Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 19th October 1839

The day was spent in discussing abstinence with several individuals, and in making up Bills for my lecture at night - I had a conversation with Fraser the Publican and with the Parish Teacher, who with a frankness I have seldom met with again granted me the hall to lecture in.  In the evening I went to see the Bridge - the northern part of it had been taken away by a flood and had been repaired with wood in a very substantial manner - The children here all call out when they see me "tee-total" tee-total!"  They little know how I love that name - and what I am ready to undergo for that cause.  I forwarded Bills to Elgin and Forres.  In the evening I lectured to a very crowded and attentive audience for 2 hours, I got a very severe cold on coming out of the Hall, into the open air, the night being frosty - so much so, that when I reached my lodgings, I was unable to speak audibly - I slept this night in a Mrs. Greggors - she was kind to me and did everything in her power to make me happy and I was happy here, more so indeed that I had ever formerly been.

Typed by Betty Kay 11^th May 1996, from Dan Marshall’s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25, June, 2012.

©2014, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 18th October 1839

I left Huntly with the defiance for Keith - which I reached - this was also an exceeding pleasant ride, but it like some of the others already spoken of, was a silent one - not so the one yesterday.  I got a splendid tee-

total meeting on the coach, and an attentive audience.  They were most kind to me at Keith, but they couldn't get up a meeting for me - I did not insist as I was anxious to proceed.  I accordingly took the mail to Fochabers, where was most kindly treated by a Mr. Gordon, a Taylor.  The Country is still more beautiful here - nothing that I have seen comes nearly up to it - the Duke of Richmonds seat sets off the entrance to Fochabers, in a truly grand stile.  The village is lovely beyond anything I have as yet witnessed, it is a square with an excellent church and steeple in the midst - the roads that lead out of the village by the north are if possible the most enchanting than those in the south - here stands the Bridge of Spey, but as yet I have not examined that superstructure, and consequently can say nothing particular about it.  The Parish Minister, and Schoolmaster here are both favourable to the cause but as yet are not members - I lectured nearly 3 hours in the evening to between three and four hundred of an audience in the Society hall which was kindly granted me by the schoolmaster, who is teaching in it at present, his own school undergoing some repair.  The audience was attentive in general - however I was disturbed much by a publican of the name of Fraser, and a few of the Duke of Gordon's servants who I understand had got some drink with them - At the end only one man, he was deaf and dumb - signed the Pledge.  I had a conversation with this young man before the meeting - He was born he informs me at a place called Auld-earn - is a shoemaker to trade and has been only a few weeks here.   Mr. Gordon and his wife are Roman Catholics, but I never met in with kinder folks in all my life.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2014, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 17th October 1839

I  I was delighted with this ride - Strathbogie is beautiful but I have not time to describe its beauties.  The town of Huntly is delightfully situated - and excellently planned.  I was most kindly received here by a Mr. Andrews, a taylor and clothier.  His wife was particularly kind to me - everything she could conceive would make me comfortable that she instantly provided.  I had sent bills here and Mr. Maitland had writ to them of my coming.  I lectured in the Hall to a crowded and attentive audience, about 3 hours and slept in Mr. Andrews.
left Inverury with the "Duchess of Gordon" for Huntly which I reached about 5 in the evening.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 16th October 1839

I began seriously to doubt Cummings honesty - he had given me high hopes of Kintore, as well as Inverury.  He had started a Society at Inverury he said, I only found 3 or 4 who would acknowledge the principle I could get no Church - there was a sermon in the Methodists, and they would not give me the Independents.  I got the promise of the working mens Hall from my kind host, and there I determined to lecture.

I sent the Bellman through the town who called a meeting for me.  A most miserable concern it was not about 24 were present - but I lectured about 2 hours - 2 names were added.  They have no perserverence here and it will require two or three more lectures to set the thing a going.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

 

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 15th October 1839

I left Kintore for Inverury by the Canal Boat. I was not aware that this day was a Market in Inv  Had I been so I would have stayed at Kintore - I would have got the Methodist Chapel, but there were other meetings in the place, and I gave up the idea of lecturing till next day.  This was out of my power to remedy it.  I lodged with a Mr. Duchar(?) who is very kind to me.
erury.

