Charles Bartholemew Richardson An Early Voyage 1853
Transcribed by his great-grandson, John Charles Richardson
This is a typed version of the diary of Charles Bartholemew Richardson recounting his voyage to
England and beyond in his role of purchasing dry goods for sale in the U.S. The dates of his
experience are July and August of 1853. He was born 29 Jan 1831 (Cambridgeport, MA) and
hence 22 years of age at the time of the trip. He was married 13 Dec 1854, one and a half years
later. It reflects his basic experience and associated details as can best be interpreted from the
hand written document in the original black leather "folder". It hopefully presents a more easily
read document that can be more widely distributed for its potential interest, as well as providing
insights to that time.
The diary was passed to my sister Anne and I through my Dad, Curtis Rand Richardson, who I
recall referring to his Grandfather as one who traveled to Europe to buy lace for retail sale in
this country. Interpreptation was difficult at times due to the characteristics of his style and
wording typical of that period. In instances where I was less than certain of a word or words, I
used brackets ( ). Proper names in particular were difficult to read, and I used best judgment
for them
As the approximately six weeks voyage progressed, his writing became less formal and more in the form of quick notes, mostly without sentence sturcture or punctuation. I inserted ... to highlight what I interpreted as the end of a note or sentence to allow for easier/quicker reading. Upper and lower case letters seemed to be used inconsistently. The way of writing them at that time was obviously not necessarily the same as we do today.
This the day that the Steamer Niagara sails for Liverpool and in which I have taken passage .... Left Chelsea at 7.15 P.M. .... stopped a few minutes at the Store, and went up to the house to see my Sister who is sick and to bid her good bye .... at 10 o'clock I started from the House with Mother and called for Mr. Chipman .... then to the Store to bid adieu for a time .... the young man Mr. Torrey rode on to East Boston with us .... we arrived on board about 11.30 and about 12.15 the steam is up and we are sailing down the harbor
Among the many friends that came to see me off I will mention the following so that in after years (if God in his infinite Mercy should spare my life) I may have the pleasure of recalling them to mind .... I mention first my Mother and Mrs Chipman also Mrs. McDonald and her Daughter.
Mrs. Parker of Buffalo and her sister.
Eben Putman, Boston
John Fletcher, Boston
Samuel Mason, (ditto)
George Gould, (ditto)
H. M. Jenkins, (ditto)
C.S. Faulkner, (ditto)
John Chipman, Marlboro
Harvey Torrey, Abbington
W.G. Harris, Boston
Henry Frost, Chelsea
Sumner Whalen, Chelsea
G W Chipman Esq
Mr. Griffin, Bowden Lane
3 o'clock .... we are now at dinner .... I have just seen my Room Mate and find him quite an agreeable sort of fellow .... he is a young man from Montreal Canada, his name, S.K. Lyman .... this is indeed a great undertaking for me so young as I am but I will put my trust in God and in him (and in him only) we can accomplish great things .... God grant to help me and bring me home a better and wiser man
I arose at 7.45 o'clock and breakfast at 8:15 o'clock .... the weather is very fine but very cool .... I have been reading a book which I found in the cabin entitled "Dining on the Continent" .... found it rather interesting but it is rather dull music .... nothing to do but Eat, drink, read & sleep .... Eating occupies a considerable (amount) of time .... we breakfast at 8. .... lunch 12. .... (dinner) 3.30 - Tea 7.30 Supper 9 at o'clock The water thus far has been very smooth we have very few sick
We passed the America this morning at 4:30. .... At 10.45 we saw Seal Island and the Land of Nova Scotia is now in sight on our Left .... the weather is so cold now that I have to wear my overcoat and get upside of the Smoke Pipes to keep warm .... some difference between this and the (fourth) .... we have just passed a small schooner - she rides beautifully on the waves
We arrived at Halifax last night at 10 o'clock. I did not go on shore. I retired at 9 and was asleep when we stopped. Should not have woke if my Room Mate had not come into the room. It has been warmer today than yesterday. We are still having very smooth time. Passed a steamer bound to Eng. this morning.
