Children of Joseph and Sarah Watson

We quote the following from a Newcastle paper:—

Interesting Marriage at the Friends' Meeting House.

— Yesterday morning much interest was excited by two marriages which took place at the Friends' Meeting House, Pilgrim Street; the brides being sisters, and the daughters of our much respected townsman, Joseph Watson, Esq., solicitor. The Meeting House was crowded, and all watched the proceedings with the most lively interest. A large crowd assembled in the street, to witness the arrival and departure of the wedding parties, who occupied about twenty carriages. The betrothed couples, with their friends, assembled in adjoining rooms, and went in procession into the Meeting House. George Richardson, Esq., who may truly be designated the patriarch of the Society, he being eighty-six years of age, Jonathan Priestman, Esq., and a few others of the elder members, took their seats on the platform, in front of which, facing the congregation, sat the happy pairs about to be united in wedlock, viz. Mr. Alexander Corder, of Sunderland, draper, and his bride, Miss Lucy Watson; and Mr. Henry Clapham, of Newcastle, merchant, and his bride, Miss Esther Mary Watson. Between them sat Mr. & Mrs. Watson, the parents of the brides, and on the same bench were the two groomsmen, Mr. Hadwen Priestman and Mr. R.S. Watson. The bridesmaids, of whom there were ten, viz., Miss Brady, Miss Wigham, Miss Corder, Misses Harris, Misses Watson, Miss Clapham, Miss Thompson, and Miss Dodshon, occupied seats near. There was a large number of Friends present, but the great bulk of the congregation were not members of the Society – the ladies greatly preponderating. A short period was passed in silence, and then Mr. Jonathan Priestman offered up prayer.

A few minutes afterwards —

Mr. Henry Binns, of Sunderland, rose and addressed the meeting as follows:—' [quoted in full]

After a short interval of silence, the marriage ceremony, which was brief and simple, was gone through. The bride and bridegroom rose, and taking each other by the hand, made the usual declaration, promising, through Divine assistance to be faithful to each other until severed by death.

The marriage certificates were read by Mr. Henry Brady and Mr. George Pumphrey, after which a number of the friends signed their names to the same.

Mr. Jonathan Priestman then gave a short exhortation, urging upon his hearers the necessity of seeking Divine assistance to enable them to resist the temptations which beset their path through life.

Mr. Binns then engaged in prayer, after which the congregation began to retire. Many persons, however, before leaving affixed their signatures to the marriage certificates. These documents in future years will, no doubt, be referred to with great interest.

Northern Daily Express.

FRIENDS' MARRIAGE IN NEWCASTLE.

On Wednesday there was a double marriage at the Friends' Meeting-house, Pilgrim-street, in this town. The occasion drew together a vast concourse, chiefly of the ladies of the town, who filled the meeting-house. The brides were Miss Esther Mary and Miss Lucy Watson, daughters of Joseph Watson, Esq., solicitor. There were present many of the leading members of the society, of this town, and Sunderland and Darlington. Among others were George Richardson, Esq., and Jonathan Priestman Esq. The bridal parties drew up in a great number of carriages, and these were followed by others—the cortege altogether numbering fifteen carriages. The leading friends having taken their seats on the platform, the bridal parties took theirs in front:—Mr. Alexander Corder of Sunderland, draper, and his bride, Miss Lucy Watson: and Mr. Henry Clapham, of Newcastle, merchant, and his bride, Miss Esther Mary Watson. Between them sat Mr. and Mrs. Watson, the parents of the brides, and on the same bench were the two groomsmen, Mr. Hadwen Priestman and Mr. R.S. Watson. The bridesmaids, of whom there were ten, viz., Mss Brady, Miss Wigham, Miss Corder, Misses Harris, Misses Watson, Miss Clapham, Miss Thompson, and Miss Dodshon, occupied seats near. The brides wore very neat bonnets—not exactly of orthodox shape,—of white straw, trimmed with satin and lace veils, French grey silk dress and lace mantles. The proceedings were begun with a lengthened address from Mr. Henry Binns, of Sunderland; after which the ceremony took lace. The plighting of troth is exceedingly simple and brief. We may be pardoned reciting it here. It is to this effect: The bridegroom says (taking the hand of the bride):—Friends, I take this my friend (naming her) to be my wife, promising to be to her a faithful and kind husband, until it pleases the Lord by death to separate us. The bride then makes the like declaration, and the ceremony is complete.—The marriage certificates were read by Mr. Henry Brady and Mr. George Pumphrey, after which a number of the friends signed their names to the same. Mr. Jonathan Priestman gave a short exhortation, and Mr. Binns then engaged in prayer, after which the congregation began to retire. The wedding parties proceeded to the residence of Mr. Watson at Bensham Grove. A marquee was erected on the lawn, in which about seventy of the relatives and friends partook of a sumptuous breakfast. At a subsequent part of the day the newly-married pairs proceeded on their wedding tours; Mr. and Mrs. Corder to Carlisle, and Mr. and Mrs. Clapham to Edinburgh.

So now we seem settled down quietly for the winter, & if only dear Lucy was well again (she is now ill at Hendon) our family happiness would not have much to mar it. We trust she is recovering, although her progress is slow, & it is a sad thing for her poor husband, & five little boys.

Our Christmas would have been a very happy one, if the shadow of poor Lucy's illness had not constantly been there . . . .

Removed by transfer from Hendon House, Hendon, Middlesex, having previously resided at Sunderland; marred, aged 31, a member of the Society of Friends. She was placed at Hendon House for a second attack of Insanity, of two months' duration, July 17, 1866, the first having occurred at the age of 24 – the assigned cause, weakness consequent on child birth and lactation. A tendency to suicide was manifest at the beginning of her attack. She has groundless fears as to her children & delusions as to the identity of her relations.

There has been very little to record in the state of this Patient so far as change goes since her admission. She has remained almost uniformly, unsociable, distant & unapproachable, refusing to answer when spoken to, or giving an offensive reply, & turning away with a look of great superciliousness. This applies to all the officials & nurses, & to most of the patients. She lives in a world of her own. Within the last few weeks, she has been rather more candid & communicative to the upper Attendant in the Centre. She is not generally unhappy, & is often singing, walking about, reading &c; but never undertakes any handiwork. She has been tried in nearly every part of the house, & gets on the best in what is called the 4^th gallery, the Nurse of which is able to influence her better than others have been. Her health is good, she looks well & is sufficiently stout, has a good appetite & has quiet nights generally.

She remains unsociable, haughty, insolent, & generally intractable, talks much to herself, betraying the strangest delusions, chiefly in the direction of spiritual greatness, that she is the Mother of Jesus Christ, Queen of Heaven &c. Health good.

She remains in her usual state.

