Showing 11 results

Archival description
Cwrtmawr manuscripts Charles, Thomas, 1755-1814
Print preview View:

Barddoniaeth, etc.

A volume of transcripts, in three hands, with marginal variants and additions, of 'cywyddau' and some 'awdlau' by Sion Cent, Sion Phylip, Hugh Lewis, Gruffudd Hiraethog, Sr Dafydd Trevor, Dafydd Llwyd Llywelyn ap Gryffydd, Llywelyn ab Guttyn, Syr Rys Carno, Gutto'r Glynn, Sion Tudur, Sion Dafydd ab Siancyn, Edwart Urien, Wiliam Llyn, Dafydd Manuel, Ifan Prydydd hir, Gruffydd Leiaf, Robert ap Howel, Gruffydd ap Ifan Fychan, Rhaph ap Robert, Ifan Tew, Robert Wynne, Iolo Goch, Dafydd ap Edmwnt, Robin Ddu, Dafydd Nammor, Ifan ap Rhydderch ap Ifan Llwyd, Edmund Prys, Risiart Philyp, Gwerfyl ferch Howel Vychan, Howel D'd Llwyd ab y Gof, Rhus Cain, Robert Clidro, Sir D'd Owen, Swrdd Awen, Trefor Clwoff, Richard Philip, Thomas Prys, Tudur Pennllyn, Thomas Sion Catti, Gwenllian ach Howell, Ieuan Deulwyn, Hyw Pennant, Gruffudd Gryg, Robert Ifan, Mered. ap Rys o faelor, William Cynwal, Owain Gwynedd, Huw Machno, Sion Mawddwy, Edwart ap Raff, D'd Llwyd ap John, Tudur Alet and Bedo Brwynllys. According to the title-page the volume, containing 'Copies of Welsh Manuscripts', was begun in 1820 by Edwd. Jones of Esgirevan [parish of Llanbrynmair] (d. 1845), afterwards perpetual curate of Llandygai and usher at Bangor Grammar School. Beginning from the end, in later hands, are lists of preachers heard on undated occasions; extracts from addresses or essays of a didactic nature; lists of books; entries of births, etc., 1859-67, of members of the family of Love Hughes Owen; undated particulars of collections at Talysarn [Caernarvonshire]; a memorandum of the foundation of the Building Society at Talysarn, 1865; a pledge by Robert Williams, 1866, to abstain from the chewing and smoking of tobacco ('I ba arferiad y bum yn ddarostyngiedig er yn 6 mlwydd oed'); a catechism ('Holiadau') on Chapter 3 of [Thomas Charles:] Hyfforddwr (Bala, 1807); etc.

Composite volume of Morris Davies,

A composite volume from the library of Morris Davies (1796-1876), Bangor containing Thomas Charles, Catecism Byr ... (Bala, 1808); Owen Jones, Arweinydd i Wybodaeth neu, Y Catecism Cyntaf i Hen Bobl a'r Ail i Bobl Ieuaingc. (Bala, 1829); Rheolau a Dibenion yr Ysgol Sabbothol yn Mon ... (Bala, 1820); John Hughes, Hymnau I'w canu yn yr Ysgolion Sabbothol ... (Bala, 1821); and an incomplete glossary in the hand of Morris Davies of words (Abba - Pen-bleth) extracted apparently from Thomas Charles, Geiriadur Ysgrythyrol (Bala, 1805). At the end of the volume are pencil drawings, partly coloured, of persons representing M[argaret] A[nn] Parry, M. A. Jones etc.

Letter of Thomas Charles of Bala,

A letter, undated, from Tho[ma]s Charles [Bala] to his brother [The Reverend David Charles, Carmarthen] (printed in D. E. Jenkins, The Life of the Rev. Thomas Charles ... of Bala, Vol. III (Denbigh, 1908), pp. 529-30).

