Introduction

This sad little document presents an aspect of family life all too common until the nineteenth century. It consists only of two loose pages; probably the notes were entered at the back of an account-book for reference; and the tearing out may have been done later by another hand. The entries are made alternately by Edmond and Christian, of whom details have been given in the introduction to and pedigree in volume xxxiv. The three children who survived are the writers of the letters printed in that volume.

TEXT

(E.W.) An account of the birth of my children by my second wife.

1709

March 29. My wife fell into labour and a little after 9 in the morning was delivered of a son. Present: aunt Taylor, cousin White, sister Smith, cousin Clarkson, widow Hern, Mrs. Howe, midwife, Mr[s.] Wallis, nurse, Mrs. Holms, Eleanor Hobbs, servants.

April 4. He was baptised by Doctor Battle by the name of John. John, Duke of Newcastle, and Eveling, Marquis of Dorchester, and my mother Cromwell were gossips. My sister Smith stood for Mrs. Cromwell.

16. The child died about 1 o’clock in the morning.

1711

Sept. 17. My said wife was delivered of a son just before 4 in the morning. Present: Mr. Thomas Molyneux’s lady and maid, Mrs. Mann, midwife, Margaret Williamson, nurse, Susan Nuthall, servant.

Oct. 4. He was baptised by Mr. Trabeck by the name of Talbot after my grandmother’s name. Sir John Talbot and John Pulteney esquire were gossips, with my sister Smith godmother. Major William Bisset stood for Sir John Talbot. Present: my nieces Charlotte Lee and Rebecca Smith.

1713

June 9. About 8 at night my said wife began her labour.

10. Half an hour after 1 in the morning was brought to bed of a son. Present: Mrs. Molyneux, Mrs. Bisset, Mrs. Mann, midwife, Nurse Williamson, Susan Nuthall and Betty Ginger, servants.

30. Baptised by Mr. Mompesson of Mansfield by the name of Edmond. Sir Hardolf Wasteneys, St. Andrew Thornhaugh and Lady Howe, gossips. Note: Mrs. Bisset stood for Lady Howe. Present: Lady Mary Wortley, Lady Wasteneys, aunt Knight, cousin Margaret Cornwallis, Mrs. Molyneux, Major Bisset, Mr. Gilby of Lincoln, Mr. Monpesson’s son.