The Time
jump from "The Problem of the Heavenly Mechanism" to
the beginning of "The Strange Tale of the Island Astray"
(April 1872-March 1875) Version 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.41,
0.42, 0.43,
0.5,
0.6, 0.7,
Wednesday, 10 April 1872: Mrs Salmalin, Mrs MacGreggor, Mr O'Flaherty, Mrs Cuthbert, and Sir Spencer accompany Miss Evie Botley to Edenfield. Miss Botley and Mrs Cuthbert revive and restore Colonel Dunbar.
Thursday, 11 April: the Times carries the story of the death of special correspondent Laurence Oliphant, found dead at the bottom of a set of stairs at the back of the building in which he lived. Lady Oliphant (Mr Oliphant's mother) has a conversation with Insp. MacGreggor. Later, she calls on Lady Cowperthwaite. In the evening, the Cowperthwaites, Woosters, Mrs Salmalin and Mrs Cuthbert interview Colonel Dunbar. Mrs Frazer, Wilhelmina, (and Violet and Daru and the babies) take a train from London to Snodbury. At the same time, Mrs Cuthbert, Mrs Salmalin, et al accompany Miss Botley on a train from Edenfield to Snodbury. Meanwhile, Insp MacGreggor and Mr Frazer go from London to Edenfield. Also, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter two of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure."
Friday, 12 April: Insp. MacGreggor interviews Col. Dunbar. In Snodbury, the remainder of the League calls on Doverton Abbey to offer condolences and assist in cleaning up. Miss Botley performs and ritual. The being referred to as Eve by the monks of the Abbey appears and speaks with members of the League. Richard Anthony Proctor, editor of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, reports observations confirming James Challis' discovery of a small celestial object orbiting the earth. In the evening, Insp. & Mrs MacGreggor and Mr Frazer take a train to Snodbury.
Saturday 13 April: French astronomer Pierre-Jules-César Janssen reports the discovery of a small celestial object orbiting the earth the earth--two series of four photographs taken on 6 April and 7 April confirm the location. Mr O'Flaherty visits the pub in Littleton. Lt & Mrs Wooster return to London.
Sunday, 14 April: the Times carries a rather long obituary of Laurence Oliphant, special correspondent, former diplomat, author, et cetera. Lt & Mrs Wooster have Sunday luncheon with Mr & Mrs Gregson.
Monday, 15 April: Insp & Mrs MacGreggor and Mr Frazer return to London. The Woosters return to Snodbury. James Challis reports that attempts to calculate an orbit for the object based on his own observations and those of Proctor and Janssen have not correctly predicted the position of the object.
Tuesday, 16 April: Mrs Salmalin, Mrs Cuthbert, Mr Salmalin, the Comte and Comtess Brabant, Mr Ramsay, and Nanny Chigwidgeon receive summonses from the Lord High Warlock's office.
Wednesday, 17 April: Publisher's Circular reports that nearly all 9000 copies of the first printing of "Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There" by Lewis Carroll, have been sold since their release in December of the previous year. MacMillan and Company is considering an additional printing.
Thursday, 18 April - The Times, Standard, and Daily Telegraph all report a Maya uprising at Orange Walk Town in British Honduras. In Snodbury, Wilhelmina and Sir Cosmo, with assistance from Eve, have repaired enough of the underground artifact for its self-repair systems to begin functioning. Also, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter three of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure."
Friday, 19 April: Most of the League returns to London. Mrs Cuthbert, Mrs Salmalin, Mr Salmalin, and many others, are interviewed by officers of the Lord High Warlock's office. Sir Cosmo finds a crate from Count Wymms awaiting him, it contains a leather-armor costume of a member of the League of Shadows--with a decided sabre hole through the heart. (At some point during the following week Sir Cosmo will inform most members of the league of the notes he found hidden inside one boot in the crate)
Saturday, 20 April: Sir Cosmo and Sir Spencer have obtained adjacent boxes at Covent Gardens to hear a performance of the Bellini opera La Sonnambula, featuring Canadian soprano Emma Albani, whose London debut has been receiving rave reviews all month. Most of the League attends.
Sunday, 21 April: Mrs Salmalin, Mr Ramsey, and other members of the League return to Snodbury to continue the inventory and clean-up.
Monday, 22 April: The Daily Telegraph and Times report that the seige of Orange Walk Town in British Honduras continues, despite the reinforcement of troops from Belize City. In the Evening Standard, it is reported that both Lord Hartington (Secretary for War) and Lord Greyminster (Admiralty) refuse to comment on reports that aerofrigates had bombarded the fort at Orange Walk.
Tuesday, 23 April: The Daily News and Times report that Don Carlos, Duke of Madrid, great-grandson of Charles IV of Spain, has called for a restoration of the legitimate Spanish Royal House.
Wednesday, 24 April: All the London morning papers carry a story based upon an official statement issued by Lord Kimberly, the Colonial Secretary, stating that troops and warships have been dispatched from Jamaica to deal with the uprising in British Honduras. The statement says the the Mayan "rebels" appear to have been equipped with surplus munitions from the former Confederate States of America. These munitions may very well include reconnasence balloons.
Thursday, 25 April: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter four of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure."
Friday, 26 April: The Standard and Times both report that Orange Walk Town, British Honduras, is under siege from a combined force of Mayan rebels and ex-patriate Confederate officers. The latter have been fire bombing the city from their aerogunships. The Evening Standard reports that the seige of Orange Walk Town, British Honduras, has been broken thanks to the intervention of a French fleet of aerofrigates, and the American adventurers, Mr Leslie Gallant, Jr, and Kid Rocket.
Saturday, 27 April: All the London papers carry slightly more detailed stories of the uprising in British Honduras, including preliminary reports that the series of ships disappearing in the Carribean in the previous months was caused by the Confederate aerogunships.
Tuesday, 30 April: Edward tests the palace defenses, meets a new guard named Holmes.
Thursday, 2 May: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter five of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure," in which Atlas, Billy Callahan, and Eamon, are picked up by a freighter, only to discover it is under the command of Dr Destiny.
Friday, 3 May: Wilhelmina learns of a change in her mother's marital status in Melbourne.
Monday, 6 May: In the new edition of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, among the letters column is a missive from James Moriarty, Lecturer in Mathematics at Bracton College, Somersetshire, analysing the mathematical models of the orbit of the object observed by Challis, Hind, Proctor, and Janssen.
Tuesday, 7 May: The London Illustrated Weekly publishes an artists rendering of the devastation in Zanzibar caused by a hurricane the previous month. The short accompanying storie reports estimated fatalities in the hundreds, and perhaps a quarter of the nations full-grown clove trees destroyed.
Wednesday, 8 May: The Times, Daily Telegraph, and Standard all report that an army of volunteers have gathered in Navarra under the banner of "Carlos VII," aka Don Carlos, Duke of Madrid, and have marched into Spain. Meanwhile, Insp. MacGreggor receives a note from his uncle, Sir Ephraim Sloane, inviting the MacGreggors to tea.
Thursday, 9 May: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter six of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure" which ends with Atlas, Billy, Eamon, Dr Destiny, and Max on an iceberg after a collison and sinking.
Friday, 10 May: The Times and Standard both report that British troops have been dispatched into the jungles of Inner British Honduras seeking the headquarters of ex-Confederate officers General Jubal T. Steele and Colonel James Powell.
Saturday, 11 May: The MacGreggors have tea with Sir Ephraim.
Sunday, 12 May: The Times carries an extremely detailed eye-witness account of the long siege of Orange Walk Town, written by Andrew W. Higgins (Oxford fellow, philologist, and amateur anthropologist). The Standard reports from America of a bank robbery in late April in Columbia, Kentucky. Mr R.A.C. Martin, a cashier, was killed by one of the five gunmen, who made off with an excess of $6000 (£2400). According to witnesses, two of the gunman bragged to the crowd that they had been robbing banks for many years and could not be captured.
Wednesday, 15 May: The Times, Globe, and Standard all carry stories about the sudden increase in hard wood prices, due in part to the military troubles in Central America and the recent hurricane in Zanzibar.
Thursday, 16 May: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter seven of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure."
Friday, 17 May: All of the morning papers mention the sad death of Baron Heacham -- dropped dead at a card table at the Cavendish Club. Both Cosmo and Mrs Cuthbert will point out to anyone who happens to be nearby when this news is read that Cosmo's other neighbor in London, the Hon. Miles Keeble, is the eldest son of Lord Heacham. Condolence calls will be in order.
Saturday, 18 May: The Times and Standard reports from Navarra that most of the Carlist rebel units have surrendered to the Spanish Army after a disasterous series of defeats. Don Carlos is not believed to have been killed or captured. Mrs Salmalin returns to London from Snodbury.
Sunday, 19 May - Whit Sunday.
Monday, 20 May: Mrs Philip Whitnell, her son John Whitnell, daughter Betty, and a number of other family members arrive in London and begin settling into the house which John has taken in Notting Hill. The Daily News reports a new uprising in Catalonia, as forces acting in the name of Don Carlos call for the restoration of the "legitimate" Spanish Royal Line.
Tuesday, 21 May: Mr O'Flaherty, Lt. Wooster, and Sir Spencer receive a new round of telegrams for the Hon. Mr Willoughby Wooster, indicating "substantionally better returns than expected.
Wednesday, 22 May: A Tribunal is convened by the Lord High Warlock's office, examining allegations against Major Alfred Powell of (among other things) Magickal Assault with intent to cause Serious Injury. Mrs Salmalin, Mrs Cuthbert, Mr Salmalin, Nanny Chigwidgeon, the Comte and Comtess Brabant are all on the witness list. The trial lasts for nearly a week.
Thursday, 23 May: Major Haywood, his sister, Mrs Russell, and her daughter Eliza come to London, where the Major has taken a townhouse for the season. Also, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter eight of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion prints chapter one of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 24 May: The Times and Standard both report that the United States President, Ulysses S. Grant, signed an Amnesty Act earlier in the week, restoring legal rights to all but 500 named Confederate Sympathizers.
Saturday, 28 May: The Times carries a notice about the appointment of Sir Ephraim Slone, bt., formerly Assistant Minister to Persia, as Commissioner in one of the colonial districts of North-West India.
Monday, 27 May: Miss Betty Whitnell is presented. The usual round of balls, parties, teas, and luncheons begins.
Tuesday, 28 May: the Tribunal rules Major Powell Not Guilty by Reason of Demonic Possession -- though he is remanded into the care of an order of monks known for healing who must certify his recovery before he may return to duty.
Wednesday, 29 May: The Daily News and Times report from Spain Carlist rebellions continue in Catalonia, Navarra, Aragon, and Guipuzcoa.
Thursday, 30 May: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes the thrilling conclusion of "Atlas Adrift! A castaway adventure." While over in the Weekly Companion may be found chapter two of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Saturday, 1 June: The Times reports, from America, the passage of a law moving the Kaw nation from its 80,000 acre reservation in Kansas to 100,000 acres in Indian Territory (Oklahoma).
Tuesday, 4 June: The Pink 'Un (The Sporting News) includes a full-page advertisement from Slugworth Chocolates and Confections, trumpetting the release, this Saturday, of a new confectionary treat in honour of the queen's birthday and Trooping of the Colour.
Wednesday, 5 June: The Pugilistic Benevolent Society secures a license to hold the first "Queensbury Rules Tournament" scheduled for October in London. Mr O'Flaherty receives his official invitation to compete within a few days.
Thursday, 6 June: In the new edition of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society more letters concerning the observations of Challis, Hind, Proctor, and Janssen are printed, including a letter from the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield critiquing the findings of James Moriarty. The Weekly Companion prints chapter three of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 7 June: The Standard and Times both carry versions of the Slugworth ad.
Saturday, 8 June: In honour of the Queen's Birthday celebration, Wonka's Fine Confectionary introduces a line of candies called the Crown Jewels. The centerpiece of each candy is a clear hard candy in various colors. The candies are as clear as the highest quality gemstones, reflecting light with a dazzling brilliance. The candies include rings, bracelets, crowns, and sceptres. The flavours are said to be as clear and brilliant as their name sake gems: Sapphire Blueberry, Ruby Strawberry, Amethyst Cherry, Emerald Lime, Diamond Lemon, Topaz Pineapple, Moonstone Coconut, and Pearl Apple. Wonka's shop is swamped with customers. Vendors on the Mall and in the vicinity of Green Park and Buckingham Palace can hardly keep up with demand. Meanwhile, Chocolates and Confections unveil their much-advertised new candy: marshmallow reproductions of the Queen's head, topped by a hard candy crown. They do not seem to sell as well.
Monday, 10 June: The Birthday Honours list is published, and buried down deep in the list some members of the household will notice the name of Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, who has been named a Companion of the Bath. Also, the new issue of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society is published, and the letters column is dominated by discussions of the object identified previously by Prof Challis.
Tuesday, 11 June: Lance Constable Tobias Gregson is promoted to Police Constable.
Wednesday, 12 June: Mr James Whitnell accompanies a senior lecturer on a tour of several European universities. Lt. & Mrs Wooster receive an invitation to Sunday dinner at Mr & Mrs Gregson's. Meanwhile, Lt. Wooster takes his nephew, Tobias Gregson, to his tailor to be fitted for a new uniform.
Thursday, 13 June: The Weekly Companion prints chapter four of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!" Elsewhere, Lt. Wooster takes his nephew out for a celebratory drink.
Sunday, 16 June: The Woosters attend Sunday dinner at the Gregsons'--along with Tobias, Lord Towcester, and other members of the Wooster clan. Mr Spencer Gregson (Agathe's husband) treats the dinner as a celebration of his son's advancement in his police career. Mrs Gregson seems less than enthusiastic.
Tuesday, 18 June: Over tea at Lady Cowperthwait's, Miss Betty Whitnell talks about a charmingly attentive young man she has met, the Hon. Mr Ronald Eynseford (third son of Viscount Roxton). Another young man who is mentioned more than once is Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe (younger son of a country squire in Brackhampton).
Thursday, 20 June: The Weekly Companion prints chapter five of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 21 June: Several London papers mention that Elie Frédéric Forey, former Marshall of France and member of the Imperial Senate, died in his home in Paris, after a long illness.
Tuesday, 25 June: The financial pages report that France has finally created a banking clearinghouse: an independent agency where banks exchange drafts, cheques, settle accounts, and collecting and disseminating financial information.
Thursday, 27 June: The Weekly Companion prints chapter six of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!" Meanwhile, the cover of the Half-Penny Marvel Library features a picture of Atlas O'Flaherty fighting a group of men armed with clubs and knives, with the words "Atlas in New Orleans!" Inside the magazine, one finds chapter one of a story entitled, "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin."
Friday, 28 June: Wilhelmina learns more about her mother's new situation.
Thursday, 4 July: In the pages of the Half-Penny Marvel Library one finds chapter two of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin." And the Weekly Companion prints chapter seven of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 5 July: A law expelling members of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) from Prussia, was granted the royal assent earlier this week. A similar measure has languished in the North German Confederacy Parliament for months.
Tuesday, 9 July: The letters section of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes a letter from James Moriarty answering the questions raised the previous month by Rev. Weatherby Summerfield.
Wednesday, 10 July: Sir Spencer and Mrs Cuthbert are among the guests to a dinner at the home of the Comte and Comtess des Brabants. During dinner, Mrs Cuthbert has a disturbing vision of her granddaughter falling severely ill. The Brabants, Mrs Cuthber, and Sir Spencer leave for Metz, France, to care for Mrs Cuthbert's grandchildren.
Thursday, 11 July: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter three of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin." And the Weekly Companion prints chapter eight of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 12 July: Mr & Mrs Salmalin leave London for her cottage in West Darlson.
Monday, 15 July: The Times, Daily News, and Daily Telegraph all carry the news that the Prince and Princess Imperial of France are expecting a child. The household of John Whitnell prepares to to return to Cheshire.
Tuesday, 16 July: Invitations to a ball at the French Embassy in honour of the Prince and Princess Imperial begin arriving in homes all over London.
Wednesday, 17 July: Mrs Philip Whitnell, her son John Whitnell, daughter Betty, and a number of other family members return to Whitnell House in Cheshire.
Thursday, 18 July: In the pages of the Half-Penny Marvel Library one finds chapter four of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin." While in the Weekly Companion is found chapter nine of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 19 July: The Times and Daily News both report that Benito Juárez, President of Mexico, died on the previous day, due heart failure.
Monday, 22 July: The Times and Standard both report about the arrival Abdülâziz, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, at Innsbruck, where he is to be a guest of Emperor Francis Joseph.
Wednesday, 24 July: The Standard reports from its correspondent in the colony of Senegambria, that a Prussian warship has landed at the tiny James Island fort in the mouth of the Gambia river and placed a garrison there. The Evening Standard prints an expanded story, explaining how the island had once been a colony of the German Duchy of Courland (who named it St Andrews Island in 1651), which has since become part of the Kingdom of Prussia. The island and fort have changed hands several times since 1651. As part of a settlement between the French, British, and Prussian government in 1779, the French retained possession of a territory on the north bank of the Gambia River, the British the south bank (and in subsequent agreements much of the Gambia watershed), and the Prussians the island. The island was abandoned completely shortly after the West Africa Slave Trade was ended in 1848.
Thursday, 25 July: The Times, Daily News, Standard, Globe, and Daily Telegraph all report an official statement from the Prussian Embassy that the Kingdom of Prussia has never ceded its rights to the colony of St Andrews Island, and His Majesty's government considers maintainence of the colony is essential to the safety of Prussian citizens in the Prussian Gold Coast (another colonial holding formerly surrounded by the Netherlands colony of the Dutch Gold Coast but thanks to the recent agreement between Britain and the Netherlands, entirely surrounded by the British Gold Coast). The Evening Standard reports that the French Embassy has expressed guarded confidence that an amenable resolution can be found to the situation in the Gambia River. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter five of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin." And the Weekly Companion prints chapter ten of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 26 July: the Times reports that the Chancellor of the North German Confederation, Ernst von Brucke, reminded reporters in Berlin that St. Andrews Island and the Prussian Gold Coast are colonies of the Kingdom of Prussia only, and not possessions of the Confederation, which does not even possess a department of colonial affairs.
Saturday, 27 July: the Times, Standard, and Daily News all report that Julius Graf von Waldersee, Colonial Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia, issued a statement affirming His Majesty's governments firm conviction that the colonies of St. Thomas in the West Indies, St. Andrews and Gold Coast in West Africa are vital to the safety and prosperity of the Kingdom, and His Majesty has no intention of relinquishing them.
Thursday, 1 August: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter six of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin." And the Weekly Companion prints chapter eleven of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Friday, 2 August: Caroline Frazer turns one year old.
Saturday, 3 August: The French Embassy Ball, attended by many people, including Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwatie, Sir Spencer, Mrs Cuthbert, the Comte & Comtess des Brabant, Mr & Mrs Frazer, Insp & Mrs MacGreggor, and many others. Robert Frazer turns one year old.
Monday, 5 August: In the latest edition of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society is found a letter from the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield contesting some of the assertions made by James Moriarty concerning a generalization of the three-body problem.
Thursday, 8 August: The morning papers report that the Commons has passed the Secret Ballot Act, mandating voting by secret ballot for the first time in British history. Meanwhile, in Cheshire, Mrs Salmalin gives birth to a daughter, Octavia Ambar Salmalin. Mrs Cuthbert, reacting to a vision, sends healing thoughts from Metz. A telegram is sent saying the new baby is well. Mrs Frazer writes to Mrs Phillip Whitnell. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter seven of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin." And the Weekly Companion publishes the thrilling conclusion of "Kid rocket and the Devil Duelist!"
Tuesday, 13 August: The Standard reports the sighting of several Prussian warships docking at St. Thomas, in the West Indies.
Wednesday, 14 August: Mention is made in the Daily News of a brief stop-over by Abdülâziz, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, at Genoa, on the Mediterranean coast, where the Sultan is the guest of the Victor Emmanuel II, King of Piedmont, Savoy, and Sardinia.
Thursday 15 August: Mrs Salmalin receives a letter from Mrs Frazer. Also, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter eight of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin."
Friday, 16 August: The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals by Charles Darwin is published. Mrs Frazer picks up her reserved copy.
Saturday 17 August Mrs Salmalin answers Mrs Frazer's letter, inviting her and the babies to West Darlston in a month.
Monday, 19 August: Mrs Cuthbert's granddaughter's fever breaks.
Tuesday, 20 August: The Salmalins move to the cottage at West Darlson.
Thursday, 22 August: Abdülâziz, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, arrives in Biarritz and the summer palace of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie. Elsewhere, one finds in the pages of the Half-Penny Marvel Library chapter nine of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin."
