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July Diary

plus several More Cricket Reports Horse racing And Rowing 

Until July 1863 Elwes has used a sequence of 4 pages for each month's diary entries. From this point such logical  grouping ends. As can be seen there are initially only 2 pages in the July section of diary. The rest of the diary for July follows several pages later.

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Diary for 1863  July 1 - July 8 

Lincoln is another brother .

Mildenhall An estate in Suffolk owned collectively? by members of the Elwe family. 

The summer of 1863 is recorded as a very hot dry summer. 

"Orley Farm"   is a novel by  Anthony Trollope. 

Crieff  a place in Scotland where Minnie's family came from, and where she later set up St. Dominic's Catholic school   

                        1.  WEDNESDAY .O.

      Did little in the morning but went to Lincolns in the afternoon & talked about selling the house-  Mildenhall- Went with Minnie and George Murray to Miss. Crampton "Amateur Operatics" -  Miss Crampton sang and acted beautifully and most other parts were well done - Old Levingeur was killing - there was a ball after we left we preferred walking home - for coolness.

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                       2. THUURSDAY. 

    Wrote diary best part of the day  Dreadfully hot looked like set in heat- Took my usual stroll in these kind of days - in the Kensington gardens with my novel "Orley Farm" and taking a quiet pipe in the shade. 

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                       3. FRIDAY . 

       Went to the Oval tremendous hitting of the Players - The commencement of the Gent. 2nd innings was good - R.Walker and Grace . Showing good cricket - Daniel was magnificent - Staid as long as I could - Lawrence Peel came to stay two nights - Chapman dined with us also and played on the piano some of his own compositions.

                         

4. SATURDAY .

     Wrote diary - in the morning - Did a few small odds and ends for my "exit" Such as Casting, lines - gloves wading stockings etc. - Minnie went to the opera with Lawrence Peel - thee was a great crush - which made them very late indeed - Gave Miss Smyth another lesson in croquet in the house - Heard with delight Miss G's intended nuptials -

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                           5.  S . 5 AFT.TRIN . 

         Did not stir in the morning but walked about as well as the heat would let me - At the club - where I saw M'donnell and I staid there until I found I was late for dinner - Old Zanzi called - Peel returned to Pinner very early 

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                            6. Monday . 0. MidsrD.

       Wrote a bit in the morning - Took inventories - Miss G. and friend to luncheon - Went into town and did one or two necessary things - Dreadfully hot - Got things ready for the exit - Miss F.G. and friend to Monday Pop Two very good new violinists a successful concert George went away.

                                7. TUESDAY. C 

     Our last day in town - worked hard - very hot as usual - Took a stroll in the Kensington - A cold bath when I got home - Heavy tea at 7 o'clock - Started fron Kings Cross at 9.15 in a carriage all to ourselves - the two "pets" inside "Bully" was very nearly lost by carelessness in trying to exchange his cage Miss Smyth caught him

                               

8. WEDNESDAY.

        Very successful journey to Edinbro' Two pets behaved very well - Got to York about 2.15 where we rested  quarter of an hour - Got to Edinbro a little after 8 where Mrs. Anthony met us and was very civil and kind - Went on to Crieff at 9 - changed at one place and arrived about 12 or one Washed and got things comfortable.    

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Diary 1863 for July 9 - July 16

                                      JULY 

                               9.  THURSDAY.

Found the country about most beautiful  yesterday Miss M. very glad to see us - cottage - pretty and comfortable. Went up to the Earn - in Sir Patrick's water and **** - to bright - ought to have been 3 hours earlier - very hot indeed Caught 17 or 18 small ones - The Murrays came Conynghams came  **** 

                                10 FRIDAY

To loch Errochy with Robert in the dog cart - perfect failure - loch in fair order but my flies not being large enough or the right colour . I did nearly nothing. A Mr. Glass however gave me a few of his - I got a few on the deeps of the river - Minnie and Aunt H. had gone to the loch to se me - but  I had left - the driver had gone after them and they walked back to the inn  a mile from the Loch and drove home - Very hot indeed

                                 11 SATUR. Oxf. Tends

Called on Captain Keightly but he was out - however he was at luncheon at Aunt H's and he told me his opinions on the fishing and helped to choose some of the Lochs Wrote a deal of diary - Mrs Graham of somewhere was also at luncheon- To a beautiful walk in the Ochtertyre Woods - did not get home till very late 

                                  12. S . 6 AFT TRIN  

Aunt H to the kirk - Minnie and I to the papal shop - which was rather slovenly done - but still congregation seemed rather attentive . The Altana girls - Bella Frank and afterwards Mary Anne came over from Altana - Looked like rain 

                                13. MONDAY

Tried the Earn- as usual - left some things behind me - Very hot - did not get a line in the water until after 12 o'clock losing the best part of the day - Determined to change my plan of operations and get up very early indeed. Fishing well in places but did not lay hold - Lost one or two very good fish - one was certainly 10 lb got 23

                                 14. TUESDAY

Home so shamefully late and gave so much trouble - that I was more determined than ever on early "piscatorial ****" - Most pleasant drive with Aunt H and M- Drummond House  **** scenery magnificent also saw Ld. Melville 's statue and beautiful waterfall- Dr. Gardiner's ******************

                                  15. WEDNESDAY 

St. Swithin.

