Jane Ramsay.   MNamma had a short drive in the car in the afternoon. Frank Bell caught a splendid salmon of 1 lb 113 oz and afterwards we saw him hook another which got off!

Thursday 18^th

Fine.  Duncan has not been well all day very heavy & feverish. We went out in the afternoon to East Mains ^ op of the Hill behind . Anderson of Invercanny was married today & there was shooting all the evening.  Mr Macrae and his son called.  Busy copying music.  We had a desperate fright at night from a strong smell of fire. We discovered the cause brown paper burning in a pail in the housemaid’s closet.  It was a great mercy that owing to Mama being rather unwell, we discovered it.

Friday 19^th

Cloudy. Duncan hsas caught the scarlet fever I fear, but Mamma is a capital docor so her prescriptions may have a good effect.  The Ramsays called but as the party from Feugh were coming we did not as them to stay lunch.  I took them to the greenhouse which is looking lovely.  Mrs Gordon, Miss Morrison, Mrs Young & Mrs Stuart of Auchluncart were at lunch.  Then we took them out.  Papa came out to tea, he has been quite knocked up with so much business & travelling.  Pat came out to be with him and that bother Mrs M’Grigor also came, to look for summer lodgings  near us!!  J.A. has now caught scarlet fever.

Saturday 20^th

Wet.  Dr. Thom came to breakfast and pronounced Duncan to be ‘guilty’ of scarlet fever! Almost over, & very slight.  We all had a lovely walk in the evening when it cleard.  Mr. Beaton the Land Surveyor dined and then drove Pat in at night. 

Sunday 21^st May 1848

 

Fine.   Jane Anne & Fanny have not got the fever.  Fan not very well. Duncag getting on well. We dined early, then we three went up to the school in the afternoon.  Mamma & Mrs M’Grigor to an evening walk.

 

Monday 22^nd

 

Fine.  I went with Mrs M to look for lodgings.  She then left per coach. Sir Thomas & Mr Burnett called, we took them to the Garden.  I sat on a big stone in the river all the afternoon reading.  Willy painting the staircase blind.  Mag, and I went down in the carr to William Laing’s cottage at night.

 

Tuesday 23^rd

 

Fine.  Mag went in to town per mail to  help M.A.  The children getting better there, also D.  Papa not very well. We drove up nearly to Kincardine in the afternoon.  I wrote several letters afterwards.

 

Wednesday 24^th

 

Very warm.  Papa not at all well. Dr ordered him what I hope will do him good.  He feels his arm.  Duncan up for  a little this afternoon.  The Michells called for a few minutes & started up & off on hearing  of Duncan’s illness.   Walked and read by the river & was eaten up with Mosquitos! !  All the children have got the fever in Aberdeen, better now, except Fanny who suffers earache.

 

Thursday 25^th

 

Fine with showers.  Papa still rather uneasy, as his shoulder is weak.    Willy & I went to the cottage and as usual built castles in the air about our two living there, when two elderly ladies!  How different our lot may be.   The Ramsays drove up in the evening to enquire for all the children & told us that all our neighbours are afraid of us.  A nice new wardrobe came for the chintz room.

 

Friday 26^th

 

Cold.  Two of Pat’s servants have now caught the fever but the children are getting better fast.  Fanny has been very ill and is still suffering from earache and she is very deaf.    We went down to lunch at Arbeadie.  They  walked home with us and the Greys to take them home.  Down at the river as usual at night.

 

Saturday 27^th May

 

Fine.  Had a letter from Sherriff Gordon instead of himself!  Aleck came out in the evening coach and we met him  and after tea took a walk.  Johnny left us yesterday.  Papa is rather better today. 

 

Sunday 28^th

 

Fine. Went to church and our friend Mr Cook preached and we were as usual delighted by his sermon.  Aleck and us sat by the river for an hour at night.

 

Monday 29^th

 

Fine in afternoon.   I went over to East Mains.  We drove to Banchory & met Dr Williamson who came out to see Papa.   After tea we took hom for a walk.  Duncan is allowed to be in the drawing room.

 

Tuesday 30^th

 

Showery.  Went early to the Garden with Dr W. who left by the mail. We took a nice drive in the evening with Mamma & then walked by river.

 

Wednesday 31^st

 

Stormy.  They began to build the new pantries yesterday.  We were not out the whole day but read & worked .  We are in such a mess with scaffolding up round the house, for the plumbers work on the roof. 

JUNE

 

Thursday 1^st June 1848

 

Showery. Drove to Banchory after lunch and we then walked to the Cottage where we sat & chatted & sang on the stile. Poor little Fanny has still pain in her ears but we hope the deafness will go off when th suppuration goes off.

 

2^nd June

 

Finer.  We looked at some cottages for the Bannermans to come to & think John Strachan will do. Went to the garden  which is looking uncommonly well. We have beautiful seedling calceolarias coming on also some very fine cinerarias.

 

3^rd June  Saturday

 

Fine. I have got sorre throat & fever. I hope I shall not take a 2^nd dose of scarlet fevr. Copied music. Aleck came out at night and says Charles Forbes Migvie has arrived, and that poor Charlie Forbes Dyce, died at Malta on his way home.

 

Sunday 4^th June 1848

 

Very wet.  I lay in bed all day as I was so feverish.  No one went to church, but they read aloud at home instead.

 

Monday 5^th

 

Showery.  I felt better so came down. Dr Thom says it is just a feverish cold, prevalent when scarlet fever rages.  Aleck left .  The building gets on nicely but as all the windows are  out, the house is very open at night.

 

Tuesday 6^th

 

Fine.  Duncan got out today.  Mamma & Willie called at Arbeadie.  I a reading The Heart of Midlothian again with a great deal of pleasure.   Kate lLeslie started for Lisswood today.

 

Wednesday 7^th

 

Fine. Windy.  We are living so quietly & regularly that I have nothing particular to write in any journal, so it becomes rather more stupid than usual.  Willy went to Aberdeen in the afternoon.  Papa had a note from Mr Innes saying they were arrived.

 

Thursday 8^th

 

Very fine.  Duncan & I had a walk to John Strachans were we had a drink of milk.  I went out again with my parents in the evening.  Reading, music, etc, etc.

 

Friday 9^th

 

Showery. Captain Cosmo Gordon was married to Miss Mary Abercrombie today.  Wilie and and Mag came out to a late tea, && say all the children are getting better.  There is an odious thumping going on in the court amont the workmen.

 

Saturday 10^th

 

Wetish in the evening.  Mr & Mrs Cochrane came to call also Mr Innes after the road meeting & he then went home in a perfect pour.  Pat came out to dinner driving his new horse for the first time.

 

Sunday 11 June 1848

 

Very wet. We went to church.  Saw the Innes but they were afraid to touch us so we did not speak to them. I sat in our little room as usual reading. 

 

Monday 12^th

 

Fine. Pat left after breakfast.  I hve begun to read the Protestant Reformation in France.  Papa, Mamma & Willie called at Blackhall, but did not go in.  Mrs Ross came to talk to them at the door.  We walked by the river, etc.  Poor Duncan had such a fit of earache al night & cried himself into a fever, he came to my bed.

 

Tuesday, 13^th

 

Poured all day.  We all made ourselves most comfortable with work and books round the drawing room fire. 

 

Wednesday 14^th

 

Windy, showery.  I began to work a footstool, branches of ivy taken from y new Ottoman.  We were busily idle all day.  Our new tiger ran away this morning & was caught y Calder  brought back & then dispatched per coach instantly with a letter to his father!   The poor youth will be well whipped. 

 

Thursday 15^th

 

Fine.  Wrote letters. The Ramsays came up & stayed lunch;  we then took them for a walk.  After tea we walked and stayed out till past 10 o’clock.  It was most lovely.  Got Tennysons poems to read from J.R.

 

Friday 16^th

 

Lovely.   Duncan got a ride on Effy to his delight. Sir Thomas called & he & Papa went up to Dalhaikie together.    We went up to kincardine and called for Mrs I. Morrice & at the Manse.  We put Maggie out at Woodend to call on Mrs Forbes , and then picked her up again as we returned.

 

Saturday 18^th June 1848

 

Fine.  We were all at Church.  Finished reading the books that Mr Hutchieson lent to me.  After tea Pat, Willie & I had a walk round by Invercanny & half way to Cairnton.  Had reading in  the evening.

 

Monday 18^th

 

Very fine, warm.  We went to Banchory and there met every body.  I never knew people made such a fuss about infection in my life, especially the Innes.  After dinner Patrick and  I  went in to town together on his grey and sang and spoke nonsense to all the little boys we met.  We called in the morning on the Macraes and Miss Grant.

 

Tuesday 20^th

 

Very hot. I was very,  very busy, and paid a number of accounts, and my cash was all right at night, tho I first thought I had lost £4!!  I went with M.A. to visit the Industrail School, which is very interesting.  All the children n are pretty well.  J.A. came out with me.  Papa Mamma & Willie called at Craigmyle today.

 

Wednesday  21^st

 

Cooler. I was quite as busy as yesterday.  Met a great many people in the streets.  Went round to the Terrace at 5 o’clock to see Mrs Leslie & the children & made myself too late for dinner with Aleck.   After tea I went down to call on Mary Lindsay & spent the evening with her, playing, etc etc.

