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Cwrtmawr manuscripts
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Accounts, poetry, etc.

A volume (212 pp., several of which are blank) originally intended for use as a ledger, written in several hands and containing accounts, 1766-8 (webs, rye, butter, barley, etc. [?Dolgellau district, with references to Penllyn and Trawsfynydd]); a few medical recipes; stanzas of verse beginning 'Gwrando' nghariad ar fy nghwynion ...' (incomplete); the first twelve stanzas of a poem written by John Williams, St Athan, after the expulsion of Peter Williams, 1791 (cf. the printed version, 1793, of 'Can diddarfod'); a weaver's patterns; a copy of part of a herbal, Aneth - Pren Bocs (cf. Llysieulyfr Meddyginiaethol a briodolir i William Salesbury, ed. E. Stanton Roberts (Liverpool: Hugh Evans & Sons. 1916), p. 249; accounts, 1829-30, headed 'Account of the Factory's work from the 12 of Novr. 1829'; part of a treatise in Welsh on physiognomy (?possibly a translation as it contains quotations in English verse); and verses by Cadwalader Thomas and 'englynion' by Evan Elis 'I Factory Cefnddwysarn a adeiladwyd yn un cyntaf yn mhenllyn'. At the reverse end are notes in Welsh on the theory of music and a draft (in pencil) of the will of John Cadwalader of Tyllwyd in the parish of Llan D...., Merioneth, 1823, etc. Among loose papers are two bills (one mutilated), 1830, to Ebenezer Williams, Cefnddwysarn for spinning, etc.

Album,

An album (260 pp.; watermark 1828) containing poetry written in several hands, c. 1830-44, with one or two prose items and a few drawings and engravings. Many of the poems are by Mrs Hemans and Byron is also represented. References to Brynymor [?Swansea], coupled with the fact that some of the items are dated in the manner of the Quakers, suggest that Anne Knight Eaton, whose name appears on a book-plate within the volume, was the daughter of Robert Eaton of Swansea, banker. One pencil drawing of an unidentified scene is signed 'Geo. Harley 1833' and a water-colour drawing of flowers is described as being by Anna Wilkinson who married Richard Sorton Darby of Hawkswood, Bridgenorth.

Amryw,

Miscellaneous material including notes on legends associated with 'Llyn Barfog' and 'Llyn tri Graienyn' in Merioneth [in the hand of E. G. B. Phillimore]; 'Cân croesawiad i Edmund Buckley, esq., ar ei ddyfodiad iw oed, Mai 7ed 1882. Buddugol yn Eisteddfod Llanymawddwy Mehefin 7ed 1882' by L. Jones, Bwlch; an elegy entitled 'Dyhuddiant. Cyflwynedig i'r Parch. D. Silvan Evans, ar Farwolaeth ei anwyl Fab, Dr Tegid Aneurin Evans, Fflint. Gan J. Callestr Ellis, 23 Coleshill Terrace, Flint. Ebrill 25ain 1887'; and verses entitled 'The Bunking of Alfred Hebden and Andrew Lang'.

Barddoniaeth 'Dewi Wyn O Eifion', etc.

Poetical compositions by David Owen ('Dewi Wyn o Eifion'), including 'Cywydd am Fawredd [Jeh[ofa], 'Cywydd Cenfigen a chelwy[dd]', 'Englynion i Robert Davis o Nantglyn', 'Englyn i'r Llyfr A gasglwyd gan yr Unrhyw Robert Dav[ ]', 'Dau Benill ir unrhyw', 'Yr unrhyw Lyfr a Elwid Cnewyllyn Mewn gwisg I ba un y Canwyd fel y Canlyn', '[C]arol plygain yn dangos (?)C[rist yn] D[d]uw ag yn ddyn ...', 'Cerdd yn datgan rhan o gyffes pechadur ...], 'Carol plygain yn dangos mawr gariad crist Tu ag at Ddynion ...', 'Englyn i Dduw', 'Cywydd y Farn', 'Cerdd a gymerwyd allan o'r II Corinth pen V adn 10 ...', ['Awdl ar ryfeddol allu Duw'], 'Englyn i roi ar fedd ...', 'Dau englyn ynghylch Elfan y Bardd', 'Hymn ... yn dangos crist y Siampl i Ddyn', 'Hymn ... yn Dangos bodlondeb y Duwiol', 'Cerdd yn Annog i beidio a phechu ag i Droi yn ol At ras', 'Englyn I'r Iesu', 'Carol plygain yn dangos crist yn Trechu r Llygredd ...', 'Awdl ynghylch ysbrydol gariad', 'Englyn i ofyn maidd', 'Englynion mewn Perthynas i dd[ioddefaint] Ein Iachawdwr', and verses 'Tros Wilym Huw ... 1803'; verses entitled 'Midnight Thoughts' by D. W.; three holograph letters from D. Owen, Pwllhely and Gaerwen, one to John Thomas ['Siôn Wyn o Eifion'], Chwilog (an eisteddfod to be held at Tref Madoc, 20 September 1811), and two to Ebenezer Thomas, ['Eben Fardd'], Schoolmaster, Llanarmon, undated (D. Williams has indicated to John Nichols that he does not mean to finish the translation); holograph lines beginning 'Ow mrawd bach mawr yw dy boen ...' (cf. Cywydd y Bardd i'w anwyl frawd); englynion by [Hugh Evans] 'Hywel Eryri', composed after the death of 'Dewi Wyn o Eifion'; part of a letter from Morris Williams ('Nicander') to Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd') [13 October 1858]; press-cuttings relating to 'Dewi Wyn'; transcripts by John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd') of some of the foregoing compositions by 'Dewi Wyn' and of some from other sources; and a number of loose items, including a holograph letter from D. Owen ['Dewi Wyn o Eifion'], Gaerwen to the Reverend Thomas Parry, Bangor, 1839, together with a transcript (cf. Cwrtmawr MS 412), a letter from Ellis Anwyl Owen to John Thomas ['Siôn Wyn o Eifion'], Chwilog, 1841 (the date of baptism of David Owen ('Dewi Wyn'), and a request to the addressee with regard to the date of death of '- Parry Bach Solicitor'), a copy of Yr Araith Satanaidd ar Eglwysi Sefydledig a Degymau (Caernarfon: Josiah Thomas Jones, 1835), and a translation into Welsh by R. Ivor Parry of the will of David Owen ['Dewi Wyn o Eifion'], 13 June 1837.

