Reel 16

<date>01/01/1860</date>
[January 1 Sunday 1860]

Ushered the New Year in by adding the Report of my pistols to the General noise in the Town.  Had a Polka with Polly on the Verandah a Glass of Wine & then to bed.

Went through the Accounts found. We commenced the Year with a Debt of £200.  Polly and I both determined to try & clear it all off during the twelvemonth.  Settled the manner in which we would dispose of the largest of the Bills.

Went to Church in the evening. Heard Mr Booth preach he is new to <a class='placename 2176429' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a>.  Liked his sermon though it had two faults, It being unnecessarily long & having too much repetition.

Walked to Darvall's found Hall & his family there returned with them.  Ushered the New Year in very pleasantly made good resolutions & hope to be enabled to keep them.

<date>02/01/1860</date>
[January 2 Monday 1860]

Dined at Hall's & had a Game of <a class='placename 2491191' data-preferedName='Laghouat'>Loo</a> in the Evening Lost Four Shillings. Wrote to Dr Bowie about "Elizabeth Harris".

<date>03/01/1860</date>
[January 3 Tuesday 1860]

Arranged with Morrison borrowed £100 of him for which I gave him Twelve Bills each for £10 at from One to Twelve Months.  Paid him £50 that I owed, and then placed £49 in the Bank.  Went to the Theatre in the evening Polly spent the time at Elliot's.

<date>04/01/1860</date>
[January 4 Wednesday 1860]

Polly received letter from Emma.  Harriette stopping with her, Mrs Elliot dined with us.  Elliot came in the evening.  Polly very unwell, seriously thinking of going away for a change.

<date>05/01/1860</date>
[January 5 Thursday 1860]

Wrote to Joe. The Halls, Miss Cowderoy & Fred Brown spent the evening with us  Played a Game at Loo Think I won sixpence.  Polly satisfied she won some shillings.

<date>06/01/1860</date>
[January 6 Friday 1860]

Attended Hospital Meeting.  Disagreeable argument relative to a Discharged Wardsman. Wrote to Lotherington Yesterday.

<date>07/01/1860</date>
[January 7 Saturday 1860]

News arrived of the loss of The Royal Charter.  Wilmot visited Beechworth.

<date>08/01/1860</date>
[January 8 Sunday 1860]

Very heavy rain.  Went in the evening to Church.  The Dean preached.  Polly wrote to Mrs Ely of <a class='placename 2144764' data-preferedName='Wangaratta'>Wangaratta</a> making enquiry if there was any respectable House at which she could Board for a few weeks.  Her Health not being good & change of air recommended.

<date>09/01/1860</date>
[January 9 Monday 1860]

Held a Meeting at the Star & arranged an Amateur Performance in aid of the Race Fund.  Polly spent the evening at Shackell's  I joined her there after the meeting.  Was up in the morning to see the Coach away.  Miss Cowderoy, Mr & Mrs Ickerson & Keefer went down this morning.

<date>10/01/1860</date>
[January 10 Tuesday 1860]

Polly received letter from Emma.

I visited the Hospital & busied myself in preparing the Half Yearly Report.

Made out my Weeks Returns & sent them to the Sheriff.

<date>11/01/1860</date>
[January 11 Wednesday 1860]

Hall & his wife spent the evening with us.  Polly heard from Emma Yesterday.

<date>12/01/1860</date>
[January 12 Thursday 1860]

Polly & I were up this morning at the early hour of Four we went to the Coach office & saw Phiney away.  Mr Littlewood undertook to take charge of her.  I attended Hospital Meeting this afternoon & then went to Shackell's first Sale imbibed a considerable quantum of Champagne but did not purchase anything.  Polly & I were at Hall's in the evening.  Went to bed early but did not sleep till late Polly being very unwell.  Received & answered Letter from Newby.

<date>13/01/1860</date>
[January 13 Friday 1860]

Great Meeting at the Hospital.  I was Re-Elected Honorary Secretary.  Polly unwell & I very irritable.  The dear Girl has made up her mind to try <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a> for a change.