Letters and poetry,

A folder containing eight files of original letters and copies of letters and poetry from the eighteenth to the twentieth century. Files 1-3: Transcripts of letters by Lewis and Richard Morris, mainly to Evan Evans ('Ieuan Fardd') and Dafydd Jones of Trefriw, almost all published in Hugh Owen (ed.), Additional Letters of the Morrises of Anglesey (1735-1786), Y Cymmrodor, Vol. XLIX, 1947-9, the remainder published in G. J. Williams (gol.) Llythyrau at Ddafydd Jones o Drefriw. Cylchgrawn Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru. Atodiad. Cyfres III, Rhif 2 (1942), and J. H. Davies (ed.), The Letters of Lewis, Richard, William and John Morris of Anglesey (Morrisiaid Mon) (Aberystwyth, 1907-9). The original letters or copies from which these copies were transcribed are in the British Museum (Add MSS 14929, 15021, 15024, 15029) and the National Library of Wales (mainly Panton 74 and NLW MS 476). There is also a transcript of a letter from the Reverend Thomas Ellis, Holyhead to the Reverend Humphrey Owen and the Reverend J. Hoare, 1742 (the original letter is preserved in NLW MS 478), and a copy of Evan Evans's elegy to Lewis Morris, with notes on the text. File 4: Transcripts of letters from Edward Richard, Ystrad Meurig, c. 1759-1766, to Evan Evans ('Ieuan Fardd'). There are also copies of two short letters to Evan Evans from Roderick Lewis, Trefeglwys, and William Howell, Llanidloes, which were written on the same sheet as Edward Richard's letter of 1 March 1766. The original letters are preserved in NLW MS Panton 74. A transcript of a letter from Edward Richard, 1766, to Richard Morris (from BM Add MS 15025), and extracts from letters from Edward Richard to Lewis Morris, 1759 and undated (from BM Add MS 15029). A holograph letter from Edward Richard, Ystradmeuryg, 1762, to Lewis Morris, Penbryn (published in Hugh Owen, op. cit. Part II, pp. 562-3). File 5: A holograph letter from [the Reverend] W[illiam] Davies, Llanwryn [Montgomeryshire], 1710, to Henry Newman at the Reverend Mr Shute's in Bartlet's Buildings, London (receipt of letter and a packet from the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, subscriptions from other parishes, has partly prevailed with a certain minister to become a corresponding member). The letter bears the number 2381 (see Mary Clement (ed.), Correspondence and minutes of the S.P.C.K. relating to Wales 1699-1740 (Cardiff, 1952), p. 35. Abstract No. 2381). Holograph letters (13) and some poetry,1791-1819, of D[avid] Thomas ('Dafydd Ddu Eryri'), Waunfawr, Bettws St Garmon, etc. Some of the letters have been published in [John Jones] 'Myrddin Fardd', Adgof uwch Anghof (Penygroes, 1883). The letters are addressed to John Roberts ('Sion Lleyn'), Pwllheli (4), 1791-1806 (corrections to addressee's poetry, tributes to writer's brother, Humphrey, after his death, some short poetical compositions by the writer), to Griffith Williams ('Gutyn Peris'), Llandygai (8), 1799-1819, (poetry, subjects upon which writer desired addressee to compose hymns, meetings of bards and eisteddfodau, comments and news of contemporary poets, writer's health and work), and one letter, addressee not named, 1804, (addressee's poetry which writer had received, desires addressee to render 2 Samuel XXII in strict metres and to ask other poets to do the same). The poetry includes verses entitled 'Y Cynauaf mawr diweddaf' subscribed 'D. T. a'i cant allan o'r Saesneg ar ddymuniad John Jones Llandwrog Medi 10d 1804 (cf. Dafydd Thomas (Dafydd Ddû Eryri), Corph y Gaingc (Caernarfon, 1834), pp. 323-4), and 'Englynion newyddion i Long newydd o Gaernarfon yr hon a elwir Valiant'. There is also some poetry in English by [John Blackwell ('Alun')] and in Welsh by Evan Evans ('Ieuan Glan Geirionydd'). A holograph letter from the Reverend P[eter] B[ailey] Williams, [1828], to David Owen ('Dewi Wyn o Eifion'), Gaerwen (seeking to persuade addressee to become one of the adjudicators at the [?Denbigh] Eisteddfod etc.). File 6: Holograph letters (17) to Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd'), Clynnog, 1826-58, from John Breese, Pwllheli (5), 1851, 1958, (the Madog eisteddfod, 1851, presentation of a portrait of the addressee and the publication of an engraving; addressee's son, James), William Evans, Llandwrog, 1852 (entreating addressee to visit him, a number of other people also invited addressee to visit them), Walter Griffith ('Walter Bach'), Bethesda, 1835 (writer and his brother had moved to Bethesda from Nazareth, his brother had emigrated to America in 1834, writer had been in a school and was now an apprentice, he had learnt the rules of poetry in the evenings whilst attending school, John Athelston Owen ('Bardd Meirion') had lodged in part of his father's house, details concerning Cymdeithas Gymreigyddol Bethesda), Robert Hughes ('Robyn Wyn o Eifion'), Liverpool, 1843 (enclosing a 'cywydd' in reply to addressee, states he was born on New Year's day, 1824, does not know when he will return), [Reverend] David Jones, Caernarfon (2) 1855-6 [to Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd')] (case of a young man to be brought before the Monthly Meeting, adjudication in a competition for an elegy to the Reverend Thomas Richards, Fishguard), short comments on the competitors and note of correspondence by 'Eben Fardd' attached, R[obert] Jones ('Tecwyn Meirion'), Liverpool, 1837 (enclosing his translation of Charles Wolfe's 'The Burial of Sir John Moore', which he compares with the translations published in Y Gwladgarwr [Mai 1837, pp 131-2], recollection of a meeting at Clynnog some years earlier), John Morgan, Merthyr Tydfil, 1850 (request by the committee of the Cymrodorion Dirwestol that the addressee should be the adjudicator of the poetry competition in the eisteddfod to be held on Christmas Day, [Evan Jones] ('Ieuan Gwynedd')'s criticism of an essay on 'Athroniaeth Dirwest'), copy of a reply by 'Eben Fardd' attached in which he states his opinion of 'Ieuan Gwynedd', Evan Prichard ('Ieuan Lleyn'), Tydweiliog, 1826 (enclosing verses greeting the addressee, desires to have a copy of addressee's 'Awdl ar Ddynystr Caersalem' if it was printed), William Roberts ('Nefydd'), Blaenau Works, 1851 (enclosing ten shillings towards addressee's portrait, requests addressee to keep the engraving until he would call for it, comments on matters connected with the eisteddfod and the award of a chair for a 'pryddest'), J[ohn] Thomas ('Sion Wyn o Eifion'), Chwilog, 1843, (writer's health, enclosing 'englynion' to greet addressee's newly-born son, possibility of writer and addressee writing something jointly), S. Prideaux Tregelles, Neath Abbey, 1845 (writer's journey to Italy, sending a prospectus of his proposed work, he had requested a friend to send addressee tracts on prophetic subjects, requests a copy of addressee's 'Awdl on the harvest' if it was printed), the Reverend D[avid] Williams, Bottwnog 1834, and Llandwrog 1844 (addressee's appointment as master of the school at Pwllheli), with a copy made by 'Eben Fardd' of an extract from a letter written by Lord Newborough to Mr Mostyn relating to Ebenezer Thomas's Methodism and that a clergyman had always been appointed master of the Pwllheli school, the Reverend M[orris] Williams (Nicander'), Bangor, 1841 (considers the Book of Job was poetry as well as history, the addressee's 'awdl' on Job, titles for books of poems, English bishops in Wales), and 'englynion' to greet 'Eben Fardd' by John Jones and a carol (1834). Copies made by Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd') of letters written by him to [William Davies] 'Gwilym Teilo', 1855 (reminds addressee of the promise of renumeration for adjudicating at an eisteddfod made when writer was asked to be an adjudicator), John Breese, 1858 (death of writer's daughter, requests to withdraw his son from addressee's office to remain at home with his bereaved mother), the Reverend Morris Williams ('Nicander'), Amlwch (2) 1849 (their personal relationship after the Aberffraw eisteddfod), Robert Jones, draper, Portmadog (2), 1852 (reasons for his resignation from the post of schoolmaster of Ynys-y-galch school, Portmadoc, which he had accepted, his family did not wish to leave Clynnog and the Monthly Meeting had guaranteed him £30 p.a. for five years).