W.B. Tickman and J.B. Cross are the only Boston men that I have found on board. There are a number of French and Scotch on board.
8:30 It is growing cloudy and looks very much like rain.
I awoke this morning with a very sore throat .... we passed the steamer (Ambia) at 10 o'clock .... have seen several new faces today .... we have a motley group in the cabin today .... some are sleeping some are reading and a great many are gambling .... we have one fat Englishman on board who seems to (make) sport for the whole .... we had a small shower of rain at 12 o'clock .... we are now off the Banks
we had quite a concert in the wheel house this evening .... a number of English and Scotch got together and sang songs .... some I should think are 1st rate singers .... I lost my supper by taking a nap after dinner and did not wake until after 8 o'clock
Arose at 8 o'clock .... it is very cold on deck .... my over Coat and Shawl will not keep me warm
This is the first Sabbath at Sea .... the weather is very thick .... we can hardly see the length of the ship .... at 1/2 o'clock we have dinner .... Services after the English form .... the Preacher is a large fleshy man .... after reading the Prayers and Singing he gave out from his Text .... "The fool hath said in his heart there is no God." He gave us a very good sermon .... he asks the questions "who is the fool" and goes on to say he fears "there are many, many among Christians who say in their heart things that they would be ashamed to say with their mouths" .... alas how true it is .... Almighty God teaches me to keep my heart clean that meditation and the words of my mouth may be acceptable in thy sight
I had the honor of drinking a glass of Champagne with the Captain today at dinner .... I do not know why it was but he sent the steward across the cabin and singled me out calling me by name .... we have spent rather a great Sabbath today untill about 5 o'clock but since that time there has been considerable light talk and our minister has joined in it more than clergy are apt to .... How I should like to be at Home to night and attend our Sabbath School Concert .... I have been reading since our service this morning "A Pastors Sketches." Spencer" .... it is very interesting showing the different cases coming under the Pastors notice of Conviction of Sin and Conversion to God.
it has been very foggy today and there is now a considerable Swell.
I arose this morning at 8 o'clock and have passed the day in reading mostly the Vicar of Wakefield by Goldsmith .... I played Shuffle Board with several of the Passengers .... my health has already very much improved .... there is now considerable swell and a number of the Ladies are seasick .... one half of our passage I hope is over .... It is so unnatural for me to sit still all day that I find it hard work .... I expect to have the company of my Roommate to Paris .... his business is manager of an Apothacary Shop in Montreal .... he talks French and will be very useful to me.
Very pleasant but very rough tonight .... I have busied myself with having today occasionaly going out on deck and taking a walk. got acquainted with a young Frenchman last Eve .... he has been spending three years in New York. He seems a very fine fellow .... offers his services to me in Paris. Slavery seems to be the principal topic of Conversation .... tonight we have peoples from all parts of the States. slave holders and Abolitionists each pressing his Claims
Three years ago today at 6.30 A.M. my beloved father departed this life age about 59 years .... I remember well standing at the foot of his bed and seeing him breath his Last .... So calmly he went to Sleep we did not know that he was dead .... how little I thought three years from that time of being here in this place but God's providences are wonderful very wonderful .... how thankful I should be that he has so wonderfully prospered so unworthy a man as myself .... I am hardly fit to life and yet he has authorized my life and prospered me continually
Wednesday Eve