<date>14/01/1860</date>
[January 14 Saturday 1860]

Polly started this morning for <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a>.  I saw her away, she seemed very weak. I gave her a Ticket which will enable her if necessary to stop a night or more on the Road.  Dotty telegraphed to her friends to meet Polly on her arrival in <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a>.   I telegraphed to <a class='placename 4162783' data-preferedName='Longwood'>Longwood</a> to see how she was getting on but have been made very uneasy as I did not receive any reply.  Dined with Stewart but had such a severe headache I was obliged to leave directly after dinner & come home to bed (illegible) ... this afternoon.  Feel <a class='placename 4304798' data-preferedName='Polly'>Polly</a>'s absence very  (illegible).

<date>15/01/1860</date>
[January 15 Sunday 1860]

Spent miserable day thinking of Polly.  Dined with Hall went to church in the Evening, afterwards called at Butler's went him & Crofton to the Star remained there very late drinking.  Returned home. They came (illegible) ... drink.

<date>16/01/1860</date>
[January 16 Monday 1860]

Received a Telegram this morning from Polly, she had been quite well during the journey as far as <a class='placename 4162783' data-preferedName='Longwood'>Longwood</a>.  I suffered all day from a violent billious (sic) attack.  Eat nothing & was repeatedly sick.  Went down the Street after eight o clock.  Got into [Merton’s?]. Crofton asked me to play Cards & I foolishly consented . Played all night.  I went home at  Five o clock a loser of close upon £20.

Poor Polly how sad you would be to know of my folly.

<date>17/01/1860</date>
[January 17 Tuesday 1860]

A Loafing miserable day only relieved by a loving letter from Polly.  Wrote to her & to Mrs Ely of <a class='placename 2144764' data-preferedName='Wangaratta'>Wangaratta</a>.  Went to the Theatre in the evening afterwards lounged about at the Empire Hotel until some time after Twelve when I went home to bed.

Martin was in to-day I made use of his friendship by borrowing £20 from him as my imprudence yesterday had put me in rather a fix Crofton borrowed £2 of me in the evening.

<date>18/01/1860</date>
[January 18 Wednesday 1860]

Was disappointed to day not receiving  a letter as I had expected from Polly.

Attended Hospital meeting it occupied nearly three hours.  Had rehearsal at the Theatre.  Studied for an hour or so at home in the evening then went down the Street.  Had a glass of wine with Stewart & then adjourned to Merton’s found Six men anxious for Cards, played all night.  I won back the money I lost on Monday & got an I.O.U for £10.10 & was owed £19.16 besides. Thank God I have got the money I so foolishly risked on Monday. The Game almost frightened me last night. I will not play again unless it is thought Gamblers etiquette requires it.  If I do play I will only venture the money I have won.

<date>19/01/1860</date>
[January 19 Thursday 1860]

Very tired to-day.  And rendered rather sad by not receiving a letter from Polly wrote to her in the afternoon.  Was at the Hospital. Campbell or Reilly a man who was some time since accidentally stabbed on the Stage by an Actress Died this morning.  He sank under or from the effects of an operation that was performed on him.

Dr Nixon called he intends remaining & practising in <a class='placename 2176430' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a>.  Weather fearfully hot this day.

<date>20/01/1860</date>
[January 20 Friday 1860]

Weather remarkably hot, received a letter from Polly.  Attended Hospital Meeting.

Was in the Billiard Room in the evening. Heard a Row between Wackerow & the Marker  The Marker addressed Wackerow simply by his Sir-name & Wackerow objected.  The Marker then abused him in true Yankee Style.

Had Supper at the <a class='placename 4109785' data-preferedName='El Dorado'>Eldorado</a>.  Matthews & Moss Played Merton & Morrison Billiards for a supper I joined their table.

<date>21/01/1860</date>
[January 21 Saturday 1860]

Heat more and more oppressive  Received letter from & wrote to Polly. Read at home in the evening till nearly eleven Then went down the Street.  Saw the close of the concert at the Theatre.  Then went to the Empire, remained chatting till late.  Smoked a pipe after I got home.  Crofton joined me. Sat talking till nearly two o clock.

<date>22/01/1860</date>
[January 22 Sunday 1860]

Wrote to Polly.  Dined at Hall's.  Went to Darvall's in the Evening.  Had supper at Stewart's adjourned with Mellish to the Empire.  New Minister at Church liked him very well.