   Much of the script is close to unintelligible  to make sense of for the next 2 days..  This is becoming more of a problem and may mean several days in the 8 weeks of diary still to come may not be transcribed     

Two pages of horse racing followed by 4 pages of cricket then 2 further pages of the July diary then another 3 pages of horse racing and finishing with 4 more pages of cricket 

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13 OF KENT V ENGLAND.  LORDS.  JUNE 6TH AND 7TH

This the remains of a very old and once most capital match - now reduced to a contemptible handicap came off at Lords on the above days .. 

*The days of Alfred Mynn, Fuller Pilch, Wenman, Felix,  Bill Hillyer and Adams are over- never more will they be able to be on equal terms with England - why I don't know but Kent is particularly weak this year -  time alone prevented them from receiving a tremendous towelling from Nottingham. Surrey beat them in one innings Sussex by 95 runs They did however get a match out of Cambridge.  This is most   "*extraordinary"   as Kent possesses as fine  gentleman players as any county in England.  In this match Kent had the advantage of playing 13 to 11.  Engand went in first- Grace (the captain ) and Mortlock taking their places- Willsher and Traill handling the ball taking their places. Some pains had evidently been taken with the wicket and it was decidedly better and truer than any seen this year. Both hit away freely particularly Grace - Mortlock made a splendid off drive for 5 Grace then mounted one of Traill's  Bennett now came on with the slows and Mortlock hit one sharply back to him - this one wicket was disposed of for 52 -Griffith next showed and opened his account with 3 from the slows - and scored so rapidly that Lipscombe's fast round arm was substituted and Sewell soon took Willsher's end. The score  was soon raised to 100 - 11 being made from 1 over of Lipscombe's -  

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*  As I read this sentence I thought that I remembered a newspaper article referring to something very similar.  The journalist had quoted from Wisden and was wondering why Wisden was lamenting the loss of such gifted amateurs and whether their like would be seen again when the greatest amateur of them all, W.G.Grace was in their midst and at the height of his powers.  I have been unable to trace the newspaper article but I have found the edition of Wisden to which he refers.  It is from  the Wisden report for The Canterbury Week August 7,8,9,10,11,  1882 and I give the relevant passage below

"His lordship spoke of what he called the golden days of Kentish cricket - the days of Wenman, Felix, Hillyer, Fuller Pilch and Alfred Mynn and went on to say that after the disappearance of these celebrities there was a less brilliant period"   

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     *Extraordinary    A use of the word Extraordinary.  This word along with Remarkable is frequently used throughout the entire lifespan of Wisden's Almanack to describe highly unusual events met with in cricket.

     Although I am not sure I think that commentators on cricket can be divided into 2.  One group who know Wisden well and  use  the words remarkable and extraordinary when an appropriate event has happened  and the other group who dont and use other words.  But that maybe my imagination.  