We have scarcely seen the sun since we Started but have had no rain untill to day .... the Ship has rolled very much to day and last night so that I could not sleep well .... we have been going pretty fast since last eve .... 12 knotts .... Mr Honn the Officer says we shall probably be in Liverpool on Sunday morn .... I really long to see Land .... we amused ourselves this morning by playing games on deck .... this afternoon when I have not been Eating I have (been) reading my Bible most of the time. I find that after all to be the most interesting Book .... we can always find something new there .... there is one young Scotchman on board that I may learn a lesson from .... he is quite a coarse looking fellow but he is very smart .... he is determined to conquer what ever he undertakes .... he has just beat a man in playing Checquers which he has not played before for years .... this morning in the games he came off (finishing) best
I awoke this morning at 25 minutes of 10 o'clock .... I do not know what makes me sleep so sound .... the ship rolled very much all night .... my Room Mate said that this Porter came and rapped and shook the door two or three times
I delivered my ticket to the Porter this morning and handed him a half dollar as a reward for his services .... when I came back from the deck I found the half dollar on my wash Stand .... he came in soon after and said the company paid him amply for his services and he did not wish any more; (wonderfull man)
6 o'clock
The clouds are most beautiful .... I never saw anything on land to equal them .... I will not attempt to describe
A large Ship has just passed us about two miles north .... she looks very pretty from here .... we average (as I see from a paper posted on the stern) from 230 to 280 miles per day
It has been quite warm today on deck .... I have been out a good deal .... have not needed my Coat. we expect to have a Negro Concert in the Saloon this Eve .... they have been practicing during the day
We had a glorious vision at Sunset last Eve .... the clouds are the most beautiful sight I ever witnessed. I awoke this morning and found that the wind was blowing a severe gale .... the water came dashing over the sides of the vessel and has wet the Promenade deck all over .... about 1 o'clock today I was taken Sick .... it was the first of my Sickness and we are on our tenth day out .... the wind has blown very high and the Ship tosses and pitches about as though she were nothing .... we have had a gale all day .... the wind carried away the foretop sails and washed the water up on deck
I went on deck about 7 o'clock and found land on our right .... It is the north coast of Ireland a very mountainous coast .... we have passed one or two Towers and Forts .... Mr. Fain to the head of the table and offered several Toasts .... the Mail Agent at the head of our Table offered Toasts to the President of the U.S. and to Mr. Lyman .... my Room Mate I understand is Vice President of the Montreal Bank .... he keeps an Apothecary Store in Montreal .... it is quite Rainy out to day
As we advance on the coast we find the mountains highly cultivated .... it is a beautiful Sight .... the cattle are feeding and the snug little cottages present a fine appearance
Moored in Liverpool at 6.15 and at 8.50 our Baggage was examined and we were at the Adelphi Hotell .... the first thing I do on entering this place is thank my heavenly Father for bringing me here safely .... we have had on the whole a very pleasant passage .... I have a very good room .... I attended Church at St Pauls two miles from the House this morning .... a very fashionable Church .... this afternoon I went to hear Dr. Raffles .... a real good Congregationalist .... it was excellent .... this eve I had an invitation from Mr Train to Spend the eve with him in his Room with his family myself and Mr Reynolds of Boston and a Southerner who is said to have made a million of money as a Slave driver .... he is a very good description of Mrs Stone's Legree .... we engaged ourselves very well .... emptied two bottles of Champagne .... Mr T. is a very agreeable man .... this is a very nice house but I dread to see the Bill
Called on Chas Humberston Esq at George (D ) and got him to Engage State Room for the 20 of August .... went to Ride with Mr. Boularger a Frenchman with Horse and Gig .... took Carrs at 8 for Manchester .... met Mr Guinn firm of Dent Alcroft (Co) the largest Glove manufacturer in the world .... I am very thankful that I am permitted to meet him .... he has already been of considerable service to me and I think I can open a trade with him which would not have been the case if in God's providence I had not missed one train of cars.