 

Thursday 22^nd

 

Cool!  I spent the hours at the Terrace in the morning and arranged some things in the afternoon.  A great many people are in town;  I was asked to go to Migvie House to dinner but afterwards to tea.   Charles has come home & he told me all about Duncan’s children.  Mary Lindsay took tea with me and dressed me afterwards.

 

Friday 23^rd.

 

Fine  I came home by themail.  The Ramsays called to  say goodbye as they  leave for England tomorrow.  We went to call atCampfield.  Willie & I sat in the Garden a long time in the evening chatting.  Lady Burnett has given Mamma a receipt for Papa as by it she has cured several people of the same kind of complaint as Papas. 

 

Saturday 24^th

 

Fine.  Willie and I spent all the afternoon in the garden  We took Duncan to see the sheep being shorn at the farm.  After tea we two were busy digging up thistles on the lawn.  No easy task when large.

 

Sunday 15^th

 

Fine but cool. We all went to church.  Lady Elphinstone was there.  The Innes spoke to us today. We tw sat in the schoolroom all the afternoon, & took a walk after tea to the garden .

 

Monday 26^th

 

Fine but cold.  Gathered a bunch of lovely roses for the first time this year!   We three and Duncan took a drive down to Chatties in the evening & then took Mamma for a walk.

 

Tuesday 27^th

 

Showery. Capt Forbes called as he is to fish up the river to Borrowston.  Wrote several eltters in the afternoon.  Played the harp the whole evening.

 

Wednesday 28^th

 

Showery.  The anniversary of Papa’s & Mamma’s wedding day 44 years ago.  Every person is horror struck at the state of france.  On Sunday there was fighting all day in Paris and 1000’s being killed.  It wills urely prove to this nation that peace is precious.  Mr & Mrs Ross called .

 

29^th June – Thursday

 

Showery.  The news from Paris is still more frightful, still great slaughter and desperate fighting at the Barracades.  Paris declared in a state of siege.   Played on the Harp at night. 

 

Friday 30^th

 

Shjowery.  Mrs M’Grigor & family came up to dinner.  We made the boys amuse us by rushing down the bank in the children’s carriage.  Had a turn at night between the showers.

 

JULY

 

Saturday, 1^st July 1848

 

Still showery & cold.  Mag and I went early to call on Miss grant Monymusk & then for Mrs Young.  We sent the carriage down to drum to meet Mary Anne  & Patrick who have brought out little Mary and her new black looking nurse.   We were in the garden in the afternoon, when the bell brought us down to see the Gordons of Kincardine, whom we found calling.  We hear tha the Archbishop of Paris is shot and more than 20,000 people killed!!  But comparative peace restored by Wednesday.     I was told by Mr W. Brown who walked up here after tea, that at one of the barriers, when the insurgents fled, a beautiful girl clothed in white mounted with a sword, which she waved to bring them back.  She was shot, and another one instantly got to her place.  An eye witness wrote this to Mr. Brown.

 

Sunday 2^nd

 

Showery.  We all went to church but Mr. Hutchieson was at Lumphanan assisting at the Sacrament and we had not a very good preacher instead.

 

Monday 3^rd

 

Showery.  Pat left early. We walked a little with MA between the showers.  Mr & Mrs Macrae came up to.  We think them nice people.  They were quite delighted with the greenhouse.  We had some music before they left.

 

Tuesday 4^th

 

Showery.  Mrs Young sent to say she was to come to tea.  MA May & Willie went in to Aberdeen before breakfast.  I called on the Miss Gibbs at Invercanny.  Mrs. Young & Miss Oglivie came to a heavy tea.  I took Miss O up to the garden.  We walked a good way home with them at night.  Miss O seems a very good person and very amiable.   I gathered a lovely bouquet of Roses and geraniums today.

 

Wednesday 5^th

 

Very fine.  Papa & Mamma were just going to see Capt Ramsay when he drove up here.  They afterwards went to call for Mrs M’Grigor.  May came home without Willy who was persuaded to stay to help MA to pack up for going to Hillside.   Pat went with three other gentlemen to London on Railway business.  The Leslie came home from their trip to the Souoth.

 

Thursday 6^th

 

Warm & windy.  Nice letters from India.  We took a roasting walk to the cottage.  I had a nice  ride on Effy and took tea at Mrs M’Grigors.  If Effy did not bolt she would be a dear little beast for riding.   We walked till past 11 o’clock.

 

Friday 7^th

 

Roasting day. Pat and Charlie Bannerman came up from Balbeady  to breakfast and then went to fish.  Pat and I took a ride, but we were sent home by the rain and thunder.  Capt Ramsay could only come up when it ceased at 4 o’clock.    After dinner May & we went to tea at feugh and took the boys down with us.  We met Mr Bruce the clergyman of the Episcopalians at Banchory.  He walked home with us. 

 

Saturday 8^th

 

Showry. Went to call at Kincardine Lodge.  Dr. Cruickshank came from Aboyne to stay till Monday.  Aleck & Willy came out at night. They say poor MA is again  put off from going to Hillside by the illness of the previous tenant.  We have asked them all to come out here for a week.   The Glassells & Miss Grants called.

 

Sunday 9^th July 1848

 

Showery!!  We all went to church.  It was a day of humiliation appointed by the Assembly on the state of the country.  Mr H’s sermon may do much good to the people. 

 

Monday  10^th

 

Fine.  Aleck & Dr C left early.  Papa went to see Miss Grant.  I rode down to Balbeadie and was very sorry to miss Mrs Bannerman who went in with a few sick  children & Uncle and Sir W Johnston had not arrived so I only saw the children.    The other two walked over to cairnton and had a great deal of fun with Mrs Burnett.   The Innes’ called.

 

Tuesday 11^th

 

Very fine and very warm.  Mary Anne and all the children coame out today.  I never in my life saw 5 happier creatures.  They enjoyed as many strawbwerries & cream as they could eat. We sat out till 10 o’clock.  May & Will called at Glassel and at Mavis Bank.

 

Wednesday 12^th

 

Overpoweringly hot.  We sent off our luggage in the car to Kintore where it was met & forwarded to Warthill and we all started at half past 11 and had a nice drive. We called at Castle fraser but missed them, but had a good view of that lovely place.  We rested at Inverury and as usual spent a very stupid hour while the horses listed.    We were most kindly received at warthill, all looking well, and happy.  We make a large family party.

 

Thursday 13^th 

 

Very fine. We had a nice chatty morning and a walk after lunch. We gathered roses for our hair as we went to Meldrum to dinner.  We met besides the large family of Urquharts, the Gordon Campbells, Irv ines , Fyvies, Leith Halls, etc etc,  24 at dinner and after having some splendid singing, we danced in the dininr goor where they had rolled up the carpet. Got home at half past one.

 

Friday 14^th

 

Very fine. We started quite early in the dog cart for Drumrossie. William drove us there.  We called at westhall for a few minutes.  We made William arrange his drawing room to our taste!   Papa & Mr Leslie  inspected John’s Leys &   (illegible)  Bodham which Papa has lately become possessed of.    After Mama & Mrs Leslie came (havin called at Newton)  we lunched and returned to Warthill, having again called at Westhall & seen Mrs Dalrymple and Lady Georgina Douglas.  James Leith came to dinner.

 

Saturday 15^th

 

Fine. We girls, and William Walton went up again to Drumrossie to help to entertain all the Wardhouse party at lunch.  Mrs Gordon is Spanish and very nice. We were kindly invited to lunch there.  The old people came up to dinner and Sir Andrew, Charlie Hay, Mr Seaton 93^rd and James Leith were at dinner beside all of ourselves & Aleck who came out in the morning.

 

Sunday 16^th July 1848

 

Fine.  I went to the Free church with May;  the others went to chapel.  We had an excellent sermon.  I was quite done out at night with my walk, etc.

 

 

Monday 17^th

 

Fine. Aleck left. We started early to go toFyvie Castle and then tolunch at Rothie.  They missed the Gordons, but on our return from Rothie we met them calling at Warthill. She seems a quiet, sweet body.  Mr Lumsden Pitcaple dine. We had a kind invitation to stay a day or two there, but we cannot at present.

 

Tuesday 18^th

 

Cloudy.  Left Warthill at 11 o’clock having much enjoyed ourselves there.  We called at Pitcaple in passing, & having refreshed ourselves at Inverury with its far famed biscuits came straight home, resting half an hour at Echt.  Mary Anne & the Birnies here all well.

 

Wednesday 19^th

 

Fine.  Mary Anne & My with all the children went to Hillside across the country.  Aleck came out, and then we three having opened the carriage went to a delightful party at Raemoir.  39 sat down  to lunch and after that we all went of to shoot.  It was admorably arranged.  We shot in couples 6 couples against 7.  I believe I shot very well, having most accidentally hit the bull’s eye besides the tartet othere twice.  There were 220 ad dinner and the rest of us (young people)  had a most merry heavy tea in Mr Innes’ room.   We then dressed and after a little good music, ‘danced all night in the pale moonlight and got safely home in the moring’. 