 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 14th October 1839

I left Aberdeen about 7 a.m. was conducted by my kind friend Mr. McDonald to the fly(?) boat for Kintore.  I was loudly cheered as I passed Printfield and Buxburn by old and young who came running to see me - I reached Kintore about half past l0, lodged in a Mrs. Watts who with her family were very kind to me - went to the Balie(?) - got the Town Hall from him to lecture in - tolled the Town Bell and got the Hall crammed with men and women.  The novelty of the thing had brought so many together, Cumming had praised the place much, but it hardly deserves it.  I could not start a Society, but I feel confident that another lecture will do it.  Five of six boys included signed the Pledge.  There was evidently a deep impression left - May God grant it may be productive of good.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 13th October 1839

Being rather unwell I did not get up till the day was well advanced, when two of the Committee   I afterwards went to a Prayer meeting and delivered an address on abstinence.
waited on me, to request me to hold a meeting at the Cross - there could not be less that 3000 of a most attentive audience - I selected Prov 20.l as text and gave an address of nearly an hours length from it - Cumming made a few remarks - I was completely exhausted, but I went to the Independent Chapel in George Street and heard an excellent Sermon on behalf of the Glasgow Theological Society or rather Academy from Dr. Russel of Dundee.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 12th October 1839

I was more exhaused last night that I had ever been at any meeting - exceedingly tired.  I never went out of the Hotel.  Cumming kept me company - in the course of the day I conversed with two confirmed drunkards, and got them to sign the Pledge.  In the evening I attended the Convivial meeting in the Hall - it was crowded to suffocation but  I must confess I was not pleased with it - it was too formal and had too much of the theatrical for me.

After the meeting I had a conversation with a Printer, who showed me a very old edition of the Bible. It belonged to the poet Cowper, and had been purchased in Rome.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 11th October 1839

This day was spent in traversing the streets, calling on friends, getting my Bills from the printers, and making arrangements for my departure on Monday.  I came to the resolution of going North and as there is no Society at Kintore there I resolved to take up my abode.  I accordingly dispatched a letter to that quarter and also a parcel of bills to Inverary.  I had forgot to mention that yesterday I was introduced by my landlord to Mr. I Cumming King of the Tee-totalers.  I had heard a good deal of this gentleman, especially about Montrose and I had nowise a favourable idea of him.  The appearance of the man however and his behaviour fully warrant me in saying that he has the cause at heart.  What his abilities as a lecturer are, I cannot say.  So far as I know or can learn, he is nowise admirably suited for cities and towns, but I have this merely from report.  One thing is certain, that he has done a vast deal of good to the cause and that he is a most agreable companion.  I took a turn with him round the shore when returning we saw a very beautiful woman in a state of beastly intoxication carried away to the Police Office.  This was to me another call to persevere.  About 7 o'clock in the evening I along with Mr. Cumming set out for Woodside at Printfield, a village of considerable size about 2 miles to the North of Aberdeen.

The evening was a little wet, but as we could not help that we never minded.  We took no thought to ask for the name of person into whose house we might go, when we reached Printfield, before we came away.  Being too soon we had to walk about.  The village is of considerable length, it has only one main street.  At its north end the King and I sat down on a dike at the side of the canal, we saw great crowds passing on to the chapel where I was to lecture, we followed up and entered the vestry.  It was an independent chapel of considerable size.  By request I mounted the pulpit - the first time I was ever in a pulpit - the house was crowded - the galleries were crammed to suffocation - the passages were completely blocked up, and the murmuring sound at the door, told me that there must have been an immense crowd there.  The services were commenced by singing a hymn on temperence after which I engaged in prayer.  I opened my lecture by giving the usual challenge for discussion.  I lectured, and the sweat dripping from me on account of the heat - for about 2 hours, and I do not think I ever gave a better lecture.  It was almost all ex tempore, but I had the feelings of my audience, completely at my control - this was evident at every two, or three sentences by the immense ruffing clapping and cheering which I actually believed would bring down the house.  But the proof of the pudding is in the pree'in o't and the effect of my lecture will be best known from the feelings produced by it - as usual I concluded the meeting with prayer and stated that names of those who were wishing to become members would be taken in the vestry.  I made for that room as fast as I could, it was crowded - but I did not enter in - while the people were passing the door, there stood I catching as many as I could and shoving in with perfect glee - I caught no less than 36 - mostly females - surely I made a very curious appearance with 2 females one in each arm relieving one by getting room for her in the vestry, but I supplied her place speedily - I lost a great deal in spite of my endeavours however, for some went off because they could not have time to stay, and others because all the tickets were sold.  Altogether this is the best meeting I have had, for what with the smiles of the fair who I believe I have been the means of putting almost mad on the subject, the acknowledgment of reformed drunkards, and the blessing of all, I was perfectly delighted.