Holograph letters (5), 1812-43 and undated, to John Thomas ('Sion Wyn o Eifion'), Chwilog, from William [Ellis] Jones ('Cawrdaf'), London, 1818 (has received little support after coming to London, the Royal Academy of Arts was closed at present and he had not been able to show anything substantial there but intends to show eight or nine [pictures] there the following year), William Owen, Llangybi, 1812 (seeks addressee's opinion on a religious matter, hopes to meet him on Saturday), Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd') (hopes he has not upset addressee by his note, feels addressee is more depressed than usual, hopes to visit Chwilog soon, enjoys reading and meditating but finds strict poetry a burden although he enjoys free metre poetry similar to the English), David Williams, Bron Eryri, 1843 (regrets he us unable to help addressee as agent for his landlord, he has decided to give up his agency because Sir Love and Lady Parry were so averse to reduce their tenants' rents and place them on the same footing as the tenants of other landlords), Robert Williams ('Robert ap Gwilym Ddu'), undated (enclosing poetry, has heard that addressee intended to be baptised, religious sentiments). Holograph letters and poetry, 1795-1806, addressed to John Roberts ('Sion Lleyn'), Pwllheli from Jonathan Hughes (1753-1834?), Pengwern, [1806] (poetry in remembrance of his father, seeks help in obtaining subscribers for his book [Gemau Awen (Croesoswallt, 1806)]), T[homas] Roberts [Llwynrhudol], Llundain (2), 1801, 1804 (despatch of copies of addressee's 'awdl', has also sent six copies of [Llythyrau Mr Edward Jones (Llundain, 1801)], Gwyneddigion meeting, news of addressee's daughters in London, details of the 'awdl' competition in the Gwyneddigion eisteddfod of 1804), a 'cywydd' in the form of a dialogue between the bard and the muse by [Thomas Williams] 'Twm Pedrog' from Edeyrn, 1795 (see J. Jones, Cynfeirdd Lleyn (Pwllheli, 1905), pp. 242-6) addressed to [John Roberts] 'Sion Lleyn', 'Awdl ar Ddedwyddwch' by 'Gwilym ab Gwilym' [William Williams ('Gwilym Peris')], Llanberis, the subject set at the Llanddeiniolen eisteddfod 1802, with some comments by 'Sion Lleyn' (cf. William Williams, Awen-Gerdd Peris (Trefriw, 1813), pp. 19-24). Holograph letters from Daniel Davies, Llundain, [18]20, to David Thomas ('Dafydd Ddu Eryri') (agrees with addressee's opinion of 'Awdl y Dryw' [i.e. the 'awdl' entitled 'Elusengarwch' by the Reverend Edward Hughes ('Y Dryw'), which was judged the best at the Denbigh eisteddfod 1819], the controversy concerning the decision, future eisteddfodau, a large number of copies of the 'awdl' by D[avid] O[wen] ('Dewi Wyn o Eifion') had been sold, sending two papers to be forwarded to Bron y gader and to D[avid] O[wen], wishes to be remembered to his relatives in Pontnewydd), J[ohn] Williams ('Ioan Twrog'), Pandybach, 1836, to Richard Jones ('Gwyndaf Eryri'), Caernarvon (conduct of 'Alltud', a competitor in the 'pryddest' competition, see letter in Cw. 863), J. Robert, Ty Dû, 1795, to Dafydd Thomas ('Dafydd Ddu Eryri') (enclosing a 'cywydd' which addressee could recite at the Penmorfa eisteddfod if he thought it appropriate, gives details of the singing of his 'cywydd', poets in the Bala district), [William Rowlands] 'Gwilym Lleyn', Aberystwyth (2) 1860-1, to [?Owen Jones ('Manoethwy')] (enquiring concerning John Jones, author of Considerations on the Illegality and Impropriety of preferring Clergymen who are unacquainted with the Welsh Language to Benefices in Wales (1768), suggestion that he was John Jones of Gelliwig in Lleyn, the Brut published in Trysorfa Gwybodaeth neu Eurgrawn Gymraeg 1770), the Reverend Owen Jones ('Meudwy Môn'), Llandudno, (4 letters and a fragment), 1870-78, to J[ohn] Jones ('Myrddin Fardd') (sale of manuscripts, loan of books and manuscripts, writer's literary work), Edgar Bennett, Portmadoc, 1886, to John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd') (has read the books addressee had lent him, hopes to see him the following Saturday, sending documents which addressee could copy), D. ap Huw, 1856, addressee not named (disgust at the contents of Yr Herald Cymraeg, wishes to cease to be a subscriber), a copy of a statement deploring the state of the Welsh press, 1856, stated to have accompanied a letter addressed to [William] R[ees], portion of a letter which states the writer does not care if [ ] hears that he has informed addressee and referring to the work writer had undertaken, a statement in defence of the present generation of poets of Arfon, 1804, in reply to a letter by [John Roberts] 'Sion Lleyn', a holograph letter from Norman Penney, librarian of the Friends' Reference Library, London, 1911, to D. R. Daniel, London (the family of Thomas Roberts [Llwynrhudol]), a song (to the tune 'Bryniau yr Iwerddon') entitled "Can newydd yn gosod allan hardd a doeth deyrnasiad yr Arglwydd ar y ddaer' by D[avid] Edwards, Bala, c. 1830, 'Cywydd Marwnad Sion Evan Griffith' by [?Evan Pritchard] 'Evan Lleun', 'Englynion i'r Parchedig John Jones, A.M., a elwir ymysg y Beirdd Ioan Tegyd' by 'Sion Brwynog o Edeirnion', a copy of 'englynion', etc. from BM Add MS 14974, some temperance poetry, a folio from a manuscript bearing the statement 'Rhys ap Sion o'r Tyddyn Mawr yn y Brynaich o Blwyf Llanfachreth yw Iawn Berchenog y Llyfr hwn, a ysgrifenodd ef yn y Flwyddyn o oedran ein Iachawdwr Iesu Grist 1754'. Some of the letters in this file (No. 6) have been published in Adgof Uwch Anghof. File 7: Holograph letters from Lady Eleanor Butler, Llangollen Vale, Feb. 28 [ ], endorsed in another hand 'to Miss Hayman sub Governess to the Princess Charlotte of Wales' (regrets addressee had not been able to visit them before leaving Wales, gratitude for the help of addressee, Lady Sheffield and the Princess in their unsuccessful attempt to obtain a post in the Foreign Office for their (writer and Miss Ponsonby) protege Dalby, who was a gifted linguist, additions to her book collection), [the Reverend] John Williams ('Williams Lledrod'; 1747-1831), Pentre [Padarn, Llanbadarn Odwyn], 1829, to his son, John Williams, Excise Officer, Stroudwater, Gloucestershire, (death of writer's wife, family and local news), the Reverend David Charles (1803-80), Caervyrddin, and the Reverend Thomas Evans, Llanstephan (the letter was written by the Reverend David Charles) to The Committee of the Aberystwith Association, [1837], (the preparation of a new collection of hymns following the death of the Reverend Ebenezer Richards [sic], who had been preparing the collection), [the Reverend] James Hughes ('Iago Trichrug'), [1842], to the Reverend D. Roberts (portion of letter only) (verses giving details of writer's life, promises to give addressee details of his life if he would give him details of addressee's life, death of the Reverend Jenkin Davies, writer's opinion of William Morris, religious matters). A holograph letter from the Reverend Thomas Charles, Bala, [2 July 1784], to Mrs [Sarah] Charles, [at] Mr Boult's, Chester, (the writer and the colt had arrived home safely, looking forward to the day of their meeting again) (published in D. E. Jenkins, The Life of the Rev. Thomas Charles of Bala ... , 3 vols (Denbigh, 1908), Vol I, p. 495), copies of (3) letters from the Reverend Thomas Charles to [Mrs Foulkes, Machynlleth, and ?Miss Foulkes], 1811 and undated, (sending addressee an extra fine copy of the Welsh Bible, his wife's health and local news) (published in D. E. Jenkins, op. cit. Vol III, 205-6, 384-5, 410-11). File 8: A holograph letter from T. Vaughan Roberts, London, 1908, to J. H. Davies, Aberystwyth (sending copies of letters he had transcribed), lists of letters in [NLW MS] Panton 74 and BM Add MSS 14929, 15023-6 and 15028-33, a transcript of 'A Dialogue between a Highland Welshman newly come to London and a citizen, upon the situation of affairs in Britain' from BM Add MS 14929.

Letters of Thomas Jones, Creaton, etc.

A volume containing seventy-four holograph letters, 1779-1833, one or two undated, on guards, seventy of which were written by the Rev. Thomas Jones (1752-1845), Trippleton (Leintwardine), Herefordshire, Longnor and Loppington, Salop and Creaton, Northamptonshire, sixty-eight to the Rev. Thomas Richards (1754-1837), Llangynfelyn, [Cardiganshire], Llanymowddwy, [Merionethshire] and Darowen, Montgomeryshire, one, 1784, to the Rev. Mr D. Williams, Ystradmeirig [sic] and one, 1789, to Mr Lewis Jones at Ynis-greigiog near Eglwys-Fach, Card[iganshire]. The subjects discussed and persons mentioned in the letters to Thomas Richards include spiritual matters, the addressee's circumstances, Mr [Daniel] Rowlands, the writer's efforts to secure preferment and assistance for the addressee, Mr Charles of Bala, the writer's own situation, his publications, clerical meetings, his work at Creaton, the Rev. Maurice Evans. Of the remaining four letters two are addressed to the Rev. Thomas Richards and are from E. Jones, Llanwryn, 1784 [? brother of the Rev. Thomas Jones] and from another person named Tho[ma]s Jones, Balls Pond, 1805. The other two letters are from Thomas Richards to the Rev. T. Jones, Creaton, 1799 (draft) and 1802, and relate to the writer's family and circumstances, the burial of one of his neighbours ('poor Morgans'), etc.

Press cuttings and letters,

A scrap-book of J. H. Davies containing cuttings of numerous articles on Morgan John Rhys, Baptist minister and author, by T. Shankland, Rhyl, John T. Griffiths, Lansford, Pa., E. K. Jones, Brymbo, and [J.] Spinther [James], and cuttings entitled 'Hen Lyfrau ar Fedydd' by T. Valentine Evans, Clydach, 'Ymholiad yn nghylch Catecism Abel Morgan' by [J.] Spinther [James], 'Morris Griffiths, Prendergast, Hwlffordd' by T. Shankland, 'Swp o Hen Farwnadau' by E. K. Jones, 'Rival Historians in Wales' (critical of Beriah Gwynfe Evans, Diwygwyr Cymru) by J. Morgan Jones [1838-1921; co-author of Y Tadau Methodistaidd], 'Yr Encilion' (on the text and authorship of Welsh hymns) by T. Shankland, etc.; and holograph letters to J. H. Davies from T. Shankland, Rhyl, [18]99-1903 (7) (bibliography of Morgan John Rhys, a search of St Asaph diocesan records for material on the family of Morgan Llwyd, a study by the writer of 'Thomas Charles a'r Feibl Gymdeithas', publications on the SPCK in Wales, etc.), D. H. Davies, Cenarth Vicarage, 1901 (ballads, etc., in the writer's library), J. Spinther James, Llandudno, 1901 (information on D. Risiart, issues of Seren Gomer), and R. Davies, Liverpool, 1898 (the dispatch of books to the recipient).