Friday, 23 August: Sir Spencer and the Comte des Brabant take a sojourn to Biarritz.
Saturday, 24 August: Mrs Salmalin receives an amusing letter from her brother, James--delivered by hand by Mr John Whitnell who took the train to West Darlston--in which (among other things) he describes a rather humorous argument he witnessed between two professors: Freiherr (baron) Justus von Liegin and Freiherr Frederick von Zemo at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich.
Monday, 26 August: Summer Bank Holiday.
Wednesday, 28 August: The Times reports the discovery of gold in the Palmer River, in Queensland Colony, Australia by a party led by Mr William Hann.
Thursday, 29 August: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter ten of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin."
Sunday, 1 September: Mrs Cuthbert's grandson's fever breaks.
Wednesday, 4 September: HMY Osbourne, escorted by HMS Wivern, HMS Quell, and HMS Rhinoceros, set sail from Portsmouth for several state visits in Europe.
Thursday, 5 September: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints the exciting conclusion of "Atlas O'Flaherty and the Mystery of the Golden Coffin."
Friday, 6 September: Queen Victoria and party arrive in Paris. The Comte and Comtess des Brabant, Sir Spencer, and Mrs Cuthbert visit Paris.
Saturday, 7 September: An Imperial Ball in honour of "Her Royal Majesty, Victoria, Empress of India and Queen of the United Kingdom." The Brabants, Sir Spencer, and Mrs Cuthbert are the guests at a salon hosted by the Duchesse de Indre. Sir Spencer becomes acquainted with the Vicomte de Vergennes, father-in-law of Vicomte des Molineaux.
Tuesday, 10 September: the financial pages of most of the London papers report that the Eastern Telegraph Company has formed through a "merging" of several smaller English Telegraph Companies, and has selected John Pender, MP representing Wicks Burghs (director of the Atlantic Telegraph Company and the British Indian Submarine Telegraph Company), as its Chairman and Managing Director.
Wednesday, 11 September: Mr Ichabod Balderstoke arrives at Edenfield. He is a dinner guest at Edenfield Court that evening. Afterward, he and Sir Cosmo have a lively discussion quite late into the night.
Thursday, 12 September: Slugworth Chocolates and Confections begins running ads in several papers introducing a new product, "Snapping, Streching, and Chewing Gum - under exclusive license from the Adams Chicle Company of North America." The gum comes in three flavors: Licorice, Clove, and Mallow.
Friday, 13 September: Sir Cosmo attends a Director's meeting for the B & C Great Locomotive Company, at the home of Mr Enoch Balderstoke, Managing Director.
Saturday, 14 September: Wonka's Fine Confections introduces it's own line of chewing gum "For flavours that last." Available in four flavours: Green Apple Pie, Hot Cherry Cobbler, Cinnamon Sensation, and Snapping Ginger.
Sunday, 15 September: Mr James Whitnell arrives in London, returned from the continent.
Monday, 16 September: The Spectator reports that Mr Arthur Slugworth, Managing Director of Chocolates and Confections, is considering taking legal action against "unscrupulous competitors" who are infringing on his exclusive license from the Adams Chicle Company of North America. Meanwhile, Mrs Frazer, Violet and the toddlers arrive in West Darlson. Mrs Salmalin and Mrs Frazer have the first of many conversations about motherhood as a “Lady of Action.”
Tuesday, 17 September: the financial pages of most of the London papers report that the B & C Great Locomotive Company has reached an agreement with Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite and Mr Ichabod Balderstoke, to purchase their interest in a number of railroads, in installments over the next four years. When the deal is completed, the Company will be the largest single rail company in Great Britain. Mr James Whitnell arrives by late train at Whitnell House.
Wednesday, 18 September: Wonka's introduces two new flavours of chewing gum: Strawberry Cream and Blueberry Scone.
Thursday, 19 September: The Daily Telegraph and Times both report that Charles XV, King of Sweden and Norway, died the previous day at Malmöhus Castle. The Weekly Companion publishes the first thrilling chapter of a new serial: "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den--Rebels, Mutineers, and Traitors in British Honduras."
Friday, 20 September: The Daily Telegraph and Times both carry stories about the arrival of Her Majesty in Belgium for a state visit with King Leopold II and Queen Marie Henriette. Mr James Whitnell arrives on short notice at West Darlston and has to explain some rather startling bruises. Mr Frazer arrives to join his wife at West Darlson.
Saturday, 21 September: The Woosters close the sale on No. 20 Charles Street.
Sunday, 22 September: Mr James Whitnell departs West Darlston bound for Scotland. The Frazers return to London.
Monday, 23 September: The Times and Daily News report that more than 100 men of the Metropolitan Police have refused to report for duty after learning that there is to be a reduction in pensions, and there will be no increase in wages.
Tuesday 24 September: The Globe and the Echo both report that Mr Arthur Slugworth has filed a lawsuit against Mr William Wonka over the alleged infringement of a exclusive license. All the rest of the papers report on the Police Strike: a total of 179 men refused to report for duty. After a heated discussions between some of the dissatisfied policemen and the Commissioner of Police, led nowhere, the Undersecretary for Prisons and Policing intervened. Promising to find a means to redress their greivances, he convinced 110 of the men to return to duty, only a few hours late. The policemen who refused to return to duty were dismissed.
Wednesday, 25 September: The Daily Telegraph reports that Lieutenant-Colonel Edmund Henderson, Commissioner of Police, wanted to charge all the striking police officers with Mutiny, but has been overruled by the Home Secretary. An interview, published in the Evening Standard, with Sir Sebastion Ffolkes, Undersecretary for Prisons and Policing, disputes this characterization, insisting that Commissioner Henderson has been a staunch and unflinching advocate for improved conditions, pay, and resources of the force.
Thursday, 26 September: The Illustrated London Weekly reprints a series of pictures from Leslie's Illustrated News of New York various scenes of recent news events in the U.S.A., including a meeting between a group of war veterans of Red Indian descent (led by Captain Joe Bellmand, of the 15th Kansas Cavalry) meeting with President Ullysses S. Grant. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter two of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den."
Friday, 27 September: The Times, Daily News, and Daily Telegraph all report that the Earl of Derby, Home Secretary, has announced that funds will be moved from other portions of the Home Office budget to restore pensions to previous levels, and his intention to fight for an increase in budget for the next year.
Saturday, 28 September: Sir Spencer, Mrs Cuthbert, and the Comte and Comtess des Brabant return to England.
Monday, 30 September: Slugworth Chocolates and Confections introduces a new flavour of "Snapping, Stretching, and Chewing Gum" to compete with the new flavours from Wonkas. Slugworth's new flavour: Butter.
Wednesday, 2 October: Mrs Salmalin writes to Lady Cowperthwaite and proposes returning to her duties in early November.
Thursday, 3 October: The Weekly Companion publishes chapter three of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den." Meanwhile, the Daily Telegraph and the Spectator both report that Mr Phileas Fogg has bet several of his fellow members of the Reform Club the sum of 20,000 pounds that he can circumnavigate the world in 80 days. After writing the cheque and signing a wager agreement on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 2, he caught the 8:45pm train to Dover.
Friday, 4 October: The Daily News and Times both report that Queen Victoria has arrived at Amsterdam where she will be the guest of King William III and Queen Sophia.
Saturday, 5 October: "The Air Apparent, or the Incognito Continental" a comedy by Mr Nigel Graham and Mr N Templeton opens at the Royal Gallery of Illustrations. The posters advertising the play depict a military officer clinging for dear life to a rope dangling from some sort of aeroship. Lt & Mrs Wooster, Mr O'Flaherty attend the premiere.
Sunday, 6 October: The Standard reports from America that a gang of masked gunmen robbed the Kansas City Fair ticket office, making off with $8000(£3200). Witnesses say the gunmen acted as if it were a show to entertain the crowd waiting to enter the fair--until local police arrived. During the brief exchange of gunfire, one bystander was wounded.
Monday, 7 October: The Daily Telegraph carries a favourable review of the new play by Graham and Templeton, finding the performance of Mr Adam Whitely as the kind-hearted, though dimwitted, Captain Bergstrom both heartwarming and hilarious. The Globe's review is generally favorable, as well, though it does comment that certain elements of the play are perhaps overly similar to last year's theatrical sensation written by the same team.The Observer's review is quite negative, taking particular exception to the idea that aerial ships of war could ever become as commonplace as the play assumes, and thinking that perhaps Mr Graham's former association with the notorious Dr Jebediah Wilson has clouded his judgement.
Tuesday, 8 October: The Journal of the London Microscopial Society publishes a monograph by Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, "Microscopic Organisms Found in Turbulent Fluids."
Thursday, 10 October: The Weekly Companion publishes chapter four of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den."
Friday, 11 October: In the case of Slugworth vs Wonka, the jury rules against the plaintiff after only an hour of deliberation. Several papers quote from the judge's closing remarks, in which he attempted to explain to Mr Slugworth that even if a patent on the Adams process of manufacturing chicle-based gum had been granted in the United Kingdom, a patent never prevents other persons from using a patented process, it would merely entitled the holder to royalty payments. As such a patent application had not been made before several persons began selling such products in the United Kingdom, he was not entitled to even that.
Saturday, 12 October: Prodnose Biscuits and Confections begins selling flavoured chewing gum. The Times and Daily News carry reports from America of an epidemic killing horses in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Hundreds of working animals have fallen victim to the disease so far, whose symptoms match nothing previously seen.
Monday, 14 October: The Pugilistic Benevolent Society English Championship Tournament begins. The opening ceremony is presided over by Jem "Black Diamond" Ward, who was English bareknuckle champion from 1825to 1831. Seamus wins his first bout during the first round; but then, so does One-Punch O'Neill and Gentleman Jimmy Maws.
Tuesday, 15 October: The Times, the Standard, the Globe, and the Observer all carry stories of the arrival at Leineschloss, Hanover, of Queen Victoria at the court of her cousin, King George V of Hanover.
Wednesday, 16 October: the Ficklegruber Candy Company announces a line of "superior flavour chewing gums." It is noted by many that the Fudge Flavoured gum would make an excellent mortar for brick walls.
Thursday, 17 October: Lt. Wooster, Sir Spencer, Edward (and George and Mrs Wooster), and assorted other members of the household attend the Quarter Finals of the Pugilistic Benevolent Society English Championship Tournament. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter five of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den."
Friday, 18 October: The Semi-Final bouts: Oone-Punch O'Neill beats Gentleman Jimmy after 42 rounds. Seamus O'Flaherty beats Billy Drake after 30 rounds. Midway through the drake fight, Lt Wooster is sent on an urgent mission to bring Mrs Cuthbert to the arena.
Saturday, 19 October: Seamus O'Flaherty and One-Punch O'Neill battle it out for the championship, at one point it appears they have both knocked each other out, but the go for a few more rounds, Seamus finally winning near the end of the 49th Round.
Monday, 21 October: A cacophony of barking from the nursery of Edenfield Courts brings several members of the household running. They find young Galen barking (alternating with giggling) at Owen and Edward, who are barking back enthusiastically--all ignoring Daru's request to not be so loud.
Wednesday, 23 October: The Times and Evening Standard both report the announcement, in Hanover, of the engagement of Her Highness, Princess Charlotte of Hanover and Cumberland (daughter of George V of Hanover, and therefore great-granddaughter of the late King George III of England) to His Highness, Prince Lukas of Florin.
Thursday, 24 October: The Weekly Companion publishes chapter six of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den."
Saturday, 27 October: Galen Robert Cowperthwaite figures out how to make a squealing sound that uncannily resembles a whistling tea kettle. He only seems to do it when he wants attention, and stops as soon as the nearest adult (or facsimile) arrives.
Thursday, 31 October: Halloween. Mrs Salmalin is awakened in the wee small hours of the morning by a disturbing vision. Wilhelmina awakes at her usual time to make a surprising discovery. Mrs Frazer makes her feelings clear on the matter. Mrs Salmalin sends a telegraph to Edenfield in warning. The Salmalins return to Edenfield by train. Mr O'Flaherty departs Edenfield, carrying away a troublesome object. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter seven of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den."
Friday, 1 November: Mrs Salmalin writes a letter to Miss Pinker regarding recent events at Edenfield. Lt. Wooster goes to London to deal with certain matters. Mr O'Flaherty's accountants contact him: there are papers to sign, deeds to transfer, et cetera. Wilhelmina finally opens her present from Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite: Physics and Politics by Walter Bagehot.
Saturday, 2 November: The Standard and Times both report that the "Great Epizootic" has become front page news in every major American newspaper. So many working horses have died in the earliest cities hit, that men are being employed to pull carts, wagons, and carriages. Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo now are as hard hit as New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. Lt. Wooster takes possession of No. 20 Charles Street.
Sunday, 3 November: In Cheshire, the Hon. Ronald Eynseford is seen at the local church, having obtained an invitation to join the fox hunting at the home of Mr & Mrs Arthur Swettenham, neighbors of the Whitnells.
Monday, 4 November: Mrs Wooster receives an invitation to tea at the London townhouse of Viscount and Vicountess Deever--Barmy's future in-laws. Mr O'Flaherty officially takes possession of Doverton Abbey.
Tuesday, 5 November: Guy Fawkes Day.
Wednesday, 6 November: Miss Pinker arrives at Edenfield. Several members of the household have conversations with her.
Thursday, 7 November: Miss Pinker and Sir Cosmo have a discussion. Later, Sir Cosmo and Wilhelmina have a discussion. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter eight of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den."
Friday, 8 November: The Times, Standard, and Daily Telegraph all report that it is believed that Ulysses S. Grant has been elected to a second term as President of the United States, defeating Horace Greeley (though votes are still being tabulated). It is also noted that Greeley's wife, Mary Cheney Greeley, a "suffragette and spiritualist," died unexpectedly the day after the election. The Globe also reports that abolitionist and political reformer, William Frederick Havemeyer, has been elected Mayor of New York City on a platform of rooting out corruption.
Saturday, 9 November: Most of the London papers carry a story about a fire in Boston Massachusetts which raged for over 12 hours and destroyed more than sixty acres of the city, including the financial district. Casuality estimates run from 20 to 200 people killed. The Woosters begin moving into their new townhouse. Various members of the league assist.
Monday, 11 November: In the late afternoon a few of the Bombards arrive at No. 20 Charles Street, bringing along housewarming gifts. Followed by many more members of the club. Trouble ensues.Wilhelmina and Sir Cosmo are called to a sanitarium in Surrey. Meanwhile, in London, Parliament convenes. HRH The Prince of Wales delivers the throne speech, as Her Majesty is in Europe on a state visit.
Tuesday, 12 November: Late in the evening, Wilhelmina's vigil comes to an end. Elsewhere, at a by-election in the Borough of Snodbury-Upton-Littleton, Lord Towcester (a.k.a. George Wooster, the lieutenant's eldest brother) is elected to parliament for the Conservative Party, defeating Mr Joseph Sweeney standing for the Irish Home Rule League, and Mr Arthur Calgary standing for the Liberal Party.
Wednesday, 13 November: A meeting with an undertaker.
Thursday, 14 November: The Daily News, Daily Telegraph, and Echo all report that during Prime Minister's Questions the previous evening, Lord Bellinger gave an elusive answer to a question about a new agreement between France, the United Kingdom, and the Ottoman Empire. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter nine of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den."
Friday, 15 November: A funeral is attended.
Saturday, 16 November: Lt. Wooster attends "Barmy" Phipps' bachelor dinner. Trouble ensues.
Monday, 18 November: Mrs Salmalin and Sir Cosmo have a conversation with an Elf.
Wednesday, 20 November: Lt. Bartholomew "Barmy" Phipps and the Hon. Dolores Fotheringay are married at St. Georges Church.
Thursday, 21 November: The Daily Telegraph and Daily News both report that, in Rochester, New York, Susan B Anthony has been arrested for illegally casting a vote in the Presidential election earlier in the month. Mrs Salmalin sends a letter to Mr O'Flaherty. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter ten of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den." While in the pages of the Half-Penny Marvel Library one finds the first chapter in a new serial: "Where Angels Fear to Tread--Atlas O'Flaherty Confronts the Forces of Darkness."
Friday, 22 November: A courier brings Lt. Wooster orders to report to Portsmouth, where he is to join the crew of HMS Robust. That evening, while celebrating with the lads at the Bombards, Lt Wooster learns that Lt. Phipps has been transferred from HMS Bedford, in the Channel Fleet, to HMS Tyger, one of the new Griffin-class ships currently under construction.
Saturday, 23 November: The Daily Telegraph reports unconfirmed reports of an agreement between France, the Ottoman Empire, and Great Britain concerning the Italian Pennisula. Lt. Wooster learns that his brother, the Hon. Richard Wooster, has become engaged (again) to the Hon. Gwendolyn Wilberforce, youngest daughter of Baron Trumpton.
Monday, 25 November: The Times, Standard, and Morning Post all carry stories in which the Foreign Minister, the Duke of Balmoral, explains a letter of agreement which was exchanged between Queen Victoria, Emperor Napoleon III, and Sultan Adbulaziz affirming the principle that the territorial provisions of the Treaty of Paris of 1854 should not be changed without the consent of all signatories of said treaty; and pledging to conclude a more formal treaty guaranteeing the equal right of passage through the Suez Canal.
Tuesday, 26 November: Lt Wooster reports for duty and becomes First Lieutenant for HMS Robust.
Wednesday, 27 November: The Standard reports from Queensland, Australia that a prospecting party led by Mr James Mulligan has sifted more than 100 ounces from the Palmer River. Fortune hunters from all over Australia are making their way to the Palmer River.
Thursday, 28 November: The Evening Standard reports a spectacular meteor shower visible over parts of France the previous day. Over the next several days other papers carry more detailed stories. Meanwhile, the North Surrey Observer carries a story by Ronald Fingleton concerning the "Three Emperors League" -- the secret agreement reached between Queen Victoria, Emperor Napoleon III, and Sultan Abdulaziz pledging mutal support against foreign agressors and the forces of Republicanism. Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter eleven of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den." While the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter two of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Friday, 29 November: The Daily Telegraph and the Spectator both carry editorials critical of the so-called Three Emperors League and demand the immediate publication of the "simple letter of agreement" to which the Foreign Office has alluded. The Evening Standard reports that Mary Somerville, Scottish mathematician and science writer (whom some of the League met during their European trip a year ago), has died of natural causes at her home in Naples, Kingdom of the Two Sicillies.
Saturday, 30 November: the first ever international football match takes place at Hamilton Crescent, Scotland. The Times, Standard, Daily News, and Globe all carry news stories outlining (or in some cases reprinted large excerpts of) a parliamentary committee report concerning the recent troubles in British Honduras.
Sunday, 1 December: After church, Mrs Salmalin discusses a matter of some import with the vicar at the Edenfield parish church.
Monday, 2 December: Several London papers report that Horace Greeley, former editor of the New York Tribune, former Congressman, and recently defeated Presidential candidate, died at a hospital in Pleasantville, New York on the night of 29 November. It is further reported that Greeley suffered a "complete physical and mental collapse" when his wife died the day after the election and he had been bedridden in swiftly declining health since. While the official vote count has not yet been made, it is estimated that Greeley received no more than 45% of the popular vote.
Tuesday, 3 December: Mrs Salmalin visits Mr O'Flaherty's new home.
Thursday, 5 December: The Weekly Companion publishes the pulse-pounding conclusion of "Kid Rocket Into the Lion's Den--Rebels, Mutineers, and Traitors in British Honduras." While the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter three of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Monday, 9 December: All the London papers carry stories about the birth of a son to the Prince and Princess Imperial of France on Sunday. An official statement from the Imperial Family says that the new prince will be named Napoleon Francis Louis Jerome.
Tuesday, 10 December: A new edition of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society an article by James Moriarty, Lecturer in Mathematics at Bracton College, entitled "A Differential Approximation of Three Newtonian Mass Points."
Wednesday, 11 December: HMS Robust sets sail from Portsmouth.
Thursday, 12 December: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter two of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Friday, 13 December: Daru reports that Galen Cowperthwaite has learned how to pull himself into a standing position by grabbing hold of a piece of furniture.
Saturday, 14 December: HMS Robust arrives in the vicinity of Hornsea.
Sunday, 15 December: The Spectator reprints a story from Denver, Colorado Tribune about a tornado destroying the town of Echo Valley. Only one survivor is reported, a buffalo hunter named Jonah Woodson Hecks.