A publican in the neighbourhood who has not sold less that £l6 worth of intoxicating liquor a week for 26 years past, this week only sold £4 worth, and he blames me for the whole - they were most extraordinarly drunkards here, but I trust in God that that cure which has been almost universally adopted will be persevered in.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 10th October 1839

I made arrangements with the (?) to throw off a number of Bills for me.  Employed the greater part of the day in study - had conversation with Mr. Gordon, treasurer of the Society.

In the evening I delivered a lecture in the Rev. Myles Templeton and Sedgwicks Chapel, Belmont Street, to about 300 of an attentive audience.  Eight names were added when the lecture was over.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 8th and 9th October 1839

8th October 1839

I took a walk through the city and observed in all corners Bills announcing my lecture, and adding "Mr. M. invites discussion".  In the evening I lectured to a very crowded assembly for about two hours.  Several names were added to the Society when the lecture was over.

9th October 1839

I spent a considerable part of the day in walking through the city.  I observed Bills had been printed and circulated for my lecture in the evening which was to be at a place of the name of Buxburn, about 3 or 4 miles distant to the north.  About 6 p.m. I went to the omnibus office, but it was closed(?) and as the meeting was advertised to take place at 7 o'clock there was no help for it but to hire a gig, which I did.  Mr. Morrison went along with me.  There was a large meeting in a grainery loft.  I lectured about 2 hours.  They are a kind but uncultured class here, so much so that they kept on their hats and bonnets during the whole of the lecture.  34 names were added, however, which is proof sufficient that the lectures tell on them.  I reached Aberdeen about half past ten.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 6th and 7th October 1839

6th October l839

This day being Sabbath I attended divine service in the Parish Church of Dunnottar (Rev. Mr. Irvine).  I attended a Sabbath School in the evening, and was highly pleased with the order that was kept.  The manner of teaching was that generally pursued viz. dividing the school into small classes.

7th October l839

This day being my birthday I spent a considerable time in reflections, which time prevents me from inserting.

I was much pleased with my visit to Stonehaven.  The Society has only been 2 months in existence.  It is increasing rapidly.  Being almost exclusively conducted by young men.   I was particularly delighted with it.  I made a friend of a young man of the name of Andrew Gibb, whom I conceive to be a very remarkable person, and one too who I believe will one day be ranked high among the artisans of our country.  He engraves on steel admirably, although he never was with a master.  He paints landscape with wonderful exactness.  He is at present employed in cutting plates for a series of views of Stonehaven.  This work is to be published in 3 nos, each containing 3 views at 9d a no.  It is a bold attempt I hope he will succeed.

I took the coach for Aberdeen in the morning which reached very cold having rode on the outside, about l0 a.m.  I took up my quarters in the Temperance Hotel kept by a Mr. Morrison, Queen Street.  It is a splendid house with a coffee room, bedrooms for lodgers and a tee-total hall above, all first rate in their kind.  In the afternoon I had a conversation with the Sec. and some of the committee who received me very kindly, and invited me to a meeting in the hall in the evening.  I may here relate an anecdote which should have come before this.  When I alighted from the coach, at Stonehaven I asked for Mr. Rankin(?)  A lame man at whom I asked said "O man, I'm no muckle acquaint in that way"  (He meant the tee-total way) for its against my religion but ye may cam away and I'll let ye see for a that"  On enquiry I afterwards found that the individual with whom I had this conversation, had two years ago while in a state of intoxication, got in about the Mail and got his leg broke and that it is not nearly right.  I could not help thinking that this man was but very little indebted to his religion, and that a religion which brakes folks legs, is hardly worth support.

I sounded a gentleman in the hotel on the subject.  He approved he said of our principles, but he thought they, so long as they were advocated as they now  were, would lead to infidelity.  He had heard a tee-totaller say, if the Bible advocated anti-tee-total principles he would not believe it, and he was very happy that so many clergymen were standing back.  Of course I gave him my opinion without much ado.  He was silent but whether because he could not answer or through disdain I cannot say.