We arrived at 10 o'clock and had our Supper .... got things at 11:30 .... found we could write home by getting a letter to the P.O. before 12 o'clock which we all did .... I bought me a Post Folio .... this morn got 1FL - 10s .... went to Craffts and Stell and Saw some samples of Prints .... have not ordered anything yet .... I am going to Sichells first .... I did not find Mr. Hurlburt at Home .... he will be at 9:30 tomorrow
I was taken sick last eve and vomited more or less from 12 m to 12 today .... have never been so sick before since I can remember .... Mr. Gowan called to see me this morning .... he seems to take quite an interest in me .... Mr Colby called today .... I have been able to get to Crafts and Stell and ordered 2 cases of Prints and 1 can of worsted Braid .... I can hardly keep on my feet .... I have not tasted anything for 24 hours .... I bought me a suit of clothes at Hyam's to day
I feel much better today .... I have been to A & S Hosiery (Co) and saw William Chadbourne .... I ordered a case of Birds Eye (C ) .... I have looked over his ware house .... it is very extensive .... said his Concern had been in operation 100 years. have been with Mr Colby to a Glove Manufacturer and ordered 35 or 40 (doz) of Gloves. have Just called on Mr. Sichell .... had to wait some time for his Son who was out on change .... did not see him .... must stop here when I return .... The (town) of ( ) on the Rail Road between Manchester and Sheffield is the most beautiful place I have yet seen
I arrived in Sheffield this P.M. Met Mr. Lyman and we took a Stroll about the town and went to the Music Hall .... they had music dancing & dining .... Tickets 6o .... money refunded in drinks The fellows & Girls were dancing on the roof
I have this morning been to Joseph Rodgers and Corsar Denton (Co) and bought some scissors .... Rodgers is a very fine place .... I saw a knife with three hundred and sixty blades and a watch in the center of the Handle. went to the market and to Chatsworth to the Duke of Devonshire's Pallace
it is the most beautifull place I was ever in .... I will not describe it as I have a book which does it better.
I arrived this aft from Sheffield .... I went down to the market and took a walk through the Town .... I was very much surprised to see the quantity of People in the Street .... I could think of nothing but the Common of Boston after the night of the fourth of July. went to Concert Hall .... admittance was 6o and two coppers refunded (if) 3o is to be spent for drinks .... the performance is said to be the best in the place and indeed it was very good .... the seats were all made with shelves in front for Liquor and down Stairs there were tables the whole length of the Hall and men and women sitting around and smoking and Drinking .... It is said that the gentlemen of this place built a Hall and had music and drew away these chair drinkers from their Shops and the Rum sellers opened an entertainment of the above kind and reclaimed the old customers .... I went in to some of the Gin Palaces and found men women and children .... the mothers urging their children to take a little
Went to hear John Angell James .... his text was "were not ten saved but when are thee mine" He is a most excelent preacher. I do not know as I ever enjoyed a sermon any better.
I went to hear him again in the Eve .... they have but two meetings .... his own at 10:30 & 6. his text in the Eve was "For thus it behooved him to be made ( ) unto us" .... it was a very solemn sermon
Went to see Mr. Henshem in Bath St .... went around to several manufacturers .... to Ecklington (Co) to see Silver Plating and to several Paper (Mach) manufacturers .... one of them there was quite a pretty Girl .... showed us around.
I bought a few goods at Edleston and Williams
I (carried) a package to Mr. Hensham that They said did not go out to ( ) ( ) .... it rained .... took the 10:30 train for London where I arrived at the Queens Hotell at 3:30 .... This is indeed a great place .... The Post Office is directly opposite .... a very large building
There is not a Cab to be had here today .... Parliment have enacted a law that the fare shall be six pence a mile and they have struck .... I have been to the Exchange and to Dent Alcrofts (Co) and bought a few Gloves .... looked (around) in a number of (Stores) .... I am very much disappointed in not finding letters from home .... I cannot imagine the reason of it.
Went to the Princess Theatre this Eve .... I did not enjoy it at all. Came out at 8:20. It commenced about 8.