Printed matter, etc.,

A composite volume containing a copy (title-page wanting) of [Walter Davies, Rhyddid: traethawd a ennillodd ariandlws Cymdeithas y Gwyneddigion ar ei thestun i eisteddfod Llanelwy ... 1790 (Llundain, 1791)] and also Geirlyfr Ysgrythyrol (88 pp., Aaron - Barnu) [?1801], the original Part I (later withdrawn) of the work expanded by Thomas Charles and issued as Geiriadur Ysgrythyrol ... y llyfr cyntaf (1805). At the end of the volume are wrappers of [George Lewis], Esponiad ar y Testament Newydd, Rhif 1. (Caerlleon, [1800]) containing an advertisement for the Geirlyfr Ysgrythyrol, and there is also a cutting from Y Goleuad, [4 Chwef. 1871] containing a long letter from Morris Davies on the subject of 'Geirlyfr Ysgrythyrol John Roberts a Geiriadur Ysgrythyrol Charles'. At the beginning of the volume are (?) wrappers of Esponiad ar y Testament Newydd, Rhifyn XVII (Gwrecsam: Ioan Painter), with part of a sermon in manuscript, and Rhifyn XX (Bala, R. Saunderson), each with a list of books published by [Dr] G[eorge] Lewis. A note in the autograph of 'Morris Davies, Portmadoc' occurs on the first page of the Geirlyfr Ysgrythyrol.