Barddoniaeth yn llaw Robert Williams, etc.

A composite volume almost entirely in the hand of the Reverend Robert Williams (1810-81), Rhydycroesau, near Oswestry. It contains a list of contents and a complete transcript of Peniarth MS 152 ('cywyddau' and 'awdlau' by Gutto'r Glynn, etc.), completed at Rhydycroesau, 21 December 1870; a transcript from Brogyntyn MS 2, with an English translation, of a 'cywydd' by Tudur Penllyn transcribed 2 February 1871; two copies of a 'cywydd' by Sion Kain transcribed from Peniarth MS [116], 14 November 1876, with relevant marginal pedigrees, poetry in strict and free metres by Walter Davies ['Gwallter Mechain'] from 'Cydymeth Ifiengtid; sef Cerddi Cowyddau, ag Englynion tra dewisol na buant yn Argraffedig yr rioed hyd eitha fy ngwibodheth, sef Gwaith amriw rai o brydyddion cymru wedi gasglu gan Dafydd Evans, Llanfihangel, 1785'; 'Cywyddau Cywilyddus o [ffug-]waith Gweyrful Mechain', a 'cywydd' by Tydur Penllyn and 'englynion' by Iorwerth Vynglwyd, from 'Llyfr Hir Llywarch Reynolds' (NLW MS 970) and Llanstephan MS 35; and an incomplete list of contents of Cwrtmawr MS 242. The spine is lettered 'Gwaith Gutto'r Glyn'.

Barddoniaeth,

A composite volume of three small notebooks containing 'cywyddau', 'englynion' and English verses by 'Sioseb Nerquis', with some 'englynion' by 'I. Ddu' and 'Merddin Wylts [sic] o Nerquis'; and transcripts by Mary Richards, Darowen, c. 1861, of Welsh metrical psalms and hymns by Thomas Roberts ('Philo Cadfan'), Joseph Marpole, William Jones, John Williams (Dolgellau), and anonymous compositions. One of the hymns, dated 1861, is in memory of the Reverend James Hamer 'Offeiriad Llanfihangel [yng Ngwynfa] a Discybl i David Harris [?Carno]'.

Barddoniaeth, llythyrau, etc.