<date>23/01/1860</date>
[January 23 Monday 1860]

Received letter from Polly she had been very unwell in <a class='placename 2158177' data-preferedName='Melbourne'>Melbourne</a>.  I hope to hear that she is better to day.  The weather continues very hot.  Attended at Hospital to Revise the Rules.  Went to Rehearsal.  Wrote to Polly, strolled down the street in the evening and then came home & studied the part of Diogenes Hunter until nearly midnight. Then had a pipe and went to bed.

<date>24/01/1860</date>
[January 24 Tuesday 1860]

Received letter from Polly.  Wrote to her purchased pair of white shoes.  Attended Rehearsal.  Went to the Theatre in the Evening.  Crofton Monk, Zinke & Sheppard came to my place afterwards.  Played Cards till half past three in the morning.  I lost Five pounds of the Amount in I.O.U I had previously won.  Felt very sick of the game & shall not play again.

<date>25/01/1860</date>
[January 25 Wednesday 1860]

Received letter from Polly. Wrote to her.  Attended Rehearsal.  Went to Hall's in the evening met Dr Nixon there, left Hall's about nine & stopped for a time with Nixon at [Soulby’s?] had some brandy & water & smoked Cigars.  Great Wackerow case came off this morning I was summoned as a witness but was not however called upon to give evidence.  The Billiard Marker was fined 40/ & costs.

<date>26/01/1860</date>
[January 26 Thursday 1860]

Received letter from Polly  Wrote to her and sent her the Ovens & Murray Advertiser.  Attended Rehearsal.  Strolled down the street in the evening.  Lounged for a time & then came away with Kipling smoked a pipe with him at his place & then came home to bed  Great article abusive of Wackerow appeared in Ovens & Murray this morning.

<date>27/01/1860</date>
[January 27 Friday 1860]

Very busy all day.  Attended Hospital meeting.  Went to Rehearsal.  Wrote to Polly.  The performance passed off very well. After the performance Dr Hutchinson came to me & said he wished to make a complaint against Dr Mitchell, he accused him of gross neglect. I called a meeting of Emergency of the Committee to enquire into the Case.  Played cards all night lost a few Pounds worth of other peoples I.O.U.s.

<date>28/01/1860</date>
[January 28 Saturday 1860]

Up rather late. Went to the Hospital. Attended Meeting of Committee in the afternoon.  A very plain case of neglect was proved against Mitchell & the Committee unanimously suspended him, authorising myself & Hutchinson to give charge of the Hospital to Dr Nixon or some other medical man.  Nixon consented to act and I therefore installed him introducing him to the Matron & the Wardsmen.

Went home a little after midnight.  Received two letters from Polly.  Probably yesterday’s was too late for Post.

<date>29/01/1860</date>
[January 29 Sunday 1860]

Went to Church in the morning. Brett read Prayers in consequence of Minister's illness.  Wrote to Polly.  Dined with Hall.

<date>30/01/1860</date>
[January 30 Monday 1860]

Received letter from & Wrote answer to Polly.  Was very unwell all day.  Went to the Theatre in the evening.

<date>31/01/1860</date>
[January 31 Tuesday 1860]

General Sessions.  Received & Wrote letter.  Loafed about in the evening.

<date>01/02/1860</date>
[February 1 Wednesday 1860]

General Sessions.  Called at Hall's in the evening.  Played Cards all night.  Lost the money I had previously Won, have now determined to play no more.  Was thoroughly disgusted with the ill feeling the Game produced. Quarrelling, Greed & Envy were the prevailing characteristics of the Game.

Will not play again for your sake my own dear Wife I would not have played even this night had I not previously won the money.  Got letter. Wrote answer.

<date>02/02/1860</date>
[February 2 Thursday 1860]

Received letter wrote Answer, Was very unwell. Went to bed very excited.  Could not sleep Rolled about, and passed a very unpleasant night.

<date>03/02/1860</date>
[February 3 Friday 1860]

Attended Hospital Meeting. Received letter from Polly replied to it.