Monday, 16 December: All the London papers report that Lady Beaconsfield (a Viscountess in her own right), wife of Benjamin Disreali, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons, died the previous afternoon at their home, Hughenden Manor, in Buckinghamshire. Almost lost in the later pages of the Daily News and Observer are small stories about a Canadian ship, Mary Celeste, which was towed into the Bay of Gibralter, having been found abandoned and adrift at sea. No other details are given.
Tuesday, 17 December: Mr O'Flaherty is confused by a conversation with the local pub owner.
Wednesday, 18 December: Mr O'Flaherty has a conversation with Miss Botley. He sends a letter to Lady Cowperthwaite.
Thursday, 19 December: The Half-Penny Marvel Library does not publish the next chapter of the latest Atlas O'Flaherty serial in it's Christmas Special. Instead, among it's offerings for the Yuletide are: "O'Neill's Holly Tree," "Mr O'Flaherty's Clock," and "Lt. Howarth's Experience of the Holidays."
Saturday, 21 December: Mrs Wooster takes the train to Brinkley Court in Snodbury, where she will be the Christmas guests of the sister-in-law, Dahlia Travers. Mr O'Flaherty finds himself inexplicably in an argument with the local pub owner. Later, he drinks the night away with the owner's son. Lady Cowperthwaite hosts a party for members of the Parish in honour of Christmas. Mrs Cake discovers, on the mantle, a Christmas card from Her Majesty--with a short personal note inside. Mrs Cake makes a bit of a fuss. Lady Cowperthwaite fails to tamp down the excitement when she says that Sir Cosmo has been receiving such cards every Christmas for as long as she's known him. Nearly all the London papers carry a story wondering if Mr Phileas Fogg will arrive in London today to claim the winnings of his wager.
Sunday, 22 December: The Times and Daily News both report that Mr Phleas Fogg arrived in the grand saloon of the Reform Club on the previous evening as the clock was striking a quarter to nine, thus winning his wager.
Monday, 23 December: Mr O'Flaherty arrives at Edenfield Court. Most of the London papers carry some story about the incredible journey of Mr Phileas Fogg around the world. Some of the papers speculate that it was an elaborate hoax. One of the men who lost the bet, Mr Gauthier Ralph, a Director of the Bank of England, is quoted expressing his certainty that Mr Fogg accomplished the feat as stated. The Times mentions that in settling the bet, Mr Fogg provided to the Secretary of the Reform club his travel papers, receipts, ticket stubs, and a meticulous accounting of his expenses on the journey. It is noted that it cost Mr Fogg 19-thousand pounds to accomplish his feat and claim the 20-thousand pound prize. The Evening Standard includes mention that Mr Phileas Fogg has married this day, a woman he is said to have met on his journey.
Tuesday, 24 December: Mr Scrooge's annual party. For days afterward Edward tells tales of the quarter-scale replica of Her Majesty's Coronation Coach, made of candy (festooned with Wonka's Candy Jewels, of course), include four white stallions made of candy--clockwork candy stallions that trotted the length of a giant table.
Wednesday, 25 December: Christmas Day. In London, Wilhelmina opens her presents to discover: a swivel gun (small boat cannon) from Lord Greyminster, another swivel gun (slightly different design) from Sir Spencer, a swivel gun mounted on a carriage so as to resemble a field cannon from "The Lads at the Bombards," and yet another small cannon from Lady Cowperthwaite.
Thursday, 26 December: Boxing Day. Wonka's minature clockwork candy coronation coaches with stallions begin selling to the general public. Lt Wooster gets a few days of leave, arrives as Brinkley Court in the early morning. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter three of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Friday, 27 December: Mr & Mrs Frazer, Edward, and George take a train to Edenfield Court. News that the engagement between Richard Wooster and Gwendolyn Wilberforce has been called off arrives at Brinkley Court in the form of Richard himself, appeared quite miserable at the train station.
Saturday, 28 December: At Edenfield Court, Mrs Salmalin asks Lady Cowperthwaite, Mrs Frazer, and Mr O'Flaherty about being godparents to Octavia.
Sunday, 29 December: Galen Cowperthwaite, not quite nine months old, utters his first distinct work: "Sorry!" after he knocks a sugar bowl from a table (said table being used to "cruise" from his father's chair to where his mother was seated).
Monday, 30 December: Lt. Wooster returns to Hornsea and HMS Robust. The Times reports from Cook's Town, Queensland, that prospectors have begun arriving from China and points further away, all hoping to find gold in the Palmer River valley.
Tuesday, December 31: In a private ceremony at Edenfield Court. Octavia Ambar Salmalin is christened.
Thursday, 2 January: Some early morning riser overhears Sir Cosmo in the nursery, trying to teach Galen to say "Maataa." (Hindi for "Mother"). The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter four of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Monday, 6 January: Lady Cowperthwaite learns of Sir Cosmo's plan and starts trying to teach Galen to say "Papa."
Wednesday, 8 January: The new edition of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes a letter from the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield analysing the previous month's paper by James Moriarty.
Thursday, 9 January: Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter five of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Friday, 10 January: In the evening: the Evening Standard and a extra edition of the Times carry a large headline: "Napoleon III Collapsed!"
Saturday, 11 January: All the London papers carry additional stories on the situation in France. A joint statement was issued by the Empress Eugenie and the Duc de Lorraine (who had been designated Regent by both Imperial Degree and acts of parliament), that the Emperor's condition is extremely serious. The Duc de Lorraine is acting as Regent, though he hopes for the Emperor to make a speedy recovery. Meanwhile in Littleton, Mr O'Flaherty hires a Shoclorne.
Monday, 13 January: The Daily News, Standard, and Times all report the news that the Vicomte de Molineax, French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has been recalled to Paris.
Thursday, 16 January: The evening papers report that the Emperor Napoleon III has died. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter six of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Friday, 17 January: All the London papers carry additional stories of the news in France. Napoleon Eugene, who turns 18 in March of 1874, has met with senior ministers and affirmed his father's choice for Regent: the Duc de Lorraine, a.k.a. Admiral Rene LeCoq, Supreme Marshall of France.
Saturday, 18 January: The Times and Standard carry stories detailing the shuffling of the French cabinet. Émile Ollivier remains as President of the Council (a.k.a. Prime Minister). The two names which will be of interest to the League are: the Vicomte de Molineax has been named Foreign Minister, while the Comte de Brabant des Rennes (Lillian's stepson) has been named Minister of the Interior.
Sunday, 19 January: In Cheshire, Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe is seen at the local parish church, as he is visiting his relatives Colonel & Mrs Herbert Wintergreen, neighbors of the Whitnells.
Monday, 20 January: Sir Cosmo, Edward (and other interested members of the household), travel to Goxhill to review progress on certain project underway at the Hornsea Shipyard (co-owned by Sir Cosmo and Sir Charles). Lord Greyminster and Miss Pinker are delighted to have guests at Goxhill Hall.
Tuesday, 21 January: Mr Reid arrives in Hornsea.
Thursday, 23 January: HMS Cuttlefish is launched successfully. Mrs Salmalin goes to Brighton for the weekend to see the touring version of Graham and Templeton's hit play from a couple seasons ago. The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter seven of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Friday, 24 January: "A Royal Engagment, or a Princess goes to Sea," a play by Graham and Templeton, opens at the Theatre Royal in Brighton for a two-week engagement, kicking off a tour of six regional theatres.
Saturday, 25 January: Galen Cowperthwaite says his second word, "Papa."
Monday, 27 January: The Times and Globe both mention that a new French ambassador, the Comte de Carcassonne, has presented his credentials.
Tuesday, 28 January: The Globe and Morning Post both report that the trial, in America, of William Tweed, politician and political boss, on over 200 counts of fraud and malfeasance of office, has finally begun, after nearly three weeks of attempts to empanel a jury. The Daily Telegraph's gossip column, meanwhile, has an item about the new French ambassador: a wealthy, handsome man of about 30 known for his charm and fashion sense, from a very old aristocratic family who count among its ancestors both King Louis XIII and Jerome Bonaparte--yet still remains unmarried.
Thursday, 30 January: Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter eight of "Where Angels Fear to Tread."
Monday, 3 February: Sir Cosmo and Edward return to London
Tuesday, 4 February: The Illustrated London Weekly reprints a story from Leslie's Illustrated News of New York showing the opening of the William Tweed trial, including a picture of jurors being escorted to the courthouse from a "secret location" under guard of Leslie Gallant, Jr. and Kid Rocket (among others).
Thursday, 6 February: The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes an article by Prof. James Challis, Director of the Cambridge Observatory, entitled, "Thermodynamics of a Meteor," which seems to argue that the object Challis discovered orbiting the Earth the previous year was in an unstable orbit and has burned up in the atmosphere. Also, in the letters section Mr James Moriarty replies to the letter in the previous month from the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield. In the evening, Sir Cosmo, Edward, and other members of the household joining the journey to Constantinople, leave London for Edenfield. The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter nine of "Where Angels Fear to Tread." Also, the Weekly Companion publishes the first exciting chapter of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel," in which Gentleman Jimmy Maws bumps into Sir Gregory Peavey, bart. (an eccentric naturalist famed for his collection of rare shellfish) and learns of the mysterious disappearance of Sir Gregory's grand-niece, Henrietta.
Monday, 10 February: Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, and others (including Mr Salmalin, the Frazers, Wilhelmina, Mrs Cuthbert) depart Liverpool in Cosmo's yacht, Selene and Sir Spencer's yacht, Foxglove. Mrs Salmalin returns to London with Stuart and Mr Graves. Mrs Salmalin offers to keep Violet and the Toddlers with her while the Frazer's travel.
Tuesday, 11 February: The Times and Standard report that Don Carlos, the Duke of Madrid, now leads an army of 50,000 experienced soldiers and officers, in addition to the rebel forces loyal to the Carlist cause.
Wednesday, 12 February: The Times, Standard, and Daily News all report that the Spanish Cortes has voted to depose King Amadeus I and proclaim the Spanish Republic. The Times and Standard also mention in the story that others report that the King abdicated over a dispute with the leaders of the Cortes over the handling of uprisings in the Basque and Catalan regions. The Evening Standard reports that former Spanish foreign minister, Emilio Castelar, has been elected Prime Minister of the new Spanish Republic.
Thursday, 13 February: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter ten of "Where Angels Fear to Tread." Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter two of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Friday, 14 February: Several London papers report that the United States Congress has certified the election of Ulysses S. Grant to a second term as President. A few also mention that Grant signed into law this week the Fourth Coinage Act, de-monetizing silver and placing America on a de facto gold standard.
Monday, 17 February: Lord Greyminster (and many others) arrive in London.
Tuesday, 18 February: Galen Cowperthwaite says his third word: "Mamat!"
Wednesday, 19 February: Parliament convenes for the traditional short winter session (usually devoted to various ceremonial activities and the assignment of new bills to appropriate committees).
Thursday, 20 February: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter eleven of "Where Angels Fear to Tread." Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter three of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Sunday, 23 February: Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, and others arrive in Constantinople.
Monday, 24 February: In Constantinople, Sir Cosmo has several meetings at the British Embassy. Members of the household notice that Sleipner, the yacht of Admiral von Klink zu Worphaven in is dock along with a Prussian warship.
Thursday, 27 February: The Half-Penny Marvel Library features the thrilling conclusion of "Where Angels Fear to Tread--Atlas O'Flaherty Confronts the Forces of Darkness." Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter four of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Thursday, March 6: Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter five of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Friday, 7 March: Mrs Frazer catches (and shoots) a spy aboard Selene.
Sunday, 9 March: The Times reprints a story from the Canadian Illustrated News, which consists of several interviews of ranchers, Natives, and other inhabitants of the Oldman River Valley in a section of the North-West Territories currently under dispute with the United States. In particular the article talks about a U.S. trading post, Ft. Hamilton, which was engaged in the illegal sale of whisky and otherwise "contributing to much immoral activity among the trappers and Natives."
Tuesday, 11 March: The letters section of the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes letters from James Moriarty and the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield both criticizing the conclusions of "The Thermodynamics of a Meteor." (Moriary's letter happens to quote a monograph by the late Mr Phillip Whitnell entitled "Thermotransformative Effects on Tensile Modulus Calculations.")
Wednesday, 12 March: In Constantinople, Sir Cosmo and other members of the League are guests of Admiral von Klink zu Worphaven at the Prussian Embassy.
Thursday, 13 March: Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter six of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel," in which Gentleman Jimmy meets an young amateur inventor named Harry.
Saturday, 15 March: The Globe prints a story from Bavaria, rumours of a large ape-like creature menacing the countryside in the Barony of Franken.
Thursday, 20 March: Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter seven of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Saturday, 22 March: Sir Cosmo and party leave Constantinople. Meanwhile, the Globe claims that during a lecture at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Baron Professor Frederick von Zemo presented a large man whom he claimed had been assembled from the dead tissues of numerous corpses, then reanimated through the selective application of "etheric energies."
Monday, 24 March: The Times and Daily News note that over the weekend the Duc de Magenta (a.k.a. General MacMahon) has accepted the post of Supreme Marshall of France. The Times and Standard both carry short stories commenting upon unfounded rumours "purported to come from Bavaria." A recent event at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich was actually a kind of pantomime, according to both papers. The Standard, in particular, points out that the so-called Reanimated Man performed a song and dance number with the professor. Specifically the hit tune "A Splendid Hat" from the comic opera "A Royal Engagment, or a Princess goes to Sea," a play by Graham and Templeton.
Tuesday, 25 March: After knocking over and spilling an inkwell, Galen Cowperthwaite runs to his mother/s cabin calling: "Mamat! Glue pot! Sorry! Glue pot! Glue pot!"
Thursday, 27 March: The Weekly Companion publishes chapter eight of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Tuesday, 1 April: "The Wicked World," a new play by William S. Gilbert, opens at the Haymarket Theatre. Mrs Salmalin attends.
Thursday, 3 April: All the London papers carry a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, of the sinking of the steamer, RMS Atlantic, a passenger ship operated by the White Star Line. The ship had departed Liverpool on 20 March with 835 passengers and 124 crew aboard. No count, yet, of survivors. All the London papers mention the adjournment of Parliament the previous evening. Galen Robert Cowperthwaite turns one year old. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes the first chapter in a thrilling new serial: "The Weight of the World--Atlas O'Flaherty Faces a Crisis of Conscience." Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter nine of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Friday, 4 April: Sir Cosmo and party arrive in Liverpool. Mr Salmalin gives Mrs Salmalin a stack of letters.
Saturday, 5 April: All of the London papers contain at least some mention that an initial government inquiry into the sinking of RMS Atlantic has begun in Nova Scotia. So far, about 340 survivors have been found. An official casualty count has not yet been tallied, but more than 100 bodies had reportedly been brought ashore. Mrs Salmalin travels to Edenfield. Mr Frazer has a birthday.
Sunday, 6 April: Mrs Salmalin notices a new bull in Sir Cosmo's dairy herd. Mrs Cuthbert has a conversation with the bull.
Monday, 7 April: The Echo, Globe, and Daily News all publish stories about the release from Newgate Prison of Sarah Rachel Leverson, a.k.a., Madame Rachel, the Bond Street Swindler. Each paper recounts the tale of how, from her "Beautiful for Ever" shop (and through the pages of her Beautiful for Ever magazine) she had peddled various potions, powders, enamels, and oils designed to enhance the appearance and improve the health and vitality of her mostly female clientele. And how she had duped a widow, Mrs Mary Tucker Borrodaile, out of property and investments totalling £25,000
Tuesday, 8 April: Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite, Sir Spencer and guest, Lt & Mrs Wooster, Mr & Mrs Frazer, Insp. & Mrs MacGreggor, and Mrs Salmalin & guest, receive invitations to a ball at the Royal Netherlands Embassy, in honour of the impending wedding of His Highness Prince Lukas of Florin to Her Highness Princess Charlotte of Hanover and Cumberland.
Wednesday, 9 April: The Times and Daily News both report that the North German Confederation parliament has approved a Coinage Act putting all the member states on a standard currency, switching the silver standard for the gold standard, though in a novel manner. Most of the German states already use the Vereinsthaler, a coin containing 16 2/3 grams of pure silver. The North German Mark will exchange at a fixed rate of three marks per Vereinsthaler, the actual value of a Mark in gold will be set on the equivalent value of the silver in the Vereinsthaler on the official date of conversion. Galen Cowperthwaite is spotting walking rapidly down the hall from the nursery -- with Daru scurrying behind. When she catches him, she mentions that just this morning he still couldn't take a single step without holding onto something for balance.
Thursday, 10 April: Wonka's Fine Confections introduces a line of clockwork candy chicks and ducklings. The candies hop about, making chirping or quacking noises, and of course all parts can be eaten. Coincidentally, Slugworth Chocolates and Confections introduces a line of candy chicks -- badly formed marshmallow chicks. Ficklegruber Candy Company sticks with their old standby: fudge eggs. Prodnose Biscuits and Confections releases a line of frosted chicken-shaped biscuits. While Wilhelmina is purchasing candies at Wonka's, Mrs Wooster makes and inquiry. Meanwhile, the Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes chapter two: "The Weight of the World--Atlas O'Flaherty Faces a Crisis of Conscience." Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter ten of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Friday, 11 April: Good Friday In Cheshire, both Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe and the Hon. Ronald Crackenthorpe are seen attending services.
Sunday, 13 April: Easter
Monday, 14 April: Sir Cosmo, Edward, Mrs Salmalin, Mrs Frazer (and others interested) travel to the town of Tyneside where Sir Cosmo meets up with Mr Reid to oversee the launch of HMS Tyger, a sister ship for HMS Griffin. Later in the week Sir Cosmo, Edward, and Mr Reid will tour the construction sights for two other ships of the Griffin class, provisionally named HMS Hydra and HMS Python.
Tuesday, 15 April: The Times reports that the Bavarian government has confirmed that as a member of the German Trade Union, the new North German Goldmark will be accepted as legal tender in the Kingdom of Bavaria. A commission will be appointed to determine whether to phase out the Bavarian Gulden. Within the next two weeks, Wurrtemburg, Hesse, and Baden make similar announcements.
Wednesday, 16 April: The launch of HMS Tyger. The Whitnells return to London for the season. Meanwhile, Mr Caine receives a note from his cousin, Mr Silversmith (Richard Wooster's gentlemen's gentleman) indicating that the engagement between Richard Wooster and Gwendolyn Wilberforce is back on.
Thursday, 17 April: The Daily Telegraph carries an editorial critical of the mergers of various independent railways with the B & C Great Locomotive Company, particularly in light of the "cozy" financial entanglements between one of the principle stockholders of said company and certain admiralty officials. The editorial calls on Parliament to revoke the right-of-way licenses unless the B & C Great Locomotive Company divests itself of the "conflicts of interest." Also, the Weekly Companion publishes chapter eleven of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel."
Friday, 18 April: The Times reports that Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, when questioned about the charges of an unfair monopoly of railways (in Tyneside), is said to have suggested that as soon as all the railway facilities have been upgraded to the "highest safety standards" he would be happy to entertain a sale of some of his assets.
Monday, 21 April: Sir Cosmo and party arrive in London. Mrs Salmalin consults with Lady Ottoline regarding teaching at her school and sends a note to Mr Willoughby offerning her services as a translator. Mr Willy Wonka shows Mrs Wooster the new candy inspired by her earlier question.
Tuesday, 22 April: Lord Greyminster comes to dinner. Later in the evening, members of the household may overhear the conversation in which Lord Greyminster exclaims loudly, "Don't give the least attention to the ravings of those idiots at the Telegraph!"
Wednesday, 23 April: Wonka's Fine Confections introduces an addition to its clockwork candies line: candy bunnies which hop.
Thursday, 24 April: All the London papers report on the reading in the House of Commons, the previous day, of Lord Bellinger's presentation of the proposed Budget. Also, the Weekly Companion publishes the thrilling conclusion of the "Gentleman Jimmy and the Lost Angel," in which Gentleman Jimmy, Sir Gregory, and young Harry rescue the missing Henrietta--and learn that Harry is Sir Gregory's long-lost grand-nephew and Henrietta's twin.
Friday, 25 April: Wilhelmina receives a report on her mother, including descriptions of an anniversary.
Saturday, 26 April: Mrs Admiral William Moriarty has her Grand-niece over for tea.
Tuesday, 29 April: The Daily News and Daily Telegraph both carry stories, reprinted from U.S. papers, of the Sand Butte Massacre. According to the reports, a group of renegade Modoc Indians who have been evading capture by the U.S. Army in the Oregon Territory, ambushed an Army encampment, killing 17 officers and soldiers, and "an unknown number of civilians."