A volume compiled by John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd'), containing 'cywyddau', 'awdlau', and free-metre poetry, partly holograph, by Row[land] Vaughan, John Rhydderch, William Ffylip, Rice Jones (1767), Sion Tudur, Willm. Cynwal, Richd. Davies 'Esgob Mynwy' [sic], Robt. Gruffydd ab Ieuan, Hugh Llyn, Elis ab Rhys ab Edward, Willm. Llyn, [John Davies] 'Y Bardd Glas', Robt. Dafydd ('Bardd Nantglyn'), Evan Evans ('Ieuan Glan Geirionydd') (1821), Edward Charles (1798), 'Iorwerth ab Einion' (1817) (Meddyg Cyrn y ?Bwch), David Humphreys (1819), John Owen, 'Mab Evan Huw' (Harlech, 1834), Rowlant Jones, R. Jones (Penrhiw dwrch), and 'Meurig ab Cybi o Eifion' (Bangor) [i.e. Morris Williams, 'Nicander']; case in the hand of Thomas Pennant, Downing, of John Jones, son of Roger Jones of the parish of Bodvari against the commanding officer of the militia for extortion arising from the balloting of complainant for service, together with a holograph letter from T. Pennant, Downing, to William Middleton, Temple, London, 1781, and opinions of R. P. Arden and Willm. Walton both of Lincolns Inn, 1781; holograph letters from Thomas Roberts, Llwynrhudol, from London to John Roberts ['Sion Lleyn'], Pen yr Allt, Pwllheli, etc., 1801-5 and undated (3) (printed in [John Jones] 'Myrddin Fardd: 'Adgof Uwch Anghof' ..., Pen y Groes, 1883, pp. 81-2, 84-7), P[eter] B[ailey] Williams, Pantafon, Llanrug to R[ichard] Jones ['Gwyndaf Eryri'], 1823 ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', pp. 178-82), [Robert Jones] 'Tecwyn Meirion', L[iver]pool to David Lloyd, shoemaker, Llanystumdwy, 1833 (the shipment of coal to Cricieth and a complaint against the trading methods of Capt. Thomas of Chester and William Davies) (together with an 'englyn' and a stanza in English entitled 'Cymru Annwyl'), Robert Roberts, Pentre Lygen, to John Roberts ('Siôn Lleyn'], schoolmaster, Bodean, 1790 (personal, requesting news of the Association at Pwllheli, also requesting two shuttles ('dwy wenol') the one for linen and the other for cloth) (endorsed is a copy of a letter relating to the writer's elegy ('cywydd marwnad') to 'Robin Ddu' and the writer's appointment to be corresponding member ('aelod gohebol') of the Gwyneddigion), Evan Evans ['Ieuan Glan Geirionydd'], Chester to John Jones, printer, Trefriw, 1818 (Mr Parry's views on a publication, comments on the subjects of the Cambrian Society, the writer's work of translating, the recipient's 'englynion', a reference to 'Nwython' in a Bangor paper, the delivery of verses and essays at the Vicarage, Carmarthen), Ebenezer Thomas ['Eben Fardd'], Llanarmon; to Richard Jones ('Welsh Bard alias Gwyndaf Eryri'), Carnarvon, 1826 ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', pp. 209-10), and from Clynnog to John Thomas, 'Bard' ['Siôn Wyn o Eifion'], Chwilog, 1827 ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', pp. 211-14), Daf. Thomas ['Dafydd Ddu Eryri'] Waunfawr, etc., to John Roberts ['Siôn Lleyn'], 1789-1806 (3) ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', pp. 12-14, 18, 30-4) (the second letter, dated 1796 from Amlwch, contains a poem entitled 'Tragwyddoldeb'), Robt. Davies ['Bardd Nantglyn'] to John Roberts ['Siôn Lleyn'], 1808 ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', pp. 94), Wm. Williams (1738-1817), Llandegai, to David Thomas ['Dafydd Ddu Eryri'], 1806 ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', pp. 92-4, where William Williams is incorrectly identified as 'Gwilym Peris'), Robt. Jones ['Tecwyn Meirion'], Dutton St [Liverpool] to Richard Jones ('Gwyndaf Eryri'), 1833 (requests the sight of copies of Y Gwyliedydd containing the adjudication of Walter Davies ['Gwallter Mechain'] on the 'awdlau'), John Jones ['Ivon'], Aberystwyth to Ebenezer Thomas ['Eben Fardd'], 1843 (a request for poetry for publication in a proposed periodical entitled Y Cwmwl), [Thomas Lloyd Jones] 'Gwenffrwd', Dinbych to Robert Lloyd Morris, Holywell, [18]30 ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', pp. 226-8), Richard Jones ('Gwyndaf Eryri'), Caernarfon, to David Owen ['Dewi Wyn o Eifion'], Gaerwen, Llanystyndwy, 1831 ('Adgof Uwch Anghof', p. 117), John Pughe ['Ioan ab Hu Feddyg'], Barmouth to Ebenezer Thomas ['Eben Fardd'], 1841 (a list of subscribers to the recipient's [Caniadau], the success of the [Plymouth Brethren]), O[wen] Williams ['Owen Gwyrfai'], Waunfawr, to Robert Williams ['Robert ap Gwilym Ddu'], Betwsfawr, Eifionydd, 1830 (the request of 'Gytyn Peris' for an explanation on a Welsh proverb, the progress of the 'Geirlyfr' and its sale to the printer at Llanfaircaereinion), Evan Williams, Penyberth, Llanbedrog, to David Lloyd, shoemaker, Llanysdumdwy, (his concept of the muse, request for a copy of the 'englynion' addressed to the Dolbenmaen Society and for the rules of the society, etc.), [Reverend William Robert Davies, Dowlais] to Wm. Jones, draper, Rhoslan, undated (2) (a song by 'Brutus', news of ministers of religion, the Baptist cause at Garn and Capel y Beirdd, the progress of the Latter-Day Saints at Dowlais, local petitions against Sir James Graham's Bill and the Corn Laws), and Hugh Elias, Florence House, San Francisco, to [John Jones, 'Myrddin Fardd'], 1878 (the pedigree of the family of William Elias, Plas y Glyn); draft rules of 'Cymdeithas Gymroaidd Pwllheli', together with holograph copies of addresses to the Society by Evan Roberts, Robert Thomas, M[orris] W[illiams] 'Nicander', etc.; a letter from [Richard Jones, 'Gwyndaf Eryri'] to 'Mr. Gomer' [editor of Seren Gomer] complaining of injustices received at recent eisteddfodau; English verses entitled 'St David's Day, 1843. The following song was written for the Manchester Cymreigyddion Society ... and sung by the writer to the Harp, and for which he was awarded the Prize' by 'Garmon'; and a note on the pedigree of the families of Gwynn (Wynn) of Maesne[u]add; Glyncywarch, etc., with panegyric verses. Added to 'Pennillion i annerch Cymdeithas y Cymraegyddion yn 'Llundain. Y dôn yw blodau'r dyffryn' by Edward Charles is the following postscript, - 'Gresyn na fyddai beirdd Cymry yn 'r oes hon yn canu ar yr hên Geingciau cymreig fel y pennillion hyn: mae'nt hwyth[a]u yn barddoni y rhan fynycha, a'r ryw Geingciau seisnig, yr hyn sydd hollol anghyttun a pheroriaeth y Cymro'. On one of the fly-leaves is an imperfect list of correspondents in the hand of John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd'), with additions in the hand of J. H. Davies.

Barddoniaith Hirlas

A composite volume almost entirely in the hand of Daniel Silvan Evans containing Welsh metrical translations of poetry by Felicia Dorothea Hemans, Helen Herbert (Aberaeron), Edward Verity (St David's College, Lampeter), Lord Byron, [Johann Wolfgang von] Goethe, etc. and original poetry by D. Silvan Evans, much of it dated at Llanover, Llanarth (Cardiganshire), St David's College, Lampeter, etc. during the period 1843-7; 'Telyn Cymru', being transcripts of poetry in free and strict metres by Thomas Lloyd Jones ('Gwenffrwd'), [John Jones] ('Tegid'), ?Ioan Blackwell ['Alun'], [Thomas Edwards] ('Caervallwch'), [William Owen-Pughe] ('Idrison') and [Daniel Evans] ('Daniel Ddu [o Geredigion]'); 'Selections of English Poetry' by Mary Howitt, Felicia Dorothea Hemans, [William] Knox, [David] Vedder, Letitia Elizabeth Landon (afterwards Mrs Maclean), A. M. G. (Cheltenham; translated from the Welsh of 'Tegid'), Reginald Heber, Mathew Gregory Lewis (from the German of Goethe), Miss [Maria Jane] Williams (Aberpergwm), Bernard Barton, Ambrose Barber (Wadham College, Oxford), [Thomas] Campbell, J. H. Merivale and Thomas Moore; a list of hymns selected for Christmas worship ('Emynau detholedig at Wasanaeth yr Eglwys. Nadolig'); a carol by D. Silvan Evans (sing at Llan ym Mawddwy, Christmas 1874); 'Emynau. Salmyddiaeth y Cyssegr', being hymns composed by D. Silvan Evans during the period 1864-5 (some sung at Llan ym Mawddwy, 1865-74); a hymn by [Morris Williams] ('Nicander'); etc. The spine is lettered 'Barddoniaith Hirlas'.

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

Commonplace book of John Lloyd Richards,

Two notebooks (pasted together) of the Reverend John Lloyd Richards (1790-1854), vicar of Llanwddyn containing 'Subjects for [weekly] themes given by Mr Ainger for 1821', '...[L]ines ... set up in a neat frame in the room at the Pavilion by the falls of the Clyde in Scotland', 1817; verses by R. Davies entitled 'I Bedwar Rhan y Flwyddyn'; prose texts entitled 'The Number Seven', 'English Language' and 'Esau and Jacob'; verses entitled 'Happiness' by the present Bp. of Calcutta. Dr. Heber'; personal accounts, 1821-31 (expenses at St Bees College and at Nun Monkton, payments to hired servants, receipts of rent etc.); etc. The scribe's sister, Mary Richards, during the period 1870-3 has used blank spaces to record copious memoranda, anecdotes and transcripts of verse and family letters.

'Cronfa Dafydd Ddu', etc.

A composite volume compiled by Owen Williams, Fronheulog, Waunfawr in 1857. It comprises: I. 'Y Gronfa' (pp. 1-200), largely in the hand of David Thomas ('Dafydd Ddu Eryri'), containing an introduction ('Y Rhagymadrodd') signed 4 October 1790; an English translation by D[avid] T[homas] of two lines of poetry by Gwalchmai; 'Cyfieithiad o Awdl Sibli (Sibyl's Ode, translated by the Revd. Gor[onwy] Owen)' ('See the above, versified in D. Thomas's poetical collection'); etymons of Mr Jones of Llanegryn, Mr L. Morris, and D. Tho[ma]s; extracts from letters from the Revd. Gor[onwy] Owen to Mr Richard Morris of the Navy Office, London, 1753-67; Welsh poetry by Bleddyn, Gwgon, Taliesin, Cynddelw [Brydydd Mawr], 'Guttun Gwrecsam' ('sef John Edwards neu Sion Ceiriog now dead'), Rhisiart Jones 'o Fôn, Syr Thomas Jones ('Iechyd i Galon yr hen offeiriad O na bai Gant o'i fath ynghymru y dydd heddyw'), Hywel ap Reinallt, Llywelyn Goch ap Meurig Hen (with a translation by Evan Evans ['Ieuan Fardd']), Hywel ap Dafydd ap Ieuan ap Rhys, Thomas Celli, Tudur Aled, D[avid] Thomas, Owen Williams (Waunfawr) (c.1820), Rhys Jones 'o'r Blaenau', and Goronwy Owen; English poetry by Alexander Pope, John Dyer, and Thomas Gray; anecdotes and biographical notes relating to Gruffydd Hiraethog, William Phylip, Sion Tudur, William Lleyn, etc.; 'Athrawiaeth y Gorphwysiadau', being rules of punctuation, copied in 1809 ('not intended for public inspection'); observations in verse on 'Barddoniaeth Gymreig', for publication in the North Wales Gazette, 1818; a holograph letter from D. Thomas to Robt. Williams, land surveyor, Bangor, 1820 (plagiarism of one of the writer's poems, comments on the poetry of 'Gutyn P[eris]', results of the Wrexham eisteddfod); 'Sibli's Prophecy. A Fragment from the Welsh', translated by D. Thomas; 'A Discourse between St Kybi and other saints on their passage to the Isle of Bardsey ...'; epithalamia to Dafydd Thomas and Elin, his wife, by [John Roberts] 'Siôn Lleyn', [Griffith Williams] 'Gutyn Peris', [William Williams] 'Gwilym Peris', and Dafydd Owain ('Bardd Gwyn o Eifion', i.e. 'Dewi Wyn o Eifion'), 1803-4; reviews by 'Adolygwr' of 'awdlau' by Walter Davies ['Gwallter Mechain'] and Edward Hughes ['Y Dryw'] on 'Amaethyddiaeth' submitted for competition at Tre Fadog eisteddfod, 1811; and critical observations on Welsh poetry entitled 'Ystyriaethau ar Brydyddiaeth Gymraeg ai pherthynasau yn gynnwysedig mewn rhai nodiadau ar waith Mr. T[homas] Jones ['Y Bardd Cloff'] yn y Greal', by 'Peblig', Glan Gwyrfai [i.e. 'Dafydd Ddu Eryri'] (published in Golud yr Oes, 1863, pp. 118-23), together with copies of two letters, 1806, to the author from 'Padarn' [i.e. 'Gutyn Peris'] and John Roberts ['Sion Lleyn'] containing their observations on the views set forth in the treatise. Pp. 61-8 are in the autograph of Owen Williams, Waunfawr. The compiler has included a few cover papers from manuscripts of 'Dafydd Ddu Eryri' bearing such inscriptions as 'This Morrisian MS (with some others) I found at a Farmhouse called Braint near Penmynydd, Anglesey, Sept. 9th 1793. D. Thomas' (p. 123) and 'This MSS (with several others) has been bequethed to me, by the Rev. David Ellis, late Rector of Cruccaith in Caernarvonshire. D. Thomas' (p. 189). Ii. The works of Griffith Williams ('Gutyn Peris'), Braich Talog, Llandegai, - 'Sef Casgliad, O Ganiadau, Carolau, a Cherddi, Ac awdlau, a Chowyddau, Ac Englynion ...', transcribed by Owen Williams, Ty ycha'r ffordd, Waun fawr, Llanbeblig, 1811, together with a few 'englynion' by Goronwy Owen (pp. 201-48). Iii. 'Bywyd a Marwolaeth Godidog Fardd, Dafydd Thomas; neu Dafydd Ddu, o Eryri', being a biography collected and transcribed by Owen Williams, Waunfawr; 'Casgliad Barddonawl O Waith Dafydd Ddu o Eryri, Y rhai a gyfansoddodd Yn ol ei argraffiad o Gorph y Gaingc' (imperfect) (1 page), 'Englynion ar Fedd Dafydd Thomas' by Dafydd Owen ('Dewi Wynn o Eifion'), Robert Williams ('Robert ap Gwilym Ddu' 'o'r Bettws Bach Eifion'), Griffith Williams ('Guttun Peris'), Richard Jones (Erw), Wm. Edward ('Gwilym Padarn'), and [Owen Williams]; 'englynion' by 'Dafydd Ddu Eryri', 1796-1815 and undated; and extracts from three letters from 'Dafydd Ddu Eryri' to P[eter] B[ailey] W[illiams], 1806-20 (the death of the recipient's parishioners in Llanberis and Llanrug, the death of the recipient's brother the Reverend Eliezer Williams, the displeasure of 'O[wain] Myfyr') (pp. 251-84). Iv. A transcript of Cofrestr o'r holl Lyfrau Printiedig ... (Llundain, 1717) (pp. 287-452). Inset are three leaves containing transcripts of a letter from Edmund Francis to [ ] (the writer's health, the recipient's preaching engagement) (incomplete) and of a letter from D. Thomas ['Dafydd Ddu Eryri'] to [John Roberts, 'Siôn Lleyn'], 1810 (the sale of the writer's [Corph y Gaingc]). Written on the inside lower cover is a long note by O[wen] Williams, Fronheulog, Waunfawr, 1857, of which the following is an extract, - 'Myfi a gesglais gynhwysedd y llyfr hwn o'r hen ysgrifiau a ddaeth i'm dwylaw oeddynt eiddo Dafydd Ddu Eryri ac a delais am eu rhwymo yn nghyd megys y gwelir yma er's llawer o flynyddoedd yn ol ...'.

Cyfansoddion Barddonol ...,

A composite volume containing poetical compositions in strict and free metre by, and in the autograph of, Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd'). The wording on the title-page of the first part of the volume is 'Cyfansoddion Barddonol gan Ebenezer Thomas, Clynnog. 1843' but some of the items in the section are later than this date. The remainder of the manuscript appears to consist of two other sections, the one containing miscellaneous poems, some dated, c. 1833-60, the other containing 'Y Cleopiad', 1847, and a number of 'englynion'. Alterations and interlineations have been made in some of the poems. Besides the Welsh poems - many of which, though not all, are included in Gweithiau Barddonol, &c. Eben Fardd [?1873] - the volume contains a few items of English verse. There are also one or two printed items, including a sheet of harvest hymns entitled 'Hymnau Cynauaf' by Ebenezer Thomas, 1843 (Caernarfon: Argraffwyd gan James Rees).

Ffrwdfâl manuscript,

A notebook of William Davies, Froodvale (Ffrwdfâl), bound in brown paper and inscribed 'W. Davies, Ph. D. April 12, 1846'. It contains extracts from expositary notes on scripture and notes of sermons, 1846-9 and undated, preached at Park[-y-rhos], Crug[-y-bar], Esger[dawe] and Rhydybont Congregational churches and at farmhouses called Penrhiwe and Tynypyllau in the Cynwyl Gaeo area, Carmarthenshire; poetry in Welsh and English, 1847 and undated, titles which include: 'To Rev. D[avid] E[vans, rector of] Kilgerran', 'On the Marriage of Rev. M. Jones R[ural] Dean', and 'To Tegid' [i.e. John Jones ('Ioan Tegid')], etc.; a few particulars of 'Pubs', i.e. preaching publications, mainly in Pembrokeshire, June-July 1847; and memoranda of curricula at Brecon [Independent] and Carm[arthen Presbyterian] Colleges 1846, and of book titles, of personal addresses, etc.

Ffrwdfâl manuscript,

A notebook of William Davies (1805-59), Independent minister and schoolmaster of Froodvale (Ffrwdfâl), Cynwyl Gaeo, Carmarthenshire, etc. The volume is bound in brown paper and entitled on the upper cover: 'Liber Poeseos. Composed by Wm Davies at Carnsullom in Cornwall. Scriptum Feb 8th 1831'. With the exception of a series of five 'tribannau', without a title, all the poems are in English, and an indication of their general theme may be gathered from the following titles: 'Loss of friends', 'Creation', 'Providence', 'Goodness of God', 'The Benefit of the Gospel', 'Shortness of life', 'Sufferings of Christ', 'Death of Martyrs', 'The Bible', etc. Most of the poems are dated within the period 22 February 1831-21 August 1832 and the majority are likewise subscribed 'W. D.' or 'W. D. Fecit'. An entry on the inside upper cover reads as follows: '1831. I W. D. started from Loftycyff July 6th, was at Bristol July 9th, at Exeter July 13, at Coverack July 16th'.