I delivered a speech of l 1/2 hours length in the Hall, Queen Street to a large audience.  When the meeting was through I learned that the gentleman with whom I had the conversation already related was a clegryman.  I was sorry I did not tell him more.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2013, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 4th and 5th October 1839

4th October l839

The whole of the day was spent in study.  In the evening according to appointment.  I lectured in the Methodist Chapel.  The house was not full, although a considerable number were present.  During the lecture a female of the name of McKay who is connected with a public house came to the door and kicked it with her feet.  When the lecture (which lasted about 2 hours) was over, another 5 signed the Pledge.

5th October l839

This day I forwarded Bills to Aberdeen per carrier.  In the afternoon I along with Mr. Rankin Sheriff's Clerk went out in a small boat to the Dilse.  The sea was very calm, but the tide not being retired sufficiently, made the attaining of our object rather a dangerous matter.  We went into a place almost surrounded by perpendicular rocks, and in the form of a cavern.   I believe the cave like place goes a great way into the rock, here we got excellent dilse but could not hold the boat for a sufficient length of time to enable us to stir up a quantity as was purposed.  On reaching the town I went through most of the streets with Mr. Rankin.

In the evening I attended the weekly meeting of the Mason Lodge.  It was crowded to suffocation almost.  I sang 5 or 6 songs and made a short address to them, another 5 names were added to the Society.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 3rd October 1839

I spent the greater part of this day in writing tee-total songs for the people of Bervie.  In the afternoon, I took the coach for Stonehaven.  But here again I suffered a silent ride.  However the distance was not great.  It only cost me 4/- this juant.  In Stonehaven I was kindly received.  Got lodgings of a Mr. Bowman, a grocer.  In the evening I lectured to a large audience in the Methodist Chapel, about 2 hours.  Four names were added.  I proposed to lecture next night in the same place.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

 

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 1st and 2nd October 1839

Due to heavy work load at work and other commitments, it has been a long while since I have posted a journal entry.  Time to get back on track!

The pages from September 27^th – September 30^th are missing from the journal, so we start up again with the entry from October 1, 1839.  Since this entry is short, I’m also posting the entry for October 2^nd.

********************************

lst October l839

I spent the greater part of the day in study, and in the evening I went out to Lochside, where I lectured to a most attentive audience chiefly composed of females, about 2 hours.  This Society is flourishing.  Nearly all the inhabitants of the district are members.  I was earnestly requested to leave a Song I had wrote with Mr. Troup that they might publish it which I promised to do.

2nd October l839

I finished the Song and left it with Mr. Troup as promised.  About 2 o'clock p.m. I went to the Coach Office and with difficulty obtained a seat for Bervie.  But here I paid for my whistle as in most other places I have done.  Alas!  I pity the poor traveller who has nothing to depend on but the conversations of his companions.  In my case however the matter was different, for I but seldom court the conversation of those who travel with me.  The scenery being almost new to me, I had enough ado with it and considering the important work in which I was engaged without giving any attention to the dull morose companions who travelled with me.  Another 3 were in the Coach, an old lady with a face for the world like a shrivelled white clout with a pair of spectacles on her grey eyes, in which beamed pride in a most horrifying degree.  I was relieved from this silent deformity about Lauriston.  The next was an old gentleman little better.  Pride seemed to be his chief virtue, and the last was a young lady, who perhaps like myself, was too much taken up with personalities to care much about her companions.  She employed her time in reading.  Not a word passed the whole l3 miles and I was happy on reaching Bervie at finding myself relieved of such a Society. The payment of 5/- for my ride together with these circumstances put me in a rather bad humour, but the scene was not long in shifted.  I was scarcely landed when I had to encounter a Taylor on the subject of the Charter.  This man was also a curiosity.  He was one of those who make a virtue of a necessity, for example he got so very high in the discussion that he believed he would do better were he to get on his feet, and in attempting to rise for this laudable purpose he brought the chair in which he sat which had but the greater part of the seat up with him.  And all that he could make of this occurrence was to ask me if I could play that?  My gravity forsook me as I witnessed the old fool walking through the floor with the pride of some heathen prince, carrying the chair after him without the assistance of his hands.

My Bills had reached, and were circulated, and I sent the Bellman through the town.  The meeting was held about 7 o'clock in Mr. McKenzies Chapel.  The attendance was numerous, and very attentive.  I lectured nearly 3 hours without any opposition but from a Drunken Saddler, who growled like a Bear in a cage, who could not possibly get at his prey.  I was most kindly treated by a Robert Barclay, and his family.