 

Thursday 20^th 

 

Showery. We had a party of 16 in the morning, and between the showers inspected the Garden.  After lunch we all drove off to the flower show where we got several good prizes.  We wre invited to go again to Raemoir tonight, but it did not prove fine, so Robert Burnett and us amused ourselves at home most comfortably.

 

Friday 21^st

 

Fine but cool.  After writing several letters, I rode down to call at Feugh, to invite the Miss Gordons of Park to lunch.   I met every body & was provoked at my pony bolting when the mail passed in the village.  Aleck left us early in the morning.

 

Saturday 22^nd

 

Fine. Wrote invites for a party. The M’Grigors came to lunch, also Miss Young of Auldtrees & some friends of hers, nexpectedly.  Then Mrs Gordon came to call.

 

Sunday 23^rd July 1848

 

Showery.  We went to Church & had a beautiful sermon.  Met the drums going to Chapel. Willy & I had a lovely walk to the Cottage at night, and serious conversation.  Every thing looked to wear such a holy calm and when one feels contented, it gives a charm inexpressible to everything around.

 

Monday 24^th

 

Fine. We had a good deal of writing.  Capt Ramsay came up on business to Papa and then Mr & Miss Macrae came up to call.  He to take leave as he goes to India soon.  Miss Anne Grant came up to lunch and we had a nice walk.  She amused us at the horrid way the R-s had treated her.

 

Tuesday 25^th

 

Showery.  Papa, Mamma & Willy went to Aberdeen for a day or two.  I called on the MacGregors & brought Mary Jane home for company.  I meant to have gone across to Cairnton but it looked so stormy.  We had a nice walk in the evening & porridge for our supper.

 

Wednesday 26^th

 

Fine.  Duncan McG came up to his breakfast and they left at 1 o’clock.  The little Corbetts called.  I superintended a wright who was working here also Cumming the old sailor painter.  Mr & Mrs Duncan Forbes called in the afternoon.  Finsidhed reading Anita Wyndam.  When out in the evening I met W. Hutchieson & walked up the road with him , as he was goig to catechize at the school.  I spent a long time lying on the grass in the garden & thinking many things. 

 

Thursday

 

Very fine.  Received several letters and was very busy all the morning.  Capt Ramsay came up after breakfast to see Papa but went away as he was not come. I wrote to Eliza Ramsay  They came down to dinner about 6 o’clock.    Willie and I had a regular fight  in the little drawing room !!!

 

Friday 28^th

 

Fine.  Mary Lindsay came in the morning to pay us a visit.  The three boy M’Gregors came up and spent the day. We all went off to the rocks, & then halfway to Cairnton.  Mamma & May had a drive, & when in Banchory they met Mr A. Irvine, who gave them news.

 

Saturday 29^th

 

Very fine. Spent nearly the whole morning in the garden gathering flowers & then arranging them.  The Leslies arrived about 5 0’clock from Warthill and Kate gave us lots of news about the Fyvie parties and the nice people they met there.  We had the Michells & Miss Anne grant to dinner, also the Crathes people and  Mr & and Mrs Gordon, Kincardine and they brought Mr Gordon of  Avoch.  I thought it a stupid party.  

 

Sunday 30^th

 

Showery. We all went down to church and had a beautiful sermon. We all sat in our little room, as it rained & and we could not go up the river to Cairnton as we intended. I forgot to say that Pat came out to us yesterday.  He read aloud to us in the evening.

 

Monday 31^st  July

 

Fine.  May & Will went to take the Leslies to see Crathers & then on to Drum where they lunched.  Their carriage met them at the church & took them to Raemoir to dinner     Gordon Forbes came out per mail and we shot at a newspaper and  Gordon’s hut as the targets have not come.  Charlie Hay came to us today as the rest of his family went to Raemoir.  We had music, etc, etc in the evening.

 

AUGUST

 

Tuesday  1^st August

 

Showery. Could not go out much and all the day they played at battledoor in the dininr room & and made a desparate noise.     After dinner we all set off to Raemoir, where there was anice party. We danced a good deal. Mr Robertson’s piper played and we danced in the dining room.  Caroline Hay was very sorry not to be able to come to us this week.

 

Wednedsday 2^nd 

 

Fine.  We were shooting all the morning.  We brought Aleck home with us from  Raemoir last night.  We took a drive to the Falls of Dess after luncheon.    General Forbes & Anna came to us this afternoon. We danced a little  and then had proberves.  Charlie Hay finds them out very cleverly. 

 

Thursday 3^rd

 

Very fine morning.  Began shooting after breakfast. The Leslies came about 11 & Foveran and Mr M’Donad in the boat about 12 o’clock.  Then the Irvines came. Everything was ready for the pic-nic up Skolty b ut it poured, so we set to work very hard with battledoor & Les Graces in the dining room and much noise, the like of which is seldom heard.  The hampers were unpacked & we pic-nicked in the dining groom and then 17 of us set off in the boat & our open carriage for a drive round by the bridge of Potarch, Whitestone & Strachan, and then made the inhabitants of Banchory stare at 10 people arriving in a boat!  I drove it up all the hills, when Foveran walked.  Jane Irvine, Beatrice and me sang waltzes, etc and we all succeeded in making a noise..  The Burnetts, & Miss Macrae came to dinner & we found Capt L Hay had arrived when we came from our drive.  18 dine in the room ad 5 of us young ladies had a heavy tea in the drawing room. We danced busily all night.   Foveran danced Gilly Callum most beautifully.  We got to bed about half past 1 o’clock. 

 

Friday 4^th

 

Fine. Had a great deal of fun about riddles at breakfast. We shot and did various other amusements all the morning.  Fovran & Leith Hay and Charlie left in the morning. The rest had all a drive to Tillywhilly Castle after lunch.  The Innes & M’Gregors dined with us.  Mr Innes & Willy danced together the whole night to our amusement.

 

Saturday 5^th

 

Fine.  Every body left us today & we once more resume our own comfortable quiet ways.  E. Lindsay drove out for his sister & gGordon Forbes.  We found the bracelet that Emma lost in the terrace walk.  Papa went up to Dalhaikie in the afternoon. Aleck & Mr M’onald left per mail. 

 

Sunday 6^th August

 

Fine.  We went to church. General & Mrs Wood were there from Raemoir. Willy & I went to the Garden in the evening.  Maggie read aloud to us.

 

Monday 7^th

 

Showery thunder.  Wrote to the Farquharsons to make them fix the time of their  visit to us and then a long letter to Anna Maria.   We went down to talke tea with Miss Macrae, we had games and learned to dance the Russian Masurka with a cousin of hers just come from Russia.   Mrs Ross asked us to go to Blackhall tomorrow evening but we can’t. 

 

Tuesday 8^th

 

Fine.  Papa  Mamma & Willy +++++ called for the Arthur Forbes at Dee bank, then at Feugh and then on the Sheriffs at Invery.  Mrs James Burnett and her children came over here to tea.

 

Wednesday 9^th

 

Fine but showery.  Mamma and two of us called on the Woods at Raemoir.  Edward and Mary Lindsay called here from Raemoir. Papa, May and I dined at Glasse.  I ornamented my white dress with Ivy leaves which looked pretty.  We forgot to come till it was very late.  So did Sir Thomas. We met the Fentalls the new people at Carologie.  Not at all nice.

 

Thursday  10^th

 

Gloomy.  Gen. Wood called Mamma & two of us called at Ballogie.  Mary Jane walked up to call.  After partaking of a large supply of gooseberries in the garden, I walked part of the way back with them.

 

Friday 11^th

 

Windy but fine.  Mrs Godon deebank & party viz Mrs A Forbes and Miss Chrisina called. We went to Kincardine lodge to lunch and spent the day.  The Miss Cathcarts are there and seem very nice girls. We four danced in the evening.  One of them plays beautifully on the piano.

 

Saturday 12^th

 

Fine, cold.   Left Kincardine lodge at 12 and brought the Miss Cathcarts down to luncheon with us.  We had just sat down when Jane Irvine came to join us, bringing a friend with her.  We shot a little after lunch & the Cathcarts went home about 5 o’clock .  We are invited to drum on the 18^th but are not sure if Ge & Mrs Wood come here or not.

 

Sunday 13^th August

 

Cold but fine.  We went to church as usual.  Dined early. After tea, Willly & I had a nice walk.  May read aloud.   George, the boy, positively refused to have Sunday lessons from May. 

 

Monday 14^th

 

Fine, very cold.  Heard from Aleck that Capt Charles Forbes and Arthur Barlow come per steamer to strathdon.  The Innes made a hurried call.  Miss Anne Grant & Miss Barrie & Mrs Michell came quietly to lumnch and then we had a walk And a nice quiet evening.

 

Tuesday 15^th

 

Fine. Cold.  I have got a horrid cold. The little  Burnetts and Corbetts lunched with us.  Had a funny letter from M. Lindsay.  We expected the Farquharsons to arrive to tea, but they did not come till wehad given up all hopes of them about 10 o’clock.  They had posted all the way from Montrose, as they could not get seats in the mail. They wre sadly tired.

 

Wednesday 16^th

 

Fine. Papa Mamma and Maggie went to call at Aboyne. They missed the Marquis but found Lady Aboyne.  Went to bed in the afternoon. Willy & the Farquharsons had along walk. We had a quiet evening.