Was down the Street in the evening first went to Hall's then with Hall to the Empire.  Saw a Party play Poker for a Pipe.  Returned late & went to bed.

<date>04/02/1860</date>
[February 4 Saturday 1860]

Received letter wrote Answer.  Dr Mitchell sent in his Resignation of the office of Resident Surgeon.

Took some tomatoes to Mrs Hall.  Went to the Theatre in the Evening.  Supped with De Lacy afterwards came home & went to bed.

<date>05/02/1860</date>
[February 5 Sunday 1860]

Went to Church in the morning. Mr Brett read Prayers.  Wrote letter to Polly sent her Draft for Ten Pounds.  Dined at Hall's.  Morrison & Monk spent the evening at my place.

<date>06/02/1860</date>
[February 6 Monday 1860 to February 8 Wednesday 1860] - no entries

<date>09/02/1860</date>
[February 9 Thursday 1860]

Received letter and answered it from Polly.

Dined at Hall's.  Came home & Read until I went to bed.

Mrs Darvall, Mrs Hall & Dr Nixon were at my place in the afternoon.

<date>10/02/1860</date>
[February 10 Friday 1860]

Received letter from Polly.  Telegram from Joe announcing that Polly had started for Home.  Attended at Hospital in the afternoon. No Meeting of Committee no Quorum.

So excited about Polly's coming home could not rest.  Dined at Stewart's. Went to bed at ten o clock.  Got up in the night & Read could not sleep.

<date>11/02/1860</date>
[February 11 Saturday 1860]

Polly arrived looking much better for her Trip.  Went out with her in the evening  Purchased some few things required for the House.  Polly made me a present of a Pipe.

<date>12/02/1860</date>
[February 12 Sunday 1860]

Very Lazy all day.  Went to bed early.

<date>13/02/1860</date>
[February 13 Monday 1860]

Received Pay.  Met Morrison's first Bill for £10.

Spent the evening at Home.  Read portion of <a class='placename 7839784' data-preferedName='Waverley'>Waverley</a>.

Much worried with Diarrhoea.  Saturday Sunday & this day.

<date>14/02/1860</date>
[February 14 Tuesday 1860]

Spent day Quietly at Home paid Butcher and milk man.  Went to bed early.  Purchased some small vases.  Polly called on Mrs Shackell.

Mr Barnard Brought some Grapes for Polly.

<date>15/02/1860</date>
[February 15 Wednesday 1860]

Made out my Weeks Returns  Polly went to Darvall's.  I lunched with Hall. Fetched Polly home in the afternoon.

Saw a Game at Billiards.  Spent the evening at home.  Rather inclined to be ill tempered.

<date>16/02/1860</date>
[February 16 Thursday 1860]

"Beasley" arrived at <a class='placename 2176429' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a>.  Spent the evening lazily at home.  Mrs Walden called on Polly.

<date>17/02/1860</date>
[February 17 Friday 1860]

Hospital Meeting.  Went for a little walk with Polly in the evening.  Read & then went to bed.

<date>18/02/1860</date>
[February 18 Saturday 1860]

Polly very unwell to day.  Got her some medicine.  Spent nearly the whole of the day at home.  Went to Hall's in the evening Mrs Darvall lunched with us.

<date>19/02/1860</date>
[February 19 Sunday 1860]

Read in the morning.  Went to Church in the evening.  Dr Nixon had a chat with us in the evening.  He came between eight & nine o clock.

<date>20/02/1860</date>
[February 20 Monday 1860]

Spent the day at home.  “De Lacey” called with me upon Mrs Castieau. "Bet De Lacy £100 to £500 that he did not marry the Daughter of Dr Black within a twelve-month”.

<date>21/02/1860</date>
[February 21 Tuesday 1860]

Went to a Billiard Match in the evening between <a class='placename 3333171' data-preferedName='Merton'>Merton</a> & a Stranger.  The Stranger won easily.

Called at Crofton's played a little game of Loo for Sixpences.  Won a few shillings Crofton fifteen shillings in my debt.

<date>22/02/1860</date>
[February 22 Wednesday 1860]

Polly received a letter from Emma.

Was at home in the evening.  Read a Portion of Rob Roy to Polly.