Scrapbook of D. Silvan Evans

A massive though ill-arranged scrap-book compiled by D. Silvan Evans containing holograph letters, addressed, except where otherwise stated, to D. Silvan Evans, from D[avid] Nutt, London, 1879 (the text of Presbyter Johannes), S. Prideaux Tregelles, Plymouth, 1860 (the importance of publishing old Welsh prose texts, the writer's views on the essentials of a Welsh dictionary), P[ierre] F[ran?] Merlet, [London] 1853 (advice on French grammars), W[illia]m Smith, [London] 1846 (the proposed publication of a dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology), Reverend T[homas] Briscoe, Holyhead, 1861 (thanks for a copy of the recipient's Llythyraeth yr Iaith Gymraeg), W. W. E. Wynne [of Peniarth] from London [1862] (an invitation to Peniarth to meet Mr Skene), W. Williams ('Caledfryn'), Groes Wen, Pont y Pridd, 1868 (compositor's errors in an article by the recipient), [William] Sotheby to [Thomas Burgess] bishop of Salisbury, 1831 (presenting a copy of the writer's version of the Iliad), C[onnop Thirlwall] bishop of St Davids, Abergwili, [18]43 (accepting the dedication of the recipient's volume of poems), T. Price ('Carnhuanawc'), Cwmdu, 1842-8 (2) (subscribing to a copy of the recipient's Blodau Ieuainc, the derivation of the English 'bother'), W. Owen Pughe, Egryn to 'Unben Gee', 1831 (declining an invitation to Rhyl), I[sidore] Brasseur, King's Coll[ege], Lond[on], 1853 (advice on French grammars and 'the genius of the French Language'), A. Tallenyn, London, 1853 (advice on Italian grammars), C[harles] Meyer, Windsor Castle, [18]47 (subscribing to the recipient's new English and Welsh Dictionary), John M. Traherne, Coedriglan, 1844 (Cardiff eisteddfod), Ernst Sattler, Coburg, 1869 (enclosing a list of Welsh books in the writer's possession), John Thomas ('Ieuan Morganwg'), Newcastle [upon] Tyne, undated (covering poetry by the writer), H. Gaidoz, London, 1869 (an article on Skene's Four Ancient Books of Wales, the recipient's Dictionary and Llyfryddiaeth y Cymry) (French), Le Chevalier de Chatelain, London 1864 (2) (the writer's French translation of the Canterbury Tales, etc.), [John Jones] 'Tegid', Nevern, 1845 (enclosing poems for competition, Aneurin Owen's translation of the Gododdin), James Tully, R[oman] C[atholic] College, Maynooth, 1868 (English-Irish dictionaries), Thomas Powell, Llanwrtyd [aft. Prof. Thomas Powel, University College, Cardiff] to [J. H. Silvan] Evans, undated (criticism of Jeremiah's paper on 'The Milky Way' in relation to the recipient's father's letter), Cha[rle]s B[rodrick] Scott, Freshwater Gate, Isle of Wight, 1862 (admission to [Westminster School]), W[illiam] Spurrell, Carmarthen, 1889 (requesting printer's copy), J. Ceiriog Hughes, Caersws, 1872 (Welsh dialect words), Ev[an] Evans, Dinas Mowddwy, 1868 (a meeting of the Commissioners of Land and Assessed Taxes for the division of Mowddwy), John Davies, Walsoken Rectory, near Wisbeach, 1868 (subscribing to the recipient's proposed Welsh dictionary), [Edward James Herbert, 3rd earl of] Powis, Powis Castle, [18]68 (the authorship of the 'Epigram Ap-pollo'), [Joseph Hughes] 'Carn Ingli', Meltham Parsonage, 1853 (information from Lady Hall about the election to a post), [John Williams] 'Ab Ithel', Middleton, Manchester, 1856 (an invitation to the recipient to act as local secretary to the Cambrian Institute), Ellis Owen, Cefnymeusydd, 1855 (the writer's correspondence with Mr Madocks's daughter, Mrs [Eliza Anne] Roche, the importance of publishing the works of 'I[euan] B[rydydd] Hir', surviving manuscripts of Welsh poetry at Plas Hen [Pwllheli] and Glasfryn [Chwilog], unfavourable observations on the antiquarian interests of Owen Williams of Waunfawr, the success of the [Eifionydd Literary] Society), C. Mahony, Queen's College, Galway [1852] (advice on Irish grammars and dictionaries), V. Pistrucci, King's College, London, 1853 (advice on Italian grammars), Th[omas] De Vere Coneys, Ballinasloe, Galway, 1847 (advice on Irish grammars), A. Heimaan, London, 1849 (advice on German grammars), [Ebenezer Thomas] 'E[ben] Vardd', Clynnog, 1861 (thanks for a gift of the recipient's Llythyraeth yr Iaith Gymraeg, with the writer's observations on the subject), Adolphus Bernays, Harrow Road, [18]53 (advice on [German] grammars), John Jenkins ('Ifor Ceri'), Kerry to Walter Davies ('Gwallter Mechain'), Manafon, 1826 (the Ossian controversy, personal), Henry T[homas] Edwards, [vicar of] Carnarvon, 1870 (thanks for a letter), R[owland] Williams, Meifod, undated (enclosing poetry for publication in Y Gwyliedydd), R. Richards, Penrhoslligwy, Amlwch, 1877 (parentage and pedigree of the Morris brothers of Anglesey), Evan Evans ('Ieuan Glan Geirionydd'), Parsonage, Ince, 1843 (subscribing to the recipient's 'intended work' [Blodau Ieuainc]), Morris Davies, Upper Bangor, 1869 (the writer's article on Edmund Prys, enclosing dictionary words and additions to Llyfryddiaeth [y Cymry], Tho[ma]s Edwards ('Caervallwch'), London, 1843-6 (2) (the recipient's Blodau Ieuainc), William Rees, Llandovery, 1842 (Lady Charlotte Guest's reply to the recipient's objection about the English translation of 'dyniewid', a request for the return of the 'Notes' for the publication of Part V), R. G. Latham, New Malden, Kingston-on-Thames, [18]64 (accepting the accuracy of the recipient's remark), Rowland Williams, Salisbury, [18]64 (a subscription to the recipient's school), John O'Donovan, Dublin, 1852 (advice on Irish grammars), Tho[mas] Holland, Sheffield, 1863 (the legend of S[t] Collen), O[wen] Connellan [of Cork], from Dublin, 1852 (advice on Irish grammars and dictionaries), and [Thomas James ('Llallawg'),] Netherthong, ?1875 (dictionary words) (incomplete); a few miscellaneous manuscript items, among them being 'Cynwysiad Gramadeg y Dr Gruffydd Roberts' in the hand of John Jones ('Tegid'), 1848, a holograph 'hir a thoddaid' to Walter Davies ('Gwallter Mechain') by Dr Carl Meyer, verses entitled 'Castell Conwy' by Edward Evan Jones ('Glasvryn'), a list of 'Geiriau Taleithiol' in the hand of Benjamin Williams ('Gwynionydd'), a fragment on Welsh metrics in the hand of Edward Williams ('Iolo Morganwg'), 'Englynion i Clebryn' by Robert Parry ('Robyn Ddu Eryri'), verses entitled 'The Bard's Return' ('Translated by Lady Charlotte Guest'), etc.; printed matter, including an appeal for subscriptions towards the repair of Llanymawddwy Church, c. 1862, University College of Wales (Aberystwyth) examination questions in Welsh, 1875 and undated, a broadside and leaflet appealing for subscriptions towards the defence of [Joshua] Evans, vicar of Llanover, 1875, and numerous prospectuses of printed publications, e.g. D. Silvan Evans, A Dictionary of the Welsh Language, D. Silvan Evans (ed.), Casgliad o Hymnau at wasanaeth yr Eglwys, D. Silvan Evans (ed.), The Works of the Rev. Walter Davies ... (Gwallter Mechain), Morris Williams ['Nicander'], Hermes Cambrenses: or an Etymological Welsh-English Dictionary, Ysten Sioned (1882), D. Silvan Evans, Telynegion, Rhys Jones, Gorchestion Beirdd Cymru (1773), D. Silvan Evans, Blodau Ieuainc (Early Blossoms), Y Brython (Tremadog), etc.; copious press cuttings, including articles and reviews by, and reviews of works by, D. Silvan Evans, letters published by D. Silvan Evans in Yr Arweinydd and Y Gwron in 1858 concerning his controversy with Thomas Gee over the publication of his Welsh-English Dictionary, an air and verses entitled 'Marwolaeth fy mrawd' by Daniel Thomas Williams ('Tydfylyn'), 'The Sagranus Stone, St Dogmaels' by Robert Williams, Rhydycroesau, and poetry by John Jones ('Tegid'), D. Silvan Evans, Edward Roberts ('Iorwerth Glan Aled'), Edward [Evan] Jones ('Glasfryn'), Llanfair Caereinion, Evan Jones ('Gwyneddon'), Walter Davies ('Gwallter Mechain'), Daniel Evans ('Daniel Ddu o Geredigion'), Robert Harries Jones ('Quellyn'), Thomas Lloyd Jones ('Gwenffrwd') Henry George Thomas, London, John B. Pedler, Liverpool, John Emlyn Jones ('Ioan Emlyn'), John Williams ('Ab Ithel'), Ellis Owen, Cefnymeusydd and many others; and a few engraved portraits and prints, including Morgan Evans, vicar of Llangynllo, Radnorshire, Thomas Charles, Bala, Christmas Evans, and a view of Denbigh, 1847. At the end of the volume there is one loose folio (numbered pp. 203-4) in an eighteenth century hand containing verses (beginning wanting) to 'y twcca' ('nis Gwn'i pwy ai ganodd ond Hugh Hughes ai scrifennodd 1760') and 'englynion' (some attributed to 'E. Rob' and R. Jones).