Wednesday, 30 Apil: Sir Cosmo makes a point of being in the public gallery at Westminster Palace.
Thursday, 1 May: All the London papers carry reports on the previous day's Minister's Questions period in the Commons, where the First Lord of the Admiralty took questions and defended the Admiralty's portion of the new budget. Particular mention is made of the new program to add something called the Wilson-Moriarty Rocket Battery to naval ships. In the evening, the Cabaret Fantastique has a special May Day show, which marks the return of "Miss Felicia Jollydolly" to London. Mrs Salmalin begins tutoring girls at Lady Ottoline's school in languages and continues reserching Magik at the Order Library and building relationships with the Lord High Warlock's office.
Friday, 2 May: Several London papers carry stories about the Wilson-Moriarty Rocket Battery. The Spectator refers to it as the Wilson-Moriarty-Piddingquick Rocket Battery. All papers report that the device is a rocket-artillery battery that has developed at B F & C Stein and Company under the direction of Dr Jebediah Wilson. The device has been undergoing tests and refinements of design for three years, and has "performed quite satisfactorily" in combat, according to Admiral Phipps, who reports that the device was instrumental in the protection of Belgium during the Franco-Prussian Conflict of 1871. A number of warships have already been fitted with the devices. The new admiralty proposal is to accelerate the deployment of the system.
Saturday, 3 May: the Times carries a more in-depth story, reprinted from several U.S. papers, of the Sand Butte Massacre. While four officers and thirteen enlisted men died in the battle, no civilians were killed, as the area in question is inhabited only by the Modoc indians and the regiments sent to capture them. The story explains the background of the standoff, and attributes blame equally between the Modoc and the commanding officer of the army units involved, a Col. Alvin C. Gillem.
Monday, 5 May: the letters column of the Spectator includes a letter from Mr Eustace Piddingquick, of B F & C Stein and Company, that it is entirely improper to refer to the Admiralty's new rocket-artillery device with his name. While he assisted in testing the device, the design was entirely the work of Dr Jebediah Wilson and his correspondent, a W. Moriarty. Meanwhile, the Daily News reports that a boxing match held on the outskirts of Chatham, in Kent, between "Gentleman Jimmy" Maws and Jack Byrne has resulted in Mr Byrne suffering a severe head wound from which has not yet awakened. Mr O'Flaherty takes a train to Chatham.
Tuesday, 8 May: Mr Jimmy Maws is arrested in Chatham, Kent.
Wednesday, 7 May: Mrs Phillip Whitnell and Miss Betty Whitnell are guests for tea at Lady Cowperthwaite's. Mrs Whitnell is quite pleased to report that the Society for the Protection of Young Mothers and Infants has recently obtained the patronage of Baron and Baroness Brixham. Lady Brixham is particularly anxious to assist personally with the work of the society. Meanwhile the Daily News and the Telegraph report that Mr Jack Byrne has died in Chatham, Kent, after suffering a severe head wound during a boxing match against "Gentleman Jimmy" Maws on Saturday. The Daily News further notes that the match had not been licensed, and that Mr Maws has been taken into police custody.
Thursday, 8 May: Mrs Wooster takes a train to Tyneside, to meet HMS Robust when it returns to port. Meanwhile, faithful readers of the Weekly Companion see an advertisement for an upcoming new Gentleman Jimmy serial: "Gentleman Jimmy and the Haunted Abbey."
Friday, 9 May: the Evening Standard and a special evening edition of the Times reports the collapse of the Vienna Stock Exchange. Meanwhile, in Kent, a coronor convenes an inquest.
Saturday, 10 May: The Globe and Spectator report from America that the jury has found William "Boss" Tweed guilty on over 100 of the counts of fraud and malfeasance of office. In Kent, the coroner's inquest rules Jack Byrnes death is not an accident.
Tuesday, 13 May: The Times and Daily Telegraph both report the resignation of the French Minister of Finance, Louis Buffet, over irregularities in the treasury. The President of the Council (essentially prime minister), Émile Ollivier, asks the Regent to appoint an Inspector General to audit the treasury. On the editorial pages of the Observer it is speculated the British treasury may have made similarly questionable investments.
Wednesay, 14 May: most of the London papers report that the Rt. Hon. Ebeneezer Scrooge, Auditor Royal, was summoned to a meeting at 10 Downing Street Tuesday evening. The evening papers report that the Auditor Royal and "a large number of clerks" have taken over a number of offices in the Treasury building. Mr O'Flaherty finds a solicitor.
Thursday, 15 May: All the London papers report that Lord Bellinger was questioned extensively about the European economic situation and the treasury during Prime Minister's questions in the Commons Wednesday evening.
Friday, 16 May: Mr O'Flaherty discusses the Jimmy Maws situation with Sir Spencer.
Wednesday, 21 May: The Times, Standard, and Daily News all report that King Johann of Saxony has died at the age of 71. He will be succeeded by his son, Crown Prince Albrecht (better known to the league as Field Marshall Prince Albrecht, commander of the German Forces laying siege to Metz when they were there).
Thursday, 22 May: All the London papers report that several cabinet members of the French government have resigned, the Regent having received the report of the Inspector General appointed earlier in the month to investigate irregularities at the French treasury.
Friday, 23 May: Mr Jimmy Maws, still in police custody, is moved from a jail in Kent to a jail in London.
Sunday, 25 May: the Daily News and the Observer both carry small stories of the creation, in the Dominion of Canada, of the North West Mounted Police.
Monday, 26 May: All the London papers report that in Paris, the Duc de Broglie has become the President of the Council, forming a new government. The Times, Standard, and Daily News particularly call the reader's attention to the fact that the new President of the Council has not been given the additional portfolio of Minster of Justice, which has been traditional since the inauguration of the Second Empire. Instead, that post is being held by the Vicomte de Molineaux. Meanwhile, Lt. Wooster arrives in London with several days leave.
Tuesday, 27 May: The trial of Mr Jimmy Maws begins.
Wednesday, 28 May: The Netherlands Embassy Ball, attended by many members of the League (including Mr & Mrs Salmalin).
Friday, 30 May: The Times and Daily News report that Imperial Russian forces have captured the city of Khiva, in the Khanate of Khiva (in the future to be known as Uzbekistan).
Saturday, 31 May: Lt Wooster returns to duty. The Evening Standard reports that "Gentlman" Jimmy Maws has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and not guilty of all other charges. Mr Maws is sentenced to two years in prison.
Sunday, 1 June: Whit Sunday
Tuesday, 3 June: Mr Jack Gates, manager for boxer Jimmy Maws, is sentenced to 8 years for fraud, disturbing the peace, and negligent manslaughter.
Thursday, 5 June: Mrs Salmalin has a conversation with Sir Anthony in which she learns that Sir Phillip heads the department she would work for if doing translations. Mrs Salmalin decides to postpone offering her services. Meanwhile, Mr Thomas Gray, manager for slain boxer Jack Byrne, is sentenced to 8 years for fraud, disturbning the peace, and negligent manslaughter. The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter two of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the first thrilling chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall" in which One-Punch meets the twins Harry and Henrietta Twistleton and their grand-uncle Sir Gregory Peavey, bart.
Friday, 6 June: The Times reports from America the a robbery at the St. Genevieve Savings Bank of St Genevieve, Missouri, of cash in excess of $4000 (£1600)
Saturday, 7 June: In Leineschloss, Hanover, Her Highness Princess Charlotte of Hanover and Cumberland marries His Highness Prince Lukas of Florin.
Sunday, 8 June: The Standard reprints from America excerpts from several stories and editorials in the Kansas City Times connecting the robberies of several banks, two trains, the Kansas City Fair, to brothers Jesse and Frank James, who the paper claims are striking against the injustices of Reconstruction.
Monday, 9 June: The society pages of the Times, Pall Mall Gazette, and Daily Telegraph carry stories on the marriage of Princess Charlotte (a great-granddaughter of George III of England) to the younger brother of the Duke of Florin (and nephew of King William III of the Netherlands). The Prince and Princess of Wales were among the guests attending the ceremony. Her Serene Highness Christiana of Orange and Florin (mother of the groom), is accompanied by her brother, King William. The Telegraph article manages to mention the Duke's age and his bachelorhood several times. The Telegraph is also the only one to explicitly mention that Queen Sophia of Netherlands is not in attendance.
Tuesday, 10 June: The London Illustrated Weekly reprints a report, from Leslie's Illustrated News of New York of "The Escape of Boss Tweed"--telling how William Tweed, recently sentences to 12 years at hard labour, escaped while being transferred from Ludlow Street Jail to the state prison.
Wednesday, 11 June: The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, among the letters column is another missive from James Moriarty, Lecturer in Mathematics at Bracton College, Somersetshire, commenting on the mathematical arguments appearing for the last several months concerning dynamics of the object discovered by Prof. Challis.
Thursday, 12 June: The Times reports from America that forces under the command of Colonel Jefferson C. Davis have captured the leaders of the "Modoc Rebellion." The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter three of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the second chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Friday, 13 June: Mr John Whitnell visits Mrs Salmalin.
Thursday, 19 June: The Daily News reports that Don Carlos, Duke of Madrid, has returned to Spain and taken direct command of the Carlist forces. It is noted that Don Carlos is effectively in control of Catalonia, Navarra, and Aragon. The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter four of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the third chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Friday, 20 June: the society page of the Standard mentions the marriage, in Munich, of Baron Professor Frederick von Zemo of Ludwig-Maximilians-University to Inga Theresa Kramme. The ceremony was a rare dual wedding, as the Baron's long lost cousin, Piotr von Zemo, was married to American heiress Elizabeth Clay Frick.
Wednesday, 25 June: Lady Cowperthwaite and Mrs Salmalin concoct a business plan.
Thursday, 26 June: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter five of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the fourth chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
(Date approximate: The Frazers go to Bridgwater for a visit.)
Thursday 3 July: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter six of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the fifth chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Monday, 7 July: Lady Cowperthwaithe, Mrs Salmalin, and Miss Moriarty conclude a business deal with Blackwood's publishing.
Thursday, 10 July: The London Illustrated Weekly reprints a story from America in which Allen Pinkerton, owner and president of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, explains why he believes a series of ostentatious robbies over the last two years have been committed by the James-Younger gang. The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter seven of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the sixth chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Friday, 11 July: The Times reports from America that six leaders of the Modoc tribe have been sentenced to death for murdering members of a peace delegation the previous year.
Thursday, 17 July: Mrs Phillip Whitnell (and Miss Betty Whitnell) join Lady Cowperthwaite (and the ladies of the League) for tea, during which conversation Miss Whitnell admits that she intentionally cut Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe at recent social events after learned that he was responsible for certain injuries suffered a few months previously by the Hon. Ronald Eynseford. There is also some talk of the literary aspirations of another young man, Mr Jonathon Moresby (who is a distant relation of the Earl of Emsworth). The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter eight of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the seventh chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Friday, 18 July: At the parish church in Hawkstone, Shropshire, the Hon. Gwendolyn Wilberforce weds the Hon. Richard Wooster. Mrs Henry Wooster attends in the company of Mrs Dahlia Travers.
Monday, 20 July: Mrs Salmalin meets Prof. Cremine, and learns that Magda the Vampire Slayer died some months previous.
Wednesday, 23 July: The Daily News and the Globe both carry stories from America of a train derailment near Adair, Iowa on the 21st as part of a robbery by masked men who, after terrorizing the passengers and relieving them of valuabled, shouted pro-Confederate slogans as they rode away. The engineer and fireman were killed in the derailment.
Thursday, 24 July: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter nine of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the eighth chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Saturday, 26 July: The Daily News reports (attributing the original story to the American paper, the Rock Island Daily Argus) that the owners of the Rock Island Railway Company, and two banking firms who had been transporting "valuables" in safes on the train de-railed on 21 July have offered a reward totallin $12,000 for the capture of the persons responsible for the incident.
Sunday, 27 July: The Times reprints a report from the St. Louis, Missouri Evening Post regarding exceedingly severe swarms of locust devastating crops in the states of Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Territories of Colorado and Wyoming.
Thursday, 31 July: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter ten of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the nineth chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Saturday, 2 August: All the London papers report that the Duchess of Inverness (the widow of one of Queen Victoria's uncles) has died at Kensington Palace, just shy of her 90th birthday. The Standard reprints a story from the Topeka, Kansas Commonwealth giving further details of the devastation of the summer locust swarm. Prof. B.F. Mudge of the Kansas State Agricultural College is quoted as saying a single swarm has covered thousands of square miles of territory. He further describes the swarm as "nature's most terrible and awe-inspiring engine of destruction." Meanwhile, Caroline Frazer turns two.
Sunday, 3 August: Robert Frazer turns two.
Tuesday, 5 August: Several London papers note that a date has been set (in November) for the official coronation of Prince Napoleon Eugene as Emporer Napoleon IV, meaning the that official period of mourning for Napoleon III will come to an end before then.
Wednesday, 6 August: Mrs Frazer consults with Lady Cowperthwaite (and then Sir Cosmo) about beginning a nursery school for the young children.
Thursday, 7 August: The Half-Penny Marvel Library prints chapter eleven of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the tenth chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Friday, 8 August: Octavia Salmalin turns one year old.
Saturday, 9 August: The Salmalins visit the cottage in West Darlson for two weeks. The Standard reports from France that Prof. Gaston Fouex of Montpellier University observes that the phylloxerae aphid currently destroying vineyards in the south of France must have come from abroad, arguing that if they were native to Europe they would long ago have wiped out European vines. The parasite must be native to a country where it can live without destroying its host. Meanwhile, the Spectator and Daily Telegraph report that on Friday afternoon, during time reserved for "Private Member Bills" (backbenchers and opposition bills, essentially), Mr George Beeswax, member representing Edenfield-Ramsbottom, reads "A Bill to Regulate Public Worship" which hs is introducing on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Archibald Campbell Tait. The bill proposes the establishment of a new court, presided over by a judge nominated jointly by the Archbishop of Cantebury and Archbishop of York, with the assent of the Sovereign, to consolidate the old system of ecclesiastical courts. After spirited debate the bill as approved--which means simply that a majority of those present agreed that the bill should be sent to committee and placed on the calendar for a second reading.
Tuesday, 12 August: The Times and Daily News both report the in Paris and Versailles the Minister of Vinticulture and Minister of Interior have issued statements about a program to combat the blight causing leaf galls, dying roots, and other problems in grape vines mostly in the Bordeaux region. This is the first public admission by the French government of a problem in the wine industry.
Thursday, 14 August: The Half-Penny Marvel Library publishes the thrilling conclusion of "Lt. Howarth and the Navel Secret." Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the eleventh chapter of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Friday, 15 August: Mr John Whitnell, Mrs Phillip Whitnell, and other assorted Whitnells return to the country estate.
Saturday, 16 August: The Times carries a story summarizing the accomplishments of the recently adjourned parliament, making particular note that Lord Hartington's Army and Navy Pensions Bill has languished in committee. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite return to Edenfield.
Monday, 18 August: The Times and Evening Standard both report that in Vienna, a commission appointed to investigate recent bank failures and the stock market crash, has recommended to the Emporer that Austria create a central bank as a "last guarantor" and move from the bimetal standard of currency as it encourages the sort of ill-advised speculation that has exacerbated the recent banking troubles. The Emporer and his ministers are taking the report under advisement.
Tuesday, 19 August: The Echo and Daily Telegraph both carry editorials critical of the constitution of the Bank of England
Wednesday, 20 August: The Times reports the French trader, Jean Dupois, has founded a new trading company in the empire of Nam Viet, opening the Red River and a fortified town call Hanoi to trade with China and France.
Thursday, 21 August: The Globe, Daily News, and Times all report that Imperial Russia has concluded a peace treaty with the Khanate of Khiva, making the Khanate a protectorate of the empire. Meanwhile, the Weekly Companion publishes the pulse-pounding finale of "One-Punch O'Neil and the Ghost of Twistleton Hall."
Saturday, 23 August: The Albert Bridge opens. The Salmalins return to Edenfield. Meanwhile, the society pages of the Daily Telegraph includes a brief item mentioning that the Duke of Florin may have called upon Archduchess Maria Augusta of Tuscany (spinster sister of the Grand Duke of Tuscany) during a recent visit as a prelude to a marriage proposal.
Monday, 25 August: Summer Bank Holiday
Thursday, 28 August: The Weekly Companion publishes the first chapter of a new serial, "The Cursed Naturalist: The Twistleton Twins Investigate a Zoological Homicide."
Saturday, 30 August: The Times and Standard both report that the King of Siam has issued a scathing statement about the unauthorized encroachment in the neighboring empire of Nam Viet. The articles mention that both the King of Burma and the Governor of British Burma have lodge similar, those less provocative, protests with both the Chineses and French governments.
Tuesday, 2 September: The Times and Daily News both report that the Comte de Reffannes, France's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has issued a statement repudiating the "unauthorized actions" of the trading group acting in Hanoi, Nam Viet, and offering assistance to local authorities.
Friday, 5 September: The first issue of East-West Journal, a monthly publication from Blackwood's to appear in Hindi (the masthead on the cover is printed in English and two Hindi dialects) is released. The publication features news, literature, and "information of interest."
Wednesday, 10 September: The Observer and Daily Gazette report the formation of a Society for the Promotion of Open Libraries. The organizing committee is chaired by the wife of Admiral William Moriarty. Other members of the organizing committee include the Hon. Mrs Thomas Travers, Lady Cowperthwaite, Mrs Andrew Earwig, Mr and Mrs Nicholas Nickleby, and Mr Timothy Cratchett.
Tuesday, 16 September: The Evening Standard reports that the Berlin Stock Exchange suspended all trading midday after prices spiraled downward precipitously on news of several German banks declaring bankruptcy.
Wednesday, 17 September: The Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society publishes a paper by James Moriarity, Lecturer in Mathematics at Bracton College, entitled "Divergent Differentials of Young's Modulus."
Thursday, 18 September: Count Bismarck, Minister-President of Prussia, announces that the Königlich-Preussische Hauptverwaltung der Staatschulden (essentially the Royal Bank of Prussia) will make good on all liabilities of the 4 banks in the North German Confederacy which have declared bankruptcy.
Friday, 19 September: Several London papers report a panic in the New York Stock Exchange the previous day, over news of the bankruptcies of one of the largest banking firms in the U.S.
Saturday, September 20: Several London papers report a more severe downward spiral of prices at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, forcing the closure of the exchange.
Sunday, 21 September: The Times, Spectator, and Globe all report from Versailles a fire in the palace, in the Imperial residence. Statements have been issued from the Imperial family and the French Government that the Imperial Prince, Princess, and the infant Prince are all unharmed.
Monday, 22 September: The Daily News reports a number of cases of a severe inflammatory fever in the town of Ramsgate.
Thursday, 25 September: Nearly all the London papers report dozens of cases of a severe inflammatory fever in the town of Ramsgate, including at least five deaths. Sir Cosmo makes some inquiries.
Friday, 26 September: Sir Cosmo travels to Knowsley Hall, to consult with the Earl of Derby.
Saturday, 27 September: Sir Cosmo begins making preparations to return to London.
Sunday, 28 September: The Times reports from Sydney, Australia, that the yacht Duncan, owned by the Marquess of Glenarvan, in early August picked up six castaways clinging to a reef approximately a thousand miles east of New Zealand. The castaways include Captain Cyrus Smith of the United States Army, American journalist Gideon Spilett, and British sailor Tom Ayrton. Smith and Spilett claim they were attempting to escape a prisoner of war camp in Richmond, Virginia in 1865 by use of an observation balloon, but a storm blew them to an island, which was destroyed three and a half years later in a volcanic explosion. Ayrton claims he was shipwrecked on a neighboring island twelve years before. Smith was "stunned" to learn that the date was 1873, rather than 1869. Similarly, Ayrton had believed the year to be 1878, since he was certain he had been stranded for 12 years, and his former ship had wrecked in 1866. All the the castaways are described as appearing to be in excellent physical health, though their mental health has been called into question, due in part to their "persistent confusions."
Monday, 29 September: All the papers report an epidemic of Camp Fever in the town of Ramsgate. Hundreds sick, dozens feared close to death. Sir Cosmo acellerates his preparations to leave. Lively discussions ensue concerning who will or will not accompany him. Mrs Frazer volunteers to look after Sir Cosmo's frogs and newts.
Tuesday, 30 September: Sir Cosmo arrives in London and completes a number of transactions. Reports indicate the number of sick in Ramsgate continues to grow. Meanwhile, the Times and Standard report that the New York Stock Exchange has re-opened, although the Fourth National Bank of New York City will never be re-opening, having declared bankruptcy.