<date>23/02/1860</date>
[February 23 Thursday 1860]

Nothing particular occurred.  Went to Darvall's for Polly who had spent the day there.  Read Rob Roy in the evening.

<date>24/02/1860</date>
[February 24 Friday 1860]

Attended Hospital Meeting. Heard from Emma & wrote in reply.  Purchased a Dozen of Port Wine.  Stopped at Home in the evening and read Rob Roy to Polly.

<date>25/02/1860</date>
[February 25 Saturday 1860]

Received Pay and distributed it. 

Went for a walk in the evening with Polly.

<date>26/02/1860</date>
[February 26 Sunday 1860]

Did not go to Church this day.  Went to Darvall's in the evening.  Polly went to Church both morning & evening.

<date>27/02/1860</date>
[February 27 Monday 1860]

Supper to Monk this evening attended it.  Sale at Mayne's. Purchased Lyall's Geology,  Some Knives & Sundries.

<date>28/02/1860</date>
[February 28 Tuesday 1860]

Polly sold Dotty two chickens.  Received 8/ Cash for them. She also disposed of Three dozen eggs for which she pocketed 13/.  Mean to notice how this large amount is disposed of.

<date>29/02/1860</date>
[February 29 Wednesday 1860]

Dined at Drummond's. Hall and Dotty accompanied Polly & myself.  Butler and [Orridge?] were there.

<date>01/03/1860</date>
[March 1 Thursday 1860]

Very windy day.  Great smash last night.  Picture fell down & broke two Vases.  Very much disgusted. Polly had the stomach ache in consequence all the day.  Very uncomfortable to be near her, she grows more and more disagreeable every day.  Mem. She is looking over my shoulder now. "bother her".

<date>02/03/1860</date>
[March 2 Friday 1860]

Hospital Election Dr Julian of <a class='placename 2165798' data-preferedName='Geelong'>Geelong</a> chosen by a large majority.

<date>03/03/1860</date>
[March 3 Saturday 1860 and March 4 Sunday 1860] - no entries

<date>05/03/1860</date>
[March 5 Monday 1860]

Quoit Match between Wilson of Beechworth & Hartley of [Connolly?]. Hartley won easily.

<date>06/03/1860</date>
[March 6 Tuesday 1860] - no entry

<date>07/03/1860</date>
[March 7 Wednesday 1860]

Dr Cullinan arrived to do duty at the Hospital for Dr Julian.  Went for a walk with Polly in the evening called at Hall's.

<date>08/03/1860</date>
[March 8 Thursday 1860]

Polly spent the day at Darvall's.  Read at home during the evening.  Great Rush about this time to Snowy Creek.  Dr Nixon was thrown from his horse, and got a severe shaking.

English Mail arrived at <a class='placename 2078025' data-preferedName='Adelaide'>Adelaide</a>.

<date>09/03/1860</date>
[March 9 Friday 1860]

Attended Meeting of Hospital Committee. Sale of Booths, Grand Stand &c on the Race Course.  Sale at Kerferds’.

<date>10/03/1860</date>
[March 10 Saturday 1860]

Paid Hospital Accounts.  Received Pay for February.  Read at home in the evening.

<date>??/03/1860</date>
[Unknown Date in April]

... Forgot my Diary all-together during the next three weeks.  Attended at the Races and gave way to dissipation.

On Wednesday & Thursday Polly accompanied me to the Course.  She got a Seat in Shackell's Buggy & got along very comfortably.  We went to the Theatre to see Brooke twice as I was lucky in winning "sweeps".

On Thursday after I had been to the Races I was discontented to remain at home in the evening & persuaded Polly to go to Dotty's and let me have a run in the Town promising to fetch her home at eleven o clock.

I went to the Empire where there was a crowd assembled to hear the Race Stewards decision on a Protest.  A Horse was raffled. I took a share with Shackell of course we lost.  That was not however of much consequence if I had been wise enough to come away home, but no I remained mooning about & at length met Kipling & Morrison & threw for Drinks.  The Shake of the Dice excited me and I induced my companions to throw for half crowns.

Merton asked us to go into the Parlour & we accepted his invitation.