 

Thursday 17^th

 

Poured in the morning.  We expect Capt C Forbes & Arthur Barlow to dinner, but they did not  come.  We amused ourselves comfortably all day.  Just as we got to our rooms we heard the pipes playing and Chas Forbes arrived at the door in full force.  Mamma came down in her dressing gown and we got them some supper.  We laughed continuously for an hour and then left them to enjoy each other.

 

Friday 18^th

 

Very fine indeed.  The gentlemen walked over to lunch at Glassel. Mrs M’Gregor & family came to lunch here.  Maggie Willie and Fanny went down to Drum early and spent the day.  They did not come home till 0ast 12 and it was a fearful night of wind and rain.  Charles Forbes sent down his piper to find his chanter about 15 miles off and then he was in a fuss because he did not come home at night!!

 

Saturday 19^th

 

Fine, windy.  The piper cast up at breakfast time and they left at one o’clock.  The Ramsays called and then we all went out for a drive round by the B ridge f Benny & round by Raemoir.  Papa, Mamma, Willy & Grace dined at Crathes and we had a jolly little party & evening. 

 

Sunday 20^th August

 

Fine. We al went to church and had an early dinner.  Pat came over to tea from Hillside and told us that a great many fishermen had been drowned on Friday  evening fro upsetting of boats in the dreadful squall.  We had a nice quiet walk after tea.  Aleck read  one of Dr Cummings sermons in the evening.   The Marquis of Huntly called.

 

Monday 21^st August

 

Fine. We sat out after breakfast and then shot a little.  Mrs Col Gordon called and just as we were starting for Blackhall Mrs ross came here.  We then called at Feugh & for Miss a Grant. We read The Lady of the Lake aloud in the evening. Aleck breakfasted at Crathes & then went to Aberdeen with Capt Leith.

 

Tuesday 22^nd

 

Wet.  Wrote letters all the morning. Eliza Ramsay spent the day ere.  Jane was not able.  Capt R came to dinner.  Mr Hutchieson called, also General & Mrs Wood & their two daughters.  We expected Capt Leith Hay & W. Maxwell to lunch on their way to Ballogie where we had a kind invitation for two days but could not accept it. 

 

Wednesday 12rd August

 

Thunder showers.  We started about one for Kincardine and met the whole country side at the most miserable apology for a flower show that could possibly have been!  We were all driven to our carriages by the rain & obliged to remain in the house the whole day.  There was altogether a prty of 58 there and one table full succeeded another at lunch.  We were glad to get away.  The Farquharsons brother Mr Macdonald came to us and also Lord Elibank and a Mr Headly.  We had a nice quiet enjoyable evening.

 

Thursday 24^th

 

Showery. Capt Hay & Mr Maxwell lunched here on their way from Ballogie.  Mr Charles Forbes came to us from Kincardine.  We took a drive in the afternoon and found the Michells here when we came home.   We had a merry evening round the tea table.

 

Frday 25^th

 

Very fine indeed. After lunch we all started for the Glen and had a lovely and merry walk.  We 6 young people went round to Raemoir to dance in the evening and came home about 12 o’clock.  The Clark Rattrays Parkhill,s, & Woods were there and young Drum who was very amusing indeed.

 

Saturday 26^th

 

{pired!!  We read aloud in the morning & amused ourselves with letters after.  Pat arrived to dinner from strathdon.  Papa & May died at Raemoir and we gave Charles Forbes a dancing lesson in the evening & had some games and tricks.

 

Sunday 27^th August 1848

 

Very fine. We all went to church in the morning and we went to the hill walks after lunch. Alick read one of Blunt’s sermons aloud andPapa snored quite loud in the middle of it!!

 

Monday 28^th

 

Showery.  Alic & Charles Forbes left us early;  we arranged the design for the triumphal arch for the Queen at the gate.  We had a short drive and a long walk rouond by Cairnton and then a pleasant chatty evening.

 

Tuesday 29^th 

 

Fine. We had a large party from Murtle at luncheon on their way to Ballater. We dined at lunch and then all went off to tea and a lollipop making at Arbeadie. We had a merry evening and plenty of music

 

Wednesday 30^th

 

Fine.  Fixed the site of our arch a little to the east of the gate.  Aleck came out per mail.  A party of us went round to Blackhall and to call for Miss A Grant & Miss Grace Burnett.  50 troops stopped at Banchory on their way to Balmoral & Aleck brought Capt Hay & Mr Bannatyne up to dinner here.  We had  5 of a party from Glassel, Capt & Mrs Johnstone & the James Burnetts. 

 

Thursday 31^st

 

Fine.  The troups started at 5 and other 50 under Mr Macdonald arrived in the village.   Mrs Young & Mrs Morrison called also Mr M to say how sorry was not to be able to dine here as he ought to go to Capt Ramsays. A queer little man stopped here by the down mail to get information about the country.  Papa Mamma Fanny I dined at Kincardine Lodge quietly.

 

SEPTEMBER

 

Friday 1^st September

 

Showery. Papa took Mr James Burnett, who came to breakfast across to stonehaven to a meeting of the deputy Lieutenants to draw up an address to the Queen to be delivered to sir G. Greay at Banchory.  We went over to Cairnton to ask Mrs Burnett to come to dinner and then drove down to see the arches at Banchory.  Papa & Mr B came home to dinner at half past 6.  We had a cosy evening.

 

Saturday 2^nd

 

Fine. We were down at the gate superintending the arch at the gate.  We heard tod ay that dear Kate had another little daughter on the 4^th July.  Miss Grace Burnett called in the afternoon.  Mrs Gordon called and brought  a Col Brooke .  Papa, ag, grace & Will went down to dine at Durris and gave us an amusing account of it when they came home.  We spent a nice quiet evening.  Little Jessy came to visit us. 

 

Sunday 3^rd September

Fine. We all went to church in the morning.  We dined early, read in the afternoon and then we went up to the school where Mr Hutchieson gave a sermon. We made him take tea here on his way home.

 

Monday 4^th

 

Very hot indeed.  We went down to enquire for Col Gordon then Grace & I sat all the afternoon chatting while the others went out. Rushing about in the evening.

 

Tuesday 5^th

 

Very hot.  Were all at the Arch in the morning superintending too hot for a walk.  Col BNrooke made a long call. We read and worked busily for the ladies sale.

 

Wednesday 6^th

 

Very fine.  Busy at the arch!   We went to Banchory after breakfast to see the progress of decoratin there.  We then walked through Glencommon and agai the afternoon went down to Calder, I driving as Calder went to meet the children & MA at Park.  It is quite amusing to see the sstate of excitement among people.

 

Thursday 7^th

 

Fine. We were all sitting quietly at work when Craig burst into the room saying that the Queen had arrived in Abrdeen and would pass in an hour!!!!  We made a general rush  to the gate and did our best to ornament the arch. We slightly abused her Majesty for her haste!  Covbered the crown with tartan shawls instead of flowers and were in some sort prepared.   All the horses went up and everyone expected her.  The gentlemen had flown off to Banchory (which was in a great mess) and in fact she was looked for every instant, when Aleck arrived having ridden out express from Aberdeen with the inforamt6ion that she actually had arrived in Aberdeen at half past 8, having come from London in 39 hours, but she had promised to wait in Aberdeen till half past 8 tomorrow.  Three cheers was given for the information and preparations commenced more briskly than ever.  We all went up to look at Mr Ross’s arch of deer horns near our west gate.  Two of his little sons in full dress are to sand on I  and two beautiful bloodhounds.  Mr Innes, Mr John Leith and James Leith called. Also sir Thomas  who brought Sherriff Cowan.

 

Pat came out to dinner and gave us still more news.  Prince Albert went  over to see the Colleges etc and Pat, as a professor attended him.  He left howerer before he knew that they were to be presented to the Queen and he is sorry he missed that.    Papa Aleck & I walked to Cairnton in the afternoon.

 

Friday 8^th September 1848

 

Cloudy, doubtful but fine on the whole.  We breakfasted at half past 8 and then P and A set off on horseback to meet Sir John S Forbes at the junction of the Coun ties where they met and accompanied the Royal corytege to Banchory & then to the bridge of Canny, where they left her.  Papa went to the village to join the deputy Lieutenant in giving the address and we all went down to see how it looked and then retrned to the gate where we all stood.  We had a piper and Donald M’Donald on each side the arch in full dress and when the Royal carriage came, we gave a highland salute and great cheering.  We saw her very well & she was very gracious and bowed and stood up to look at the arch.  The Royal children lunched at Aboyne.  We then got into the carriage & drove off to the village & got a tremendous cheer from the tenants.  Our party all went to the lunch after which instead of going with the Glassel party to Sh9lty we took a drive to crathes & then home, where we found Mr Scott of Brotherton knocking in vain at the door as the key was lost in the hurry of the morning.  We rested ourselves, heard the account of the pic nic from the gentlemen and then after a heavy tea went  to the ball at Glassel in the evening. 

 

Saturday 9^th

 

Windy but fine. Aleck went off to town.  We ladies took a long lovely walk up to the large beech trees by the river near Woodend. The farquharsons Ballogie called. We had at dinner, Col & Mrs Brooke, Mr Crawford, Capt Ramsay & daughters and Miss Guthrie.  Her Majesty is the sole subject of conservation!!  Walter Leslie came here by tea time.