Wednesday, 1 October: A special train takes Sir Cosmo to Ramsgate.
Thursday, 2 October: All the papers carry the story: Ramsgate Quarantined, by order of the Home Secretary, the Earl of Derby. Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, bart., C.B., has been appointed Quarantine Commissioner and is effectively in charge of the port, the harbour, the city, and all within for the duration of the emergency; the Royal East Regiment of Foot has been placed at his disposal. Meanwhile, in London a new play by Graham and Templeton, "Queen Boadicea, or Liberty, Honour, and Native Soil" opens at the Royal Gallery of Illustration. Mrs Salmalin sends her regrets that she cannot attend the opening.
Friday, 3 October: The Morning Post carries the story of the strange apparatus assembled under the direction of Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, volunteers are seen going house to house in "otherworldly gear, said to be protective" where furnishings, floors, walls, animals, and even people are all bathed in noxious-smelling fluids. Homes where the treatment is refused are plastered with large "Quarantine" signs. Meanwhile, the papers also carry mixed reviews of "Queen Boadicea." The Telegraph's reviewer describes it as "fatally serious" and suggests the playwrights return to comedy. The Daily News' reviewer finds it a thoughtful exploration of the Ritualism (or Anglo-Catholicism) controversy within the Church of England which, "while well-executed and engaging, is not entirely suitable to a musical play." The Times reviewer, on the other hand, saw it as an exemplary affirmation of the enduring nobility and adaptibility of the English character. Lady Cowperthwaite and most of the League relocate to London. The second issue of East-West Journal is published, and features a cover drawing of Atlas O'Flaherty (though his companions have a decidedly Indian look). Anyone who cares to ask someone who speaks hindi to read the enclosed story, will learn that it appears to be a translation of "Kid Rocket Meets Atlas O'Flaherty."
Saturday, 4 October: The Standard reports from Sydney, Australia, that recently rescued castaway Tom Ayrton has been taken into custody. Local authorities have determined that Ayrton is a notorious highwayman convicted and transported from England in 1856, who escaped from an Australian prison camp in 1865.
Sunday, 5 October: The Times reports from France a series of disturbing incidents in the village of Quiquendone in Flanders. The once peaceful town saw a rash of violent acts, as neighbor attacked neighbor over petty squabbles. Some inhabitants of the town blame a new gas lighting system being installed in the town by a Dr Ox, who has conveniently disappeared before authorities could question him.
Tuesday, 7 October: The Standard, Times, Morning Post, and Daily News all report that on the previous day, in Versailles, a man fired a gun toward the carriage carrying the Imperial Princess.
Thursday, 9 October: The Times reports from America that four leaders of the Modoc tribe were hung at Fort Klamath, Oregon the previous week. Two other convicted leaders had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment by President Ullysses S. Grant. The other members of the tribe, having been declared prisoners of war, are to be relocated to the Indian Territory.
Friday, 10 October: several London newspapers carry varied stories from France of rumoured assaults upon several government officials over the previous few days. The Morning Post editorial page opines that anarchists and revolutionaries may be overrunning Paris.
Saturday, 11 October: The Spectator and Daily Telegraph carry more disturbing stories from France, including reports that several members of the Imperial staff are rumoured to have become gravely ill "recently" allegedly from a failed attempt to poison the Imperial family. Meanwhile, the Daily News reprints a circular, purportedly from the Federation for Socialist Democracy (a known Radical group) calling for the elimination of "lords of land and capital," beginning at the very top, "by any means necessary."
Monday, 13 October: the letters page of the Daily News contains a letter from Frederick Engels, of the International Working Men's Association, denouncing the circular published on Saturday, and insisting that it is a fraudulent document. The Times prints excerpts from a similar letter written by Karl Marx, insisting that the Socialist movement is a pacificist force for change.
Tuesday, 14 October: Ernst von Bruck, Chancellor of the North German Confederation, announces that the Königlich-Preussische Hauptverwaltung der Staatschulden (essentially the Royal Bank of Prussia) has agreed to cover the liabilities of the 20 banks in the North German Confederacy which have declared bankruptcy since September.
Wednesday, 15 October: The Evening Standard reports, from American, that General William T. Sherman has fallen gravely ill at Army Staff Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.
Thursday, 16 October: the Evening Standard reports, from Fontainebleau, France, a disturbance at a chateau belonging to a member of the Imperial Family. There are rumours of gunshots, the house and grounds being surrounded by police or soldiers, and even a tale of a sword fight between two men along the rooftop of one of the buildings.
Friday, 17 October: most of the morning papers carry stories about the arrest, in Fontainebleau, of Prince Napoléon Joseph Charles Paul, cousin of the recently deceased Emporer, second in line to the throne, on charges of High Treason. The Evening Standard will further report that the Vicomte de Molineaux, Minister of Justice, is rumoured to have personally captured and arrested the Prince. Meanwhile, Lady Cowperthwaite and Mr Salmalin do not return home from shopping. When Wilhelmina and George return to the townhouse from a day at Sir Cosmo's other lab, she delivers two notes to Mrs Salmalin.
Saturday, 18 October: Sir Cosmo sends a telegram, indicating Lady Cowperthwaite and Mr Salmalin are inside the Quarantine Area.
Sunday, 19 October: the Times publishes a story by Andrew W. Higgins, recounting the true history of Boadicea, Queen of Iceni (a Celtic kingdom located approximately in Norfolk during the first century AD).
Monday, 20 October: Insp. MacGregor receives a letter from Mrs. Bernard MacGregor saying the Gwendolynne has been asked to be married by Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe, younger son of a squire in Brackhampton.
Tuesday, 21 October: The Times reports that the Bavarian government has confirmed that the Königlich Bayrischen Staats- Schuldentilgungs- Kommission (literally the national debt-repayment commission, but in essence the Bavarian central bank and treasury department) will assume the liabilities of several Bavarian banks which have recently declared insolvency.
Thursday, 23 October: The London Illustrated Weekly reprints a story from Leslie's Illustrated News of New York showing Leslie Gallant, Jr, Dr Jebediah Wilson, and other companions departing New York for St. Louis earlier in the month.
Tuesday, 28 October: The Spectator reports (quoting the St. Louis Evening Post) a troubling series of mysterious illnesses befalling several army officers and an Indian Agent. There are also rumours that dozens of buffalo hunters have been found dead in the countryside, with no apparent cause of death. Mr Leslie Gallant, Jr is mentioned, denying that he has been asked to look into the matter.
Wednesday, 29 October: The Morning Post reports that there have been no new cases of Camp Fever identified in Ramsgate for six days.
Friday, 31 October: Halloween.
Sunday, 2 November: The Times publishes a special report from Andrew W. Higgins from Paris, concerning the preparations for the coronation of Emporer Napoleon IV.
Monday, 3 November: Wonka's Fine Confections introduces another entry in its clockwork candy line: candy frogs that hop and chirp.
Tuesday, 4 November: The Ficklegruber Candy company introduces a new candy: chocolate powder kegs full of licorice powder "in time for Guy Fawkes Day." "A unique explosion of flavour" the advertisements say.
Wednesday, 5 November: The Times and Standard both report from Cuba that a ship flying under U.S. colours, the Virginius, was captured on October 31 with a cargo full of munitions which local Spanish authorities claim are meant to aid an impending invasion of the island.
Thursday, 6 November: The Times and Standard both report from Cuba that at least 52 members of the Virginius crew--some of whom are British citizens--have been tried and convicted of piracy. Both papers note that the trials proceeded in Santiago de Cuba over the objections of both the American and British embassies.
Friday, 7 November: The Standard and Daily News both report from America of a severe smallpox epidemic in California.
Saturday, 8 November: the Times and Spectator report that William "Boss" Tweed has been captured in Havanna, Cuba through the efforts of the American adventurer, Leslie Gallant, Jr and his associates (Kid Rocket receives a passing mention), and that Tweed will almost certainly be extradited to America within weeks.
Sunday, 9 November: The Times, Standard, and Spectator all report from Cuba that, despite objections from Britain and the U.S., approximately 50 members of the crew of the Virginius had been executed before HMS Niobe , under the command of Sir Lampton Lorraine intervened.
Monday, 10 November: The Standard reports from Cook's Town, Queensland, that Archibald Campbell MacMillan is undertaking to build a railway from the Australian coast to the gold fields of the Palmer River.
Tuesday, 11 November: The Times, Standard, Spectator, and Daily News all report from Madrid the Spanish government's official statement that the executions of crew and passengers of Virginius in Santiago de Cuba occured without proper authority. The government regrets that instructions to halt the executions did not arrive in time to save some prisoners. The Times and Spectator report further from Havanna that the Cuban authorities insist the ship was operating on orders from the U.S. government, and that the trials and executions were entirely legal. Speculation in all the papers leans toward a war between the U.S. and Spain.
Wednesday, 12 November: Parliament is called into session with the intent to pass the Army and Navy Pension Act. The Times and Standard also report from Cuba that 103 persons captured on the Virginius have been transferred to the custody of the British Ambassador and Captain Sir Lampton Lorraine, who agree to hold them until the three governments come to an agreement on the situation.
Thursday, 13 November: The Illustrated London Weekly reprints a story from Leslie's Illustrated News of New York showing hearings in the U.S. Senate convened by John Sherman (Senator from Ohio and younger brother of the Commanding General of the Army) to investigate the Bank and Stock Crash of September.
Friday, 14 November: The Times reports from Cook's Town, Queensland a battle between hostile aboriginals and a large party of miners making their way to the Palmer River valley.
Sunday, 16 November: the Times publishes the first in a series of special reports by Gideon Spilett and David Meredith, based Spilett's experiences and interviews with his fellow castaways about their ordeals surviving on an uninhabited island. The title of the series is "The Mysterious Island."
Tuesday, 18 November: The Times, Standard, Daily News, and Echo report that, the Quarantine Commissioner having communicated to the Home Secretary that there has been no new infection of Camp Fever within the the town of Ramsgate in over 21 days, and that all persons previously suffering from the illness have been free of fever and rash for more than 7 days, the Quarantine will be officially lifted at noon today. The Evening Standard reports that an estimated 1900 people within Ramsgate became ill during the recent epidemic (of which approximately 1000 where children twelve and younger). Of those, fewer than 300 died. According to Dr George Hutchinson of Bethlehem Royal Hospital, the last time a Camp Fever epidemic broke out in the busy Port town (1857) the total number sick is unknown, since a Quarantine was not declared until nearly a month into the epidemic, but by the time the illness had run its course--eight months later--over 3000 people had died of the illness within the town and surrounding communities. At the Cowperthwaite's house that evening, telegrams arrive saying Sir Cosmo and his party are still tying up loose ends, and plan to return Thursday evening--all are well, though exhausted.
Wednesday, 19 November: the Morning Post and Spectator and Evening Standard all report from America that in the cities of Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia, thousands of people are out of work since the Panic in September, and 25 railroad companies have declared bankruptcy.
Thursday, 20 November: Napoleon IV is crowned Emperor of the French. The Duc de Lorraine will remain Regent until the emperor turns 18 in March. Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, and Mr Salmalin return to London.
Friday, 21 November: the society column of the Pall Mall Gazette will mention that among the imperial honours announced in conjunction with the coronation are that the Minister of Justice, the Vicomte de Molineaus, until recently the Imperial Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has been created the Comte de Molineaux.
Saturday, 22 November: The Times reports from Paris that William of Orange, Crown Prince of the Netherlands, has died in his Paris apartment after a short illness. While on the society page of the Daily News, some may notice among the long list of attendees to the coronation and subsequent festivities, mention of The Duke of Florin being seen to dance more than once with Archduchess Maria Augusta of Tuscany.
Sunday, 23 November: The Times prints a special report by Andrew W. Higgins detailing the official celebrations of the coronation of Napoleon IV. The Times also prints the next installment in the special report by Gideon Spilett and David Meredith, "The Mysterious Island." The Times and Evening Standard both report that a French force under the command of Commodore Francis Garnier, has laid siege to the fortified town of Hanoi, Nam Viet, claiming that the trading group led by Jean Dupuis and a number of Nam Viet government officials have been taken captive by members of the Nam Viet military.
Monday, 24 November: The gossip column of the Spectator reprints several rumours about the debauched life that the Crown Prince of Netherlands is said to have lived in Paris since 1860, in exile there after attempting to contract an unsuitable marriage. The Daily Telegraph and Morning Post both reprint stories from Parisian papers which contradict earlier reports of the death of Netherlands' Crown Prince William. William attended the Coronation and several celebratory balls and parties the following night and day, and showed no signs of illness.
Tuesday, 25 November: The Evening Standard reports that the Comte de Reffannse, Frances's Foreign Minister, has announced that Commodore Garnier has captured the Hanoi Citadel, liberated the political prisoners (including two members of the imperial family), and arrested General Nguyen Tri Phuong. The Spectator and Daily Telegraph both report rumours that among the people questioned by Paris police after the death of Netherlands' Crown Prince William were the Prince of Wales (the Prince and Princess attending Coronation festivities on behalf of Her Majesty), His Highness the Duke of Florin, and Prince Phillip Lucien Bonaparte.
Wednesday, 26 November: The Times reports from America of a speech before Congress by Representative Isaac Parker, of Missouri. Rep. Parker claims to have proof of an order issued from the office of the Commander of the Army, authorizing officers to dispense, free-of-charge, ammunition to any buffalo hunters who request it. As these orders are in effect in areas where Treaties grant exclusive hunting rights to Indian tribes, Rep. Parker insists the order is illegal. He ends the speech by hinting the Articles of Impeachment may be pending against General Sherman. Other congressmen are quoting suggesting that if such an order existed, it may have been issued by one of Sherman's subordinates, during the General's convalescence.
Thursday, 27 November - Insp. MacGreggor and Mr Frazer are summoned to the office of the Undersecretary for Police and Prisons, from which they proceed to a meeting at the French Embassy with the Comte de Carcassonne. Meanwhile, the gossip column of the Spectator reports that "the Parisian papers" are filled with scandalous rumours about the private lives of Prince Phillip Lucien Bonaparte, the Duke of Florin, and even His Highness the Prince of Wales.
Friday, 28 November: The Daily Telegraph reports from American a march of the unemployed through New York City, ending with a rally in Tompkins Square, where Henry Ross, president of the local Knights of Labor, delivers a fiery speech blaming the current economic troubles on the machinations of the international financial aristocracy. "These foreign bankers seek not to conquer this great nation through force of arms. Rather, they have purchased their way into our legislatures and Congress itself. Their puppets--corrupt and greedy men masquerading as public servants--have tied a millstone of gold around the neck of every working man, farmer, and small business owner and left us to sink or swim in a sea of greed and indifference!" Whereas the Times reports that President Ulysses S. Grant has issued a statement to the effect that earlier in the month he signed an Executive Order rescinding an Army order which may have been used to justify encouraging the hunting of buffalo in areas prohibited by law or treaties. Meanwhile, Insp & Mrs MacGreggor and Mr & Mrs Frazer depart for Paris.
Saturday, 29 November: The Times and Daily News report that the body of Prince William of Orange arrives at Rotterdam, aboard a yacht owned by Dowager Empress Eugenie of France. The Daily Telegraph reports in its gossip page that Archduchess Maria Augusta of Tuscany is no longer receiving the calls of the Duke of Florin. Meanwhile, in Paris Insp. MacGregor and Mr Frazer meet with the Vicomte de Molineaus. Then they meet Inspector Ravier and Hoofdinspecteur (Chief Inspector) van de Wetering. Mr Frazer and Insp. MacGregor begin to suspect that one of the suspects is actually the vampire, Peter Sinclair. Meanwhile, Mrs Frazer and Mrs MacGregor meet Madame Joliet.
Sunday, 30 November: The Times prints the next installment in the special report by Gideon Spilett and David Meredith, "The Mysterious Island."
Monday, 1 December: The MacGregors and Frazers interview many witnesses.
Tuesday, 2 December: Prince William of Orange is laid to rest in the Royal Crypt in Nieuwe Kerk Delft.
Wednesday, 3 December: Clues lead the MacGregors and Frazers to one of Peter Sinclair's sanctuaries, where they encounter a rather large group of fledgling vampires. The vampires are defeated in the timely help of Madame Joliet, Retired Watcher.
Thursday, 4 December: The Daily News reprints a story from the New York Liberator of an enormous crowd of unemployed workers attempting to storm a city council meeting. The tense situation was defused when Mayor Havemeyer persuades the crowd to elect a number of representatives to bring their grievances to the council. Among those selected is Knights of Labor president, Henry Ross. In addition to the claims made the previous week, these spokespeople further claim they have proof that the Coinage Act was written with the help of a Bank of England employee, Mr Ernest Seyd, who bribed several congressmen to vote for the act. Mr Seyd is also said to have been in Philadelphia at the office of the Jay Cooke Company in September only days before the company announced its insolvency (which triggered the subsequent runs on banks and stock market crash).
Friday, 5 December: The Daily News reports from America that a march of the unemployed and regional farmers (who suffered from a rapid drop in produce and grain prices in the fall, and subsequent calls on loans from banks in financial difficulty) through the streets of Chicago which ends in a rally at which several speakers call for action against the "tyranny of international bankers," a return to the bimetal standard, and the expansion of the paper money supply. The Observer and Echo both carry versions of the story printed the day before in the Daily News about alleged interference in U.S. financial institutions by agents of the Bank of England.
Saturday, 6 December: The Times, Standard, and Morning Post all print stories refuting the attacks against Mr Ernest Seyd. Mr Seyd is an officer of the Bank of England, and has even traveled abroad, however, during the last September, Mr Seyd was bedridden with a near-fatal case of typhoid fever. Mr Seyd was bedridden for nearly eight weeks in Scotland, having first fallen ill while grouse-hunting. During the weeks that it is alleged he met with American Congressmen, he was testifying in London in the Court of Common Pleas in the Tichbourne Claimant Case. Meanwile, in Paris, the Frazers, MacGregors, and Mdm Joliet capture Peter Sinclair. After the interrogation is complete, he proves more difficult to destroy than the typical blood-sucker.
Sunday, 7 December: The investigation into the death of Prince William of Orange continues. The Times prints the next installment in the special report by Gideon Spilett and David Meredith, "The Mysterious Island."
Monday, 8 December: The Spectator reports from America excerpts from the annual message to Congress from President Grant, delivered in writing to Congress on the first of the month, and reprinted in many American papers in the following days. Of note is this excerpt: "With the encroachment of civilization upon the Indian reservations and hunting grounds, disturbances have taken place between the Indians and whites during the past year, and probably will continue to do so until each race appreciates that the other has rights which must be respected. The policy has been to collect the Indians as rapidly as possible on reservations, and as far as practicable within what is known as the Indian Territory, and to teach them the arts of civilization and self-support. Where found off their reservations, and endangering the peace and safety of the whites, they have been punished. Yet our laws must govern all alike--the white man as well as the red man. We must punish with equal diligence those who encroach upon the Indian territories as we have, in the past, punished the Indians for leaving those territories."
Tuesday, 9 December: The Times, Morning Post, Standard, Globe, and Spectator all report that early in the evening the previous day, Lord Hartington withdrew the Army and Navy Pension Bill for consideration. Mr Disreali then had read a separate Navy Pension Bill, which had been championed by a number of back-benchers of both parties. Meanwhile, the Evening Standard reports from America the signing of a settlement between the U.S. Secretary of State, the Spanish Ambassador, and the British Ambassador specifying the conditions of a peaceful settlement to the Virginius Incident.
Wednesday, 10 December: The Times reports from America of an order issued by the Commander of the Army, General William T. Sherman (recently recovered from a serious but unspecified illness) that non-Indian hunters, trappers, and settlers found on Indian Territories are to be considered prisoners of war and removed immediately.
Friday, 12 December: Insp. MacGregor, Mr Frazer, Insp Ravier, and Hoofdinspecteur van de Wetering recieve the reports of the independent medical experts. The Inspectors then meet with the Minister of Justice and the Ambassadors of England and the Netherlands.
Saturday, 13 December: The Times, Standard, and Daily Globe all report from Paris that the investigators have concluded that Prince William of Orange died as a result of a previously undiagnosed ailment of the heart, aggravated by exhaustion.
Sunday, 14 December: The Times prints a special report, filed by Andrew W. Higgins from New York City, on the dismal ecomonic situation of most of the working class in the city. A note with the report announces that Mr Higgins will be traveling throughout North America for the next several months, filing additional stories on what he finds there. The Times also prints the next installment in the special report by Gideon Spilett and David Meredith, "The Mysterious Island."
Tuesday, 16 December: The MacGregors and Frazers leave Paris.
Wednesday, 17 December: The Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society includes a letter from the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield offering an alternative analysis of the problems addressed in Mr James Moriarty's article of the previous issue. The Times and Standard report from Cuba that the Virginius has been turned over to the U.S. Navy, which made preparations to tow the ship to the United States. The surviving crew and passengers have been set free.
Thursday, 18 December: The London Illustrated Weekly reprints a story from Leslies Illustrated News of New York about a riot earlier in the month at the East River Docks when the notorious William "Boss" Tweed was being returned to the U.S. after being extradited from Cuba. Believing that the mob intended to lynch Tweed (who has become an emblem to many unemployed persons of the corrupt system which has ravaged the economy), police reacted with overwhelming force. Several people were injured, though it is believed the carnage would have been much worse if Leslie Gallant, Sr, who accompanying state officials meeting the ship, and Leslie Gallant, Jr, who was escorting the criminal, had not managed to calm the crowd. Meanwhile, the Times, Morning Post, Daily News, and Daily Telegraph all carry rather long stories of the passage, quite late the previous night, of the Navy Pension Act. It is believed that a separate Army Pension Bill will be debated next.
Friday, 19 December: all the London papers report that what is assumed to be the final session of Parliament for the year has adjourned, without the passage of an Army Pension Act.
Saturday, 20 December: The Standard reports that Carlist forces in Spain have laid siege to Bilbao.
Sunday, 21 December: The Times prints the final installment in the special report by Gideon Spilett and David Meredith, "The Mysterious Island," in which it is revealed that the mysterious assistance the castaways had received from time to time during their years on the island had come from a man claiming to be Captain Nemo, whose undersea pirate ship had become trapped inside an underwater cave when volcanic activity blocked the entrance. According to Captain Cyrus Smith, leader of the castaways, Nemo subsequently died in his boat, which was destroyed by the later volcanic action which destroyed the island and left the castaways clinging to a few remaining rocks.
Monday, 22 December: the Times reports that Commodore Garnier, who has remained in the Nam Viet capital since "liberating" it, has been killed as the citadel was captured by a Nam Viet military force claiming to be acting in the name of the Emporer. The Spectator reports from Paris an exclusive arrangement with d'Éducation et de Récréation to publish an English translation of the series Le Secret de l'île (The Secret of the Island) by correspondent Monsieur Jules Verne, who was traveling aboard the yacht Duncan when it rescued the castaway Smith party.
Tuesday, 23 December: Slugworth Chocolates and Confections introduces a line of Jelly Berries: fruit-flavored candies in a nearly spherical shape, semi-hard on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.
Wednesday, 24 December: Mr Scrooge's Christmas Party. Once again, Edward can't stop talking about Wonka's creation at Scrooge's Christmas party: a "life-size" candy reproduction of the Garden of Eden, with a candy-clockwork peacock made entirely of Wonka Crown Jewel candies, an "apple tree" from which apple-shaped candies can be plucked and eaten, candy leaves, and bark that breaks off the tree as ginger and cinnamon biscuits.
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas. Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite give Wilhelmina a copy of by La machine animale: Locomotion terrestre et aenne, by Etienne Jules Marey (Animal Mechanism: a treatise on terrestrial and aerial locomotion). Howard Walsh gives Wilhelmina a copy of The Wreck of the Schooner Cumberland by Matthew Flinders, published in 1814. The Salmalins stay at Edenfield.
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day. Wonka's Toffy Apples go on sale. Not apples coated in candy, but convincing looking apples made of candy -- with tiny chocolate seeds and cinnamon stems. As the adverts say "They even crunch!" Available in several varieties: Golden Pippin, Green Gravenstein, Royal Red, and Cox Orange, with tastes that evoke the varieties they are named after.
Saturday, 27 December: The Times reports from its Singapore correspondent that earlier in the month several ships from the British China Sea Fleet, under the command of Admiral Sir Miles Naismith, were engaged in battles with a fleet of the so-called Black Flag Pirates, off the coast of Cochinchina. The battle also involved a number of French warships under the command of Admiral Marie-Jules Dupré. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the first in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne. In a sidebar, it is noted the M. Verne interviewed members of the party who did not cooperate in the series written by Spilett and Meredith. Verne's series is said to include many important facts not included in the other series. It is also noted that Mr Tom Ayrton was removed from the custody of the Sydney authorities and has been taken to Port Victoria, Labuan aboard HMS Griffin to face trial on charges of piracy.
Sunday, 28 December: The Times prints a special report by Andrew W. Higgins, which consists primarily of an interview with Mrs Agnes Nicholson, widow of the Rev. Thomas Nicholson, former Methodist missionary to the "Kansas Tribe." Mrs Nicholson has become notorious in her native land for filing a suit, in Federal Court, on behalf of the Kansas Tribe, attempting to have the Kansas Tribe Relocation Act of 1873 declared unconstitutional. The article covers the history of the tribe, some details about the U.S. legal system, and related topics. The story also mentions that the lawyer arguing Mrs Nicholson's case is John Rodgers Houston, son of the late Sam Houston by his second wife, a Cherokee woman called Tiana Rodgers.
Monday, 29 December: The Times carries a story of the departure from Paris of the Comte de Reffannes, French Foreign Minister, bound for the Far East to negotiate a settlement regarding the Hanoi Incident.
Tuesday, 30 December: The Standard reports that civil war has broken out in the Malay state of Perak (bordering the British Straits Colony) after the recent death of the Sultan with no indisputed heir.
Wednesday, 31 December: The Spectator reports from America that the Virginius has foundered off Cape Hatteras while being towed by U.S.S. Ossipee. The report also mentions that an investigation by the U.S. Attorney General has determined that Virginius had been the property of General Quesada, a Cuban Insurrectionist, and had had no legal right to fly the colours of the U.S.
Thursday, 1 January: The Morning Post and the Daily News both carry stories about the death, after a sudden illness, of French Admiral Charles Rigault de Genouilly who has been Fleet Admiral since the Duc de Lorraine left the post to become Regent. Admiral de Genouilly is most famous, both papers agree, for engineering the French annexation of the southern provinces of the Nam Viet empire into the current colony of Cochinchina.
Friday, 2 January: Prodnose Biscuits and Confections introduces it's own fruit-inspired candy: the Pumpkin Pucker.
Saturday, 3 January: Sir Spencer sets out, in his yacht Foxglove, to do some hunting with the Vicomte de Vergennes in Algeria. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the second in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne. Meanwhle, in Edenfield, Miss Pinker arrive for a visit.
Sunday, 4 January: The Times prints a special report by Andrew W. Higgins about the relations between the U.S. government and many of the Indian tribes relocated to the Indian Territory during the previous three decades. Meanwhile, in Littleton, Mr O'Flaherty and Mrs Kendall have a talk.
Tuesday, 6 January: Mr O'Flaherty arrives in London.
Friday, 9 January: The Evening Standard reports from the Kingdom of Hawaii a smallpox epidemic.
Saturday, 10 January: Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 11 January: The Times prints another installment in the special report by Andrew W. Higgins on relations between the U.S. government and Indian tribes. This story focuses on the forced relocations of tribes in contravention to previously ratified treaties, particularly the removal of the Kaw of Kansas first from the region now occupied by the town of Topeka, and more recently from the state entirely.
Tuesday, 13 January: The Journal of the London Microscopial Society publishes a monograph by Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite entitled: "Corrolation of Microscopic Organisms to Certain Inflammations."
Wednesday, 14 January: Sir Spencer arrives at the mouth of the Chelif River.
Thursday, 15 January: The Times and Daily News both report from New York City that when a rally (organized by the Knights of Labor to demand public works programs and government relief for the worst of the unemployment and hunger) turned into a riot, police reacted with savage forces. Dozens were arrested, and far more were seriously wounded.
Friday, 16 January: At a meeting of the Privy Council, Lord Bellinger apologizes for his inability to pass the Army Pension Act, and formally asks the Queen to dissolve Parliament. The General Election is set for Thursday, 12 February. Meanwhile, at the Alexandra Theatre, Manchester, "The Air Apparent, or the Incognito Continental" opens for a two-week engagement, kicking off another tour of regional theatres.
Saturday 17 January: Mrs Salmalin and Octavia go to West Darlson. Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, Miss Pinker and other members of the household go to London. Sir Spencer arrives at the estate of the Vicomte de Vergennes. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 18 January: The Times prints another special report on the effects of the Economic Depression, particularly in America, which according to the story has been hardest hit. While it is noted the unemployment is running high in almost every U.S. city, one important exception is Boston, Massachusetts, where nearly all displaced workers have found employment thanks to the small construction boom following the Great Fire. Prices for goods and services have gone down everywhere, even in England, but the general tone of the article is that everywhere other than America, the contraction of jobs in one industry is being made-up by expansion in others.
Monday, 19 January: The Times and Morning Post both report that British troops from the Straits Settlements have landing in the Malay state of Perak. Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, the senior officers of the Royal East Kent Regiment of Foot, eleven doctors, and forty-seven nurses, are honoured at a ceremony at St. James Palace in London, where they receive the thanks of the Queen. Honourees receive a bronze medallion.
Tuesday, 20 January: The Vicomte de Vergennes's guests begin hunting boar.
Wednesday, 21 January: The Evening Standard reports that the French Foreign Minister has met with representatives of the governments of China, Burma, Siam, and Nam Viet, at the residence of the British High Commissioner for the Malay Colonies (Baron Beckett of Kirkdale)--which had been accepted by all parties as neutral territory--to sort out the Hanoi Incident.
Thursday, 22 January: All the London papers have at least some mention of the marriage, today, of His Royal Highness, Prince Alfred, The Duke of Edinburgh (Queen Victoria's second son) to Her Imperial Highness The Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, daughter of Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The nuptials are occuring in at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, but many London churches will be pealing their bells at midday in honour of the event. Elsewhere, Mrs Salmalin and Octavia return to Edenfield.
Friday, 23 January: Sir Cosmo and Wilhelmina (and probably others) leave Edenfield for Portsmouth, to begin a series of tests of the submersible, HMS Cuttlefish. Meanwhile, the Times reports that Straits Settlement Governor, Sir Andrew Clarke, has accepted a petition from Prince Abdullah of Perak to place Perak under British protection.
Saturday, 24 January: The Standard and Times both report that Prince Abdullah having been crowned Sultan of Perak, has been greeted with great enthusiasm by his subjects. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 25 January: The Times prints a special report by Andrew W. Higgins, concerning recent mysterious incidents in the Great Plains region of North America, including the fantastic story of several buffalo hunters being found frozen to death, some of them while sitting horseback, while their horses are unharmed. Meanwhile, the Standard reports from America of a stagecoach robbery near Hot Springs, Arkansas, in which cash and jewels valued at $3000 (£1200). Witnesses say that two of the robbers took time to brag to the passengers that they were the James-Younger gang which had robbed the Kansas City Fair the previous year, "and many banks before" but the authorities were too incompitent to catch them.
Monday, 26 January: The Observer and Spectator both carry less than enthusiastic editorials about the decision of a colonial governor to invade a sovereign state and select a ruler from among its squabbling royals.
Thursday, 29 January: The Times, Standard, and Daily News carry stories of a settlement of the Hanoi Incident. France will pay certain indemnities to Nam Viet and China. Nam Viet will allow the French to open a small trade mission in Hanoi. Certain tariff concessions will be made to Burma and Siam. All parties pledge to work together to bring an end to the threat of the Black Flag Pirates. The French Foreign Minister is reported to be traveling next to Hanoi, to offer his personal apologies to the Emporer.
Saturday, 31 January: Sir Spencer bags a striped hyena. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 1 February: The Times and Standard both report from America (quoting the Tucson, Arizona Citizen) of a massacre in early January. At least two dozen inhabitants of the township of Paradise, Arizona, were killed when a band of hostile Apache attacked the town. The number dead is uncertain as several citizens are missing.
Monday, 2 February: Mrs Salmalin returns to London and resumes her teaching and research.
Tuesday, 3 February: The Times reports, from its Singapore office, that Professor Pierre Arronax, a naturalist who became famous after being the unwilling guest of the science pirate, Captain Nemo, has granted an interview to the Singapore Chronicle, in which he describes the events he witnessed recently in Hanoi. The Professor had been a guest at the Imperial Medical College of Hanoi when Garnier's force laid siege to the city. The Professor claims there was no military coup and that the attack by his countrymen was entirely unprovoked. The story ends with a note that the Times has obtained permission to reprint the professor's interview in its entirety, and will be doing so in coming weeks.
Friday, 6 February: The Times and Morning Post report from Paris that the Comte de Molineaux, French Minister of Justice, has issued a warrant for the arrest of the Comte de Reffannes on charges of treason and conspiracy. The warrant was counter-signed by the Regent on February 1, but had not been made public in hopes of capturing Reffannes. Unfortunately, according to authorities in Indochina, the Comte has disappeared. It is further announced that, pending the hoped-for arrest and trial, the Duc de Broglie, the Prime Minister, will take direct control of the Foreign Office.
Saturday, 7 February: The Standard reports from America the robbery of a train on the Iron Mountan & South Railroad, near Gads Hill, Missouri, making off with over $12,000 (£4800). Witnesses say the seven robbers seemed well-organized, though several of them took time to brag that no one, "especially Mr Pinkerton" could catch them. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 8 February: The Times prints a special report by Andrew W. Higgins which consists primarily of interviews with several survivors of the Modoc War, as well as members of several other Indian tribes relocated to the Indian Territory.
Thursday, 12 February: Election Day.
Friday, 13 February: The front pages are dominated by election results. Official counts have not been reported from all boroughs, but all the papers agree that the Conservatives have won.
Saturday, 14 February: Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 15 February: The Spectator reprints a story from the Tucson Citizen (Tucson, Arizona) about the rescue of a woman who had been kidnapped by an Apache band after the massacre at the township of Paradise. Bounty hunter Jonah Woodson Hecks declines to be interviewed about how he tracked down the tribe or rescued Miss Laura Vaden.
Wednesday, 18 February: The new Commons is seated, with 350 Conservative MPs, 242 Liberal MPs, and 60 Irish Home Rule League MPs (only 53 of the latter actually present). Many papers note that this is the first time since 1857 that a third party has won representation in the Commons. Sir Spencer bags a leopard.
Thursday, 19 February: The British Journal of Medicine prints a monograph by Dr. William Oliver and Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, describing the methods employed to halt the spread of disease in Ramsgate, including details on the progression of symptoms, recovery rates, et cetera. The preamble of the article states that this is a preliminary summary of the treatment and effects, only.
Friday, 20 February: The Times and Spectator report from America that William Tweed, recently convicted on over a hundred counts of fraud and malfeasance of office, was being transported from the municiple jail to a courthouse, where he was to give evidence in the trial of a former associate. A mob was awaiting his arrival at the courthouse. Many in the crowd called out insults and threats to the former politician, until someone recognized one of the men escorting the wagon: Kid Rocket. A segment of the crowd began calling Kid Rocket a Stooge of the Bank of England, and accusing him of being part of the cause of the recent economic troubles. The crowd became uncontrollable, hurling stones, vegetables (why does someone always bring tomatoes to these things?). The carriage was overturned, the court building was damaged, and dozens were trampled in the ensuing panic. And, it appears, Mr Tweed escaped.
Saturday, 21 February: The Evening Standard reports that Parliament has approved a new government headed by Disraeli:
First Lord of the Treasury (Prime Minister), Benjamin Disreali
Lord Chancellor, Hugh Cairns, Earl of Cairns
Lord President of the Council, James St. Simon, Duke of Balmoral
Lord Privy Seal, James Harris, Earl of Malmesbury
Home Secretary, Richard A. Cross
Foreign Secretary, Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby
Secretary of State for the Colonies, Henry Herbert, Earl of Carnarvon
Secretary of State for War, Gathorne Hardy
Secretary of State for India, Robert Cecil, Marquess Salisbury
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Thomas Belton, Marquess of Bellinger
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancashire, Plantagenet Palliser
First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Spencer Robinson, Baron Silverbridge
President of the Board of Trade, Henry Barchester, Lord Smithwick
President of the Local Government Board, Dudley Ryder, Earl Harrowby
Postmaster General, Lord John Manners
Chief Secretary for Ireland, Sir Michael Hicks Beach, Bt.
Leader of the House of Commons, Benjamin Disreali
Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Bellinger
Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Tuesday, 24 February: The Daily News, Daily Telegraph, and Morning Post all mention in their editorial pages surprise that the Bill for the Regulation of Public Worship was mentioned in the Throne Speech.
Wednesday, 25 February: Sir Spencer bags a Barbary Lion.
Thursday, 26 February: The Times, Standard, Morning Post, and Daily News all report that at a session which lasted late into the night, the House of Commons concluded the clause-by-clause reading of a Committee of the Whole on the Army Pension Act.
Friday, 27 February: All the London papers report that the Commons has passed the Army Pension Act.
Saturday, 28 February: The Daily News reprints an article from the Denver, Colorado Tribune that a workcrew laying rails for the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in the southwest of the Colorado Territory has found a large number of prospectors and trappers dead or dying of an unknown disease, characterized by high fever and a distinctive rash. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 1 March: Most of the London papers report that the final agreement between Spain, Britain, and the U.S. concerning the Virginius Incident has been agreed to by all parties. An indemnity of £45,000 shall be paid by Spain to both Britain and the U.S. Both governments say the monies will be forwarded to the heirs of those executed.
Monday, 2 March: Lt. Wooster learns that his brother, Richard, has been induced to take a job with the government: a secretary to an undersecretary in the Board of Trade.
Wednesday, 4 March: The Times reports from America that earlier in the week, a large group of unemployed workers marched on the New York State capital and took over the capital building for several hours, before being presuaded to leave.
Thursday, 5 March: The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes an article by James Moriarty entitled: "Radius of Convergence of Differential Calculation of Dynamics of Three or More Newtonian Mass Points." The letters section of the British Journal of Medicine includes many articles critical of the assertions of Dr William Oliver and Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, as well as several letters congratulating them for providing evidence against Germ Theory of Disease, and others congratulating them for providing evidence in favor of the Germ Theory. [Careful readers of the previous article will note that they sidestepped the issue in their article entirely, though Sir Cosmo's papers elsewhere clearly lean in favour of the Germ Theory]
Friday, 6 March: The Observer and Evening Standard both report on a statement, issued to "most leading newspapers in the United States" from an organization calling itself The Committee for the Right to Work. The CRW statement blames the current ecomonic troubles on "an international conspiracy of priveleged moneyed interests, criminal negligence on the part of elected officials, and the abolition of bimetalism." The Committee calls on all workers, farmers, and small business owners to demand redress from their elected officials.
Saturday, 7 March: The Times reprints an article from the Denver, Colorado Tribune reporting a company of the 9th Cavalry become involved in a gunfight with another compay of the same Cavalry in the foothills of the San Juan mountains. The story asserts that all the members of one company had simply gone made, perhaps due to a fever. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 11 March: Sir Spencer leaves Algeria.
Tuesday, 10 March: The Journal of the London Microscopial Society publishes a monograph by Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite and W. Moriarty entitled "Some Methods of Sterilization."
Thursday, 12 March: Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (Prince Alfred of the United Kingdom and Grand Duchess Maria of Russian) enter London to much fanfare and celebration, where they take up residence at Clarence House.
Saturday, 14 March: Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 16 March: The Times reports from America that on the previous Friday, the lower house of the legislature of the State of New York passed a non-binding resolution calling on the federal government to rescind the Fourth Coinage Act, to extend the suspension of specii payments, and to increase the supply of paper money. The Evening Standard reports that His Imperial Majesty, Napoleon IV, officially took the reins of government today by convening a meeting with his cabinet. Afterward, he met with leaders of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Tuesday, 17 March: The Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society includes a short paper by Mr James Moriarty, Lecturer in Mathematics at Bracton College, "Radius of Convergence of Elastic Potential Energy in Non-linear Materials."
Wednesday, 18 March: The Times and Morning Post both print excerpts (translated) from the first throne speech of His Imperial Majesty, Napoleon IV to a joint session of the French Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Thursday, 19 March: Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, Edward, Mr & Mrs Salmalin take a train to Portsmouth.
Friday, 20 March: Sir Cosmo and Edward assist with the testing of some new diving equipment.
Saturday, 21 March: The Times and Standard both report from Paris that the Duc de Lorraine, recently Imperial Regent of France, has been named to a new post, Vice President of the Council, which would seem to make him effectively Deputy Prime Minister. General MacMahon remains Supreme Marshall, and all other cabinet members will remain at their current posts. Meanwhile, Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite have tea at Osbourne House. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 23 March: Sir Spencer arrives back in England.