There are about 200 members here. The sect. has weekly meetings.  They are starting a Band and have got an excellent Drum, and a few other instruments.

Altogether my visit to Bervie gives me much satisfaction, and I hope has been productive of some good.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 26th September 1839

My landlady and her family were exceedingly kind to me.  I enjoyed much pleasure in walking in the beautiful garden belonging to the house, and in sitting in that arbour, where so many of the columns of the Montrose Review - which have tended so much to evelate mankind, had been composed.  While enjoying this scene, all the romantic feelings of love beset by the most striking virtue, and adorned with the grandest scenes of nature's workmanship, flashed upon my mind, and I believe had I had time sufficient at my command I could have wrote a romantic tale, so much was my imagination tainted by the lovely scene around, and even while I sit and write - surrounded as I am with the beauties of nature and art, the paintings around me and some of them fair originals standing beside me, telling of ancestors who are smiling in the canvas from the walls who once lived and moved, where I now am, and the consciousness that these ancestors were men and women of no ordinary talent, and beauty, with the heart thrilling notes of the piano, accompanied by the sweet voice of Margaret (Margret) the flower of Montrose altogether overwhelm me and open up to me new beauties, touching a chord of pleasure, that till now had been dead in my bosom, it was here that I first saw beauty combined with talent, and in this scene must my mind ever look back with inexpresible feelings of no common delight.

Margaret, the flower of Montrose

What tho' the bright fields are enshrouded in spendour,

And enchanting the notes of Autumns sweet song
Tho' the Lake 'mid the Rocks is reposing in grandeur
And the mountain Deer bounding the wild woods among

To the heart that tormented swells in this sad bosom

In vain drops the dew from the Lily and Rose
In vain does sweet nature spread fragrance and blessings
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose

Proud boreas may swell the dark frowning ocean

And the Bark may distracted reel over the waves
The skies may be tossed(?) in dreadful commotion(?)
And the warrior be hushed on the field of the brave

Yet to this sad bosom while memory is reigning

In vain lovely nature in glory forth goes
This heart still all comfort and joy is disdaining
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose.

When evenings dark shades envelope the mountains
And Phoebus in glory spreads brightness around
As lonely I stray by the streams and the fountains
In majesty murm'ring their language profound

Still this bosom distracted does conjure up near me

The Nymph that for beauty outvies the sweetest(?)
And in journeying this world this only can charm me
The love of young Margret the flower of Montrose

In the afternoon I went to Logie a place about 4 miles distant from Montrose where there is a spinning mill and bleachfield.  I lectured about 2 1/4 hours in a schoolroom to about l00 of an audience.  Eight names were added to the Society at the close of the lecture.

The cause is prospering in this quarter. 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 25th September 1839

This morning I employed myself in copying temperance songs etc., the morning being extremely wet.  When the weather cleared up I travelled to Montrose, had an interview with the Pres. & Secty who conducted me to Mr. Sharp(?) of the Review, who received me kindly, and promised me a licence to lecture, would I but stay a few days in the quarter.  Mr. Sharp (?) seems a frank open kind man.  His appearance bespeaks him to be a man of intense study.  He is about the middle size, rather thin (doubtless on account of great mental exertion).  He was exceedingly kind to me.

I was in a manner idle this evening I attended a Prayer Meeting which was in the family where I lodged and was much delighted with it, it was in connection with the Scottish Baptists.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 23rd and 24th September 1839

I’ve been a little lax again in posting the journal entries, so once again I am doubling up.  Enjoy.

September 23, l839

Employed the greater part of the day in study and writing to friends.  In the evening I lectured in the Old Relief Chapel to about 300 of an attentive audience.  The cause here is prospering very much.  There are about 720 members.  They manifest a great desire to become acquainted with the subject.  I was very kindly used while in Kirriemuir.

September 24, l839

Left Kirriemuir for Forfar per Omnibus, about a quarter to ll a.m. reached Forfar about 12, remained till half past 3 p.m. when I took the Railway Coach for Auldbar where I landed about 4.   It rained hard and then not being a coach for Brechin till 6, I stretched me on a form in the Office and took a nap.  When I awoke, I was very cold, and it still continued to rain very heavily.  It was not a covered coach, but I had the benefit of an umbrella.  It was about half eight when I reached Brechin, but had no difficulty in finding out the Pres. of the Society.  The meeting had been advertised.  I accordingly went to the church, and lectured about 2 hours, to a pretty good audience (considering the unfavourable weather).  The Soct (Society) is very prosperous.  There are about 700 members, but there is much work also here, there being no less than 7 public houses and 2 distilleries.