 

Sunday 10^th September 1848

 

Fine but cold. We all went to church. We had a turn in the afternoon.  After dinner Fanny & I sat in the moonlight in the chintz room talking Pat read aloud at night.

 

Monday 11the

 

Very cold indeed.  The two F-s Mag & Will made calls at Banchory Lodge, Raemoir & Glassel & the children & I went to the cottages at East Mains. We had at dinner Mr Innes, Mr Jame Burnett, Mr Ross Mr Garneguy and Sheriff Davidson who is such a nice man.  He remained all night.  Mama was ot abe to come down to dinner but appeared at tea time. 

 

Tuesday 12^th

 

Fine but cold. May & I went up with the Farquharsons to Aboyne and they crossed to Inverernan to pay the Forbes a visit. We then drove to Balfour to call there.  Sherriff Davidson and Aleck went to Aberdeed together.  A dined at Glassel yesterday and we afterwards sat up chatting till one o’clock.  The Glassel party called today.

 

Wednesday 13^th

 

Very fine.  Jane Ramsay called Willie & I walked to Banchory after lunch. We then shot a little.  The children went over in the afternoon to Cairnton and I went to tea and to hear the band play.  The children and I danced in the moonlight on the grass.  It was lovely!

 

Thursday 14^th

 

Very fine indeed.  We all went to the flower show, where we got several prizes.  Calder went to town and got a new horse for the carriage which Pat has brought.  Nothing particular happened.

 

September 15^th

 

Fine.  We did nothing particular but wrote, read & worked in the morning, and after MA & Willie had returned from Feugh Cottage we shot a little in the afternoon.  Papa spent the morning at Raemoir.

 

Saturday 16^th

 

Hot & damp.  Mrs Burnett came early & left her children with us to spend the day. The Innes called on their way to Ballogie. We took a drive and met the Thurburns  in Banchory who again asked us to Murtle next week.  The children tormented Tommy Burnett so that he ran home without his cap after tea.  He is a fine boy for all his oddity.

 

Sunday 17^th Sept

 

Very fine. We all went to church and had a splendid sermon on the second coming of our Lord at the judgement. Wilie & I walked home. The children all said their hymns & catechism so well after dinner.  Reading aloud as usual. 

 

Monday 18^th

 

Very fine.  Mary Anne, Walter & the children left us at 9 o’clock.  May & I walked to Banchory to call on the Brooks who left today and to get some letters.  I was pottering about in the garden & doing my part in consuming plums all the afternoon!!

 

Tuesday 19^th

 

Cloudy.  Mamma & I went to call at Glenmillan in the morning. We heard that poor Dr Moir has lost all his money by the failure of his son in Wales.  Mr Hutchieson came up to dine with us quietly .  We had a very pleasant evening.

 

Wednesday 20^th

 

Cloudy. We were all dreadfully late for breakfast!!   We started after lunch and Willie & I were left at Murtle while the others went on to Aberdeen. There was a large party there and we met three of the officers of the Royal Yacht who were very pleasant, and gave us an order to see the Yacht next day. We dined in the evening.

 

Thursday 21^st

 

Fine.  We played at Billiards in the morning and went out a little.  The thurburns sent us on to Aberdeen in their carriage & then all of us went at the appointed hour to the Yacht.  Capt. Chrispin was absent but Mr Bedford was more than attentive and showed us every corner from the quee’s drawing room to the stokers’ hammocks!  One of the dirtiest of the stokers helpe us to biscuties & as I left him crammed my hadn full of them!  I dined at the Terrace where we had a pleasant little party.  The Griers, Donaldsons, Blacks, Robertsons & the Farquharsons.

 

Friday 22^nd

 

Cloudy. We were very busy all the morning.  Called at Migvie House and had a long chat with the girls   Had shopping et to do and after we tooka  hurried dinner, came home in the evening and rested ourselves.  Mr Bedford made us promise to send him flowers to ornament Her Majesty’s appartments in the Yacht when she goes back to England. 

 

Saturday 23^rd

 

Fine, Windy  We received a letter from William Leslie announcing his marriage to Miss Matilda R9obinson, a cousin of the Abercrombies of Birkenbog.  We called at Arbeadie as papa had an appointment with capt Ramsay and then Mamma & I went over to Cairnton.

 

Sunday 24^th September

 

Wet. Pa’pa has a bad cold so Mamma & us two only went to church.  We read all the afternoon and dined at 6 but just as we finished Charles forbes & William Barlow came.  We did not expect them as the day was so bad.  They came from Monymusk.

 

Monday 25^th

 

Gloomy but dry.  The piper plays regulary at breakfast & before dinner.  C.F.  Went off to shoot. AB took a drive with us and we went to Blackhall picking up Miss Macrae on the way. We went to the top of the tower.  We then called at Arbeadie. We had a quiet musical evening.

 

Tuesday 26^th

 

Fine.  Mary Anne came out by the mail & we expected Pat or Aleck the whole day but they could not get away. Sir Andrew, Caroline and Carlie Leith Hay came about 4 o’clock and Jame & Aleck Irvine at 5.  The Faruquharsons Ballogie came to dinner. We had the Piper to play & then we all danced in the evening.  C. Forbes & A Barlow made a dreadful noise. We sang all manner of tunes together.  I don’t think the Ballogies enjoyed or understood the kind of fun!!

 

Wednesday 27^th

 

Fine.  We amused ourselves variously till it was time to start on our pic-nic to Skolty & having intercepted the Ramsays, we made them accompany us.  We had great un.  The piper played a Pibroch from the top of the tower & all the time of lunch.  Sir Andrew was very amusing. We made the Piper play all through Banchory which made a grand sensation.  Capt Ramsay & Eliza came to dinner and we expected the Marquis to be with us for two days, but he sent to say he was not well enough.  Pat came.  We acted one charade – Mat-ri-mony & afterwards danced and repeated our musical choruses.  We had fun with the girls in their room after.  We sent a large hamper full of lovely flowers to Mr.  Bedford on HM’s Yacht as he requested us. 

 

Thursday 28^th

 

Gloomy but dry. The Leith Hays & Irvines left us. We had the Arch redecorated & it was prettier than ever. The Gentlemen were shooting. We all stationed ourselves at the gate & saw Her Majesty  etc etc pass about 5 o’clock down to Aberdeen.  Charles Forbes Piper was very effective & he & Donald took up their stations as formerly on each side the arch.  The cairnton children were with us.  We had at dinner the James Buirnetts & two friends, Mr. Gillies & Mr Thomson Burnhouse, also Miss Grace Burnett, Jane Ramsay & Miss Macrae.  We were too merry!!

 

Friday 29^th

 

Damp rainy day.  Pat & MA left early also CF and AB with all their belongings, after lunch.  We all much enjoyed a quiet afternoon and cosy evening.

 

Saturday 30^th

 

Very wet day.  Pat came out per mail and was the whole day contracting with trenchers etc etc.  Mr Dvidson the sherriff came to us in the afternoon from Tarland. We could not persuade him to stay all night tho’ it was so bad.  He took Pat off with him about 9 o’clock.  We had afterwards a long discussion on affectation in all its branches.  Her Majesty went up b y land yesterday as it was so rough. 

 

OCTOBER

 

Sunday 1^st October 1848

 

Poured!   We all went to Chruch & had a beautiful sermon on the Lord’s Supper.  Sat alone reading all the afternoon.  The mails were changed today, arrive at Banchory at 4 in the morning and leave at 9 at night!!  Very inconvenient.

 

Monday 2^nd

 

Fienr!  Damp.  Jane Ramsay came up after breakfast and told us that Miss Pople had made a runaway match with a boy of 19 and Mr Carlyon privately married them!!!  Wonders never cease.  Papa Mamma & I came to town in the afternoon, tho’ I had no fitting costume.  I was obliged to go to Pat’s to dinner and met Lord & Lady James  M & Mme  Guerin, Sherriff Davidson & William Pirie.  Mme Gudin told us many interesting particulars of the Paris revolutions.

 

Tuesday 3^rd

 

Fine after midday. Mamma and I had shopping, which occupied all the morning.  Papa & Mamma left at 4 o’clock.  I went round to tea at the Terrace.

 

Wednesday 4^th 

 

Wet.  Fast day.  Before morning church a native gentleman of Delhi drove u here with introductions to us from Sir Charles Forbes.  He was a very pleasing nice person & speaks   beautiful English.  We went to church and an excellent sermon from Mr Thomson Belladon.  Aleck did not  go again but took Mr Shamet Ali to see the Colleges & Blind Asylum.  I made a short call on Mrs Hogarth before dinner. Spent the evening reading.  I have just heard of the death of poor Mr Gordon Campbell of troup who was thrown from his gig last Friday night.  His piper & horse were killed on the spot.   It is so very sad. We had India letters telling us that Kate from being so weeak after her confinement is ordered home & is to come in February with her three bairnies.

 

Thursday

 

Poured.  Isabella Forbes came to see me after breakfast & we had such a chat.  Thn Shamet Ali called and was overpowered by the honour of seeing me.  Then Mary Lindsay called. I went up in the evening to the large drawing-room to play to Aleck.  Wrote home & to enquire some servants’ characters.

