Chapter Ten - 1826 – 1828

Summary

On Monday the 2^d. day of this year I went to a meeting of the committee of the Bible society which was the last time of my walking out of the fore door for some weeks, as on the next day there was cold NE. wind that introduced a smartish frost which then set in…

Mr. A. Bennett being now come to spend a week at his fathers & attend his annual concert on the 16^th. they both, on Wednes’y 11^th. with my son & grandson came & dined with me, & in the even’g we had some music in the drawing room till after 9. when A Bennett was engaged to go to the Catch-club, so that we only played 2 pieces, after which however my son grandson & I played 2 trios.

On account of A Bennett's being here I had also fixed to have a musical party at my home on Friday 13^th… To this party came Mrs. Barton & her sister Mrs H [left blank] & the 2 Miss B – 's from Lavant & Dr. Heming their rector (then with them) the Pilkingtons of Shopwyke & Chichester Dr. Holland (or “The Precentor of Chichester” as he now styled himself on his cards) with his son & daughter, Mrs Waring & the Miss Closes Mr & Mrs Holland Mr Watkins Mr Miller Mr Miss & Alfred Bennett my son & grandson; but on account of the frost we were in the drawing room, where we were very comfortable & should have done very well had it not been the day of the City Sessions, when most of the clergy dining with the Mayor &c. Dr. & Mr. Holland & Mr. Watkins did not make their appearance till. 9 […] & Mr. Miller, who was chaplain to the Mayor, not till ½ past 9. when it evidently appeared he had had too much wine, as he was very noisy & vulgar, & spoiled one of the best glees we had “Come O come” Paxton.