I have been today to Thames Tunnell and London Bridge .... I went to see Mr Allen this morning and bought a few (Hdsefs) and a dressing Gown .... also some Gloves .... I have done about all the business that I shall do here I think until after I return from Paris .... I had a great deal rather be in my Store selling Goods than spending my time here .... it is now more than three weeks since I heard from Home.
Went to Zoological Gardens at Regents Park .... walked there and over the Gardens and home round by Trafalgar Square .... a circuit of about 20 miles .... The Gardens are well worth seeing .... a very large collection of wild animals and Birds all manner of Beasts .... went in the Eve to the Polytechnical Exibition .... a very fun show for a shilling comprising works of art and a ( ) of the James.
Went this morning to the House of Parliment and walked through them also to Westminister Abbey .... did not stop long because I had an appointment at the Queens at 1 o'clock .... shall visit them Monday if (Providence) permits.
Went to Madamn Toussant's collection of Wax Statuary in Eve .... it was very fun.
I got in a coach that Napoleon rode to the battle of Waterloo also one that he owned on St.(Helena).
I attended Church at Episcopal Church this morning in (Poultney) St .... took dinner at Mrs Randalls and went to (Foundling) (Assylum) in the afternoon .... went to hear a Methodist in the Eve in Great Queens St .... his Text was "when I come I will (reform) the world of Sin of Ritcheousness and of Judgement to (cure) of Sin because I go (with) my Father of Ritcheousness
(of) Judgement because the power of this World is Judgement.
I visited (Brighton) Museum a very large building .... was nearly three hours looking in it sure great curiosities .... also Westminister Abbey .... here are buried a great many of the Kings & Queens of England .... here also the Kings and Queens are crowned .... I saw the Coronation Chair in which they were crowned .... centuries old
Visited the Bank .... a very large Building Employing some 900 hands and 400 officers went in to the Room where the Gold was .... they said there was 39 000 000 L and 195 000 000 dollars .... saw them weigh the Soverigns .... all the articles that are used there are manufactured in the Building except the (paper)
The rest of the day was taken up in getting a pasport
Took the 10.30 train for Paris via Brighton Newham and Duippe .... we arrived at Newham at 1 o'clk and at Duippe at 7.5 .... Took cars at 10 o'clock and arrived at Paris at 5 a.m.
Arrived at Paris at 5 o clk stopping at (Minnie's) .... it is a very fine house but like the English Hotel very expensive
Met Mr Norcross this AM .... Called at B G Wainwrights and ordered some Goods Gloves & Silk Cravats .... .... am to meet him again this P M at 4 o clk .... bought a wooden trunk (price) 10 Francs
I have been very busy all day to day .... Have seen Mr Tod and been about with him and gave him quite an order .... I have very little time to see Paris .... went to a circus in the Eve .... a very fine performance
two weeks from to day if the Lord spares my life I shall Embark for Home .... I have been traveling about with Mr Noram to day .... Mr Lyman my Room Mate has got into trouble a little .... the gentlemen got into Jail .... .... I went to ride with Mr Norcross and Miss Brown, a daughter of Mr Brown of Boston .... we rode up the Boulevards and down Champs Elysee .... I find great trouble in not being able to talk French ....
