Photocopy of 'A Journal of Robert Busk aged 13 years'
Date(s): 1782-1784
Creator(s): Busk, Robert
Scope & Content: The journal describes Robert's daily activities some of which are seasonal such as fishing, shooting, hunting and hare coursing. His father rarely gave permission for fishing, so on occasions Robert slipped out before dawn in great subterfuge. Prayers in the morning and evening and bible study was a daily part of Robert's life; also home study covering subjects such as Greek, Latin, French, mathematics and literature. Robert writes of attending a lecture by a Mr. Banks in Douglas in August 1783 on pneumatics, astrology and eclipses. Later he records his observation of a lunar eclipse on 10 September 1783. Robert frequently passed the time after the evening meal playing cards or backgammon and saying prayers. Plentiful references to his brothers and father. On the occasion of his brother Jacob Busk leaving the Island in January 1783 Robert writes 'for it is proper that brothers always love one another I hope it will always be the case with us'. Mention of the horses, his dog 'Spanker' and neighbours' hounds. Many entries concern the game hunted and a 'successful' poacher from Newtown, Paul Querk much to Robert's annoyance. Records the names of visitors to his home or visits to other households connected to his father's position as the Attorney General: General Smith, Dr Scott, Mr Lewellin, Mr Frazer (his tutor), Campbell Bethan, Mr Leece, Captain Rawlings, Captain Quayle [George Quayle] of Castletown, Cubbin and Captain Duva. The journal has gaps; some sections are written in shorthand.
Administration / Biographical History: Robert Busk (1768-1835) was the son of Sir Wadsworth Busk (Busck) (Attorney General, 1774-1793) and Alice Parish of Newtown, Santon (both originally from Leeds, Yorkshire). Mrs Busk died in June 1776 as the result of being thrown from a horse carriage on Richmond Hill. Brothers: Hans Busk 1772-1862 (Welsh poet), Jacob Hans Busk 1767-1844, William (Billy) Busk 1769- 1849 (MP), Edward Busk 1765-1838. Robert Busk became a merchant in St Petersburg, Russia.
Language: English
Item name: copy of journal
Collection: Manuscript Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: MS 07014
Retrieval number: MD 685
Record class: Private
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