The women here are extremely busy.  Some of them come before the Public at the weekly convivial meetings, and deliver addresses.

I was most kindly received here.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 21st and 22nd September 1839

I seem to have forgotten to post the journal entry last Sunday, so I am posting two days’ worth this week, which is kind of a good thing as the journal entry for September 22^nd is rather short!

September 21, 1839

Sent for coach a number of Bills forward to Brechin and Montrose, altogether uncertain whether they would reach or not, as I did not know to whom I should send them.

Having been wrong informed of the hour when the Omnibus for Kirriemuir should start I was disappointed in that conveyance, and had to travel on foot to Kirriemuir.  On the way I called into a house at a place called Padonarm and as usual examined the people on Tee-totalism.  I found them prejudiced against the system through ignorance, so much so that, they told me that "it was a very bad thing to lay any more taxes on the working classes".  On further enquiry I found that, the view they had of Tee-totalism was, that a tax was to be put on every house that had 3 windows.  I explained the principles of total abstinence to them and convinced them that they were just.  I also circulated a few tracts and songs on which the people did not know what to make of me - they made me sit down, and although head and foot of me could have ate, I believe they would have been satisfied.

It was evening till I reached Kirriemuir, my Bills had reached, but the lecture was put off to Monday, as their weekly convivial meeting happens on Saturday - I attended the convivial meeting - the house being a church was crowded.  A hymn commenced the proceedings, after which a tune by the Instrumental band, and a song from any individual who volunteered his or her services, and of these there was no lack alternatively made up all the routine of the amusement of the evening.  I delivered a short address to them, and sang two songs.  This meeting was to me another proof that for man to enjoy himself there was no necessity for intoxicating liquors.

September 22, l839

This being Sabbath I went in the forenoon to the Rev. Mr. Ramage's Chapel and heard a lecture on Eph. 2.ll, l2, l3 & l4 by a Mr. Murray - In the afternoon I attended divine service the Rev. Mr. Buchan's Chapel, and in the evening I went to hear Dr. Easton.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 20th September 1839

Proceeded to Arbroath by the Railway.  Was kindly received by Alexander Anderson's family to whom I had a letter.  Had an interview with Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Gellatly, as also with Mr. John Taylor Sect. to the Tee-total Society.  Proceeded by the Railway to Forfar.   The view was delightful.   The sun shone in autumnal grandeur, upon the busy reapers.   Nature smiled sweet around me, and I was not dead to her charms, my heart rose in gratitude to the great source of all the beauties.  A serene, severe reflection oftener than once passed through my mind.  Can man, thought I, favoured with such a scene of beauty, in which he must perceive not only grandeur, but also mercy, be so debased as to withdraw himself from the lovely scene and spend his precious time in debauchery.  And can these fields of Barley 'mong which the reaper plys his busy sickle be changed into a deadly poison by man to destroy his fellow.  Ah! Yes! Tis lamentably true.  Then reflections nerved me onward to the undertaking in which I was engaged.  On reaching Forfar, I called on two members of Committee who seemed quite willing that a meeting should be got up for me but would do nothing without the concurrence of the rest.  I accordingly went to a Mr. Scott, Pres. of the Society, who sent for the Treasurer, and made up matters.  The meeting was called through the town.  The business was rather a failure.  Owing partly to it being on the day on which inhabitants are most busy at their avocations, and partly to the short notice which they had of my coming.  There could not be more than 100 who assembled in the Mason Lodge where I lectured about an hour and a half.

The cause here is prosperous.  There are about 400 members.  They have printed their Rules.  They are much the same as the Dundee ones.  An excellent instrumental band belonging to the Society is started l7 in number.  A weekly convivial meeting is held on the Saturday evenings.  These meetings are not conducted on the principal, which is generally adopted, of giving sound information on the subject, but mainly in singing and amusement.   Consequently they are well attended.  To these meetings, the Society is most indebted for its present prosperous state for there is but little thirst for information on the subject.  I endeavoured to point out the evil as far as possible to the Committee, who promised to endeavour to remedy it, if possible.

 

I had supper in the Coffee room, and a good bed in a respectable house.  On the whole my visit to Forfar did in no wise realize my expectations.  However some good may have been done.

 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell