The Diary of John Beaumont

By Linda Arditto

The diary covers a period from 1753 to 1832. John Beaumont was the grandfather of John Pitt (Tears from the Past).
It tells a story of adventure, love, tragedy, and grief, through the eyes of a privileged gentleman.
"After reading excerpts from my grandfather’s dairy, I have come to the realisation, that he had a most interesting life. He had taken many risks, which I feel I would not have had the courage to parallel, with the same enthusiasm. I also discovered that he had loved my grandmother very much, and did what he had to do. I do not disagree with his choices, as I would have been tempted to carry out those decisions myself. He was a courageous man, that paid a price for his errors, but took responsibility for his deeds. I only knew him for a short time, but have fond memories, that will remain with me forever. I am proud to be his grandson, and hope that anyone who reads about his life, from his own thoughts, will at least admire his intentions."
John Pitt (1853)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Arditto
• Release date: Mar 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370694730

Linda Arditto

I am a mystery woman. Older and therefore wiser I hope.

Book preview

THE DIARY OF JOHN BEAUMONT

By

Linda Arditto

Copyright2017LindaArditto

Cover by

Clover Digital Media

&

Sue Landsberg

Front cover

Portrayal

of John Beaumont in 1831

Roger G. Williams

Editor

Sue Landsberg

Published by

Clover Digital Media

License Notes

License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this ebook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please go and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously, except in the case where historical figures are mentioned.

www.cloverdigitalmedia.net

www.lindaarditto.com

Review.

John Beaumont’s diary reveals the life of a privileged gentleman, filled with adventure, discovery, and unbelievable feats.

The only friend he had, that he could discuss the fascinating discoveries with, was Albert, and he merely ‘popped’ into John’s life for moments at a time. Albert was so overwhelmed with the mysterious findings, he became quite simple minded, and lived with his head in the clouds, or should I say ‘stars’.

It was only much later in his life, that John had the opportunity to share the wonders of his life’s work.

Love, tragedy, grief, and sadness, as well as great joy, accompany John Beaumont as he writes his inner most thoughts.

The book is well written, with the dialogue so very much in keeping with the period, that I could almost imagine I was reading the diary of my own ancestor.

Not only do I recommend this book; I believe it is a ‘must read’, for all those who have read ‘Tears from the Past’.

Jo Cole

(Beta Reader)

Author’s notes

I’d like to make a comment on a word you may think odd. He spells Brazil – Brasil. I thought this was unusual, that a well-educated, brilliant mathematician, and extremely intelligent man would make this mistake. After I looked into it, I discovered that he spelt it correctly. It’s in Portuguese; Brazil is Portuguese, and John Beaumont spoke fluent Portuguese. After discovering this, I didn’t question anymore of his writings. Very little has been altered. No corrections with spelling, punctuation or grammar, with one exception. An ‘f’ was used instead of an ‘s’ in words. This is how words were written in this period, and has been changed, so that it may be read more easily.

Unfortunately, many pages, throughout the diary, were unreadable, due to the distortion of the ink. Therefore, those entries, which were readable in their entirety, were reproduced. You will notice large gaps between the dates, where the pages could not be read. We have been fortunate to recover more than 340 entries; approximately 45% of the diary. A few drawings that he had sketched in the diary, were photographed, and have also been included.

The font used in this book, is as close as we could find, to the handwriting of John Beaumont.

As you may be aware, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in modern times, was referred to as breakfast, dinner, and supper in previous centuries.

In regard to words, terms, and names used in the diary:

Peregrination. A trip abroad, usually on foot.

Incongruous. Inappropriate.

Pomade. A type of lubricant.

Agelenidae. A family of spiders.

Cerdo Gordio. Spanish for ‘fat pig’.

A tree branch. It was not the custom in Britain in the 18th century, to decorate the home with a Christmas tree. Tree branches were used. Different species represented different hopes. One would be for prosperity to the household, another for good health, etc.

Softening of the brain. This is how they often referred to mental illness during this period.

The other place. Hell.

Battels. Food and drink paid for at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, by the resident students.

Senior Wrangler. This was, and still is, an honour bestowed at Cambridge University, to the undergraduate student that scores highest in mathematics.

Copley medal. An award given by the Royal Society of London to those who have made outstanding achievements in research, in any branch of the Sciences.

Mr. Priestley. Joseph Priestley won the Copley medal in 1772 for his discovery of 10 gases, including, ammonia, carbon monoxide, nitrogen and oxygen. He invented carbonated water.

Mr. Shepherd. Anthony Shepherd was Professor of Astronomy from 1760 to 1796 at Cambridge University.

Ann Radcliffe. An 18th & 19th century novelist and poet. She died in London in 1823 at the age of 58.

The Diary

of

John Beaumont

A.M.(hon.)

Sunday 28th January, 1753. I have acquired a diary of sorts, a gift from my sister. She informed me that I may write down my thoughts and experiences whilst attending University. I cannot see the usefulness in this, but I will comply.

Friday 16th February, 1753. I met a most interesting man today in the library. He is older than I by 1 year, and a decent and likeable fellow. His name is Albert Marslow, and he won the senior wrangler honour last year. I believe a friendship has been formed, as we speak on many subjects.

Wednesday 17th July, 1754. My mathematical equations have improved with the help of Albert. He is a brilliant fellow, and we discuss where our paths will lead us when we graduate. We have researched many topics, and have found a common interest in the Macushi race in South America. Both Albert and I have decided to pursue this research, and discover everything about them by travelling there. We have extended our courses to include horticulture, as we will have to rely on plant life for food in the South American jungle.

Friday 19th July, 1754. Albert and I had a most satisfying day today. We practiced our fencing skills, as Albert believes we should carry a weapon to South America. If it should happen that pirates are encountered, we will be capable of defending ourselves. This is a ritual we will exercise twice a week.

Sunday 1st September, 1754. Albert and I returned from 4 days in the forest. We are honing our survival skills for the future. We often discuss the many scientific papers we will pen, and believe we will leave our mark in history.

Friday 27th November, 1754. I felt great jubilation today when I became senior wrangler. I could not have come this far with my studys without Alberts help. I wish Papa had been here to share this great moment.

Monday 7th April, 1755. I have won my place in the game of cricket. It is a fascinating sport that requires great concentration. I hope to become Captain of our team in the near future, and have been practicing most vigorously to achieve this goal. We will be competing against Oxford in May, and as I am a determined fellow, I believe we will thrash them this year.

Sunday 25th May, 1755. I felt poorly this morning when I awoke, and had been unable to suffer through breakfast. I have remained in my room all day, and could not bring myself to draw back the curtains.

We were victorious in our game against Oxford yesterday. Our celebrations were joyful when we send our competitors to the other place, and they were duty bound to pay our battels. We ate well, and drank until late, whilst singing the victory songs of our forefathers. We were not reprimanded by our Masters, when we ran amuck through the grounds until after mid night. I will celebrate in future by toasting King and Country, and believe 1 drink will suffice.

Monday 10th November, 1755. My sister has accompanied her husband to the West Indies, and will not be home for Christmas. Susan felt reluctant to travel by ship, as she is fearful of the ocean, but Michael convinced her that they would have a jolly time together. He rarely travels anymore, and carrys out his business dealings by correspondence. I hope this journey will relieve Susan of her fears.

Thursday 19th February, 1756. I am pleased with myself, as I have been promoted to Captain of our cricket team. I am waiting patiently to inform my sister, when she returns to England.

Friday 2nd July, 1756. I am excelling in my studys, and believe my efforts will reward me in the future. The Masters are exceedingly pleased with my work, and I am granted many privileges.

Sunday 29th August, 1756. Susan and Michael returned home yesterday, and I accompanied them to church services this morning, before they invited me to dine with them. We conversed in regard to their journey, and Susan appears