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in his next - Grace was given out for 52 - by seven 3s six 2s and singles Hayward and Griffith raised the total to 128 - that number being got in a very little over two hours Griffiths share being 43 by fine hitting three 4s three 3s six 2s etc. Carpenter and Hayward then occupied the wickets till dinner was called - previous to which Baker bowled an over.  The total at the time was 157. On resuming Bennett bowled slow round arm at the Pavillion end and Willsher went on at the other Hayward was run out, he failed to complete the 3rd run for a hit of his own - his 24 consisted of a 4 - a 3 - four 2s - George Parr followed and with Carpenter increased the score to 200 and showed some of the finest cricket in the match - at one time Willsher delivered four maiden overs to Parr and Bennett a similar number to Carpenter - in all there were 12 overs in which each batsman only got one single. Sewell at length relieved Bennett and in his second over bowled Carpenter who had made by fine play 31 by a 6 - three 4s a 2 etc Tarrant's the sixth wicket fell for 206 - and Lockyer's the seventh for 207 - Grundy made a 3 to leg 2 to square leg a cut and then was well bowled- eighth for 222 Parr was bowled off his pads after having shown fine defence and good cricket his score of 30 contained a 4 two 3s five 2s - etc -Jackson was caught at slip -Ninth out for 229 - tenth for 230 - The weather was remarkably fine and the ground numerously and fashionably attended at the time the county began their innings  Jackson delivered  a maiden over to Bennett- Tarrant commenced with a wide and Fryer hit 2. In his third over he shivered Fryer's middle stump- first for 13 in his 13 he made a fine dtrive from Jackson.The second Traill and the third Bennett fell for 15 Willsher made a bold drive for 4 off Tarrant to the Pavillion.  Mr. A. Walter made a fine cut to the Tavern for 4 - but was bowled almost immediately bowled afterwards - four for 31 Goodhew was caught at point off his hand and Willsher - brought out his bat for 23 - 48 for 5 and time was called - On Tuesday morning the weather was very fine and a good company assembled considering away state of the match - Kelson and Willsher each scored a single kelson in tarrants next masde a three drive and one to the Pavillion - both were bowled soon after - Willsher the sixth and Kelson the seventh Sewell and Mr. Barber were the companions and not seperated till 67 were scored- Wenham joined Sewell and there was some fine cricket Sewell playing admirably - Griffith relieved Jackson and 90 was up - Wotton took Tarrants wicket but runs were still scored. Sewell made a drive to the Pavillion from Wootton's first over and 100 was up - and Tarrant went on again at the lowerfrom Griffith and in his third over well bowled Wenman for 13 - ninth for 109Payne joined Sewell who made a good off hit and lost his wicket in trying to make the fourth run - tenth for 112 - Sewell played well for his 28. Payne made a cut fotr 3 off Tarrant and was bowled at the other end well- Eleventh for 115 - Baker made two drives for 3 and Lipscombe was dismissed.  - the total amounted to - Thus Kent wanted 3 runs to save the following their innings - Bennett and Fryer took their places as before -  Tarrant bowling from the lower end - Jackson from the Pavillion . from the former Fryer made 4 and Bennett an on drive for 2 when Carpenter took Fryer at point for 10 - first for 17 - Goodhew took his place but soon lost the companionship of Bennett who was well bowled by Tarrant for 5 - second for 20 Kelson was no sooner in than out. Jackson placing him hors de combat without troubling the scorers.  Goodhew now had Willsher as a companion who well maintained his recent good form- hitting Tarrant for 4 finely to the leg - Goodhew also punished him for two 2's and a third off Jackson. Dinner was now called - after it had been discussed - Willsher - made a drive on for 3 from Jackson and then ditto off Tarrant - 4 to the slips Hayward then tried his hand and the second ball Willsher hit for 3- At length Goodhew's wicket succumbed to Tarrant's stinging delivery- having just reached his majority fourth for 64- Sewell then followed - and Willsher added 5 to his tally by a very brilliant on drive from Hayward, and the next over terminated his career - he being caught by Carpenter off Tarrant innings being 25 - fifth for 71 - Traill followed and drove Tarrant - Wootton took the ball from Hayward and in Tarrant's next over Traill was floored for 5- sixth for 79. Mr. A.C.Wather - Tarrant dismissed him immediately. Mr. Barber now came to the rescue and made a good drive to mid-on - deep - sending one off Wootton to the Tavern - he then lost his partner Sewell who was well caught by Carpenter in his left hand at point- Eigth for 92- Wenman's stumps were were immediately rooted up by Tarrant - who wanted a deal of playing - ninth fo 93- Baker came and during his short stay Mr. Barber had "a narrow squeak" for his life in trying a fourth run for a good hit of his own off Wootton - a very near thing - Baker was now sent back without scoring - Payne filled the vacancy and drove Wootton to the upper corner for 4 - In Tarrant's next over - Mr. Barber cried because he made 12 - Eleventh for 104. When the last man Lipscombe took his place - bets were freely laid that it would be a "single to do " 5 runs being required to save the innings - but off Tarrant's second ball - Lipscombe was caught in the slips by Parr- Payne carrying out his bat and thus ended another of great matches at Lords- at 5-25 second day - Kent being defeated in one innings by 5 runs - England was weak Daft and all Yorkshire were absent- Umpires Nixon and Fennel    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTTS V YORKSHIRE - R.M. Took place at the Trent Bridge ground Thursday the 9th- Everything wasc auspicious as regards weather - good attendance and good wicket- Mr. Walker was substituted for Mr. Ward- Yorkshire went in Rowbotham and Thewlis to the bowling of Jackson and Wootton. They played fast and well- until Rowbotham gave a chance at slip when the score was at 36- he was run out in his innings of 24 five 3's - Dawson was next but stumped directly 2nd for 36 - E. Stephenson followed and Thewlis was also stumped from Tinley - his 18 was inevitable - Iddison next  These two played in  -