Tuesday, 24 March: The Times reports from America that in the upper chamber of the legislature of the state of New York, during the debate of a bill which, among other things, called on the federal government to rescind the Fourth Coinage Act, that an altercation broke out in the public gallery, forcing the leaders of the legislature to clear the chamber and suspend the session. The State Militia has been called out to restore order.
Wednesday, 25 March: The Times reprints excerpts from several stories from the Denver, Colorado Tribune concerning the loss of the telegraph line from Denver to the town of Pueblo, followed by the cessation of trains from Pueblo, the disappearance of a unit of the Third Colorado Cavalry which went to investigate, and stories that the entire railroad, including the rails, has simply vanished (reference to similar reports two years ago elsewhere in North America are also made). The story concludes with the report that Mr Leslie Gallant, Jr (and several of his associates) have subsequently arrived in the area.
Thursday, 26 March: Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, Edward, and the Salmalins return to London.
Friday, 27 March: The Times reports from America that a New York City mob, led by members of the Committee for the Right to Work, seized control of City Hall and issued demands that the Governor recall the State Militia, allow the state legislature to re-convene and vote on the "measure to rescind the Fourth Coinage Act," and take other actions to provide jobs and food for the unemployed and their families.
Saturday, 28 March: Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Tuesday, 31 March: The Times, Observer, and Standard all report from America that when several units of the New York State Militia attempted to enter the city of New York, they met with fierce opposition.
Wednesday, 1 April: Howard Walsh gives Wilhelmina a small box of Wonka's candies for Easter. When Sir Cosmo, Wilhelmina, and Mrs Frazer are leaving London, Teddy Lynch meets them at the platform to give Wilhelmina a box of Wonka's candies for Easter.
Thursday, 2 April: Wonka's Fine Confections introduces it's annual Easter offering: small hard candy eggs which, when cracked, release an unbelievably tiny clockwork candy bird (occasionally a tiny candy bunny, even more occasionally a wee candy frog) which hops about. Slugworth Chocolates and Confections introduces a line of chocolate and toffy eggs.
Friday, 3 April: Good Friday. The Times and Observer reprint a report from America that the Committe for the Right to Work claims to have held a session of the "true legislature" of New York, which has passed a number of laws declaring the dissolution of the corrupt government and instituting in its place the New York Commune. New York is now, they say, a Free and Independent city, no longer a part of the corrupt state of New York. Meanwhile, Galen Robert Cowperthwaite turns two years old.
Saturday, 4 April: The Times, Daily News, and Spectator all report that members of several consulates (including both the British and French consulates) in the city of New York have been taken prisoner by the Committee for the Right to Work. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 5 April: Easter Sunday.
Monday, 6 April: The Standard, Times, and Observer all report that Monsier Yves Chaffre, recently appointed Consul of the French Empire to the United States, stationed in New York, has issued a statement denying that he or other consulate staff are being held prisoner by the leaders of the New York Commune. "We, along with consular officers of several other governments who have missions in the city, have simply been advised to remain within the consulate grounds for our own safety."
Tuesday, 7 April: The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes several letters commenting on and questioning Moriarty's "Radius of Convergence..." published the previous month.
Wednesday, 8 April: All the London papers carry some story about the situation in New York. The Evening Standard includes a story quoting the Governor of New York, John A. Dix, as being outraged that the commander of federal troops at Fort Columbus (on Governor's Island), Brig. Gen. Zachariah D. Sturdy, has "refused to interfere" in the New York City situation.
Thursday, 9 April: the Observer carries a story from America in which leaders of the Committee for the Right to Work are quoted extensively. Among other allegations, they charge Governor Dix (former Army General and former president of the now bankrupt Union Pacific Railroad) as being a key figure in the conspiracy of "corrupts lords of land and capital" responsible for the current economic troubles.
Friday, 10 April: The Times, Standard, Observer, and Echo all carry some mention of the appointment of Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, bt. KCB, to the position of High Commissioner of Science.
Saturday, 11 April: The Daily News reports from America of a march of the unemployed in the streets of New Orleans becoming a riot. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 12 April: The Standard reports from Australia of a smallpox epidemic.
Monday, 13 April: The Times and Daily News report from America that Louisiana Governor William P. Kellogg ordered troups into the city of New Orleans to enforce the peace, resulting in at least 12 deaths and numerous severe injuries. In London: the Whitnells arrive in town for another Season.
Tuesday, 14 April: The Daily News reports from America that members of the Louisiana Legislature have voted to remove "Republican carpetbagger" William P. Kellogg from the office of Governor, and declared Lt. Governor Caesar Carpetier Antoine an "enemy of the people" (apparently in response to his attempt to prevent the unlawful vote to remove the governor), and have declared former Confederate General Gordon T. Anderson (currently a state senator), Governor.
Wednesday, 15 April: The Times reports from America of another an armed confrontation in New York between several units of the State Militia and the "People's Militia."
Thursday, 16 April: The Daily News reports from America that an organization calling itself the New Orleans Committe for the Right to Work, has circulated pamphlets claiming that recently deposed Governor William P. Kellogg was part of a conspiracy with other railroad magnates, corrupt politicians, and financiers which has resulted in the current economic troubles.
Saturday, 18 April: The Daily News reports from America that President Ulysses S. Grant has declined a request from the Governor of New York to remove Brig. Gen. Sturdy from his command, and has instead given the General command of naval forces in the district. General Sturdy orders the port, harbor, canal, and river secured "for the safety of all." Meanwhile, the Times reports that General Philip Sheridan has been dispatched to Louisianna to restore order. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 19 April: The Standard, Globe, and Times all mention His Highness the Duke of Florin being received in Dresden, Saxony, by King Johann.
Monday, 20 April: The Daily News reports from America that a new newspaper has begun publication in New Orleans, the Orleans Free Press, whose masthead identifies it as "the voice of the Free State of Orleans."
Saturday, 25 April: The society pages of the Standard and the Observer both mention reports from Dresden that His Highness the Duke of Florin had danced at both a state ball and an embassy ball with Princess Anna Josepha of Saxony (daughter of King Johann of Saxony). Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 27 April: The Times reports from America that troops under the command of General Philip Sheridan have entered Louisiana and have reached the town of Baton Rouge.
(Time approximate: Mrs Salmalin visits West Darlson for a week.)
Saturday, 2 May: Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 4 May: The Observer reports from America that the Washington, D.C. Daily Critic devoted its entire front page to a story under the headline, "Tyranny! A Sovereign State Murdered!" The story claims that General Sheridan has issued an order declaring all those involved with or supporting the removal from office of Governor Kellogg are traitors, subject to trial by military tribunal. The General has also suspended the right of habeus corpus.
Wednesday, 6 May: The Times reports from America that President Ulysses S. Grant has issued a statement saying the reports of full-fledged martial law being declared in Louisiana is "a misunderstanding." The statement further asserts that no one will be tried for treason simply for opposing or criticising a public officer. The Daily News, meanwhile, mentions in its story about the situation in New Orleans, rumours that Mr Leslie Gallant, Sr, had been seen inside the beseiged city.
Thursday, 7 May: The Spectator and Evening Standard both carry stories of a break-in at a warehouse owned by Mr William Wonka of Wonka's Fine Confections. Mrs Salmalin sends Mr Wonka a note of condolence. Mrs Frazer and Wilhelmina look into the warehouse break-in. The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes more letters commenting on Moriarty's "Radius of Convergence..." published in March, and arguing with letters published since on the topic.
Friday, 8 May: Most of the morning papers carry the story of the break-in at Mr Wonka's warehouse, which is being investigated by Inspector Lestrade. Lestrade will not comment on the investigation, but he does not deny the rumours that thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of cans of condensed milk were destroyed by the culprits.
Saturday, 9 May: The Spectator reports that Inspector Lestrade has questioned Mr Arthur Slugworth, and several employees of Slugworth Chocolates and Confections regarding the warehouse break-in. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 11 May: Prodnose Biscuits and Confections introduces a new candy: Milk Chocolate (that's right, milk chocolate did not exist before this date). The bars are available in sizes ranging from small penny squares to one-pound loaves, and sell faster than Prodnose can put them on the shelf. Meanwhile, Major Haywood arrives in London.
Tuesday, 12 May: The Ficklegruber Candy Company introduces it's own line of "milk chocolate bars" -- though reviews indicate the bars are bittersweet with a texture of fudge. Meanwhile, Mrs Salmalin, while assisting her mother with some work for the Society for the Protection of Young Mothers and Infants, meets the Hon. Byron Hallward, younger brother of Lord Brixham, who appears to be a mage.
Wednesday, 13 May: Slugworth Chocolates and Confections, long known for its semi-sweet chocolate balls, dark chocolate squares, and a variety of chocolate biscuits and cakes, introduces a line of milk chocolate bars, though the penny miniatures seem to have more wax than milk in them.
Thursday, 14 May: The Times reports from Spain that Republican forces have finally broken the seige and liberated the city of Bilboa. Forces loyal to the Duke of Madrid still hold nearly have of Spanish territory.
Friday, 15 May: Wonka's Fine Confections begins selling a line of candy flowers. Teddy Lynch and Howard Walsh get into a shoving match when the Radicals stop at Wonka's. The Times and Daily News report that Insp. MacGregor arrested Mr David Prodnose, proprietor of the Prodnose Biscuits and Confections Company, along with several conspirators. Unfortunately, Insp. Lestrate arrested Mr Arthur Slugworth, owner of Slugworth Chocolates and Confections, at the same time for the same crimes. Mr Slugworth was subsequently released.
Saturday, 16 May: Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 18 May: Wonka's finally begins selling Milk Chocolate bars. Wilhelmina breaks Howard's heart and Teddy's heart.
Tuesday, 19 May: The Times and Daily News both report from America that the stand-off between the Committee for the Right to Work and the Governor of New York has finally been brought to a peaceful conclusion, apparently due in large part to the work of Mrs Elizabeth Gallant (wife of showman Leslie Gallant, Sr), and French diplomat Yves Chaffre. According to the Daily News story, Mrs Gallant (assisted by, among other people, her husband's former associate, Dr. Alexander Fate) also had captured escaped fugitive William M. Tweed, whom she turned over to authorities once order was restored.
Wednesday, 20 May: The Times and Observer both report from America that Gordon T. Anderson and other leaders of the Orleans Committee for the Right to Work, have surrendered. The Times says they have surrendered to General Sheridan. The Observer, on the other hand, claims that they surrendered to showman Leslie Gallant, Sr, who then escorted them to Sheridan's headquarters.
Thursday, 21 May: The Daily News and the Daily Globe both report the beginning of the trial of Mr David Prodnose, of the Prodnose Biscuits and Confections Company, on charges of conspiracy to destroy the property of another, theft, employing others to commit mayhem, and disturbing the peace.
Friday, 22 May: The Times excerpts an article from the Denver, Colorado Tribune reporting that several hundred inhabitants of the town of Pueblo (and the surrounding region), along with several missing railroad workers and some missing soldiers, were led to Denver by Mr Leslie Gallant, Jr and his associates. Many of the survivors are ill or injured. They claim to have been caught inside a terrible storm "which blotted out the sun for days." Howard Walsh brings galley proofs of a to-be-published book to a Radicals meeting.
Saturday, 23 May: Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Sunday, 24 May: Whit Sunday
Monday, 25 May: The Evening Standard reports that Mr David Prodnose has been found guilty of all charges, and has been sentenced to eight years hard labour.
Tuesday, 26 May: The Daily News reprints a story from the Topeka, Kansas Mail claiming that the waters of the Kaw River have turned red, are noxious smelling, and not safe to drink.
Thursday, 28 May: A fist fight happens.
Friday, 29 May: The Times reprints a story from the Jefferson City, Missouri Examiner reporting that the waters of the Missouri River are running red, and the contamination appears to be poisonous.
Saturday, 30 May: The Times reports from America that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Mrs Agnes Nicholson: "While the Constitution's requirement for Congressional ratification of Treaties can be read to imply the complimentary right to rescind said Treaties at a later date, we find in this instance that Congress has attempted to revise some terms of a Treaty while leaving others intact, without the prior consent of the other parties to the Treaty." The Kansas Tribe Relocation Act of 1873 is overturned as unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the next in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 1 June: The Observer reports from America that the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Daily Gazette reports that the waters of the Mississippi have turned red and become toxic to drink.
Thursday, 4 June: Mrs Phillip Whitnell and Miss Betty Whitnell have tea with Mrs Salmalin. Gone is all talk of the Hon. Ronald Eynseford or Mr Jonathon Moresby, as Miss Whitnell speaks of the selflessness of the Hon. Byron Hallward, younger brother of Lord Brixham, who spends most of his time working at the Christian Revival Society Mission in the East End, as well as assisting with projects for the Society for the Protection of Young Mothers and Infants.
Friday, 5 June: The Times reports from America that the Topeka, Kansas Mail is reporting widespread illness and death due to all water supplies being contaminated by the mysterious red toxin. The Evening Standard reports that Emperor Napoleon IV began "a tour of the realm", departing from Marseille aboard the Imperial Yacht, La Reine Hortense, escorted by the La Victoire battle group, under the command of Admiral LeCoq. The article mentions that the Minister of Justice, the Comte de Molineaux, has been named Regent in the Emperor's absence.
Saturday, 6 June: The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes even more letters commenting on Moriarty's "Radius of Convergence..." published in March. Meanwhile, the Spectator publishes the final in the series The Secret of the Island by Jules Verne.
Monday, 8 June: The Daily News reports that several American newspapers are reporting that the town of Topeka, Kansas has been overrun by venomous snakes. Meanwhile, the Frazers and Salmalins depart for the West Coast of Norway. The Times reports of the arrival of Emperor Napoleon IV's at Ajaccio, Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon I.
Wednesday, 9 June: Mrs Wooster attends a dinner party at Dahlia's townhouse, where she learns the Richard and Gwendolyn Wooster are expecting.
Friday, 11 June: The Standard reports of a state dinner in Oldenburg, capital of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg (a member of the North German Confederation). Among the attendees mentioned are both the Duke of Florin, and Count and Countess von Wymms of Prussia.
Saturday, 13 June: In honour of the Queen's Birthday, Wonka's Fine Confections introduces a candy called "Majestic Crisp Surprise." The candies consist of identically shaped biscuits in a variety of flavours (ginger, cinnamin, shortbread, peanut, coconut, and butter toffee) coated in chocolate, which is in turn coated in a hard candy shell.
Monday, 15 June: The Queen's Birthday Honours List is published and includes Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite, who is to be named a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.
Tuesday, 16 June: The Times and Standard report on the arrival of Emperor Napoleon IV in Algeria. Sir Cosmo, Lady Cowperthwaite, Wilhelmina, Mrs Wooster, and assorted others leave London.
Saturday, 20 June: the rail bridge built by the B & C Great Locomotive Company from the Kyle of Lochalsh to the Isle of Skye, opens. The first train across the bridge carries none other than the Prince and Princess of Wales (not to mention Sir Cosmo and Lady Cowperthwaite, Mr Ichabod Balderstoke, and a few others). The Frazers and the Salmalins are at the far Northern tip of Norway.
Wednesday, 24 June: The Times reports from America that the Topeka, Kansas Mail reports that the inhabitants of Topeka, Kansas are now suffering from swarms of flies.
Monday, 29 June: The Evening Standard reports from America that observers in both Denver, Colorado, and Omaha, Nebraska have both reported enormous swarms of locust from the west. Mrs Salmalin receives a message from Major Powell.
Tuesday, 30 June: The Frazers and the Salmalins begin their return trip through Finland.
Wednesday, 1 July: The Times reports of the arrival of Emperor Napoleon IV in French Somaliland.
Thursday, 2 July: The Times and Daily News both report from America that an enormous swarm of locust has descended upon Topeka, Kansas. The Evening Standard expands this report to say that inhabitants of Omaha, Nebraska and Denver, Colorado report that the swarm of locust first reported days ago is still traveling over, around, and through the territories. The London Illustrated Weekly includes an artist's rendering of the passage, over a week ago, of the French Imperial Yacht La Reine Hortense through the locks of the Suez Canal, with the aerofrigate La Victoire floating overhead.
Friday, 3 July: The Times, Standard, and Daily Globe all report the Mr Peter Bonteen, member of Parliament representing Trumpeton was found dead in his London flat.
Saturday, 4 July: The Spectator and Daily Globe both report that on the night before he was murdered, Mr Bonteen, MP, was seen arguing violently with Mr Phineas Finn, member of Parliament representing Tankerville at the Reform Club, where both are members.
Tuesday, 7 July: Among the letters published in this month's Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society is a rather long one from the Rev. Weatherby Summerfield, applying Moriarty's method to the observations of the Challis object, and ending with the question, "Am I correct in deducing that this proves that a generalized solution to the n-body question, calculated as a matrix of infinite series, exists?"
Saturday, 11 July: All the London papers have some story about the unprecedented swarm of locusts covering tens of thousands of square miles of the Great Plains of North America. Trains have been derailed due to the swarms on insects on the tracks. Telegraph lines have been broken.
Wednesday, 15 July: The Daily News and Times both report that the Duke of Omnium has died at his country estate, Gatherum Castle, in the Wyre Forest district of Worcestershire.
Thursday, 16 July: The Times reports that Japanese troops have invaded an island off the coast of China called "Taiwan." The government of Japan says the invasion is in reponse to the "murder" of a number of Japanese fisherman forced to land on the island during a storm the previous winter.
Friday, 17 July: Mrs Salmalin sends some telegrams.
Monday, 20 July: The Times reports from America that the Commander of the Army, General William T. Sherman, has dispatched troops from St. Louis, Missouri to attempt to re-establish communication with Kansas, Nebraska and the Territories of Wyoming, Colorado, and Dakota.
Tuesday, 28 July: The Evening Standard reports that Mr Plantagent Palliser has resigned from his cabinet post (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancashire) and his seat in Parliament, in order to deal with family matters (also, since he is the grand-nephew and heir of the recently deceased Duke of Omnium, he will have to resign from his seat in the Commons soon enough). It is further reported that Mr Disreali has asked Sir Orlando Drought to take over the Chancellory of the Duchy of Lancashire.
Wednesday, 29 July: The Daily News reports from St. Louis, Missouri, that tremendous thunderstorms (including hail and tornadoes) have swept out of the west and are destroying crops and property throughout Missouri. No communication has yet been re-established with the territories swarmed earlier in the month by locusts. Meanwhile, The Frazers split off from the Salmalins at Helsinki.
Thursday, 30 July: The Times prints an interview with Prof. H. A. Hagen, Entomologist at Harvard Universtiy in the U.S., who estimates that the swarm of Rocky Mountain locusts which has blanketed much of North America may have covered 295,000 square miles at its largest extent, contained 18 trillion insects with a total weight of 38.5 million tons. The Salmalins take a train to Prussia to visit Lady Sophia von Wymns who has invited them to stay for a week.
Saturday, 1 August: The Salmalins arrive in Berlin. They are met at the train platfrom by Stabshauptmann (Senior Captain) Schneider, who takes them to the home of Count von Wymms. They are introduced to Lady Sophia's Cause: the Bearded Gryphon Vulture (also known as the Lammergeier [Lamb Vulture] or the Ossifrage [Bone Crusher]).
Sunday, 2 August: Caroline Fraser turns three years old.
Monday, 3 August: The Standard reports the arrival of Emperor Napoleon IV in French India, in the port of Puducherry. The article makes reference to earlier stops on the Emperor's tour at Comoros and Réunion. The Daily News reports from America reports of cattle in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri dying in large numbers of a previously unknown disease. The Times, meanwhile, reports that a small band of Army officers from the brigades dispatched into Kansas and points west are rumoured to have returned. Meanwhile, Robert Fraser turns three years old. The Frazers reach the village of Schwarzeschwein, (the end of the rail line).
Tuesday, 4 August: The Salmalins are the guests of Lady Sophia von Wymms at a reception for Die Gesellschaft für die Rettung des bärtigen Gryphon (The Society for the Salvation of the Bearded Gyphon).. Among the people they meet are: His Majesty King Wilhelm, Freiin (Baroness dowager) von Kroenen, and a mage named Herr Kleiser.
Wednesday, 5 August: The Frazers arrive by coach at the village of Höhlederzwerge. Meanwhile, in Berlin, the body of a Bearded Gryphon Vulture is brought to Lady Sophia. Later, Mrs Salmalin performs History spells on one of its feathers and the bullet. She takes her suspicions to Count Wymms.