Journal of William Davies, Ffrwd-fal,

A journal, 1 June 1832 (not 1831 as written in the top left of the first page) - July 1836, with a few additional entries to 1841, kept by the Reverend W[illia]m Davies, Independent minister and schoolmaster, better known as Dr William Davies (1805-59), Ffrwd-fâl or Froodvale, Cynwyl Gaeo, Carmarthenshire. The writer was ordained 29 June 1832 and in a copy of a certificate of baptism, 1833, to be found in the volume he described himself as 'Independent Minister, officiating at Coverack, Prelow [sic] and Helford [Cornwall].' He left Cornwall 7 July 1834, sailing from Coverack, and returned home to Wales. Other entries record that he went to Froodvale 25 August 1834 and that he opened his grammar school near Froodvale on 2 February 1835. It appears that in the period 1837-41 he received annual payments from Crugybar Congregation for services performed monthly in the chapel. The journal also contains items of verse by William Davies, including a Welsh translation of the hymn by [Isaac] Watts 'How glorious is our heav'nly king' ('O mor fawr a gogoneddus ydyw Brenin daer a Nef'); lines composed by M. M., Coverack, Cornwall received in a letter from 'C. R.' dated 15 September 1834, the second stanza of which begins 'In search of health that boon of heaven For Wales his course does tend'; and lists of books, e.g. 'Books that I read since I came to Froodvale - Aug. 25, 1834' and ' The Books which I use in teaching children'.

Letters of Evan Evans ('Ieuan Glan Geirionydd'),

A volume containing forty-five holograph letters, 1820-30, mostly dated, on guards, with a few drafts and miscellaneous papers, from Evan Evans ('Ieuan Glan Geirionydd'; 1795-1855), writing at various times from Trefriw, Croesoswallt [Oswestry], Berriw (Aberrhiw), Llanrwst, St Bees, Chester and Christleton to 'Teulu Darowen' (addressed generally to the Reverend Thomas Richards (1754-1837), Darowen) and to individual members of the Darowen family, viz. the Reverend David Richards, vicar of Llansilin, the Reverend Thomas Richards (1785-1855), Berriew, later rector of Llangynyw, M[eistresa]n Sian Rhisiard, Darowen and the Reverend Richard Richards, Caerwys, and one letter, 1822, from J[ames] Evans, Sec[retary], Cymmrodorion Institution, London to Mr Evan Evans, Grammar School, Berriew, Montgomeryshire. The subjects discussed by Evan Evans include his health, education and financial position, literary matters (references to Y Gwyliedydd), his situation in the church, etc. The other items in the volume include a draft of a letter to [ ] Parry and lines of verse entitled 'Poor little Sweep'. The present arrangement of the letters is chronological, however a list [?in the autograph of J. H. Davies] inside the front cover relates to earlier numbers preceded by the letters 'E. E.' [? for Evan Evans] which are to be found on many of the letters near the address.

Letters of Major Nanney, etc.