splendid style- Jackson relieved Tinley and Grundy took Woottons end - Jackson was sadly loose - and got dreadfully hit. Jemmy (Grundy) bowled in first rate style - Iddison cut him very sharply to point and Tinley took it cleverly fourth for 84 Anderson now appeared the score was raised to 116- when Charles Daft caught Stephenson from the slows - His innings included four 3's thre2's etc Mr. Walker next - runs began to be more difficult Grundy being all on the spot and Tinley very teasing - both players however played well till dinner time when 123 were on the Telegraph After dinner  Wootton and Tinley were put on and the scoring was very rapid - Jackson changed for Tinley - no effect - at last Wooton got Walker off his own bowling - sixth for 153- Berry followedWalker who had scored 13 stayed with Anderson some time- the latter playing magnificently- until Berry was bowled by Wootton- seventh for 184- Hall the joined Anderson and the Yorkshire crack laid on to the nut over straight  -Notts bowling -  particularly Jackson -  who was relieved by Tinley again after Hall had been disposed of by G.Parr - being taken at slip from Wootton- Eigth for 193 Hodgson now and proved of service - as both he and Anderson increased the score by fine play - very rapidly 200 210 and 220 arriving on the board - only to be superseded by danger figures -At length Jemmy Grundy was again  brought on - his first over was a maiden -  - several runs were scored off Wootton and Grundy. After a slashing hit by Anderson for 3 off Wootton Grundy lowered his wicket. That great and accomplished player having scored 82- he was bowled off his pads. In his score were twelve 3's six 2's and singles. Before the applause for Anderson was over Slinn faced Hodgson but  Wootton made short work of him and the innings of Yorkshire was over for a very creditable 243 -

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  Hodgson was not out for a well contributed 21- and he certainly batted (better) than he was ever seen to do before. The fielding of Notts was excellent more especially that of Alfred Clarke and Tinley who gained great applause The bowling of Jackson had been loose throughout and Wootton though good in many overs did not maintain his form for long as is his usual want- but Grundy is deserving of credit for his bowling which was really good and precise . After a short delay Notts were represented by Brampton and C. Daft to the bowling of Hodgson and Slinn- Brampton was missed an easy chance b y Stephenson when 3 runs had been scored - but the bowlers were well on the score and when half an hour had been spent by Brampton and Daft defending their wickets only 10 runs stood on the score and this was but slowly increased by singles that untill they "stuck so well" that Iddison tried with slows at Hodgson's end - and off his over and Slinn's next Brampton scored two 3's Time 31 runs no wicket. Friday beautiful weather commenced earlier which was very creditable and an excellent example to the Oval men. Runs were obtained very slowly at the outset owing to the precise bowling but after Brampton had been missed by Thewlis when he had 23 they began to score more rapidly - changes in the bowling took place 60,70,80 were up until C. Daft was caught short slip by Slinn off Berry after a most splendid 38 without a chance - first for 85 Bignall next and commenced well by 2 - but soon lost Brampton who was (taken) very cleverly by Iddison at point off Hodgson. Second for 91 - He played excellently for for his 42 - bar his chances it was a splendid display Richard Daft next - but the score only reached 105 when Bignall made good hit off Slinn to Dawson who held it He made a well earned 16 George (Parr) came in next but the bowling was good Slinn and Hodgson both on the spot and runs were difficult - Daft however did not wait very long and commenced scoring fast - Parr also making some heavy hits - Iddison was brought on and Parr - stepping out a slow  and getting stumped by Stephenson - fourth for 126- Grundy followed and (skied one )  a slow in the same over to Rowbotham who held it fifth for 126. Alfred Clarke then faced Daft who was playing in his usual style but after 5 runs was added Daft was bowled by a slow making a fine innings of 20- Sixth for 131.  Jackson did not stay long as Anderson had him  off Slim- at slip- a magnificent left handed catch- Seventh for 136- Tinley ninth man and he stayed some time with Clarke who was batting in fine style including in his drives a five off Iddison- Tinley skied a slog to Hodgson Eighth for 147- Clarke was joined by Biddulph- who scored a 2 which with a single brought the score up to 150when dinner was called.  4 more runs were scored when Biddulph hit Hodgson to long leg and was caught by Rowbotham - Ninth for 154.  Wootton was the last of Notts - and Clarke made some splendid hits when the score stood at 162 - Wootton was bowled by Slim   - tenth and last for 162.  Yorkshire were therefore 81 in majority which left it upturned (within a run) to Yorkshire whether they should follow their innings or not and Yorkshire decided to go on - quite wrong I think as they wanted a rest C. Daft and Alf Clarke took their places to Slim and Hodgson - C. Daft was soon excellently caught by mid on - first for 4 Brampton followed and only a single when Hodgson took Clarke at square leg from Slim. B. Daft came in and runs were scored more rapidly **** The next sentence is too hard too transscribe ****Daft at last hit his wicket- third for 52. Parr followed and Brampton continued his excellent play until 64 was up when Berry floored him fourth for 64 - Bignall was twice missed before he began heavy hitting - a sign of fatigue in Yorkshire.  Parr was then taken at short leg by Hall off Hodgson fifth for 72- Grundy came next and with Bignall knocked off the runs Iddison came on to Hodgson's relief but Bignall still hit and 99 were up before he succumbed to him sixth for 99Jackson followed and then Grundy - seventh for 101 Wootton joined Jackson and though the bowling and fielding was excellent 10 more were put on and when time was called 111 stood in the score for 7 wickets.  On Saturday Jackson and Wootton hit capitally till Jackson cut late at a ball and Anderson caught it in the slips= Eighth for 124 Tinley came and the slows were brought on 130 - 140 - 160 - quickly went up when Wootton hit Iddison (not hard enough) to Anderson at mid-offand was taken - Biddulph commenced by clouting Iddison for 4 (Wootton had played well for his 20 - runs were rapidly put on despite the fine bowling - when 181 were scored - the last wicket fell. Biddulph being caught at slip off Slim - The Notts second innings served them in  ***** Yorkshire for 100 runs to rub? and it looked like they would- Now came the "tug of war" and Notts most determined - Rowbotham and Dawson took their places - faced Wootton and Jackson  the latter bowling at "A*****"  pace down the hill.  4 runs were scored in the first 3 overs when Jackson  tore up Dawson's stumps off his legs.  first for 4.  Dinner - Berry then came - a most determined stand was made though Wootton was unfortunate   

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with Berry who played the ball on to his wicket but the bail did not fall, yet he at length bowled Rowbotham - 2 for 20 - It looked hopeless for Notts Stephenson joined Berry and the runs made were tremendous- Grundy took Wootton's end - and the latter shortly taking Jackson's place - and bowling Berry off his legs- Thewlis came and after being missed at slip scored steady and well - till Grundy who had bowled 9 m_o's (maidens) bowled Stephenson - his 30 was a fine exhibition fourth for 74 Anderson but Grundy was all there and the Yorkshire "oracle " was given out leg before - fifth for 80 Iddison came in time to see Thewlis bowled magnificently by Grundy - 85 for 6 wkts. Great excitement took place Jackson taking Wootton's place - and the "Leviathon" was all there Grundy floored Mr. Walker in his second over seven for 89 Hodgson then came but Grundy bowled Iddison magnificently - 8 for 90 Hall followed but in their excitement to run ****  (run out ) a splendid piece of cricket - R Daft  Biddulph being the ninth ofor 93 - Slim last 6 runs to get - Excitement awful - he obtained a single and Hall was caught at slip by Parr off Jackson - Notts just pulling it off by 6 runs Grundy was carried was chaired after - presents were given a scene of unbelievable excitement ensued. 

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ANALYSIS - NOTTS   Hodgson 212 b - 55r- 26 m.o. 2 wkts and 172 b - 44r - 20m.o 2wkts Slim 237b-  59r - 22 m.o. 3 wkts  and 145b - 52r - 15 m.o. - 5 wkts  Iddison 68b - 30r - 4 m.o. 4 wkts and 52b - 46r - 1 m. o. 2 wkts Berry 32b - 13r - 5 m.o. 1 wkt and 76v b - 29r- 7 m.o. 1 wkt  YORK   Jackson 132b - 65r - 7m.o. and 128b - 32r - 16m.o. 5wkts  Wootton 218b - 75r - 20m.o. 4wkts  and 110b - 29r - 14m.o. 2wkts  Tinlyey (1st innings ) 20B - 72- 4M. O. 3 WKTS  Grundy  64B 11R - 8M.O. 2WKTS AND 92B - 13R - 16M.O. 5 WKTS (2ND INNS)Brampton  16B - 6R - 1M.O. Atkinson did not show at the proper time and Yorkshire will dispense with his services for the future.  But I trust this ends as things can always be brought round 

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The majority of names met with on this page of the diary are the names of either friends or family but either way local gentry .  

Balfour however is unknown.  But he is worthy of mention because he provides further links to entries in the Almanack between both the Crimea and America  The croquet entry for the 23rd July is of interest to those interested in the early days of croquet re Scotland.  David Appleton author has written a letter with some notes  regarding this entry  to the Croquet Gazette  20 July 2018.  To read it google Croquet Gazette Elwes. 

24 July  Alexander  Could be alexander Murray Minnie's father.

The Crimean War .  Probably the source for the Crimean War dates and battles listed  in the Almanack but just one more of many links to the Crimean war.

dents around Crieff b

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Colquhalzie  An estate in Perthshire owned by the Hepburn family 

27  July  Another link to the Crimean War 

Lumsden Thornton and Stirling unknown 

Sir David Baird  There is an extensive Wikipedia entry for Sir David Baird .   Of note in respect of Wisden is time spent in India, the Napoleonic Wars and lastly but not least is his involvement at the Battle of Copenhagen.  A Wisden Almanack entry 

Clathic  (House)  Belonged to the Colquhon family A very fine Georgian house one of the finest in Perthshire 

Monzie most likely a castellated mansion close to the Ochtertyree estate or possibly the village of Monzie

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                                          25  SATURDAY

Minnie went with a party to Loch Earn - Fine day - After luncheon Aunt H. and I drove to Colquhalzie but old Hepburn and spouse were  not at home.  There were two or three young ones thereThe heir and the little grand nieces one pretty child - went in and looked over the curiositie  They came home from Loch earn very late.  Their driver drunk Mizzie graham ill - having in the evening and being stopped *** ***. The police stopped there. 

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                                            26   S.  8 A TRIN . 

Minnie church with Aunt H. met a few friends- Minnie went to the Roman Catholic as usual- the usual difficulty of getting through the day occurred of course - M and I took a walk along the river side but sat down *** **** a mistake difficulty of getting anything to eat on a Sunday as usual ! Mr. and Mrs. Antony had luncheon here. 

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                                            27   MONDAY

Did not do much - but diary - finished Kinglake's Crimean War H. in the woods breezy day looking -  Weshome?  of the wranby lot dined here ,  not a bad fellow smoked

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                                           28   TUESDAY 

Fished all day - fruitlessly at Loch Turret - Rained one or two showers.  Great picnic Patrick and family from Ochtertyree- Lumsden just leaving (the Jessee) - great fun The Crieff party - M. and Mrs Thornton got over the mountain and saw an eagle - drive home very particular fun - what with cast ? with the children &

Mr. Stirling called on me 

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                                          29   WEDNESDAY  

Wrote diary most of the morning - In the afternoon we drove to Larus? Williamson's - I took a sketch of Sir David's Monument-  We then kept our engagement at Clathick and I made the acquaintance of young Colquhon a very nice fellow indeed He showed me about the place - good dinner and wine - capital pictures and portraits & the rooms very nice - Minnie much cowed by the great mastiff perfectly amenable to those he is living with, he is perfectly safe to keep in the house.

 

                                          30  THURSDAY

Antony had luncheon here - with the Ochtertyree girls with whom we walked home newly with them - In the evening the two girls a Mrs. old ladv and Massie and the two Conyghams came in the evening to dine young David came with the Ochtertyree girls and went back   

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                                          31   FRIDAY

Wrote a deal of diary and the Aunt H. and M. and I went a new way on the moor to Monzie -  but on the Ochtertyree estate .  He had a white pony which the two ladies shared - dreadfully hot- but pleasant on the moor - the mist rather spoiled the view - came back tired and sleepy -  

Helvetica Light is an easy to read font, with tall and narrow letters, that works well on almost every site.

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M.C.C. AND  GROUND  WITH  PARR  AND  WILLSHER  V CAMBRIDGESHIRE   

Lord's Monday and Tuesday - July 13th and 14th  There was talent on both sides - but the match excited no interest whatever and went off very lamely - different to the unfinished school match of the previous week - No match agst. this county has been played since 1847 - In the present match the county went in  - Newman and D. Hayward taking the bat -Wwillsher and Grundy bowling- The first wicket Newman's falling for 9.  Carpenter and D. Hayward had raised the score to 46 - there being a 5 three 2's were in D. Hayward's score - his celebrated brother joined Carpenter - the scoring was wonderful Wootton took Wilsher's place - 93 up . Mr Drake took Wootton's place and essayed his underhand slows - then Wootton tried the pavillion end turn of Grundy. - 110 up - Hearne superseded Wootton but 126 runs were written before the great guns were seperated - Hayward was bowled in Hearne's 3rd over - in his 44 were three 4's eight 2's &  - Tarrant made a fine cut from Hearne and was then bowled at the other end fourth for 131.  Smith who played in the colts match at Lords this year and since for his county against Kent went in and was not out at dinner time.  Carpenter with 49 - On resuming Willsher again took charge of the bowling and the cricket exhibited was very fine - the defence against first class bowling on very excellent wickets was a lesson. - The colt played well- he made a fine square leg hit from Grundy & drove over Willsher's head for a 5 - After 12 overs at each end Drake had another try at Willsher's end - and Carpenter was run out by a fine throw at the wicket by Willsher- after a good innings of 60 - Smith hit one of Grundy's high at mid- off he got 22- Pryor and Bell were next. The former made a fine drive for 5 - Bell made a fine drive which Pryor's wicket stopped and was picked up by Drake and returned to the wicketkeeper so rapidly that Bell lost his wicket - Diver was given out leg before 7th and 8th for 181.  Pryor continued to hit well - but the remaining wickets fell for 195 -  the last wicket taken at long on -  