Remains without change. Unsociable, irritable & abusive in her language. Having a sore throat a fortnight ago she allowed my son to view her throat & prescribe for her.

Remains as usual.

      D^o            D^o

Her delusions continue without change. She is very destructive & tears her clothes up very much.

Her mental state is unchanged, but she looks pale & feeble, & complains of being weak. She coughs a good deal of secretion, apparently from the throat. Her obstinacy renders it very difficulty to treat medically.

The excitement of this patient does not in the least diminish. She is haughty & abusive & uses the foulest language spending much of her time walking about, talking in a loud inflated voice, her language being both foul & blasphemous. She is looking ill & suffers very much from menorrhagia. She is also becoming dirty in her habits.

The excitement has continued unabated, & latterly she has sometimes disturbed her neighbours with screaming out in the night. She will generally give no explanation, but once told the nurse that someone had brought a most horrible looking monkey in her room to frighten her, also that her relatives were abusing her children. She get up a good deal of frothy secretion from her throat by hawking but does not seem to cough. Her habits continue dirty & offensive.

She remains very much the same, occasionally setting up screams & generally declaiming or lecturing with her bible in her hand. What she says is blasphemous & often filthy. Her bodily health is only weak.

She remains in the same state.

No improvement takes place, she becomes dirtier in her habits.

Has been more violent and blasphemous than at any period since admission. Bodily health weak, she declines all medicine.

There is no material change.

      D^o            D^o

There is no mental change in this patient. Her bodily health is rather feeble.

Her bodily health is weak & she seldom gets up out of bed. There is no mental change.

No change to be reported.

This patient is in a feeble bodily health. She looks pale & cachectic, there is no cough but she hawks _^^up a good deal of frothy mucus. She occasionally has an attack of excitement at which periods she shouts loudly & sometimes creams so as to be heard a long distance off.

Still in the same condition.

There is nothing new in this case.

Still in the condition above described.

M^rs Corder remains in the same condition.

M^rs Corder remains as usual. She is rather more noisy of late.

M^rs Corder has not altered.

M^rs Corder has had her bedroom painted blue. Except that she expressed her admiration of it, it had no effect upon her condition.

M^rs Corder is as usual.

The patient is unaltered.

Is kept constantly in bed, and is willing to remain there. She is coarse in her language, and often noisy, especially at night. Very dirty in her habits. In fair bodily condition.

M^rs Corder is somewhat quieter at times than she has been, and will occasionally converse a little. Still dirty in her habits. In fair bodily condition. Has no cough.

No change.

No change.

No change.

Has been for some time taking draughts at bedtime of 20 grs of Chloral with effect of quieting her at night which is her favourite time for being noisy. No change.

M^rs Corder has been very noisy on several occasions lately, both by day & by night. She is taking a draught each night, containing 20 grs. Chloral, & 3 [illegible abbreviation, looking like a long s followed by an ordinary s] liq. morphia hydrochlor. (¼ gr. morphia): & twice she has had ¼ grain morphia injected hypodermically, with the effect of quieting her.

Feeble, & often gives much trouble with her food, refusing to take it.

Is taking her food rather better. Passes most of her time in bed, but now & then comes into the sitting-room. Is frequently very noisy. Still takes chloral night-draughts.

No change.

No change.

Remains in about the same condition; is often very noisy, shouting & roaring at the top of her voice; the sounds she makes are sometimes scarcely human. Bromide of potassium & tinct. hyoscyami' have some sedative action. She is taking 20 grains of chloral every night.

No change.

No change.

Is subject to attacks of great excitement, in which she seems to think that someone, apparently the devil, is under her bed. At such times she howls & roars inarticulately, & sometimes says "Dead – Dead. Dead". She is apt to swear at these times. Is taking her food well on the whole. Passes almost all her time in bed. Is in fair bodily health.

No change.

No change of importance. When quiet she will sometimes converse sensibly, & occasionally reads the newspaper.

No change.

No change.

Very noisy last night, refuses to remain in bed this morning squatting on the floor, & muttering. The most prominent words she hears being Hell & Black fire.

No change, occasionally noisy, imagining someone under the bed. Chloral at night.

No change.

Has not been quite so noisy lately, but otherwise there is no change in her mental condition. She is in fair bodily health.

Has not been in so good health as usual lately; is taking tinct. ferri perchlor [illegible word] X ter die, with benefit.

No mental change. Bodily health improved; she takes her food well, & has no cough. Iron mixture discontinued. Chloral draughts continued.

Remains in her usual condition. Says some one has taken away her own eyes, tongue, head, &c; & that she cannot see till her eyes are returned to her.

No change.

Remains in the same condition, mental & physical.

No change.

Has been rather more excited lately, calling out noisily, that there is someone under her bed, that her head & eyes have been taken away from her, &c. She continues to take 20 grains of chloral every night.

Is on the whole rather quieter, but her delusions continue unchanged.

There is a marked degree of improvement in M^rs Corder's condition during the last month: she has been able to spend some hours daily in the open air, & has in consequence had very much better nights, without chloral draughts. Her bodily health is also improved. She reads newspapers, & does a little needlework sometimes. Her delusions seem to be unchanged.

During the summer months M^rs Corder has spent most of the day in the open air. This resulting in physical improvement. Sleeps well. Is listless, reserves, rarely speaks except when spoken to. Is destructive.

Remains in about the same condition.

No change. Is able to sit up all day; sometimes reads a little.

Remains without change. Often more or less excited & noisy, but not to the same extent (in either frequency or degree) as formerly. Appetite good. Rarely employed in any way.

Nothing further to report.

No improvement mentally. Is still subject to attacks of maniacal excitement. Is not employed in any way.

Has for last few days been very excited and noisy, and has on that account been kept in her bed, so as to be away from the other patients.

Has been rather quieter since last entry, otherwise there is no change to report. Continues in fairly good health.

No change.

Remains much the same. Is still subject to frequent occasional attacks of excitement when she is very noisy.

Continues much the same. Is often excited still.

Has been quieter since last note but her general health is far from satisfactory & it is difficult to induce her to take sufficient nourishment. Is very dirty in her habits always [jutting?] about the place. – Chatters & talks to herself a good deal but little or no sense can be made of what she says.

No change since last note.

No change.

No change.

Has been rather quieter of late but is very demented. Is constantly chattering to herself but seldom answers rationally any question asked her. Is very thin although she is at present taking her food fairly well.

No change.

No change.

Remains in the same demented state. Chatters & talks a good deal to herself & occasionally gets very excited. Is still in delicate health.

No change.

No mental change. Her general health is rather better than it was.

Continues much as usual.

Is still very excited at times but on the whole she continues in much the same state. Is very dirty in her habits always spitting into her handkerchief or about the room. Chatters to herself but is very incoherent. Is still in delicate health.