 

Friday 6^th

 

Fine , windy, warm. Went to the Terrace & then out with MA called for Charlotte Pirie and did various other things. Sat up late expecting Maggie to come by the evening coach. 

 

Saturday 7^th

 

Fine. Went to church in the morning when Mr Hutchieson preached.  May came in at one o’clock.  I sat an hour with Charlotte Pirie and afterwards had a most enjoyable walk with Bell;  and Anna up the Skene Road. I was asked to dine there but did not do so.

 

Sunday 8^th Oct

 

Fine. We as usual went  early to achurch and remained till the conclusion of the service at half past three.  Dr. Forsyth was assisted by Mr Bowers.  Dr F gave a very beautiful address to the communicants of all ages which I hope I shll ong remember.    We returned in the evening when Mr Bowers preached.  May went to the Free North Church to hear  Mr Chas Brown a brother of Mr W B and was much pleased. 

 

Monday 9^th

 

Showery. Mr Cook preached this morning and I must say I remember and like his sermons better than anyone. It was so appropriate to the sacramental time & state of the country.  I went to see Jessy & Kemlo in the afternoon.  MA dined wit us.  I took trea at Migv ie House & played nearly the whole evening.  I enjoy being with those girls very much.  We seem to have become reqcquainted with each other, and are very old friends.

 

Tuesday 10^th

 

Showery. Mag & I went to call at Don Cottage and then had a little shopping. We started with Pat for Inchmarlo at three.  I was so glad to come home.  I had much to say & we had much to write for the post.

 

Wednesday

 

Unhcertain.  Sickness every where around us & bad accounts from Edinbro of the Cholera.  25 cases and 20 of them fatal. It will in all likelihood be here next.  May we be prepared for its approach!!  Mr Beatie the land manager was here today.  In the evening he showed us his plans and suggested our improving the West approach.

 

Thursday 12^th

 

Cloudy.  Pat left.  The little Barrats spent the morning here & then made me return with them to Cairnton where I lunched.  They leave Deeside tomorrow.  Heard of the death of Sir Robert Elphinstone which  took place at Logie yesterday.   The Col Gordons called here.

 

Sunday 13^th October 1848

 

Fine. We were so shocked to receive a card announcing the death of Mrs John Skene.  Poor Georgy, she was an old friend of ours & she has left a little girl.  Mamma & I went to Banchory Lodge and Raemoir. We had a charming walk when we came home.  I heard a great deal of news from Christina Innes.

 

Saturday 14^th

 

Cloudy but fine.  We all went up to make calls at Kincardine & dropped Papa there to speak to Donald.  Wrote invitations to the Seaton party & two or three other letters at night.

 

Sunday 15^th Oct

 

Cloudy, cold & showery.  We all went to church.  The sermon took notice of the number of striking deaths connected with the Parish and warned us to be prepared for our own call to another world.  Sat reading & writing in our little room till tea time.   It got quite dark & I sat thinking. Read aloud Blunt’s sermons at night.

 

Monday 16^th

 

Cloudy. We went ot Banchory in the morning.  Nothing particular happened.  Read some of Mrs Grant of Laggan’s Letters from the Mountains.

 

Tuesday 17^th

 

Snowing & stormy!  Heard of Miss June Robertson’s death.  Aleck came out with Capt Forbes  M.A.  both nearly frozen. William Pirie crossed the hills from Stonehaven ditto.  The Thurburns  also came to us in the afternoon.  We had at dinner besides the party from Deebank.  The Leslies Powis sent an excuse in the morning. We had music, etc, etc . 

 

Wednesday 18^th

 

Showery , snowy.  Could not go out for a walk, but as we had ordered the carriage, we took a drive  in the midst of the storm and a merry one it was.  We sat chatting pleasantly and playing chess in the library.  Miss Macrae and Jane Ramsay dined here.  William Pirie left after lunch.

 

Thursday 19^th

 

Finer. All our party but Capt Forbes left.  Miss Macrae walked up to ask us to take her to Raemoir and stayed to lunch.  As we were going back with her a little, we met dear Jamie walking up the avenue.  He had crossed from Stonehaven, after having several adventures in the Railway which detained him. He is looking very well.  He made us take a long walk with him afterwards.  We went ot Raemoir in the evening where there was a nice young party.  The Abercrombies Forglen, Parkhills, Patons, Miss Moir & Capt Erskine & William Bruce.  We danced the Cottillion and had a great deal of fun.

 

Friday 20^th

 

Fine.  W were urgently pressed to return to Raemoir, but Jim did not wish so we excused ourselves by having a Mr Shand from Edinburgh at dinner.  Capt Forbes left uin the afternoon for Raemoir. We all had a nice long walk to the Cottage.

 

Saturday 21^st

 

Gloomy.  Sauntered about in the afternoon.  Papa went all alone to dinner at Raemoir where there was a slight change of party.  We wre invited to go to Ballogie for two days this week but were put off on account of the death of Mrs John Skene.  Jim & Mamma played backgammon.

 

Sunday 22^nd Oct 1848

 

Cloudy.  We all went to church but Maggie.  Jim, Aleck Willy & me took a walk  by the river which was very full, to Cairnton.  Read one of Blunt’s sermons again.

 

Monday 23^rd

 

Gloomy!  Aleck left per coach. We had a long ramble by the hill paths & then to the river.  Mr Hutchieson called after being  at the opening of the school.  Had a nice quiet evening.

 

Tuesday 24^th

 

Wet. We could not go out at all, so employed ourselves with reading, working, music , eating & sleeping, backgammon, laughing, cheating & writing.

 

Wednesday 25^th

 

Showery. Poor Jim was obliged to elave us again.  We accompanied hi to the gate in the midst of drenching rain.  Worked most busily and read Monte Christo.

 

Thursday 26^th

 

Gloomy .  apa Mamma & I went to crathes & saw Sir Thomas who gave us lots of news.  We have made amost cozy arrangement in the drawing room for the evening, where we all get near the lamp & the fire.

 

Friday 27^th

 

Puring rain. Worked most diligently all the morning. Geneeral Arbuthnott called & looked very drowned like.  Papa set out to dine at Raemoir tomeet him. It was an awful night. We made ourselves most desparately comfortable – backgammon, reading.

 

Saturday 28^th

 

Fine but dull.  We went down to Arbeadie to see the Ramsays.  Sent back Louisa Farquharson’s music with an invite, but they can’t come.   Maggie & Had a delightful walk up the road & down the old  road, calling on Annie Middleton.

 

Sunday 29^th October   1848

 

Lovely day. We all went to church. Willy & I had a charming walk by the river in the afternoon.  It is Pat’s birthday. I trust all good things will attend him.  I read and wrote al the evening.  May read aloud.

 

Monday 30^th

 

Fine. The Ramsays made an early call. We all went out together to the river after they left. It was so calm & beautiful we could scarcely come in. Another cosy, happy evening. 

 

Tuesday 31^st

 

Cold & damp.  Papa started early for Mill of Kincardine and to attend some meetings in the village.  Willy was the only wone who out & she went to meet Papa, who came home another way.  We have got out Mahon’s England or Life of the Georges, which seems to be a very nice book indeed.

 

NOVEMBER

 

Wednesday 1^st November

 

Cold. We went to church in the forenoon and Mr Brown preached.  We all think the fire the greatest attraction & group ourselves round it.  Nothing particular to mention.

 

Thursday 2^nd

 

Fine. We had the Piano slightly tuned by Logan.  I went out & paid a visit to all the East Mains  inhabitants & had to proscribe rhubarb for most of them!!!!!!  Papa, May & Willie went to dine with the Marquis at Aboyne and had a long weary drive home in the rain.  Mama & I most comfortable.

 

Friday 3^rd

 

Snow showers allday. Read all the morning but after lunch Willy and I defied the wather and made our way to east Mains to enquire for all my patients and had great satisfaction during the evening in having accomplished it. 

 

Saturday 4^th    

 

Stormy.  We could not walk to church & Calder said the horses would baulk, so we were obliged to stay at home altho’ our friend Mr Cook of Midmar preached.  I trust this will not continue tomorrow to prevent the old and infirm going to the Communion.

 

Sunday 5^th  Nov 1848

 

Thawing. We all went early to Church and had a very impressive discourse from Wnd Cor, last Chapter and last verses. We tried to get to the 2^nd table but only got to the third.  We had Mr Ross assting Mr H.  Came home at 4 o’clock.  Read aloud at night as usual. 

 

Monday 6^th Nov

 

Fine above but sad roads.  We went to church in the car but walked home. Mr Macombie preached.  He has a most unpleasant manner.  Papa & Mags had to go all the way to Balfour to dinner.  There were only the Ballogies there.  It was going a long weary way for their dinner. 

 

Tuesday 7^th

 

Showery.  Aleck came per coach. We expected the Seaton party to arrive al the afternoon, but after all they only arrived at half past 6 (after Mr Burnett had come at 6pm for dinner) and minus Lady James who stayed as Mme Gudin was very unwell.  There was one extremely nice person, Mr Dashwood come, he is Ld James’ first cousin. 