Tarrant and Hayward bowled for the county - throughout the innings - Hearne and Bignall first took the bat - Hearne was caught at the wicket One for 9 - Willsher's the second to fall 12 - The third Benthall's for 18 - Parr after showing some good defence and winning -  3 - 4's of Bignall's hit almost in succession - was well bowled Grundy was soon sent to the right about - fourth for 35 fifth for 38 Drake joined Bignall who now relived getting 27 - the "leger" Marshall did not stay- 6th and 7th for 45  - Messers Hope Grant and Drake carried on a merry game and were not seperated till 67 was up - which was further increased to 89 - when Hope Grant was bowled by a shooter.  He had however put on 23.  Drake got 17 Biddulph brought out his bat for 2 Wootton did not stay being bowled by a shooter - Time was called  

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 Another  occasion on which  an apostrophe is used  in the wrong place in the manuscript. More examples  are to be seen in the next match report and these together with the decrease in neatness and legibility of his writing are further evidence of the sickness from which he was to die taking hold. 

Also of note is the use of the word  extraordinary 

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A quantity of names in this match also have an asterisk beside them and it is for the same reason.  ie the incorrect and illogical use of an apostrophe after the initial capital letter.

The exact nature of "Beaseley's" where a repast was taken is unknown at the moment 

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On Tuesday morning M.C.C. and G'round *  were put in for the runs being 106 behind .  The only question being whether the Cambridge would require another innings or not - but who can tell the result of a match - see York and Notts return the other day -  Tarrant and Hayward again commenced - bowling the not out Grundy and Biddulph batting  first wicket for 12 - Hearne joined Grundy and they both made it very hot both for bowlers and fieldsmen - Bell who took Tarrant's end at last got rid of Grundy - but not till he had put together 31 by a 5 two 4's four 3's & - Total 63 .  Bignall's the third went for 85 - Parr's the fourth for 86  - Mr. benthall and Hearne were in splendid form - Willsher did for them - carried on the warWillsher sixth for - 120 - Mr. drake and hearne were not to be denied - Drake made some extraordinary drives - and hearne continued to play his forward game.  Diver at length took Hayward's place , but every ball was hit - when 180 was up Hayward resigned bowling but Hearne was most surprisingly taken by point in tarrant's last over before dinner - he got 77 - he must have hit severely but his figures are not given.  hope Grant not long Drake's partner this time - hearnes the 7 wicket had fallen for 189 and eighth for 193- Drake was well caught at short slip having previously made a 5 - four 4's three 3's twelve 2's & in all 59 - Wootton had but one ball - Total 207-  The county went in for 101.  Willsher bowled a maiden over to Pryor - Tarrant hit to short slip off Grundy and the ball was thrown to the bowler's wicket - they got 5 for the overthrow- first wicket for 6  Tarrant was joined  by D. Hayward, but was soon after given leg before wicket.  T. Hayward joined his brother who was almost immediately after admirably taken at point - third for 9 Smith followed D. Hayward -  T. Hayward was well stumped and Carpenter bowled by Willsher Fourth and Fifth for 13 - Diver then joined Smith and the total was raised to 23 - and Bell became Smith's partner - the batter again showed excellent defence  against first rate bowling - seventh Bell's for 34 - Newman and Smith raised the score to 42 when Smith was bowled by a splendid ball - and Newman well caught at point Seymour made some good leg hits from Grundy - Cornwell was admirably caught at short slip - which brought this extraordinary match at close in favour - of the M.C.C. by 44 runs  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