No improvement or change. Is often excited & quarrelsome when she swears and uses very bad language.

Fell out of bed this morning and struck her left temple badly bruising herself. She appears to have been "faint" at the time and was probably attempting to get out of bed. The nurse heard her fall & went to her.

No mental change. Is subject to frequent attacks of excitement still when she is very noisy & troublesome. Is still in delicate health.

The last note still applies. Her general health is still from from Satisfactory.

Continues much as usual. Is frequently excited still and is then very noisy and abusive.

No improvement or change.

This patient is still subject to outbreaks of excitement when she becomes very noisy & abusive. At present she is fairly quiet.

Continues much as usual. Is still in delicate health.

No mental change. Is frequently excited and is very incoherent. Is subject to occasional fainting attacks and is in delicate health still.

Has lately had 2 or 3 rather bad fainting attacks & has been confined to her bed. She is better to day but her general health is far from satisfactory. As regards her mental condition there is no change to report.

Has since last entry had 2 or 3 slight epileptiform seizures and she has become somewhat more feeble. She is still as demented as ever.

Had a severe epileptic seizure to day. These attacks are becoming more frequent. She will when walking fall without the slightest warning and frequently bruises herself in this way. She is still in delicate health.

There is no mental change to report in this patient. She still suffers from occasional epileptic seizures and is in a very demented condition. At times is noisy and excitable.

Very irritable, morose & surly. Frequently swears when spoken to, very dirty in habits, soaking her handkerchief with saliva & always playing with it. Never occupied. Occasional epileptic fits of a bad nature. She has lately been in bed for a few days with a cold but has entirely recovered. Muttering to self. In fairly good bodily health. Appetite good. Ordinary diet. No medicine.

No mental change. The epileptic attacks have lately occurred more frequently. A few days ago she fell in a fit & cut the back of her head slightly. In good bodily health.

Irritable, abusive & occasionally threatening violence. Epileptic attacks not quite as frequent during the past three months. In fairly good bodily health. No medicine.

She is very irritable & abusive. She recently fell in an epileptic fit & cut her face slightly above the right eye, while this was being dressed she was very noisy & excited, swearing & using bad language to those about her. She is very unsociable & seldom gives a civil answer when spoken to. She is in fairly good bodily health. Ordinary diet. No medicine.

Yesterday & during the early hours of this morning she had seventeen epileptic attacks _^ ^{in rapid succession} & for some time remained in the "status epilepticus". This afternoon she is better & was visited by two sons but did not recognize them. This evening she is able to take some nourishment & is improving.

Since the last note she has had several epileptic attacks, but all of a slight nature. She is more sociable & not so irritable as she was. Her bodily health is improving slowly.

Her mental condition is not materially changed. Her general health is fairly good. Treatment the same.

She is very irritable. Wandering aimlessly about the ward. Still seldom gives a civil answer when spoken to. Frequently muttering to herself. Her habits are not clean, she spits on her handkerchief until it is saturated with saliva & then rubs it over her face. She has occasional severe epileptic attacks. Her general health is at present fairly good.

No material change. In good bodily health.

Her mental condition remains unchanged. Her general health is fairly good.

She is irritable and unsociable; restless, wandering about with two bibles under her arm. She mutters to herself. She is never occupied. She is frequently very abusive. Yesterday she fell in an epileptic fit & bruised her face. Her general health is fairly good, though she is somewhat feeble. Ordinary diet. No medicine.

There is no change in her mental condition. Her bodily health is not good & she is somewhat feeble. She has had epileptic attacks more frequently, to having occurred today. Same treatment.

She is restless, irritable & at times abusive. She spends a great part of her time wandering about with a Bible under her arm & muttering to herself. She is frequently rubbing her face with a corner of her handkerchief, which is generally soaked with saliva. The epileptic attacks come on frequently. She remains in a feeble condition. Ordinary diet. No medicine.

No change in her mental condition. She has frequent epileptic attacks & is somewhat feeble. Special diet, without meat. No medicine.

Her mental condition remains unchanged. Of late the epileptic attacks have been more frequent. Her bodily health is not satisfactory & her general physical condition is feeble. Same treatment.

Morose, irritable & surly. She seldom has a civil word for anyone. She says that her arms are made of cancer & are cut off. Her habits are not clean. The epileptic occur with the usual frequency & severity. Her general condition is somewhat feeble. Special diet. No medicine.

No change in her mental condition. She is still feeble. Same treatment.

She is morose & surly. Her habits are not clean, she generally carries about with her a handkerchief saturated with saliva. She frequently says that her arms are made of cancer & are cut off. She is very irritable & at times noisy & abusive. The epileptic attacks occur frequently. Her bodily health is fairly good, though she is somewhat feeble physically.

Her mental condition remains unchanged. The epileptic attacks occur at frequent intervals. Her bodily health is fairly good, though she is not a robust woman.

She is very irritable & never occupied. She has had seven epileptic attacks today & in one of them fell & cut the back of her head slightly. Her general bodily health is not good.

Her mental condition is unchanged. The epileptic fits occur as before. She is very irritable & restless, always walking up & down with a book, mostly a Bible, under her arm. Bodily health fair.

She still wanders about with her Bible under her arm, & talks to herself. The fits occur as before. Lately she had a slight attack of Influenza, from which she made a good recovery. Irritable when spoken to.

There is no change in her mental condition – she is still unsociable, morose & irritable: wanders up & down with a Bible under her harm [sic]. Sometimes the epileptic fits are very severe. Bodily health has been better lately: she is on extra diet at present.

There is no change in this epileptic report: The fits occur as before. They are not frequent, but are rather severe. Bodily condition is good.

She continues to be irritable & unsociable, & wanders about talking to herself. Bodily health fairly good.

The epileptic fits occur as before & are as severe: the patient in much the same condition as the above note. She resents any interference & is irritable when spoken to, & never makes a rational reply. She continues to wander about with a book under her arm. Bodily health is good considering the fits.

There is no mental change: physical condition the same.

She continues to be irritable, & screams if interfered with: never replies rationally to any question. She has lost weight lately, but her physical condition is apparently good in spite of the severity of the fits.

There is no mental change: bodily health is fair.

Patient is irritable & unsociable, given to screaming if spoken to. She had influenza in the spring which pulled her down a bit, but she has got stronger now. The epileptic fits are still very severe, but otherwise she is in pretty good bodily health.

There is no mental change: the epileptic seizures occur as before; her physical condition is a little improved, she takes the food better, & has gained 4 lbs in weight, during the last month.

Patient is in much the same condition mentally: her physical condition has improved. She has gained weight again. Since the last note she has only had 10 fits altogether, 9 of which have occurred during the night.

Patient as usual, has gained weight. About 12 fits since above note.