 

Wednesday 8^th

 

Fine.  Col Forbes (our cousin) of  Callander came per coach.  Mr Hay & Mr Dashwood walked to Raemoir to lunch the two old Gentlemen went to examine the Dalhaikie improvements .  Maggie, Aleck & John Forbes walked & Willie and I  fetched Eliza Ramsay from  Arbeadie.  The Marquis came to dinner also the Raemoirs but they     up.    We played Brag and had good fun in the evening. 

 

Thursday 9^th

 

Fine. John Forbes left again for Westfield, only being spared one day and the Hays went after lunch as Ld James was rather alarmed at the accounts of Mme Gudin.  James wished to remain dreadfully. We had the Francis Gordons, Bishop and Capt & Jeanie Ramsay at dinner in addition to Eliza & the Marquis.  We walked by the river in the morning & I sang all the afternoon to his Lordship. We played Brag again at night. 

 

Friday 10^th

 

Fine.  His Lordship left early.  He is surely a triumph of both art and nature!  His mind is so erfectly entire and when he does not try to be juvenile which is his weakness, he would be most pleasant & sensible. Willy & I called at the Manse and at Col, Gordon’s.

 

Saturday 11^th

 

Fine.  I had so many letters to write that I did not go out at all.  Mamma & Maggie called at Woodend and Papa and Willy went out together with the new overseer Garrow. Kate & tom Leslie went up per steamer today to be present at W.L’s marriage on Thursday. 

 

Sunday  12^th Nov

 

Very fine.  We all went to Church and had a beautiful sermon on thankfulness for all oiur mercies. Willie & I had a walk after lunch and wrote in the evening.

 

Monday 13

 

Fine.  We called at Mavis bank then drove up to Dalhaikie and walked home. Pat came out unexpectedly per morning coach. We had a nice chatty evening.

 

Tuesday 14^th November

 

Showery day.  Busy writing and working.  Papa, May and I went to dine at Deebank. It was an unusually slow party even for Deebank.  The Innes & Hutchiesons were there and Miss Macrae at tea.

 

Wednesday 15^th

 

Fine.  Maggie went early to the Ramsays to examine a free church school. She heard a great deal of news.  We had a repetition of the Dee Bank party without the Innes!  We heard another version of the same story from Mr H about Mr Ogg.  Little Isabella Gordon and Miss Inglis her governess also came. 

 

Thursday 16^th

 

Fine. William Leslie’s wedding day!  We were busy sending off some things to Aberdeen.  Miss Margaret Burnett came to see us in the afternoon. We move d up to the small drawing room. Wrote a cumber of letters.  Drank William and Matilda’s heath in Malmsy.

 

Friday 17^th

 

Fine, cold.  May & Will were out with Papa marking trees.  Miss Macrae called.  I read aloud at night the Fire Worshippers from Laila Rookh 17^th

 

Saturday  18^th

 

Cloudy. Wrote India letters.  We went to Banchory & then Willie & I called at the Peter Donaldsons with some  books. Read aloud at night.

 

Sunday 19^th Novr 1848

 

Fine. We all went to church and had another beautiful sermon on the text “Nevertheless I have  somewhat against you , because you have left your first love’  Rev.  2^nd & 4^th .  Read & wrote during the evening. 

 

Monday 20^th Novr

 

Very windy, but fine.  Dearest Willie’s Birthday!  The Ramsays came up to consult about a note of Aleck once house(? Ed.) for them.  Mamma & I went to Crathes & Mama sat half an hour with Lady B.  We three went to have a blow after 3 o’clock.  I read aloud “The Light of the Harem”.  We partook of a small hot collation of punch & toasted biscuits in our bedroom.  Papa seemed to enjoy the little jollification amazingly.

 

Tuesday 21^st

 

Lovely day, quite summer!! The two others walked to Mavis bank  Mama & Papa went to Banchory in the afternoon. Read aloud for a short time.

 

Wednesday 22^nd

 

Stormy.  Maggie and Willie with a detachment of servants and a lot of odds & ends, went off to Aberdeen in the forenoon & we had paying of servants & disciplining a few.  We then had a snug evening. 

 

Thursday 23^rd

 

Fine.  I had a note from Jane Ramsay mentioning Capt Burnett’s arrival unexpectedly last night.  I went out alone & had  a pleasant solitary walk by the river.  Papa & I went to dinner at Raemoir to meet Admiral Gordon & was rather frightened at the manner we were driven home by Grant’s post boy.  The girls returned this evening, bringing Patrick out with them. We had a very agreeable chatty evening at Raemoir. 

 

Friday 24^th

 

Very fine.  I was out first in the morning to Cairnton & then with Will to all the East Mains Cottages.  Pat left by the evening coach.  Papa is not in very good spirits I am sorry to see.  We read the “Convict” by James at night.

 

Saturday 25^th November

 

Stormy.  Busy working in behalf of our Indigent Ladies.   Nothing that was done can be written down as we were so quiet all day. 

 

Sunday 26^th Novr

 

Fine.  We all went to church & dined early to have a long morning .  We read & wrote as usual.

 

Monday 27^th

 

Very fine.  We all drove to Banchory and then to Dee bank in the afternoon and took  a short walk in the gloaming. I am so sorry we are to leave our happy home here for the winter, but what must be must be. 

 

Tuesday 28^th

 

Very fine indeed.  The Innes came across early and made a long call. We then went to Banchory Lodge & then Mamma droped us at Arbeadie where we lunched and walked home, making them come with us a good way.  I got some beautiful poetry of Eliza’s composing.  Read & played backgammon at night.

 

Wednesday 29^th

 

Lovely.  Summer is surely coming!!  Busy packing up .  After lunch we walked to Banchory & then called on Miss Macrae who bothered us to come to tea tomorrow & when seated at dinner we had a note begging us to go tonight!!!   Busily engaged  all the evening.

 

Thursday 30^th

 

Lovely day.  Packed ourselves all up by 2 o’clock. Mrs Col. Gordon called to say goodbye. Willy and I then set out to take leave of many of our friends and called at 8 different cottages.  After all we thought it better to go to Mavisbank to tea, so went and had a stupid evening.  Miss Murray & the Ramsays were there.  Willy & I sat up very late. 

 

DECEMBER

 

Friday 1^st December 1848 , Aberdeen

 

Fine cold day. We started from dear Inchmarlo at 12 o’clock & do not remember ever being so sorry to leave before!  A part of mus called at durris on the way & received several contributions for the Sale. Aleck regaled us with adeal of Railway news when we came  in and I then went to dine at Capt Monros. 

 

Saturday 2^nd

 

Cold. We arranged many things last night, and today also and then went out a little for the benefit of our health!! We have such a nice piano  here, I played all night. 

 

Sunday 3^rd

 

Cold. We all went to church & had a very excellent sermon both times, well suited to the present situation of Aberdeen & its people.  Aleck went to dine at Seaton & took Mr Stewart of Auchluncart over there with him.  We had reading aloud in the evening. 

 

Monday 4^th

Cold but fine. Willy & I met& had a turn with Bell & Emma.  The Bannermans called here. We heard a great deal about the Drum wedding.  Pat, M.A., and Duncan came to dinner with us.

 

Tuesday 5^th

 

Wet in the morning.  MA and I went to the Industrial school, which is really most interesting. We then called on Mrs Milne where stayed an age, and were much amused.  I afterwards went to see to Forbes’ Inverernan who came to town yesterday..  Their cook got tipsy first thing on arriving.  JA and Fan took tea.  As Aleck was up late & busy we took him some negus to the office and sat up with him!   This is one way of doing business!

 

Wednesday 6^th

 

Fine, cold.  Out a good deal. Had some callers.  Kate and Tom arrived from the South.  Tom has grown very handsome.  We went to a musical party at Paton & had a long chat with Kate while the others dined.  Prof. Martin was there and sang with me!

 

Thursday 7^th

 

Cold hard frost. Went round to the Terrace after breakfast & stayed with MA who was in bed.  Then called on the Inverernans, & on the Bannermans.  Mama & I had a walk, and Papa and Willy!  Mr & Mrs William Leslie arrived. 

 

Friday 8^th

 

Wet.  Chose pretty vases for Mrs W. Leslie.  William called here & then Papa & Mama went to see her and we were all quite pleased with her appearance etc.  They started for Warthill in the afternoon & MA went with them.  Willy & I called on Mrs Hogarth.  The Inverernans called on us. 

 

Saturday 9^th

 

Wet.  Duncan is staying with us.  I wrote several letters to Warthill. Pat went there in the afternoon.  Read ‘Reminiscences of Prince Talleyrand’  all evening.

 

Sunday 10^th Decr

 

Damp .  I had such a cold I could not go out but all the others went to church.  Wrote a note to MA to say that JA was better of the mumps.  We had reading aloud as usual. 

 

Monday 11^th Decr

 

Lovely warm day.  Did not go out. Uncle Alexander called, also the McPhersons & Miss Forbes  Echt etc etc.  Nothing very particular happened.  We read, played Blackgammon and the piano & sung!