A volume containing 113 items of correspondence, etc., the details of which are as follows: a note by John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd') on the Reverend P. Constable Ellis; a letter from E. G. Salisbury, Chester to 'Myrddin Fardd', 1883 (Adgof Uwch Anghof - mention of 'Piser Hir'); a review by the Reverend J. Davies ('Isfryn'), Rheithordy Llanarmon, [19]09, of Llên Gwerin Sir Gaernarfon; letters, probably all to 'Myrddin Fardd', from H. W. Lloyd, London, 1886 (thanking him for the kind trouble he has taken about 'Robin Ddu's poem), Fred[eric]k. G. Wynn, Glynllivon, (?)1900 (volumes for binding), Owain [Jones ('Manoethwy')], London, 1865 (the dedication of churches in Eifionydd - see below for other letters from 'Manoethwy'), D. R. Daniel, London, 1909 (Llên Gwerin Sir Gaernarfon), J. G[wenogvryn] E[vans], Llanbedrog, 1909 (similar), and S. E. Daniel, Clapham, undated (acknowledging the gift of a book); O. J. E[llis] Nanney, Gwynfryn to John Thomas ('Siôn Wyn o Eifion'), Chwilog, 1821-9 and undated (24) (various subjects, e.g. reference to the death of the writer's sister, health matters, etc. - see Adgof Uwch Anghof, pp. 187-191); W[illia]m W. E. Wynne, Peniarth to 'Myrddin Fardd', 1878-9 (12) (missing tombstones, genealogical matters, etc. - see Adgof Uwch Anghof, pp. 343-351); 'Catalogue of Sale at Gwynfryn Hall, near Llanystumdwy', 9 November 1872 (printed); J. W. Prichard, Plas y brain to Mr David Owen ('Dewi Wyn o Eifion') at Gaerwen, care of Mr Owen Owens, Grocer, Pwllheli, 1822 (reference to the publication in Seren Gomer of the little 'cywydd' he composed as an elegy on Gwen, his wife, a report that the bards of Arfon are to hold a meeting to compose an elegy on [David Thomas] Dafydd Ddu Eryri, P[aul] Panton of Plasgwyn has died intestate), Love Jones Parry ('Elffin ap Gwyddno'), Madryn to [ ], [18]69 (apologising for keeping the book for so long), Owen Evans to 'Myrddin Fardd', 1871 (re antiquarian papers at Broom Hall), E. G. Salisbury, Chester to [ ] 1859 (Y Drysorfa Hynafiaethol), [Reverend] John Evans, Llanllechid Rectory to John Jones, 1878 (the Reverend Edward Nanney, a carved tombstone near the communion table in Abererch church), [Reverend] W. Wynn Williams, 'Ieungaf.', Menaifron [Anglesey, postal address] Caernarvon, to [ ], 1865 (a genealogical query from a gentleman from Dublin), R. Palmer Williams, Dublin, to [ ], 1862 (a query similar to that contained in the previous letter), E. G. Salisbury, Chester to [ ],1859 (his inability to undertake what the addressee names), J. Williams Ellis, Glasfryn to [ ], [18]69 (the return of a manuscript from Mr Jones Parry), J[ohn] J[ones] ('Tegid'), Nevern, near Cardigan to [ ], 1845 (re obtaining a Madam Bevan Welsh Circulating School - see Adgof Uwch Anghof, p. 167, where it is stated that the letter is to [Robert Parry] 'Robyn Ddu Eryri'), [Reverend] John Owen, Llanengan [and Lampeter] to Myrddin Fardd, [18]81 (2), (arrangements for a visit, books from Mr Peter's library), E. Breese, in London to 'Myrddin Fardd', 1881 (he will be very glad to put Mrs Peters' books in his sale and catalogue if she wishes), [William Jones] ('Gwrgant'), Greenwich to 'Myrddin Fardd', 1878 (replying to a query about 'Llwynrhudol'), Catherine Anne Griffith, Bodegroes to John Thomas, Chwilog, 1832 (good news concerning her aunt, reference to the women committed to Pwllheli jail for stealing), 'englynion' by Ellis Owen [Cefn-y-mesydd] 'I Arfon', W. M. Evans, Caerfyrddin, to [ ], [18]55 (part I [of the addressee's work] is now out of the press, whether Mrs Williams would print a book by the addressee, mention of Hanes Prydain Fawr [by John Emlyn Jones]), John Thomas ('Pencerdd Gwalia'), London to [ ], 1866 (soliciting the honour of the addressee's name as a subscriber to his new work, The Bride of Neath Valley), Ebenezer Thomas, Clynnog to John Thomas, Chwilog, [18]49 (the addressee's ill-health, his own troubles with the recent Eisteddfod), Tho[ma]s Jones, painter, Llangollen [i.e. 'Taliesin o Eifion'] to [ ], undated (2) (asking for a description of the coat of arms of Owen Gwynedd, etc.), 'Awdl i M. W. P. (B. B. Al. A. f.) o waith T[hos.] W[m.] P[edrog] pan a oedd ar y Môr yn Ll. E. F.'r Amethyst, Ionawr 1800' followed by a letter, 1804, from T. W. Pedrog to his wife, 'Began Bach', D. Wynn Williams, Bangor, Secretary of the Bangor Royal Eisteddfod, 1874, to the Reverend Mr Edwards, Llanystymdwy, 1874 (whether the addressee knows of any person in his parish who sent a wooden carving of a horse to their exhibition), verses (in Welsh) entitled 'Oh! No we never mention her' [?translated] by 'Robt. Parry neu Robyn Ddu Eryri', Ynys Garmon, Awst, 1829, addressed to Mr J. Thomas, Bard, Chwilog; letters to John Thomas, Chwilog from Dav[id] Williams, Pwllheli, 1826 (sending two books), Ebenezer Thomas, Clynnog, 1829 (the addressee's niece, he will make up the books as soon and as neat as he can), Edw[ard] Davies, undated (his readiness to help), and D[avi]d Williams, Plastanyrallt [identical with Dav[id] Williams, Pwllheli], 1823 (acknowledging condolence on the death of his father); D. Williams ('Alaw Goch'), Miskin, Pontypridd to [ ], 1862 (his pleasure at meeting the addressee in Caernarfon); David Williams, Pwllheli to John Thomas, Chwilog (addressed once as John Meilir Thomas), 1821-8 (4) (the addressee's health, a probable donation of £3 to him by the (Eisteddfod) Committee, reference to the addressee's 'awdl', mention of Mr Jackson, Mr W[illia]ms of Llanrhug and Mrs Williams of Towyn, the carriage), D. Williams, Pwllheli, also to John Thomas, Chwilog, 1827 (replying to the addressee's enquiries about Mr D. Williams), J[ane] Pierce, Liverpool to [ ], [18]71 (W[illia]m Elias and his descendants), Robert Jones, Rotherhithe to ['Myrddin Fardd'], [18]77 (replying to a query concerning Tho[ma]s Roberts [Llwyn'rhudol] and [Robert Owen] 'Eryron Gwyllt Walia'), Reverend R[obert] Williams, Culmington Rectory to [ ], 1880-1 (2) (his inability to find the addressee's manuscript), [James James] 'Iago Emlyn', Clifton, Bristol to Mr J. M. Jones, 1877 (reminding him of the writer's wish to have one or two newspapers giving a full account of the Caer-yn-Arfon Eisteddfod), Lewis Jerman, Llanllyfni to [ ], undated (the family of Griffiths of Ywmwlch [sic]), a poem entitled 'Fall of Jerusalem', with explanatory notes, by Frederick W. Pilkington, followed by a note to 'John' containing a message for Morris), Jon[athan] Jones, Caernarvon to 'Myrddin Fardd', 1879 (2) (returning a pedigree of [Ellis Wynne] (enclosure wanting) and requesting a copy of a gravestone inscription (Ymmwlch [sic] family), H. P. Manley, North Wales Training College, Carnarvon to Owen Jones, 1857 (replying to a letter), Owen (Owain) Jones ('Manoethwy'), Llanfair and London to his brother ['Myrddin Fardd'], 1860 and 1863-5 (8) (chiefly literary matters, some words of advice), Elen Richards, Llanerful to [ ], 1863 (she has failed to find the book about the Welshpool Eisteddfod, the death of Robert Evans), R[obert] P[rys] Morris, Talyllyn Cottage, Talyllyn to 'Myrddin Fardd', 1869 (3) (the genealogy of Edmwnd Prys), an unsigned letter to an unnamed lady, 1863 (a proposal of marriage?), R[obert] Prys Morris to Mr J. Jones, 1869 (2) (Dr J. Williams, Talarfor has promised to pay for a copy of the pedigree on vellum, he (R. P. M.) is searching for information about the notabilities of the district, asking him to inform the author of Enwogion Meirion that Dr Owen died at the Cottage where he (R. P. M.) lives and not at Dolydd Cau), R[obert] Jones, bookseller, Bethesda to [ ], 1875 (re books), [William John Roberts] 'Gwilym Cowlyd', Trefriw to [ ], 1861 (his gratitude to the addressee, mention of Geirionydd, suggesting 'Cwymp Llewelyn' as subject for the chair poem at the Caer yn Arfon Eisteddfod), R. I. Jones ('Alltud Eifion'), Tremadoc to ['Myrddin Fardd'], 1859 (re copies of Y Brython sent in error to the addressee and Mr W[illia]m Jones, Pig Street, two 'englynion'), Owen Davies ('Y Bardd llechog'), Tydweiliog to [?'Myrddin Fardd'], 1859 ('englynion' to 'T[w]m Pedrog', etc.), Jane Pierce, Rhyl to [ ], undated, (enquiring about the family of William Elias (d. 1787), her Liverpool address), [Thomas Jones] 'Taliesin o Eifion' to 'Myrddin Fardd', undated ('englynion' to addressee's book), R. Lloyd Humphreys, Estate Office, Baron Hill, Beaumaris to [ ], 1865 (a query concerning Bodfan, Llandwrog), and John Ceiriog Hughes, Caersws to Owen Williams, Waunfawr, 1872 (his wish to obtain a complete copy of Y Drysorfa Genedlaethol [? error for Y Drysorfa Hynafiaethol]). Pasted inside the front cover is an obituary notice of O. J. Ellis Nanney, Gwynfryn. An index to the correspondents has been placed with the volume.

Llyfr Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd'),

A composite volume largely in the autograph of Ebenezer Thomas ('Eben Fardd') containing pedigrees (John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd') has marked some items, e.g. Llwynhelyg, Cwningaer, Robert ab Gwilym Ddu, John Wynn Morris of Wmwlch & Tyddyn Mawr); lines of verse (?incomplete) beginning 'My friend and I, on one autumnal morn ...' containing a reference to visiting John Thomas ('Siôn Wyn o Eifion'); the beginning of a translation of 'Awdl Elusengarwch' (Dewi Wyn [o Eifion]) under the title 'Charity'; a copy of a letter, 1854, from Ebenezer Thomas to the Reverend M. Rice Morgan, Pengwern, near Swansea (a claim for postage expenses in connection with the Treforys Eisteddfod); 'Englynion Wrth ganfod Eben Fardd. Awst 20 1853' by 'Maccwy' [?Robert Roberts, 'Macwy Môn']; diary entries, 2 May - 10 September 1858, relating to the illness and death of Elizabeth, youngest daughter of 'Eben Fardd'; a letter, 1852, from William Evans, Llandwrog to Ebenezer Thomas, sending a copy of some lines of verse by the writer entitled 'Hail, Clynnog Fawr'; a note concerning Goronwy Owen and his descendants in America based on letters in Yr Herald Cymraeg, 10 July 1858; accounts in connection with 'Y Seat Ganu', 1859-62; notes for essays or addresses (e.g. 'Ystyriaethau ar ddydd diolchgarwch am y cynhauaf yn 1856 (Medi 30)'); notes on temperance; a transcript by E. Vardd [sic] of the comments in the Carnarvon & Denbigh Herald, 12 January 1856, on his lecture at the Hope Hall, Liverpool on January 2; observations on, 'Church Discipline' and a note concerning a [C.M.] Mo[nthly] Meeting at Brynaera, 7 September 1845; an adjudication (beginning wanting) of the poetical compositions submitted for competition at a [Merthyr] Eisteddfod, [Christmas Day, 1850] (see Seren Gomer, 1851, p. 45); and an adjudication of the poetical compositions at the Denbigh Eisteddfod, 1860. Interpersed are items of poetry by Eben Fardd, some in the form of press-cuttings, together with some loose papers (e.g. a copy of a letter to the editor of the Carnarvon and Denbigh Herald, [1849], and a list of 'Friends and correspondents') and printed matter (e.g. circulars relating to a proposed testimonial to [David Williams] 'Alaw Goch', and to the Aberffraw Eisteddfod of 1849). The volume also contains one or two entries in the hand of John Jones ('Myrddin Fardd').

Llyfr John Morgans, Glanfrêd,

A volume containing some 'penillion' and, at the other end and largely in a different hand, late eighteenth and early nineteenth century English poetry ('On the death of Cromwell', 'On the death of Admiral Lord Nelson', etc.). Some of the English poems are signed 'J.M.' There is also an 'englyn', in yet another hand, by Catrin Morgan. Watermark: 1813.

Memoirs of the author of Indian Antiquities, etc.,

A composite volume containing [Thomas Maurice:] Memoirs of the Author of Indian Antiquities ... Part I (2nd. ed.) (London, 1821) and Parts II-III (London, 1820, 1822). Preceding the text are two engraved portraits of Thomas Maurice (one published 1 January 1801) and bound in at the end are two draft letters by J[ohn] B[owyer] N[ichols] to Dr [Samuel] Parr, Hatton, near Warwick, and one reply by Samuel Parr to J. B. Nichols, Westminster, 1824 (observations on the 'Memoir' of Thomas Maurice compiled by J. B. Nichols); a letter from W. B. Maurice (nephew of Thomas Maurice) to J. B. Nicholls [sic], undated [1824] (observations on the 'Memoir'); a corrected copy of a sonnet beginning 'Maurice! the Bard of Patriotism, adieu!', 2 April 1824 ('Used in p. 359'); a reprint, and a cutting of an abridged version, of the 'Memoir of Rev. Thomas Maurice' [by J. B. Nichols] from the Gentleman's Magazine, May 1824; 'Substance of the Will' of Thomas Maurice and probate accounts, 1824; and A Catalogue of the entire Library of the late Reverend Thomas Maurice, Assistant Librarian at the British Museum ... which will be sold by auction, by Mr Sotheby ..... On Saturday, January 8, 1825 and Six following Days (Sunday excepted).

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