Patient is in bed at present; she had an attack of haematuria, accompanied by some fever. There was only one attack of haematuria: the urine on examination contained triple phosphates & was strongly alkaline. This only lasted a day or two. Patient got an alk. mixture & then urotropine gt x t.i.d. She resisted any attempt at a physical examination.

Last month – Oct. 21st – she was in the status epilepticus for 1½ hours. After that she seemed to have spasmodic pains for a while, & then she got better & took some food. She has been in bed up till two days ago, & has been pretty much as usual.

There has been no change in patient's condition since the above note: There has been no return of the "status epilepticus." The fits do not occur any more frequently than formerly. She is taking her food very well.

There is no change.

There is no mental change: she fell in a fit a few days ago, & bruised her face badly & burned her right hand. It is supposed she caught the fireguard as she fell; a nurse was in the room at the time but if he thoug could not reach patient before she fell. The burn is on the palmar surface is one of the second degree.

There is no mental change: bodily health fair considering the severity of the fits.

Patient is as irritable & antisocial as ever. She cannot talk sensibly, & only says "Don't do that," or "leave me alone" when spoken to. She does most things for herself & is always very clean. She is never usefully employed. She is thin, but is taking her food better than formerly.

There is no change.

Patient is in much the same condition as before. She likes to be left alone & not interfered with. She is scrupulously clean in her habits & is able to dress & undress & look after herself in this respect. She screams loudly when being bathed. Conversation impossible as she is so antisocial. She wanders up & down talking to herself. Her bodily health is fairly good considering the severity of the epileptic seizures.

There is no change.

She is unsociable & irritable, screaming if the nurses do anything for her, like giving her a bath etc. She never talks sensibly. Seizures as before.

There is no mental change. Bodily health as usual.

Patient is as irritable as ever & screams more or less regularly over her bath. She dislikes interference of any kind. She never speaks to anyone, but often talks to herself. She keeps to herself as usual. The fits occur as before.

There is no change.

Patient is irritable & unsociable. She screams when the nurses attend to her, especially during her bath. She talks to herself & wanders up & down always with her Bible in her arm. She never replies sensibly to questions put to her. She has had 3 epileptic seizures since the last note.

No change: 7 fits since last note.

No change.

From time to time patient goes off her food, & she seems in poor health. She refuses every attempt at examination so that it is impossible to say what is wrong with her. Mental condition is unchanged. Epileptic seizures as before.

There is no change.

Patient had a severe fit yesterday when she fell & bruised her forehead rather badly. She is irritable & unsociable, & very noisy when the nurses have to do anything for her like giving her a bath.

Patient has been in bed lately. She was taking her food very badly & looked pinched [?] & ill. There is no evening temperature, but a physical examination of the front of the chest is impossible, patient resists so. The back of the chest reveals nothing.

Patient had rather a sharp attach of Influenza in January, but she made a good, though rather a slow recovery. She is up & about now as usual & goes out when it is time. She is uncertain with food.

There is no change. She is having a day or two in bed, as she is not taking her food well.

There is no change.

Patient is much as usual; irritable & unsociable: very resistive & screams a great deal when being bathed. She has a very capricious appetite & frequently takes very little food, but she is 3 lbs heavier than in September.

Patient spends much of her time in her bed: she is very variable in the matter of food.

At present patient is confined to bed. She is very variable in the matter of food, some days taking very little. She is irritable & unsociable & squeals a great deal if interfered with, especially during the process of bathing. The epileptic fits occur as before. She had lost weight very considerably lately.

There is no change.

Patient seems very frail. She is more or less confined to bed. She takes her food very badly.

Patient is entirely confined to bed. She takes her food rather better than formerly & she has gained again in weight.

There is no change, patient is practically entirely confined to bed. She is very uncertain in the matter of food.

No change: patient is up for some hours most days.

Patient seems feebler than formerly, her bodily health not being good. She has only lost 1lb in weight – during the past 3 months. She is nearly always in bed – on the whole takes her food badly – sometimes having only one meal during the day, and manifests her objection to bathing etc by screaming rather than active resistance. The fits have been less frequently lately.

Patient is entirely confined to bed. She is feeble, & fairly quiet. She takes her food fairly well. The epileptic fits occur as before.

Patient continues to keep her bed. She keeps much about the same, takes her food fairly well, & is most resistive when the nurses do anything for her, or the Doctors attempt to make a physical examination, when she screams a good deal.

No change.

Patient continues to be confined to bed. She is rather quieter than she used to be, & she does not even make so much noise when she is being bathed. The fits recur from time to time. She takes her food fairly well.

Patient remains in much the same condition. She is entirely confined to bed, & is much quieter than formerly. She never talks sensibly. She takes her food fairly well.

There is no change.

Patient is practically entirely confined to bed. She has on more than one occasion spat a small quantity of blood. She resists all attempts at examination of the chest, when she can scream very loudly. She takes her food capriciously.

There is no change.

Patient spends most of the time in bed. She never talks sense, & screams frequently when she has to be attended to. She takes her food capriciously. She has epileptic fits infrequently, but they are severe.

There is no change.

Patient has been rather better lately & has been up each day sitting out on the balcony when the weather permitted it. Mentally there is no change. The fits occur as before.

Patient continues to get up most days, & when possible sits out on the verandah. The fits occur periodically: patient is quieter than she was. She has Pot. Brom. t.i.d. [?]

Patient has been a good deal in bed lately because the weather has been severe. She is very quite. The fits occur from time to time. She has Pot. Brom. t.i.d.

Patient is up nearly every day, sitting out in the balcony on warmer days, no change mentally, fits occur at intervals.

Patient has been rather feebler lately & has not been up for some weeks. She never speaks sensibly & often screams when touched.

There is no change in patients condition. Some days she is rather more feeble than others.

Patient is very feeble & never gets up now except to be bathed. She has not had a fit for some considerable time.

Patient is seldom out of bed, during the day her bed is taken out on to the balcony, she is very frail & has fits at intervals. She has Pot Brom. t.i.d.

There is no change.

No change. She is frail & feeble & lies in bed all day.

She remains just the same. She is often noisy especially if touched or interfered with in any way.

There is no change. She is very frail & feeble.

Patient is gradually getting frailer. She is in bed all day. Mental condition is unchanged.

Patient has been looking very frail lately & is getting more feeble.

Patient is very feeble.

Patient is very frail & feeble & very bad tempered. Owing to the scarcity of Pot. Bromide it has been [illegible word]. There is no increase of the number of fits.

Patient looks very white and frail. Several times she has looked very poorly but always comes round. She is very badtempered.

Patient looks very poorly. She has had some very bad fits lately. She is cross and very badtempered.

There is no material change. She is confined to bed & often looks very poorly: she will not allow any proper examination to be made, but talks & shouts all the time.

She continues to look very ill, and to refuse any proper examⁿ. She had a fit yesterday morning, having been very difficult with her food for two or three days, slightly better today.

There is no change to report. She is confined to bed and is very illtempered.

She frequently has fits, remains ill tempered and looks very ill.

She always looks very pale and ill, but has no symptoms beyond occasional epileptic fits. She is very illtempered always.

She recently had an attack of diarrhoea but has recovered. She is not any more easy to deal with & still looks very ill always.

She died at 7–20 p.m this evening. No symptoms developed but she gradually sank.

We quote the following from a Newcastle paper:—

Interesting Marriage at the Friends' Meeting House.

— Yesterday morning much interest was excited by two marriages which took place at the Friends' Meeting House, Pilgrim Street; the brides being sisters, and the daughters of our much respected townsman, Joseph Watson, Esq., solicitor. The Meeting House was crowded, and all watched the proceedings with the most lively interest. A large crowd assembled in the street, to witness the arrival and departure of the wedding parties, who occupied about twenty carriages. The betrothed couples, with their friends, assembled in adjoining rooms, and went in procession into the Meeting House. George Richardson, Esq., who may truly be designated the patriarch of the Society, he being eighty-six years of age, Jonathan Priestman, Esq., and a few others of the elder members, took their seats on the platform, in front of which, facing the congregation, sat the happy pairs about to be united in wedlock, viz. Mr. Alexander Corder, of Sunderland, draper, and his bride, Miss Lucy Watson; and Mr. Henry Clapham, of Newcastle, merchant, and his bride, Miss Esther Mary Watson. Between them sat Mr. & Mrs. Watson, the parents of the brides, and on the same bench were the two groomsmen, Mr. Hadwen Priestman and Mr. R.S. Watson. The bridesmaids, of whom there were ten, viz., Miss Brady, Miss Wigham, Miss Corder, Misses Harris, Misses Watson, Miss Clapham, Miss Thompson, and Miss Dodshon, occupied seats near. There was a large number of Friends present, but the great bulk of the congregation were not members of the Society – the ladies greatly preponderating. A short period was passed in silence, and then Mr. Jonathan Priestman offered up prayer.

A few minutes afterwards —

Mr. Henry Binns, of Sunderland, rose and addressed the meeting as follows:—' [quoted in full]

After a short interval of silence, the marriage ceremony, which was brief and simple, was gone through. The bride and bridegroom rose, and taking each other by the hand, made the usual declaration, promising, through Divine assistance to be faithful to each other until severed by death.

The marriage certificates were read by Mr. Henry Brady and Mr. George Pumphrey, after which a number of the friends signed their names to the same.

Mr. Jonathan Priestman then gave a short exhortation, urging upon his hearers the necessity of seeking Divine assistance to enable them to resist the temptations which beset their path through life.

Mr. Binns then engaged in prayer, after which the congregation began to retire. Many persons, however, before leaving affixed their signatures to the marriage certificates. These documents in future years will, no doubt, be referred to with great interest.

Northern Daily Express.

FRIENDS' MARRIAGE IN NEWCASTLE.

On Wednesday there was a double marriage at the Friends' Meeting-house, Pilgrim-street, in this town. The occasion drew together a vast concourse, chiefly of the ladies of the town, who filled the meeting-house. The brides were Miss Esther Mary and Miss Lucy Watson, daughters of Joseph Watson, Esq., solicitor. There were present many of the leading members of the society, of this town, and Sunderland and Darlington. Among others were George Richardson, Esq., and Jonathan Priestman Esq. The bridal parties drew up in a great number of carriages, and these were followed by others—the cortege altogether numbering fifteen carriages. The leading friends having taken their seats on the platform, the bridal parties took theirs in front:—Mr. Alexander Corder of Sunderland, draper, and his bride, Miss Lucy Watson: and Mr. Henry Clapham, of Newcastle, merchant, and his bride, Miss Esther Mary Watson. Between them sat Mr. and Mrs. Watson, the parents of the brides, and on the same bench were the two groomsmen, Mr. Hadwen Priestman and Mr. R.S. Watson. The bridesmaids, of whom there were ten, viz., Mss Brady, Miss Wigham, Miss Corder, Misses Harris, Misses Watson, Miss Clapham, Miss Thompson, and Miss Dodshon, occupied seats near. The brides wore very neat bonnets—not exactly of orthodox shape,—of white straw, trimmed with satin and lace veils, French grey silk dress and lace mantles. The proceedings were begun with a lengthened address from Mr. Henry Binns, of Sunderland; after which the ceremony took lace. The plighting of troth is exceedingly simple and brief. We may be pardoned reciting it here. It is to this effect: The bridegroom says (taking the hand of the bride):—Friends, I take this my friend (naming her) to be my wife, promising to be to her a faithful and kind husband, until it pleases the Lord by death to separate us. The bride then makes the like declaration, and the ceremony is complete.—The marriage certificates were read by Mr. Henry Brady and Mr. George Pumphrey, after which a number of the friends signed their names to the same. Mr. Jonathan Priestman gave a short exhortation, and Mr. Binns then engaged in prayer, after which the congregation began to retire. The wedding parties proceeded to the residence of Mr. Watson at Bensham Grove. A marquee was erected on the lawn, in which about seventy of the relatives and friends partook of a sumptuous breakfast. At a subsequent part of the day the newly-married pairs proceeded on their wedding tours; Mr. and Mrs. Corder to Carlisle, and Mr. and Mrs. Clapham to Edinburgh.

NOTICE is hereby given that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between us. the undersigned Esther Mary Clapham, Richard Ball Rutter, George Eugene Macarthy and Leonard Macarthy carrying on business at No. 9 Dean-street, Newcastle-on-Tyne as Steamship Managers and Brokers under the style or firm of Henry Clapham and Company has this day been dissolved by mutual consent. Notice is hereby also given that the said G. E. Macarthy and Leonard Macarthy will continue to carry on the said business at No. 9 Dean-street aforesaid under the said style of Henry Clapham and Company.

After it [Joseph John Gurney's funeral] we went to lunch at the Claphams. They were tremendously brave, and even went to Uncle John's funeral, as well as their Mother's. The day was fine, but bitterly cold.

At Aunt Etty's Father read 'Lord thou hast been our dwelling place through all generations' , and there was some beautiful speaking.

FASHIONABLE WEDDING AT THE FRIENDS' MEETING HOUSE, NEWCASTLE.—On Wednesday morning, an interesting and fashionable wedding took place at the Friends' Meeting House, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, and attracted a large number of persons to witness the ceremony, the Meeting House being well filled. The bridegroom was Mr Joseph Watson, of the firm of Clarke, Watson, and Gurney, Victoria Engine Works, South Shore, Gateshead, second son of Mr Joseph Watson, solicitor, and the bride, Miss Lucy Fenwick, youngest daughter of Mr William Fenwick, of The Cottage, Stanhope. The bridesmaids were Miss M'Allum, Miss Watson, Miss Frederica Fenwick, Miss Nelly Garrett (London), Miss E.J. Fenwick (of Moorlands), and Miss Pickard. They were attired in white muslin dresses and white bonnets, and the bride wore a rich corded white silk dress, white bonnet, and long veil. The bridegroomsmen were Mr William Joshua Watson, Mr Joseph Roddam, Mr Frederick Fenwick (London), Mr T.C. Watson, Mr Joseph Fenwick, and Mr W.F. M'Allum. The bridal party, numbering between fifty and sixty ladies and gentlemen, came in fourteen carriages, and crowds of people assembled in Pilgrim Street to see the company enter and leave the Meeting House. Mr Isaac Sharp, of Middlesbrough, commenced the proceedings by offering up a suitable prayer, and then the marriage ceremony was gone through, after which Mr Thomas Hodgkin and Mr Sharp delivered addresses appropriate to the occasion. The party afterwards breakfasted at the residence of the bride's brother, Mr John George Fenwick, Moorlands, and the newly married couple went off to Scotland. The workmen employed at the Victoria Engine Works enjoyed a holiday, and celebrated the happy event by the firing of guns at intervals during the morning. The works were gaily decorated. In the evening the men, numbering about 150, were entertained by the firm at the house of Mrs Grieveson, Half Moon Inn, Gateshead. After they had partaken of an excellent supper, the remainder of the evening was devoted to toasts and songs. Mr Clarke, the senior partner of the firm, occupied the chair, and Mr Gurney the vice-chair,—Mr Weatherley, foreman of the erecting shop, proposed the health of Mr and Mrs Watson, which was drunk amidst loud cheers.—Mr William Watson returned thanks on behalf of his brother, remarking that there was no greater pleasure the latter could have experienced than in being there that evening; and he would have been present had it not been that he was married that morning. (Laughter and cheers.)—Mr James Brown, the foreman of the turners, proposed the health of the firm; and the Vice-Chairman responded. Other complimentary toasts followed, and the proceedings were of the most agreeable and harmonious character.

Soon after we came from Grasmere Robert's brother Joe was married to Lucy Fenwick, after a long six years engagement. The meeting was a very solemn & impressive one with a beautiful sermon from Thos. Hodgkins, & a fervent prayer from Isaac Sharp. After the wedding breakfast at Lucy's brother's J.G. Fenwick's, the newly married went off to Edinburgh, thence to proceed to the Orkneys. They are now settled in their nice little house in Seymour S^t.

Joe was the only one of the family not at home, & on his birthday Herbert was laid in the grave, poor Joe quite unconscious even of his illness—far away in Egypt. And now I must go back a little to explain that we had been anxious about Joe's health, his lungs being somewhat affected, & it was recommended that he should go to Egypt for a few months. He was there therefore when all this took place. Latterly the accounts of him were not very good, & Robert set off to Naples to meet him on his way home, & bring him up to North Italy, where his wife will join him, to stay until the weather is sufficiently settled for him to return home. Robert has been away a fortnight, & has had a great deal of trouble & anxiety, the telegrams w^h were sent to him, for some unexplained cause, failing to reach him, & he being consequently left in complete ignorance as to Joe's movements. Joe left Naples Alexandria later than he intended, & so Robert had a week's anxious delay in Naples, but now we have heard that at last all is right, that the brothers have met, & Joe is better.

Robert returned home from Italy after a month's absence, & as soon as Lucy & others of the family had gone out to poor Joe. The accounts grew worse & worse, & at last Father & Gertie set out. In about 10 days after their arrival—on the 24^th of June, dear Joe was released from all his pain. He had suffered much in various ways, but had throughout borne all his sufferings with the most wonderful patience. He was quite ready, even eager to go, & the last words he wrote in his journal were, "Oh Jesus, come soon"! Growing weaker & weaker, he was at length just able to say "Farewell darling" to his wife who stood by his side, & then he quietly passed away to his rest. On the 26^th he was buried in the Protestant Cemetery at Florence among the dark cypresses & the bright roses. Those of us at home, who unable to be present at that last sad time, had a little meeting here at our house. Several of Joe's friends were also here, & we also had the company of R. Butler who spoke very beautifully & impressively. The little party from Florence returned home at the end of the following week—a sad returning. Poor Lucy shews the greatest fortitude in her terrible loss. May God comfort her, as He only can, & may she find her sweet little children grow up to cheer & help her. They live close by us, at the opposite side of the lane, w^h is very pleasant for us all.

WILLIAM JOSHUA WATSON,

NURSERYMAN, SEEDSMAN, & FLORIST,

TOWN HALL BUILDINGS,

AND THE HALL NURSERIES, FENHAM,

Begs to announces that his Annual CATALOGUE of GARDEN and FLOWER SEEDS is now ready, and will be forwarded to any Address Post Free on application.

N.B.—The Nurseries are now replete with every description of Fruit, Forest, and Ornamental Trees, Greenhouse Plants, &c.

WILLIAM JOSHUA WATSON'S

DESCRIPTIVE SEED CATALOGUE

FOR 1867,

Free on Application

AT

TOWN HALL BUILDINGS

AT

WILLIAM JOSHUA WATSON'S,

THE HALL NURSERIES, FENHAM,

AND

NEW AND GENUINE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER SEEDS,

AT

THE SEED WAREHOUSE, TOWN HALL BUILDINGS

Catalogues of the above are now ready and will be forwarded post free on application to the Town Hall Buildings, Newcastle.

Nurseries, Fenham, near Newcastle.

Our brother Willie is engaged to Fanny McAllum, & so he too is happily settled. They are to be married on the 8^th of July.

EXPIRATION OF LEASE

The Lease of "THE HALL, NURSERIES," FENHAM, expiring in March, 1891,

WILLIAM JOSHUA WATSON,

In order to Reduce as quickly as possible his Immense Stock of

HARDY SHRUBS, FRUIT TREES, CONIFERAE, &c.,

Has determined to Foffer the ENTIRE STOCK during the Months of

OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER

AT A REDUCTION OF 20 PER CENT. OFF CATALOGUE PRICES

ON ALL ORDERS AMOUNTING TO 20s. AND UPWARDS.

The Stock can be seen at any time, and W.J. Watson will be glad to meet any intending purchaser by appointment at the Nursery; or send a special quotation where large quantities are required.

ON ALL ORDERS FROM A DISTANCE PLANTS WILL BE ADDED TO COMPENSATE FOR CARRIAGE.

DEATH OF MR. W.J. Watson

The death occurred on Monday night, at his residence, 4, Graingerville North, Newcastle, of Mr William Joshua Watson, son of the late Mr J. Watson, solicitor, Bensham Grove, Gateshead, and brother of Dr Spence Watson. Deceased, who was one of the best known seedsmen and florists in the North of England, and had occupied business premises in or near the Newcastle Town Hall for upwards of thirty years, was taken ill last November with lung troubles, and succumbed, as stated above, on Monday to an attack of pleurisy, at the age of 54. He was a very successful exhibitor at the leading English and Scottish horticultural exhibitions, a few years ago, and gained a large number of awards. He took a lively interest in the Newcastle Flower Show, and was a member of the committee of management. Some years back he was an enthusiastic angler, and spent a good deal of time, with his brother Dr Watson, in following the gentle craft in the Rothbury district. He was a Liberal in politics, and a member of the Newcastle club. He married a daughter of the late Dr D.L. McAllum, of Gosforth, and leaves a widow, three daughters, and a son. The funeral will take place at St Andrew's Cemetery, North Road, on Friday, at three o'clock.

FUNERAL OF MR. W.J. WATSON.

Yesterday the remains of Mr. W.J. Watson, the well-known seedsman and florist of this city, were interred in St. Andrew's Cemetery, North Road, Newcastle, in the presence of a large gathering of the public. Mr. Watson was one of the most unostentatious of men, but his business integrity and homely virtues made for him a large circle of friends. The cortege left the deceased gentleman's residence, 4, Graingerville, Westgate Road, about half-past two o'clock, and arrived at the cemetery shortly after three. The carriages contained the following:—1st coach: Dr. R. Spence Watson (brother), Mrs. R.S. Watson, Mrs. Chapman, Mr. Lionel Chapman; 2nd coath: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Richardson, and Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Gurney; 3rd coach: Messrs. Wm. McAllum, Charles McAllum, J. Watson, Joseph Watson, and Percy McAllum; 4th coach: Miss Spence Watson, Dr. Spurgis, Miss Evelyn Watson, and Miss Gurney; 5th coach: Mr. Todd and others. Amongst those who were at the cemetery were Mr. Wm. Taylor (Middlesbrough), Mr. J. Wigham Richardson, Mr. Finney, Mr. Percy Corder, Dr. J.R. Baumgartner, Mr. F.W. Dendy, Mr. John Havelock, Mr. T. Pumphrey, Mr. David Richardson, Mr. F.W. Rich, Mr. Nicholas Temperley, Mr. James Dixon, Ald. Dunn (Gateshead), Mr. Henry Armstrong, &c. The following gentlemen represented the Botanical and Horticultural Society of Northumberland, Durham, and Newcastle, with which Mr. Watson was intimately associated:—Mr. Benjamin Plummer, Ald. Thos. Gillespie (Morpeth), Councillor Alfred Fox, and Messrs. Nathaniel Armstrong, W.A. Bell, Joseph T. Corking, John Dick, W.H. Fowkes, J.B. Garland, George Huntley, A.M. Loades, J. Nairn, and the secretary (Mr. J.J. Gillespie, Jun.,, L.L.B.). The following represented the Trade Protection Society, of which the deceased was a director:—Messrs. Councillor R.L. Dunford, Councillor Oubridge, J.C. Sweeney, John Ferguson, H. Robson, G.G. Maclean, J. Kindred, and R.S. Sisson. The coffin was covered with a large number of beautiful wreaths. The ceremony, if such it may be called, was of the simplest character, the obsequies being carried out after the unpretentious manner of the Society of Friends. The mourners stood round grave in silence for a few minutes, after which Mr. Wm. Taylor, of Middlesbrough, gave a brief exhortation. The coffin was then lowered into the grave, and, after another short interval of silence, Mr. Thos. Pumphrey read a portion of Scripture, and then said a few fitting words. Before any soil had been thrown into the grave the mourners silently left the spot and entered the chapel adjoining, where a short service took place. The undertakers were Messrs. Bainbridge and Co., for whom Mr. Thomson superintended the arrangements.

The following is a list of the senders of wreaths:—Mrs. Clapham, Mr. and Mrs. H. Richardson, Miss and Mrs. McAllum, Mrs. A.E. Bingham, Miss Helen Richardson, Mr. and Mrs. Wigham Richardson, Miss Ruth Spence Watson, Mrs. J. Watson, Miss Franklin, Mr. Todd, Mr. Fortt, the Committee of the Horticultural Society, employes of Mr. Watson, Mr. Milthorpe, E.B. Brown Bros., Mr. J. Hepworth, Mr. William Dixon, Mr. and Mrs. T. Cairns, and the Committee of Newcastle Liberal Club.

. . . on the 10^th Emily Watson, my sister in law, was married to Henry Richardson my first cousin. The day went off very satisfactorily—the bride looked lovely, & spoke well, the bridesmaids looked very pretty in their light floating white muslins—the breakfast was excellent, partaken of in a tent in the field, & the afternoon drive to Gibside, & evening party very enjoyable. The young couple went off to Derby, thence to Devonshire. They are now settled in their pretty home at Forest Hall near Benton—

My other sister (sister in law) Emily lost her little baby, born about a fortnight before these others. It was a very great trial both to her & her husband, for the first little baby had been born dead, & now to lose a second, when all had gone on well apparently, & when the child lived for three days, did seem very hard. But Emily bore it very well & bravely, although for the second time she had to lay aside all the carefully, beautifully prepared baby clothes, which to every mother's heart, have such an indescribable charm, & with them to bury all the bright hopes so long & fondly cherished -

FASHIONABLE MARRIAGE.

The marriage of Miss Watson, fourth daughter of Mr Joseph Watson, solicitor, of Newcastle, to Mr Joseph John Gurney, of the firm of Clarke, Watson, and Gurney, of the Victoria Engine Works, Gateshead, took place on Wednesday at the Baptist Chapel, Ryehill. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. T.H. Pattison. The bride was attired in a white satin dress with lace veil, and was accompanied by six birdesmaids, namely, Miss Watson, Miss Harriet Gurney, Miss Kate Gurney, Miss Bainbridge, Miss Ethel Clapham, and Miss Mable Watson. The groomsmen were Mr Edward Gurney, Mr William Joshua Watson, Mr Herbert Watson, Mr Cunningham, Mr R. Watson Corder, and Mr Lionel Clapham. When the ceremony was over, the bridal party drove to Bensham Grove, the residence of Mr Watson, father of the bride, where an elegant dejeuner was served to nearly 50 guests in a marquee erected on the grounds. Amongst the company present were, Mr and Mrs Gurney, Putney; Mr and Mrs William Gurney, London; the Mayor of Tynemouth (Mr Jos. Spence), and Mrs Spence; Mr and Mrs Wm. W. Pattinson, Felling House; Mr and Mrs Clapham, Holly House, Gateshead; Mr and Mrs Henry Richardson, Backworth Lodge; Mr A. Corder, Sunderland; Mr Cross, Mr Soule, London, &c., &c. In the afternoon the happy pair took their departure for Scotland, where they intend to spend their honeymoon. The greater portion of the remaining party drove to Gibside, the residence of Sir William Hutt, M.P., who had thrown open his beautiful grounds on the occasion. In the evening upwards of 80 relatives and friends were entertained by Mr Watson.

Since Nellie's marriage with John Gurney, they have had a good deal of trouble. First John was ill of gastric fever—then Nellie took it, & they are both so much weakened that all gaieties are to be forsworn for this winter, to Nellie's great disappointment.

DEATH OF MRS. GURNEY, NEWCASTLE.

The death took place, suddenly yesterday, of Mrs. Helen Gurney, widow of Mr. Joseph John Gurney, who was a well-known figure in his lifetime in business circles on Tyneside. Mrs. Gurney, who was 74 years of age, lived at the White House, Grainger Park Road, Newcastle. She was a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Watson and a sister of the late Dr. R. Spence Watson, of Bensham Grove, Gateshead. Mrs. Gurney had identified herself with the religious, philanthropic, and social life of Newcastle, and she won many friends by her kindly disposition. For a number of years, the deceased lady was a member of Newcastle Board of Guardians at which she rendered quiet and very useful service. She was also keenly interested in child welfare and was on the Committee of Management of the Children's Hospital at the Moor Edge.

"Mr. Herbert Watson, of this town, successfully passed the intermediate examination of the Incorporated Law Society on the 1st June last."

The year 1873 was in many respects a very sad year for us. My youngest brother, Herbert, had a very bad attack of pneumonia in March which took him away. We were both of us in Glasgow where I was endeavouring to recuperate, after a serious attack of diphtheria from which by heroic methods I had cured myself.

Since writing the above, our darling Herbert has been taken from us. His health did not improve at Ilkley, & after about a fortnight's stay there, he returned home. At home he worked away at the Office, & the doubts & troubles w^h had perplexed him, gradually passed away. This was, in great part, owing to Robert's constant help & sympathy; he never wearied, but with unfailing devotion helped him in every trouble. Just when our dear boy seemed to have conquered all his difficulties (which were throughout only those arising from a rare conscientiousness) he caught a cold w^h settled on his chest, & gave us some cause for uneasiness. At this time my dear husband was ill with a very bad sore throat, & Herbert, in his great anxiety to be useful, went out to the office, when perhaps he should have stayed at home. When Robert was sufficiently recovered we left Newcastle, to go to Glasgow for a few days, partly for a little change for R. partly to see our friend D^r Merz who had been very ill of the measles. We left on the 22^nd of March, & had spent two very pleasant days when we were recalled home by Herbert's alarming illness. He had been seized with Inflammation of the lungs, & the D^r said the danger was imminent. We returned on Tuesday the 25^th in time to be recognized by our darling brother. He had been very delirious, & soon became so again, but his beautiful face had a kind smile for everyone who came near him, & even in his wanderings he seemed full of thoughtfulness for others. I had been watching beside him, with some of the others, for a short while, &, as my sister Allie was at Moss Croft, I thought I would leave him for a little & go home to tea. We had only been seated a moment or two when were hastily summoned to his bedside. As fast as possible we ran through the garden, & soon we all stood round the bed, to watch the life of him we so much loved, fast ebbing away. He died in perfect peace & quietness, not a sigh or a struggle to shew the moment when he passed from life to death—from death to life. His last words were "Lord it belongs not to my care Whether I die" then the faint voice ceased for ever, the rest of the verse remained unsaid. Before this he had repeated parts of the Lord's prayer & of some hymns, & tried to sing one verse. It was about 5 o'clock on the evening of the 25^th of March that he passed away. His beautiful face looked exquisite in death, "the peace which passeth understanding" had come to him. He was laid in Jesmond Cemetery beside his dear mother, on the 28^th a large band of friends & relations following him to the graveside. A very impressive meeting in the meeting house succeeded, Richard Butler relating the circumstances of his last illness & death. In the evening most of the members of the family circle met at Bensham Grove, where a sad & yet most comforting little meeting was held. And now he is gone for ever from our sight, our dearly-loved Herbert—loved not by us only, but by all who knew him. "And he is in his grave, but oh The difference to me". Robert & I had seen so much of him lately, & we had always had such a mutual fondness for each other, that we felt him in some respects almost more like a child than a brother. Poor Father feels it a terrible blow, & for Gertie, who was quite wrapt up in him, it is perhaps as hard as for any one. We have, in all our sorrow, the sure consolation of our darling's being perfectly happy & at rest. Joe was the only one of the family not at home, & on his birthday Herbert was laid in the grave, poor Joe quite unconscious even of his illness—far away in Egypt.

Much has happened since my last entry in this book—unexpected sorrows & trials, & yet also, the fulfilment of a long cherished wish. To relate all in order, I must begin with the engagement of our dear sister Gertrude to my old friend Johnnie Edmundson, whom I first knew as a delightful & beautiful boy of 11, & who has retained all his old characteristics with the added graces of manhood & strength. We have but one objection to this happy engagement, & that is that we shall have to part with our dear Gertie to Dublin, & how we shall all miss her, I cannot say.

of Bensham Grove

On the 24^th of February our sister Gertrude was married to John W. Edmundson. It was a time of very mingled feelings, recent sorrows weighting heavily upon our hearts, & yet we rejoiced in the prospect of her happiness, & of her being safely cared for now, her when deprived of a father's care. We miss her very much—she was is beloved by all who know her—but we know she is happy, & has a husband who will be loving & faithful to her.

I was talking to Uncle Lawrie about your wedding arrangements & saying how I wished we had a large enough house to give a Reception for you & he agreed it would be delightful if we could. Then he had what the children call a "brain-wave," & said did I remember how glad Aunt Jane & Aunt Sarah had been to led us Ashfield House for Mamma's 80^th. birthday party—and did I think they would like to do it again—so I called in this evening, to "sound" them, & both of them were most enthusiastic about it—in fact Aunt Jane was quite moved & said she "could weep with joy—she was so pleased about it" She said she had thought about it herself—but didn't feel she knew enough to suggest it—they would be glad to do it themselves—but think that as Uncle L. is Daddy's only married brother in Newcastle—we are the ones who should have the privilege—I do hope that you will see your way to falling in with this suggestion—it will give us all a great deal of happiness if you will—we would rather you left Newcastle from a "home" than a hotel—it will be much nicer for you I think.

I told the Aunts we wouldn't like them to think twice about it—if they felt it would be a burden in any way—I would do all the preparation, & get Ellen & our housemaid to come along to help in the afternoon.