Evans, D. Silvan (Daniel Silvan), 1818-1903

Transcripts by Mary Richards,

A manuscript almost entirely in the hand of Mary Richards, Darowen containing transcripts of the opinion of Sir William Jones [orientalist and jurist] on the Scriptures ('Barn Syr William Jones y Tra dysgedig Ysgolhaig Am yr Ysgrythyrau Sanctaidd Yr Hon a ysgrifenodd ar ddalen wen yn ei Feibl ei hun'); prayers by Thomas Richards, Darowen; copious biographical memoranda relating to the family of Richards of Darowen; letters from Thomas Richards, Darowen to members of his family, 1814-37 and undated (the appointment of Lewis Richards to the rectorship of Llanerful, local and family news, the writer's health, news of friends, a new school for Hugh Jone[s] Maesglase, a Christmas service, the receipt of tithes), to [John Luxmore, bishop of St Asaph] [1829] (jealousy arising from a meeting at Darowen) (incomplete), to [ ], 1809 (Darowen charities), to [ ], 1814 (enclosing [bishop's] transcripts), to Mrs Lewis, Post Office, Machynlleth, 1817 (a debt due to the recipient), to the Reverend [ ], undated (thanks for a benefaction), to Mr [Daniel?] Crosthwaite, portrait painter, Liverpool, 1837 (personal, a proposed visit by R[ichard] Richard[s]), and to Baron [Sir Richard] Richard[s], Caer Ynwch, 1796 (personal, conveying a gift of a Dovey salmon); letters from [Mary Richards] to Thomas, Lewis and Jane [Richards], 1837 (the health of the writer's father), L[ewis] Richards, Jes[us] Coll[ege], Oxford to D[avid] Richard[s], Llansilin, 1842 [recte 1824] (the writer's ordination), Adam Sedgwick, Cambridge to Mary Richards, Llangynyw, 1855 (the death of the recipient's brother Thomas) (two copies; see also MS 284), Charles Meyer, Pen Main to [?Thomas Richards] undated (a visit to the recipient), D. R. Thomas, Cefn Rectory, S[t] Asaph to [Mary] Richard[s], 1876 (the death of the recipient's sister Jane), Walter Davies ['Gwallter Mechain'], Manafon to D[avid] Richar[ds], Llansilin, undated (a visit to the recipient, a collection of musical compositions) and to T[homas] Richards, Llangynyw, 1837 (the death of Thomas Richards, Darowen), Griffith Williams, Dolgellau to Mair Richards, Darowen, 1838 (the death of the recipient's father), Moris Jones ('Meurig Idris'), Dolgellau to Mair Richards, 1841 (the death of the recipient's mother), William Pughe, Mallwyd to T[homas] Richard[s], Darowen, 1810 (a benefaction for the writer), Roderic Lewis, Llanbryn Mair to T[homas] Richar[ds], Darowen, 1833 (a petition for the better observation of the Sabbath), R. Brougham, London to T[homas] Richards, Darowen, 1848 [sic] (a return by the recipient), J. J. Muncher, Bristol to T[homas] Richard[s], Darowen, 1837 (an annuity for Mary Evan, a blind person of Darowen), Augustus [Pemberton] Salisbury, Exeter College [Oxford] to T[homas] Richards, Llangynyw, 1848 (the death of the writer's 'poor friend'), Evan Evans ['Ieuan Glan Geirionydd'], Aberrhyw to the Richards family [at Darowen], 1823 (the writer's arrival at Aberrhyw and his impressions of the place, news of friends and greetings to friends) (original letter in Cwrtmawr MS 534), Robert Davies ('Bardd Nantglyn') to T[homas] Richard[s], Darowen, c. 1820 (the writer's stay at Nannau and proposed visit to Carmarthen, enclosing poetry), Thos Charles, Bala to [Thomas Richards at Llan-ym-Mawddwy], 1796 (the payment of a draft), William Farre, Carno to T[homas] Richards, Darowen, 1837 (accepting an invitation, Mr Crossthait [sic] and a likeness of the recipient and Mrs Richard[s]), (Lewis Hughes, bishop of St Davids] to [ ], 1791 (the receipt of Darowen annual and lactual), Arthur Gardener [London] to [T[homas] Richards, Darowen], 1834 (Church Influence Society), David Jones, Penant to T[homas] Richards, Llan y Mowddy, 1787 (the ordination of the writer as a deacon), etc.; poetry in strict and free metres by Robert Dafydd (Nantglyn), D. Davies ('Pruddfab'), [William Roberts] ('Gwilim Aran') (Dolgellau), William Williams ('Gwilim ab Iorwerth') (Darowen), Morris Jones ('Meirig Idris') (Dolgellau), Edward Davies ('Heddgeidwad', Llan Erful), Walter Davies ['Gwallter Mechain'], Evan Evans (['Ieuan] Glan Geirionydd'), [Benjamin Jones] ('P. A. Mon'), Robert Parry ('Robin Ddu Eryri'), Aneurin Owen, [William Edwards] ('Gwilym Padarn'), Roger Butler Clough, Sion Powel, (Llansannan), Owan Robert, [T.] Richard[s] (Darowen), [Rowland Parry] ('[Ieuan] Carn Dochan'), [John] Athelystan Owen ('Bardd Meirion'), etc., and anonymous poems; a list of subscriptions at Llan y Mowddwy for Welsh Bibles and New Testaments, 1899 [recte 1799]; an appeal by T[homas] Richards on behalf of S.P.C.K. to the churchwarden and overseers of the poor of Darowen for subscriptions towards the distribution of Bibles, 1835; accounts of 'plygain' and Christmas services at Darowen Church, 1826-36; a voucher of T[homas] Richards for books, 1804-5; an application to the Governors of Christ Church Hospital on behalf of Evan Jones, Darowen for assistance from the Reverend William Heathrington's Charity to the Blind, 1815; a petition on behalf of Mary, daughter of John Jones and Mary, his wife, a blind person resident in Llanbrynmair, for an annuity from the Charity of John Merlot, Bristol, 1820; a message of thanks to [Ashley Cooper, 6th] earl of Shaftesbury for a gift of three fringed mantles to Mary, Jane and Elizabeth Richards ('Copi or diol[ch]garwch a anfonwyd ir gwir Anrhydeddus Iarll Chafsbury am ei rodd o dair ffaling o ledr Woodstock a ridens Gwyrdd ... un i Mary a Jane ag Elizabeth Richards ar ol ei arosfa yn Nhy ei Brawd Par. T. Richards ... fe ddanfonwyd y diolch yn y llythyrenau Coelbren y Beirdd); a list of subscriptions in the parish of Darowen towards the celebration of the wedding of Colonel [Sir John] Edwards, [Plas] Machynlleth and Mrs [Harriet] Herbert of Dolforgan [Kerry], 1825; an appeal by Angharad Llwyd, Caerwys to the bards and gentry of Cydewen for subscriptions towards a gift of a silver cup to each of the two wardens of Llan Beblig, Caer Arfon for their opposition to an English incumbent ('yn erbyn Sais i wasanaethu'r Eglwys'), 1843; a notice to John L. Richard[s] to quit Froncoch, parish of Llan Owddyn, 1828, a deposition of Evan Jones[s], Unicorn Inn, Darowen touching the boundaries between Gwern y Bwlch and Ffridd fawr, parish of Cemes, 1830; medical recipes; etc.