             SURREY  V  SUSSEX RETURN MATCH

This match was played at Brighton - Monday  Tuesday & Wednesday - 13th - 14th - 15th and was not finished.  -  runs being scored !- Weather splendid betting 2 to 1 on S'unday * especially when the county won the toss as usual - S'ussex* has lost every toss this year - this the eighth - Mr. E. B.Fawcett was substituted for Stubberfield who had severely injured his ankl (?) and was prevented from playing- Wickets excellent - Mortlock and Humphrey wielded the bat - James Lillywhite - bowling from the marine end Ellis delivered his ***** slows- from the opposite wicket.  Runs came slowly at first till Humphrey made a good hit deep for 3  - Mortlock two 2s- when 17 was telegraphed - Griffith joined Humphrey & the "lion " as they call him - began by hitting Ellis to the off for 3 and Lillywhite for a similar number - & and to long on for the same .  S'mith's * fielding was capital Griffith cut one off Ellis for 4 then hit Lillywhite to long off - half a chance but Mr. Smith could not get up. Humphrey returned next Ellis's to him very hot - he had been in three quarters of an hour for his 15 2 for 50 - Caffyn came made a couple, Griffith drove Lillywhite to the dining rooms for 4 C'affyn* hit Ellis a crumper* for 5 - G'riffith*  drove for 3 Lillywhite bowling well on the spot - the underhand slows gave way to Wisden - whose seamed ball just missed the wicket - S'mith* here failed to  ????  C'affyn* - a very good backward catch 80 up - time 1 hour 5 min - rapid scoring . Griffith fifty was in some batting form - cut Wisden 4 in brilliant style Caffyn now sent one of Everett's into the ladies tents - Griffith now drove Wisden again for 4.  The fourth in succession   Sotherton now came on but to no surprise as the two s'urrey* great guns got well set - C'affyn* kept the ball on the ground now stopped - now came on again - But produced no immediate effect - C'affyn* sent Sotherton to leg for 4 -  Another change Lillywhite came on again but Caffyn cut him for 4 and the scoring was very fast till Caffyn sent one back "express pace" to Ellis who held it in rare  style - his score amounted to 31. Third for 152  1 hour 55 min - the next to manipulate was Burbridge - who immediately lost Griffith, who sent one into the grasp of that fine fielder W. hodgson Griffith's was an admirable innings and really without a chance except just at the beginning - he was in exactly 2 hours for his score of 89 was pretty creditable , no time was lost  certain fourth for 155 Dowson next hit Lilly to the off for 3 - Ellis now bowled an erratic slow - over the head at short slip which went for 4 and caused much amusement .  Burbridge now yielded his wicket - to "Lilly " being caught by Fillery fifth for 158 - after a good repast at Beaseley's ** Lockyer made 4 off a full pitch of Ellis's but there was a marked contrast to to the pace of the run making - Dowson then cut lilly to the tent for 4 and then drove him for the same - Just after 200 was up - Lockyer drove Ellis back to his hands for 22 which that ???? who has safe hands - held - sixth for 207 - Stephenson was the new tenant- and soon  after Dowson was bowled by James Lillywhite his score was 22- seventh for 211 S'ewell* drove drove "Lilly" for 5 when he had got 2 more he was cut short by Wisden catching him off Ellis - Eighth for 220 - Stephenson's next partner was Caesar still douty - soon hit short at Ellis it alighted in his hands - he was very lucky with catches - ninth for 228- Miller was the last his first essay was an easy hit to the off which went away for 5 - Ellis turned this wonderful success by - by destroying Stephenson's wicket for 12. - the innings closed at 4.25  good work considering that the first three Surrey men got 152.  The following is an analysis of the innings - James Lillywhite 176b - 77r- 2wkts 14m.o. Ellis 176b - 96r - 11m.0. - 8wkts 4 wides - Wisden 24b - 15r - 1m.o. Fawcett 12b - 17r - Sotherton 4b 9/0 - 18 R

A seven minutes to 5 Sussex advanced to the wicket Mr. Hale and John Lillywhite commencing their defensive operations - Caffyn and Griffith being the attacking parties - Mr. Hale began with a couple of 2's  Lillywhite made2 - when the former was caught by C'affyn* off G'riffiths* 1 for 17 - Mr. Smith joined Lillywhite  who cut Griffith for 3 and next hit Caffyn for 4 - Smith made 2 a squueze to leg and disposed of several good balls inthe slip 40 up - a splendid hit of John's off Caffyn struck the boundary wall near the top - and came back half way  to the ???? - only 2 were scored.  John was batting quite in his old form 7 and drove Griffith for 4 - another drive for 4 from Caffyn then 4 from Griffith -  Stephenson now took the ball (vice?) (via ? )Caffyn - S'mith a snick for 2 Gin attempting a catch mid on deep - made a very"( ??????)"  slip aN S'USSEX* AND THEREBY MISSED - lILLYWHITE NOW MADE 3 AND IN THE SAME OVER 2         

 

 

 

 

It is at this point that I have decided to end all transcription of all sporting reports.    I am finding it increasingly difficult to transcribe.  The legibility of the handwriting is deteriorating significantly and if I cannot transcribe most if not all of it what is the point?  His illness coupled with the pressure of completing the task he has set himself and the labour of  pages and pages of boxing commentary  to come have all contributed to the illegibility of the text and thus  put the task beyond my capabilities. 

 

There are 8 more pages of diary left and I will make the most strenuous of efforts to transcribe these in the next section but here also I must apologise for being unable to complete the task in full.  But with  the case of the diary very little of the sense will be lost.

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It is particularly important to continue with the diary because there are still many entries with relevance that links to the 1st edition of Wisden's Almanack.

 

 This will be followed by any further points of interest between the manuscript, author and Wisden's Almanack not so far covered and a brief  account of the final  4 years of his life on  earth.

 

A list of all matches will be given together at the end with an image of each page for those hardened few  to peruse. 

 

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