Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Taught in School this morning and attended Choir practice but it was over just as I arrived. I had been detained and they left off 20 minutes earlier than usual.

Mr Davies called this evening.

I drove Mr Davies to Banbury on his way to Mold.

Paid £34.8.4 into London & County Bank at Banbury for my account at Oxford.

Drove Bell, Annie Martin and Frank to Shenington. Called on the Bride and Bridegroom Mrs and Mr Daniel Shelswell, who were much pleased to see us.

My mare had not been to that house since Mr Milburn had her at the least, and yet she remembered the way much better than I did – though I had been only once before – when I preached a Club sermon at Shenington some years ago.

Today I sent to Mr Frowde, Amen Corner, Publisher to the Clarendon Press, a portion of manuscript of “The Teaching of the Book of Common Prayer, Simplified, for the children of the Church, and illustrated from the Scriptures”, asking whether they would publish it on terms to be arranged. I had previously been in communication with Mr Frowde and received a letter from him asking me to send him a portion of the manuscript for examination.

Visited School and taught.

Visited Eliza Lamb. Miss Dix and Mrs Davies called.

Received a note from Canon Payne, saying that owing to the ill health of Mrs Line, his coachman’s wife, he had been compelled to forbid her taking on any other persons’ washing. She has done ours exceedingly well ever since we have been here; but seems to have lately extended her business in that way, and as I have heard a number of times, taken to drink. Canon Payne’s resolve puts us to great inconvenience, as we cannot get another laundress in the neighbourhood.

Harry, being very unwell with a bad cold and generally out of sorts, I sent for Routh to see him. He says he has a slight attack of erysipelas in right eye and congestion of liver.

Visited Mr Woolgrove. Doctor saw Harry, 2nd visit.