 

Tuesday 12^th December 1848

 

Fine.  My 24^th birthday!! How time is flying.  I may see no more years;  how little have I done in my long life!  I received 6 letters today. We had the Terrace bairns and the little Linsays at tea.  Aleck came ome about 12 o’clock very unexpectedly, having left them all dancing in a cold barn at Pitcaple, in honor of William Leslie’s marriage!!!   We sat up late chatting with him. We had lots of callers & a long chat with the Bannermans.

Wednesday 13^th              

Fine. Went out a little shopping & called on the Inverernans   Willy & I went round to tea with M.A. who returned from Warthill this morning.  She told us all about Matilda.

Thursday 14^th

Fine. Still working hard for the sale. Dr Forsyth & Mrs Donelan  called. Dear Emma Forbes came and took tea with us quietly.  I had a wretched stupefying headache. 

Friday 15^th

Fine in the morning, but the most awful tempest of wind and rain I ever saw.  We went to the Oratorio and enjoyed it very much.  There was a pain (sic) of glass blown in, in Mamma’s room & we could scarcely barricade it for the wind.  The house trembled. 

Saturday 16^th

Fine.  The wind fell about three in the morning, after doing a great deal of damage;  many houses were unroofed etc etc and we have had melancholy accounts of the trees at Inchmarlo.  The very best of which are laid low. The mail could not proceed when it came to our woods for the road was strewn, & they carried the mail bags to Banchory & came in in a gig.  The lovely larch at the Larder is down!!   We went to a small party at Migvie House which was very pleasant.   The Ramsays came to town yesterday. 

Sunday 17^th Decr

Cold. We all went to church twice, and in the afternoon had a particularly good sermon.  Wrote & read all the evening. 

Monday 18^th

Fine.  Mag & I went down to Lady Jane Taylors to put prices on her collection of work for the sale. Willy & I were out shopping.  I went over in the afternoon to the Terrace to  be with MA.  Pat was at Inchmarlo. As we were sitting, quietly chatting in marched Tom from Warthill.  He made us go back with him to Union St where we found Walter also.  They came to stay a few days with us.  Pat  confirmed all the sad accounts from Inchmarlo.  Dreadful havoc. 

Tuesday 19^th

Cloudy, misty. We were in a kind of bustle all day long. The Forbes &  Ramsays came to view the Spectacle;  the extreme coolness of the Bride quite excited  me.   We had at dinner the Seaton party, the Stewarts, the Alex Innes’ etc etc.  The Ramsays came in to tea, and Capt Burnett Ramsay came & went with us to the ‘Drum ball’ in the Country Rooms. It was a capital one & we danced most merrily. 

Wednesday 20^th

Gloomy.  The Thurburns called to arrange about Lady Jane’s table with us . I went round to MA & then went down to Lady Jane’s.   We dined quietly at the Terrace & never thought of going to the Assembly till half past 9 when off we went to dress & we were dancing busily by a little past ten.

Thursday 21^st

Fine.  Tom went home in the morning. We were busy arranging all our stock for the sale. We were out after lunch.  Pat went to Edinburgh on Railway business last night.  Every body had their stalls arranged but us, today as our table was required for the Club.

Friday 22^nd

Fine. We were over at the Country rooms by ½ past 9 and by dint of hard labour were all ready by 11 o’clock when the sale began.  There was an awful cram but we got on very well & before 4 o’clock had sold more than £50 worth. We retired till 6 for dinner & then returned. It was very fatiguing work but as it went on satisfactorally we did not mind. 

Saturday 23^rd

Fine, bitter cold. We returned to our shop but trade was much slower than yesterday, so after raffling for W. Leslie’s vases,  we packed up, having made £84 at our table £35 at the door, etc etc. We went to tea at the Skenes & met the Hon^ble Mr & Mrs Dorner/  Pat came back about 12 night.

Sunday 24^th Decr 1848

Cold wind. We all went to Church in the morning.  Mr Francis Gordon came with us in the afternoon.  Reading, etc as usual.

Christmas day 1848

Fine.  I went to St Paul’s and had an excellent sermon from Sir William Dunbar.  I called on the Inverernans in the afternoon.  We all (except Mag) went round to dine at the Terrace, and eat as much plum cake and mince pies as the season warrants.  The consequence was a dreamy night.

Tuesday  26^th

Wet.  Wrote letters to Inchmarlo people all morning. The Ramsays spent an h our or two with us in  the afternoon.  Gordon Forbes called. 

Sunday 17^th Decr

Cold. We all went to church twice, and in the afternoon had a particularly good sermon.  Wrote & read all the evening. 

Monday 18^th

Fine.  Mag & I went down to Lady Jane Taylors to put prices on her collection of work for the sale. Willy & I were out shopping.  I went over in the afternoon to the Terrace to  be with MA.  Pat was at Inchmarlo. As we were sitting, quietly chatting in marched Tom from Warthill.  He made us go back with him to Union St where we found Walter also.  They came to stay a few days with us.  Pat  confirmed all the sad accounts from Inchmarlo.  Dreadful havoc. 

Tuesday 19^th

Cloudy, misty. We were in a kind of bustle all day long. The Forbes &  Ramsays came to view the Spectacle;  the extreme coolness of the Bride quite excited  me.   We had at dinner the Seaton party, the Stewarts, the Alex Innes’ etc etc.  The Ramsays came in to tea, and Capt Burnett Ramsay came & went with us to the ‘Drum ball’ in the Country Rooms. It was a capital one & we danced most merrily. 

Wednesday 20^th

Gloomy.  The Thurburns called to arrange about Lady Jane’s table with us . I went round to MA & then went down to Lady Jane’s.   We dined quietly at the Terrace & never thought of going to the Assembly till half past 9 when off we went to dress & we were dancing busily by a little past ten.

Thursday 21^st

Fine.  Tom went home in the morning. We were busy arranging all our stock for the sale. We were out after lunch.  Pat went to Edinburgh on Railway business last night.  Every body had their stalls arranged but us, today as our table was required for the Club.

Friday 22^nd

Fine. We were over at the Country rooms by ½ past 9 and by dint of hard labour were all ready by 11 o’clock when the sale began.  There was an awful cram but we got on very well & before 4 o’clock had sold more than £50 worth. We retired till 6 for dinner & then returned. It was very fatiguing work but as it went on satisfactorally we did not mind. 

Saturday 23^rd

Fine, bitter cold. We returned to our shop but trade was much slower than yesterday, so after raffling for W. Leslie’s vases,  we packed up, having made £84 at our table £35 at the door, etc etc. We went to tea at the Skenes & met the Hon^ble Mr & Mrs Dorner/  Pat came back about 12 night.

Sunday 24^th Decr 1848

Cold wind. We all went to Church in the morning.  Mr Francis Gordon came with us in the afternoon.  Reading, etc as usual.

Christmas day 1848

Fine.  I went to St Paul’s and had an excellent sermon from Sir William Dunbar.  I called on the Inverernans in the afternoon.  We all (except Mag) went round to dine at the Terrace, and eat as much plum cake and mince pies as the season warrants.  The consequence was a dreamy night.

Tuesday  26^th

Wet.  Wrote letters to Inchmarlo people all morning. The Ramsays spent an h our or two with us in  the afternoon.  Gordon Forbes called.

Wednesday 27^th

Fine. All our gentlemen were in a high state of excitement as it was the day of the great railway meeting. They came back from it about 8 o’clock having been 7 hours engaged speaking!!! I believe it was satisfactory.  Mama & I went out in the carriage & made a lot of calls. 

Thursday 28^th

Fine.  MaryAnne, Mag and Willie had their first lesson in wax flower making &  are most apt scholars.  I went to see the Ramsays & Mary Linday & afterwards paid accounts with Willie & called on Mrs Skene;  a nice homely evening 

Friday 29^th

Fine frosty day.  Yesterday the gentlemen went to Newton to the funeral of old Mrs Gordon Newton.  Busy among accounts.  They had another lesson from Mrs Atkinson.  We went to a most pleasant party at Mrs Clements Lumsden’s in the evening.

Saturday 30^th

Fine.  Nothing particular place. Aleck came back from Buchan.  We called for Caroline Hay. I wrote several letters in the evening. 

Sunday 31^st December 1848

Cold. Emma Forbes came to take me to hear Mr Walker at St Pauls but he did not preach. We had a most appropriate srmonf rom Sir William. We all went to church in the afternoon.  A pigeon got into church and flew about.  Maggie went in the evening to hear Mr Walker with the B\nnermans.  I wrote & read and Aleck read aloud as usual.  I am glad the year ended  with a Sunday, when many would worship & praise God for his great goodness, together.  It was curious that altho’ there was great stillness all the evening, after 12 struck the noise began & continued all night.  Another year has flown, never to return and it has been one of the most wonderful years in the history of the nations that ever happened.  So many kings dethroned and the Pope a fugitive!  

May everyone take warning  and be well established, as they know not the trials that may be in store for them.  We are all preserved in health and prosperity, oh may we not be confident that this will last and not look upon this as our rest but secure a place while we have the power, in that better country beyond this world, where we shall have no more hoping or fearing, but have all our desires fully satisfied.   Unless we are prepared by the influence of God’s spirit here, while we live, we shall not be capable of enjoying a blessed state here after.

Let us hope & pray that such desires may be excited in us, which it delighteth the lord to gratify for the sake of his beloved Son and our only help and Saviour. 

 

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