went to the Church of St Roch this morning and heard the Catholic minister .... saw a little child of about 5 years take the Holy Bread & Cross itself which peculiarly struck me .... on the steps of this Church Napoleon stood and addressed his army .... .... in Chapel Vestry Napoleons Tomb .... the most magnificent place I have yet seen .... in the Eve I went with Mr Brown to Protestant Church .... a little small Chapel which however was pretty well filled .... how discouraging to see the Catholic Church larger beautiful and full and see the true Church but a little Room holding but 75 or 100 persons
Embarked for London to day with Mr Brown and Daughter and Mr Bliss .... got on board the Boat and what a scene .... a small Boat and Cramed full of drunken passengers, the Captain drinking Brandy and very obscene
We arrived in London this morning at 10 o clk and I went directly to the Queens and to my great disappointment I find no letters .... went out and bought a bible for Mr C and called at Mr Allens and paid him
Three weeks from to day I shall (the Lord willing) arrive at Home .... I this day came from London to Leicester .... have looked around among the Hosiery manufacturers and gave some orders .... Goods are very scarce and Manufacturing will not take orders .... took a horse and Gig and rode out in to the Country .... stopped at the (Crems) Hotel an English Road Side Inn
Came to Manchester .... Called on Sichell and found letters from Mr Franklin and B G Wainwright looked about awhile and bought some Glass and Hosiery
I have taken Cars for Glasgow
It is a beautiful Country here .... I enjoy it much .... we are about 10 miles from G. and the ( ) works look very grand
We called on Godfrey Patterson .... he was grouse hunting .... I have been out with his partner and ordered a few ( )
Attended Church this morning at a Free Church of Scotland on Queen St Glasgow .... the preacher was quite an old Man .... I did not like his delivery at all. .... the Choristor occupied a seat in a desk directly in front of the Pulpit .... at singing he put on a stand each side of him a Tin sign naming the tune to be singing and then got up and and took the lead
The minister took for his text the 6.7.8. verses of the 59 Chapters of John on Christs trial before Pilate. at noon Mr. Buchanan called on me and we went to the Cathedral to Church .... it is a magnificent Building and we had a very fine sermon from the words "Be carefull for nothing but in all things with prayer and suplication let your requests be made known to God"
This was the Established Church of Scotland .... the Necropolis is situated on a hill just behind the Cathedral and John Knoxe Monument stands in the top of the hill .... a very suitable place for it .... he was one of the greatest Reformers in Scotland .... I dined with Mr Buchanan at 6 o'clock and had a very good dinner
Left Glasgow at 2.10 to day .... I ordered considerable many Goods of Mr Pattison .... arrived in Manchester at 11 oclock and to the Clarence and found my things "all safe" .... I had some fears with regard to it
Called on Mr Hurlburt and also on Sichell and to my great disappointment I found but one letter .... I do not know why my friends do not write .... I took the 3.15 train to Liverpool and through the goodness of Almighty God I have been landed once more in this place
I stopped at the (Waterslog) Hotel .... called on Mr Humberston and found that he had got one or two casses shipped on the "Europa" for the 20th .... he could not get my (Ch---) (Chase) and so I got two (Stith) (Ch--) which will be as good
I visited the old City of Chester to day and took a Stroll round the walls .... The city is said to have been founded by the Romans as early as AD 75 .... the Cathedral is very ancient .... Lovingly I received a letter from Clara yesterday .... her baby has been quite sick of measles ....
The first person I met on those old walls was one of them "whose steps lead downwards" inviting me Home with them
( .... ) across the ferry to Birkenham this morning .... it is a very fine town .... the Market is quite large .... Called on Mr Humberston and got invoices of Godfrey Pattison .... also a note from Josiah Colby
I have nothing to do now until we start for Home and I am looking for a letter by the Atlantic which arrived yesterday .... all the news from Boston that I have got is that P. Donaham has been arrested for accepting Challenges to fight a duel .... they have had a great Celebration at Plymouth .... I should like much to have been there
This is the last day of my Stay on Englands Soil .... I sail (the Lord willing) tomorrow morning at 9 o clk .... I have been today on to New Brighton and Egleton .... there is a very fine Beach at New Brighton and plenty of Donkeys and Poneys to Ride on
I am very anxious to get home not having Heard from Mr Chipman for some weeks and only once since I left .... I can not imagine the reason that he has not written .... I expected letters from others of my friends but am not so sorry as I should much rather heard from Mr C .... he is my best friend on Earth
The Steam Ship Europa sails this Morning at 12 30 for the (St--) .... at 9.30 from the dock ....
how glad am I to be on my way home although 12 days will probably elapse before I shall reach
my native land
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© 1998 Shirley York Anderson