Transcripts by Mary Richards,

A volume of transcripts by Mary Richards, including 'cywyddau' and 'englynion' by Dafydd ap Gwilim, Thomas Pryse, Robert ap Howel ap Morgan ('o Langower'), David Llwyd ap Hugh, Gruffydd ab Meredydd ab Dafydd, Sion Philip ('ne Owen Gwynedd'), R[obert] Leiaf, Tudur Aled, Dafydd Emanuel, Dio ap Ie[ua]n Du, [Lewys] Morganwg, S[ion] Tuddur, Howel ap Gytto, W. Llwyd, Gruff. Llwyd ap D'd ap Einion, Ifan Tew Brydydd, Gytto or Glyn, etc., and anonymous poetry; later poetry of personal and local interest, in both strict and free metres (especially 'englynion') by (among others) John Blackwell ('Alun'), Walter Davies ('Gwallter Mechain'), [John Jones] ('Myllin'), Sion Cain Jones ('Sion Ceiriog'), Evan Jones (Gwyneddon, Aberhonddu), Richard Hughes (rector of Llany Mowddwy), Thomas Elis (Caerwys), Robert Davies ('Bardd Nantglyn'), R. Llwyd (Llangynyw), David Rowland(s) ('Dewi Brefi'), Evan Evans (['Ieuan] Glangeironydd'), John Robert (Hersedd), David Richards ('Dewi Silin'), Cadwaladr Dafydd (Llan y Mowddwy), Jon. Evans (Glandyfi), Sion Prys (Mowddwy) ('o Bennant'), Morris Jones ('Meurig Idris'), Dafydd Ellis (Mowddwy), David Jones (Llwyn y Maen), Mr Philips ('or Hays'), Goronwy Owen ('Goronwy Ddu o Fôn'), John Davies (Dolgoch, Llanbrynmair), [William Williams] 'Gwilim ab Iorwerth' (Darowen), [John Athelstan Owen] ('Bardd Meirion'), [William Williams] ('Gwilym Cyfeiliog'), Thomas Jones (Llynlleifiad), Rowland Parry (Llanuwchllyn), [Benjamin Jones] ('P. A. Mon'), 'Cynddelw ab David ab Thomas ab Richard ab Thomas (Hirnant), Evan Jones ('Saer Darowen') and Aneurin Owen, and anonymous poetry; letters largely to members of the Richards family of Darowen from James Evans, secretary, Cymrod[or]ion or Metrepolitan [sic] Cambrian Institution, 1821 (the election of Mary Richards to honorary membership), T. Price ('Carnhuanawg'), Crickhowel, 1833 (the preservation of the Welsh language), Robert Davies (Dafydd), Nantglyn, 1820-34 (2) (visits to the recipients, the writer's search for books of 'Diliau Barddas'), John Jones, Bryn Derfel, 1833 (an invitation), Edward Davies, 1829 (a parcel from [John] Blackwell ['Alun'], a proposed visit), Richd. Owen, Hendre Gadog, 1811 (a translation by Goronwy Owen), [Anthony Ashley-Cooper 7th earl of Shaftesbury, styled] Lord Ashley, 1827 (Denbigh eisteddfod), John Evan, Llanfyllin, undated [1826] (the illness of 'Myllin'), Reginald Heber [aft. bishop of Calcutta] Hodnet, 1822 (a donation towards the education of Evan Evans [?'Ieuan Glan Geirionydd']), John Robert, Herseth, Nannerch, 1824 (subscribing to Y Gwyliedydd) and John Blackwell ('Alun'), Aberhiw, 1826 (an account of festivities at Darowen Vicarage), and an original letter from W[alter] D[avies] ['Gwallter Mechain'], 1816 (a carol for publication in Cylchgrawn Cymru); and miscellanea, including an obituary notice of the Reverend Daniel Rowland [Llangeitho] by the Reverend Thos. Charles, Bala, 1790, a treatise on angling entitled 'Am Bysgota', an introduction to a text book on music ('Music Soniarus'), incomplete depositions of 'old men' (Hugh Jones etc.) touching the boundaries and rights and liberties of properties in Llan Mowddwy, Merioneth, 1788, household and medical recipes, an anecdote concerning the Prince of Wales (aft. King Edward VII), etc. Inset is a prospectus, 1822, 'For Publishing, by Subscription, in the Welsh Language, a book called The Reformation of Wales; containing the destruction of monasterys and a correct account of several Cambri Britons who suffer'd Martyrdom ... by William Owen' (See William Owen Drych Crefyddol, Lle'rpwll, 1824). Much of the volume was probably compiled during the late 1840's, but there are additions to the early 1870s.

Transcripts,

Transcripts of 'An Account of the Life of the Revd. Mr Wm Roth [sic] ....,' An account of Mr Robt Powel, Vicar of Cadegstone near Neath, Glamorganshire ... ', 'An account of the life and Death of Mr W. Cradock,' and 'Short Hints respecting the Life of Revd Rees Pritchard Vicar of Llanddyfry' from an unspecified source. On the envelope John Ballinger has written 'Transcript from Thos Charles' MS Account of early Nonconformists. Cymdeithas Llen Cymru'.