There we continued our gambling, neither having lost or won more than a few shillings  C-n [Crofton?]  came into the Room & afterwards Reilly & a man named Ruth.  Poker with Cards was proposed I foolishly agreed to Play & foolishly went on drinking Brandy, the Brandy got into my head & I played perhaps a foolish Game but at any rate had very bad luck & eventually at daylight rose from the table a loser of about £30. I was I am afraid very drunk, but remember little more of what occurred but now know that I become quite mad.  That I resisted every effort Morrison (like a good fellow that he is) made to induce me to go home & that in my excitement I wilfully smashed four of the Post Office Windows.  Cut my hand very severely and was carried home at length by main Force my clothing torn off my back & my rags covered with blood from my finger which bled profusely.

My poor Polly received me in this condition but bless her for an Angel as she showed herself she tended me in my bestial condition as tenderly as if I had been the Hero of some glorious action instead of the Drunken Brute I was, not one reproachful word did she utter & I could not but bitterly feel my degradation & be heartily ashamed of my conduct throughout.

I told Polly as much as I dared of my Evening's occupation & then firmly made a Resolution which if it pleases Heaven to give me strength I will rigorously observe "Not to drink Spirits except if ordered them by a doctor" or Gamble in any way whatever for twelve months".

For more than a week I did not go down the street I saw no one and it was only on Sunday the 25th I heard the particulars of my conduct.

<date>26/03/1860</date>
[March 26 Monday 1860]

Had argument with Walden respecting a Remand Warrant.  Got into hot water with him on the subject used high words.  Told him he did not know his business.  He said dont be impertinent &c &c.

<date>27/03/1860</date>
[March 27 Tuesday 1860] - no entry

<date>28/03/1860</date>
[March 28 Wednesday 1860]

Paid Ruth Eighteen Pounds.  Had chat with Crofton. Barnard returned to <a class='placename 2176429' data-preferedName='Beechworth'>Beechworth</a>.

<date>29/03/1860</date>
[March 29 Thursday 1860 to April 1 Sunday 1860] - no entries

<date>02/04/1860</date>
[April 2 Monday 1860]

Bazaar in aid of the Atheaneaum (sic) Town Hall.  Darvall lunched with us.
 
<date>03/04/1860</date>
[April 3 Tuesday 1860]

Darvall and Mrs Darvall dined with us.  Polly went to the Bazaar in the evening.  Gave her Ten shillings to spend could not afford or spare any more.

<date>04/04/1860</date>
[April 4 Wednesday 1860 (crossed out and Thursday 5 substituted)]

Paid Mr Townsend Half a <a class='placename 2420477' data-preferedName='Guinea'>Guinea</a> for Drawing a Tooth for Polly.  It had been owing for some time.

<date>05/04/1860</date>
[April 5 Thursday 1860]

Received Pay for March lodged £30 in the Bank.  It will not stay long as I have to meet a Bill for £21 on account of Newby & a Monthly for Morison (sic).  Polly purchased Isinglass & Fowls’ food.

<date>06/04/1860</date>
[April 6 Friday 1860]

Polly went to Church in the morning.

 We both walked to Darvall's in the evening.  Nixon called upon us.

Hospital meeting in the afternoon first interview with Dr Julian.

<date>07/04/1860</date>
[April 7 Saturday 1860]

Went to Bazaar in the evening with Polly spent 9/6.

<date>08/04/1860</date>
[April 8 Sunday 1860]

Church in the morning called at Hall's in the afternoon.

<date>09/04/1860</date>
[April 9 Monday 1860]

Paid Morison Third Bill. Had my Hair Cut.

<date>10/04/1860</date>
[April 10 Tuesday 1860 to May 25 Friday 1860] - no entries

<date>26/05/1860</date>
[May 26 Saturday 1860]

Mr & Mrs Darvall went to Town.  They slept at our House the night previous.

Sent a Telegram at Darvall's request to Mr Cowderoy informing him of their departure.

<date>27/05/1860</date>
[May 27 Sunday 1860 to October 22 Monday 1860] - no entries

<date>23/10/1860</date>
[October 23 Tuesday 1860]

Poor Polly disappointed.

<date>24/04/1860</date> 
Nothing after October 23 1860.