Thursday, 6 August: The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society includes a short letter (among many others) from James Moriarty which reads, "In answer to the Reverend Summerfield's thorough calculations and subsequent question: Yes." Meanwhile, the London Illustrated Weekly reprints a story from Leslie's Illustrated News of New York which claims that the ghost of Sam Houston is rumoured to have been seen walking the halls of the United States Senate, as well as the White House. The Frazers begin hiking. Meanwhile, outside of Berlin, a raid on an estate owned by Baroness von Kroenen results in a large number of arrests.
Friday, 7 August: The Times reports from America that President Ulysses S. Grant has ordered the Army to mobilize all available resources to evacuate people from the areas devastated by the recent natural disaster on the Great Plains. This order was issued just before the President left the U.S. capital bound for Arkansas.
Sunday 9 August: Octavia Salmalin celebrates her second birthday. The Frazers arrive at the cottage of Frau Metzger (as she is now called) in the village of Wütendefrettchen. They discover that Hauptmann (Captain) Stahlmacherson and Feldwebel (Sergeant) von Erbersbach are visiting. They meet Frau Metzger's son, Arnwolf.
Monday, 10 August: The Salmalins begin their return trip to England. The Frazers join Stahlmacherson and von Erbersbach in a hike to the small village of Zweibäder.
Tuesday, 11 August: The Frazers, Stahlmacherson, and von Erbersbach investigate some mysterious happenings at the hot springs. A trap is baited, a monster is fought (with the help of Arnwolf and Frau Metzger). Later, Oberstleutnant (Lt. Colonel) Rudbeck is arrested.
Wednesday, 12 August: The Times and Standard report from America of hundreds of refugees arriving in Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota fleeing from points west with tales of the horrors of the locust swarm, deadly hailstorms, and epidemics. Meanwhile, Mrs Frazer learns that Frau Metzger's son's full name is: Benton Clovis Ernst Seamus Arnwolf Metzger.
Thursday, 13 August: The Times reports receiving a telegram from Special Correspondent Andrew W. Higgins, who has been missing for months. Higgins reports that he was detained by weather and other troubles in Indian Territory, but is alive and well in Fayetteville, Arkansas. More detailed reports are promised. The Frazers leave Wütendefrettchen.
Friday, 14 August: Inspector MacGregor receives an urgent telegram from Mrs Bernard MacGregor. The Inspector goes to Oxford.
Saturday, 15 August: The Frazers board a coach in Höhlederzwerge.
Monday 17 August: The Salmalins arrive home. The Frazers board a train in Schwarzeschwein. Insp. MacGregor and Mrs Bernard MacGregor catch up to Miss Bernadette MacGregor and Mr John Morsby.
Tuesday, 18 August: The Frazers change trains in Mönchengladbach.
Wednesday, 19 August: The Frazers arrive in Brussels. Mrs Frazer sends a telegram to London.
Thursday, 20 August: The London Illustrated Weekly includes a picture of United States President, Ulysses S. Grant, touring the still-under-construction University of Arkansas, which was created in part thanks to the Morrill Land Grant Colleges Act of 1868. Mr and Mrs Leslie Gallant, Sr are mentioned as being in attendance.
Friday, 21 August: The gossip column of the Daily Globe reports the Reverend Chayim Emilius, who the previous year courted and married the widowed Lady Elizabeth Eustace, has been taken into custody on charges of bigamy.
Sunday, 23 August: The first reading of the Banns for Miss Bernadette MacGregor and Mr John Morsby.
Monday, 24 August: The Frazers arrive in Callaise.
Tusday, 25 August: The Evening Standard reports that the Rev. Chayim Emilius has been charged with the murder of Mr Peter Bonteen, MP.
Wedesday, 26 August: The Frazers leave Callaise.
Thursday, 27 August: The Frazers arrive in London.
Friday, 28 August: Daru reports she found Galen and Owen engaged in something of a tug-of-war. Galen had attempted to climb a bookcase as if it were a ladder. Owen had grabbed Galen's pant leg and was trying to prevent the climb.
Saturday, 29 August: The Times reports from Cochin China the arrival of Emperor Napoleon IV.
Sunday, 30 August: The second reading of the Banns for Miss Bernadette MacGregor and Mr John Morsby.
Monday, 31 August: Summer Bank holiday.
Saturday, 5 September: The Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society letter column continues to be dominated by commentary and argument over the Moriarty article. Among those letters is one from Arthur Cayley, Sadleirian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge (and frequent referee of papers in many scientific journals) which states simply that he has yet found no flaws in "The Moriarty Proposition." Elsewhere, Mrs Frazer sees Howard Walsh after a long absence.
Sunday, 6 September: The Times reports that French Naturalist, Professor Pierre Arronax (who became famous a few years ago for his tale of many months spent as a prisoner of the science pirate, Captain Nemo, and then became famous again more recently for revealing the plot by certain business interests working through corrupt government officials to overthrow the rightful regime of the Empire of Nam Viet) was personally awarded the Legion of Honour by Emperor Napoleon IV, during a state in the French Colony of Cochin China. Meanwhile, in Oxford, the third reading of the Banns for Miss Bernadette MacGregor and Mr John Morsby.
Monday, 7 September: The Standard and Spectator both report from America that President Grant having requested the resignation of Secretary of War William W. Belknap, has appointed an Inspector General to look into allegations of a conspiracy of government officials to accept bribes for the granting of Indian Trading Post licenses, and to defraud the government of taxes on liquor and other goods. The President also issues a message to the public concerning a Twenty Nations Treaty which he has signed with representatives of a number of Native Tribes concerning previous treaty rights.
Tuesday, 8 September: Mr John Morsby and Miss Bernadette MacGregor are married.
Wednesday, 9 September: The Times and Standard both report from America that the during a special session of U.S. Senate articles of Impeachment were introduced against Secretary of War William W. Belknap, who has thus far refused to resign his position.
Friday, 11 September: Mrs Salmalin goes to Cheshire to visit family on her way to her cottage in West Darlston.
Sarturday, 12 September: An unwelcome guest is brained at Whitnell House in the wee hours of the morning. Major Powell offers assistance and is rebuffed. Later, Mr Moody and a group of Guardsmen arrive to take the guest away. Mrs Salmalin and her sister travel to West Darlston.
Sunday, 13 September: The Spectator reprints a story from Carson City, Nevada Daily Appeal (Carson City, Nevada) the arrival of over a hundred mine and railroad workers, missing for months, led into town by the bounty hunter Jonah Woodson Hecks.
Wednesday, 16 September: The Standard and Times both report from America of the acrimonious debate in the U.S. Senate over the so-called Twenty Nations Treaty, which President Grant has signed with representatives of a number of Native Tribes. The reports mention that debate moved to this topic after the resignation of the Secretary of War, which ended the impeachment proceedings.
Friday, 18 September: The Times and Standard both report that the British Commissioner of the Malay Protectorates, Lord Beckett, has begun attempting to broker a settlement between Japan and China over the Taiwan Affair.
Sunday, 20 September: Mrs Salmalin and Miss Betty Whitnell return to Cheshire.
Monday, 21 September: Mrs Salmalin returns to Edenfield.
Tuesday, 22 September: Mr Ichabod Balderstoke leaves England, bound for Constantinople/Istanbul (taking along a large team of engineers and workers) to begin construction of a new railway.
Wednesday, 23 Saturday: Galen Cowperthwaite discovers he likes hopping. For the next two weeks he hops, rather than walks, at every opportunity.
Friday, 25 September: Mr Silas Scuddamore, lunching at Sir Cosmo's, mentions he has heard a rumour that James Moriarty has been nominated for the Royal Society.
Monday, 28 September: The Standard and Daily News report several cases of smallpox in the Southwark neighborhood.
Tuesday, 29 September: Insp. MacGregor is summoned to the candy factory owned by Mr Willy Wonka, where Constable Gregson has discovered a most unusual explosion. Edward, Owen, and Mr Frazer are called in to assist.
Wednesday, 30 September: The Evening Standard reports that the prevous evening, three men allegedly in the employ or Brandon "Lefty" Malloy, broke into Wonka's Fine Confections' workshop and attempted to steal a candy-making machine. Unfortunately, an explosion of the machine's boiler covered all three burglars with a thick layer of fast hardening confection, trapping the men at the scene of the crime.
(Date approximate: Mrs Salmalin
visits West Darlson for a week)
Thursday, 1 October: Several London papers carry stories about the failed burglary at Wonka's, dubbing them variously the Toffeed Thieves, the Sugar-coated Gang, the Butterscotch Bandits, the Sticky-fingered Stooges, and the Taffy Thugs. Insp. MacGregor declines interviews on the subject as the investigation is still in progress. Mr Wonka also declined to be interviewed.
Saturday, 4 October: The Times, Standard, and Daily Gazette all report a large number of cases of smallpox in Southwark, Lambeth, Kennington, Bermondsey, and Lambeth.
Tuesday, 6 October: The Daily News continues its daily updates on the investigation into the Caramel Caper with news that Mr Brandon "Lefty" Malloy has been charged with employing others to commit theft, conspiracy to sell stolen property, and suborning fraud all in connection with the break-in at Wonka's factory.
Wednesday, 7 October: The Times and Standard both report that the goverments of Japan and China have accepted an agreement brokered by British diplomats. Japan will withdraw from Taiwan in exchange for a compensation to the families of the slain fishermen. Meanwhile, the Daily News reports on the dramatic testimony of Mr Richard Gribble, formerly employed by Wonka's Fine Confections, and how he was persuaded to sell information to "Lefty" Malloy regarding the inner workings of Wonka's, the location of the candy making machine in question, and so forth. It is also mentioned th Mr Gribble has already pleaded guilty for his part in the Caramel Caper.
Thursday, 8 October: "The Grand Duke Minikin, or a Trifling of Trafficking" a new musical comedy by Graham and Templeton, opens at the Royal Gallery of Illustration. Mrs Salmalin and Mr O'Flaherty attend.
Friday, 9 October: Most of the London papers carry favorable reviews of the new play by Graham and Templeton. The Telegraph's reviewer describes it as "resounding triumph" and suggests the playwrights have redefined the operetta. The Times reviewer saw it as an exemplary example of the universal appeal of comedy and romance. The Daily News' reviewer, on the other hand, finds it an amusing diversion which "while well-executed and engaging, plumbs no greater depths" and brings nothing new to the literary tradition.
Saturday, 10 October: The Daily News reports that Mr Brandon "Lefty" Malloy, being found guilty of numerous charges, has been sentenced to four years.
Monday, 12 October: Sir Cosmo, Edward, and assorted others go to Tyneside for the launching of the Python.
Tuesday, 13 October: The Daily News reports that the other conspirators in the Caramel Caper have been found guilty and have been sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from one to three years. Mr William Wonka has declined interview, and only appeared in court to testify.
Wednesday, 14 October: The Standard reports from America that the New Orleans Metropolitan Police came into armed conflict with militia forces know as the Crescent City White League, at Liberty Place. Casualties included eleven killed and sixty wounded Metropolitans and sixteen killed and forty-five wounded White Leaguers.
Thursday, 15 October: HMS Python is successfully launched.
Saturday, 17 October: All the London papers are referring to the smallpox outbreak as an epidemic.
Sunday, 18 October: Several papers mention (some in the society pages, some in the news sections) that Grand Duke Peter II of Oldenberg is received at Noordeinde Palace by King William III of the Netherlands.
Monday, 19 October: Wonka's Fine Confections closes its doors, with hardly a fanfare. Those who inquire, find that most of Mr Wonka's employees have been given positions in one of the shops of the firm Pemsbury & Preece Chocolatiers.
Tuesday, 20 October: Sir Cosmo, Edward, and associates return to Edenfield. Meanwhile, the Times and Spectator report from America that President Grant issued a presidential proclamation calling for the dispersal of the rebellious “White League” in Louisiana.
Wednesday, 21 October: The Standard reports from America that 5000 troops and three gunboats have been dispatched to New Orleans to restore order.
Thursday, 22 October: Sir Cosmo, Mr O'Flaherty, Mrs Cuthbert, Sir Spencer, and Wilhelmina go to London.
Friday, 23 October: Quarantine Hospitals are set up in London. The Evening Standard reports that Dr William Oliver and Sir Cosmo Cowperthwaite have been appointed Quarantine Commissioners.
Saturday, 24 October: HMS Cuttlefish gets caught on an old fishing net. Lt. Wooster makes a suggestion for the design of future boats.
Monday, 26 October: The Times and Spectator report from America that President Grant has issued a presidential proclamation summarizing the report of the Inspector General. Grant is directing the Attorney General to consider prosecuting a number of government officials allegedly involved in the “Whiskey Ring Scandal,” in which distillers conspired with Treasury Department officials to defraud the government of millions of dollars in liquor taxes. Grant’s private secretary, Orville E. Babcock, is one of the officials who has resigned in the face of the allegations.
Thursday, 29 October: Teddy Lynch, a member of the Southwark Radicals, is taken to a Quarantine Hospital.
Friday, 30 October: Three of Teddy Lynch's siblings are diagnosed with smallpox and brought to the Quarantine Hospital. Sir Charles Fearnley arrives from Goxhill with his ward, Humphrey, to assist at one of the Quarantine Hospitals.
Saturday, 31 October: Halloween.
Sunday, 1 November: Keegan Fitzgerald, another member of the Radicals, is taken to a Quarantine Hospital. Meanwhile, Mr Nathan Shorrock and his sisters come to London to assist at the Quarantine Hospital (where Mrs MacGreggor is already assisting).
Monday, 2 November: Big Ted Lynch, Teddy Lynch's father, is detained at the Quarantine Hospital when a nurse notices he has a rash.
Thursday, 5 November: Guy Fawkes Day. Late in the evening, while the Radicals are setting off fireworks, Charlie O'Donnell collapses. He is taken to the Quarantine Hospital.
Friday, 6 November: The Times and Standard report from America of difficulties with Congressional elections. Two entire states (Kansas and Nebraska) having been evacuated, with governments in exile operating in neighboring states have complicated an already contentious election.
Saturday, 7 November: Mr Willoughby Wooster, brother to Lord Towcester, Lt Henry Wooster, Mr Richard Wooster (not to mention Mrs Dahlia Travers nee Wooster and Mrs Agatha Gregson nee Wooster) surprises the family by arriving in London, giving rather evasive answers as to why he has left his post with the Colonial Office. He stays at the Pelican Club.
Tuesday, 10 November: "Wee" Willy Quinn is diagnosed with smallpox. By this point, fourteen of the Radicals have fallen ill.
Thursday, 12 November: The Times, Standard, and Morning Post all carry some report of trouble on the North-West Frontier (border between India and Afghanistan), where the "tiny allied nation of Capistan" has reportedly asked for help from the British against bandits and raiders from deep in the Safed Koh mountains. Erin Lynch, sister of Teddy Lynch, dies at the Quarantine Hospital.
Friday, 13 November: A baby boy is born to Richard & Gwendolyn Wooster. Teddy Lynch dies at the Quarantine Hospital.
Saturday, 14 November: Willoughby Wooster, Sir Spencer, Lord Towcester, and who knows who else, go out on the town. Wilhelmina begins wearing black armbands.
Sunday, 15 November: Michael Lynch, brother of Teddy Lynch, dies at the Quarantine Hospital.
Monday, 16 November: The Evening Standard carries a small story concerning the appointment of Sir Philip Bond, former Deputy Undersecretary for Nonconsular Affairs in the Foreign Office, as the new Resident to the Protectorate of Perak. The story also mentions that Major Alfred Powell will be the military attache of the diplomatic mission. Sir Cosmo has a meeting with the Rt Hon Mr Ebeneezer Scrooge. Afterward, Sir Cosmo asks Insp. and Mrs MacGreggor if they would be willing to assist in a special project.
Tuesday, 17 November: Mrs Agatha Gregson learns that her brother, Willoughby, has returned to London under suspicious circumstances. Willoughby Wooster flees his rooms at the Pelican Club before she finds him. Meanwhile, the Evening Standard reports that the High Commissioner for Science and the Auditor Royal have formed a Special Commission to investigate the implementation of the smallpox innoculation program which was mandated in the Quarantine Act of 1864.
Wednesday, 18 November: HMS Python departs from Portsmouth, carrying the new Resident to the Protectorate of Perak. Meanwhile, the Times reports the arrival of Emporer Napoleon IV at French Guiana. The story also mentions his state visit weeks before in Tahiti.
Thursday, 19 November: Fiona Lynch, sister of Teddy Lynch, dies at the Quarantine Hospital.
Friday, 20 November: Big Ted Lynch becomes delirious.
Saturday, 21 November: Keegan Fitzgerald dies at the Quarantine Hospital. Meanwhile, Mrs Salmalin receives a letter from Mr Salmalin.
Tuesday, 22 November: Mr O'Flaherty is accosted by a journalist with questions about a warehouse fire.
Monday, 23 November: Charlie O'Donnell dies at the Quarantine Hospital.
Tuesday, 24 November: Billy Reid, member of the Radicals, dies at the Quarantine Hospital. Mrs Salmalin, Mrs Frazer, and Lady Cowperthwaite receive a letter from Sir Cosmo. Mrs Salmalin travels to London.
Wednesday, 25 November: "Wee" Willy Quinn becomes delirious. The Times reports the arrival of Emporer Napoleon IV in Martinique in the Carribean.
Friday, 27 November: Desmond Whelon, another member of the Radicals, dies at the Quarantine Hospital.
Saturday, 28 November: From certain allusions in a letter from Lt Wooster, Mrs Wooster suspects that Willoughby is hiding out in the vicinity of Hornsea, where HMS Robust has frequently been in port. Big Ted Lynch dies in the Quarantine Hospital.
Sunday, 29 November: The Standard reports the arrival of Emporer Napoleon IV in Guadaloupe.
Monday, 30 November: Mrs Salmalin receives a note from Sir Anthony's office, suggesting a meeting later this week with the new Deputy Undersecretary of Nonconsular Affairs, the Hon. Nigel Stanhurst (younger brother of Baron Sherbrooke).
Tuesday, 1 December: The Times prints an announcement, from Alfonso of Spain (son of Isabella II, deposed Queen of Spain) a "reply to the birthday greetings of his loyal subjects" which amounts to proclamation of himself as the sole representativie of a legitimate Spanish Monarchy. The 17-year-old prince (or king, depending on how you look at it), is currently a student at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Thursday, 3 December: The Times, Standard, and Daily News report that the expeditionary force sent into Capistan was forced to retreat.
Friday, 4 December: Mrs Salmalin meets with the new Deputy Undersecretary of Nonconsular Affairs, the Hon. Nigel Stanhurst and offers her linquistic services. More papers carry the story of the defeat on the North-West Frontier, though details are still sketchy. The Times reports the arrival of Emporer Napoleon IV at Saint-Martin.
Sunday, 6 December: The Times carries an extensive story about the total route at the Kanish Pass, leading into Capistan, where it is believed that nearly every member of the expeditionary force consisting of the 25th Light Dragoons, the 7th Fusiliers, and five native battalions of infantry, were killed in an ambush. "Wee" Willy Quinn lapses into a coma.
Monday, 7 December: Mrs Dahlia Travers writes Mrs Wooster to tell of the impending christening of Richard and Gwendolyn's son in Shropshire.
Friday, 11 December: The Times reports from the Oldenburg that the Grand Duke's staff is refusing to comment on rumours that Caroline Augusta of Oldenburg (cousin of the Grand Duke) may soon be engaged to the Duke of Florin.
Monday, 14 December: "Wee" Willy Quinn regains consciousness.
Wednesday, 16 December: The Standard reports the arrival of Emporer Napoleon IV at Senegambia.
Sunday, 20 December: Bertram Wilberforce Wooster is christened in Shropshire. One of his godparents is his Uncle Willoughby, another is his Uncle Henry. It is reported that when Mrs Agatha Gregson learns this, she nearly choked.
Monday, 21 December: The quarantines are lifted.
Wednesday, 23 December: The Standard reports from Spain that Marshall Serrano has taken direct command of the Spanish Army in the north and is attempting to crush the Carlist forces once and for all. The Evening Standard extends the story, reporting that Brigadier Martinex Campos has taken control of several battalion in Sagunto and raised the flag of Alfonso of Spain.
Thursday, 24 December: Christmas Eve. Mr Scrooge's party is a more subdued affair than usual.
Friday, 25 December: Christmas. Howard Walsh gives Wilhelmina a copy of Further Evidence of the Affinity Between the Dinosaurian Reptiles and Birds by Thomas Henry Huxley.
Saturday, 26 December: Boxing Day. The Times, Standard, and Daily News mention the return of Emporer Napoleon IV to France just two days earlier.
Sunday, 27 December: The Times reports that Alfonso of Spain has arrived in Madrid, where the last of the Republican government has resigned and declared Alfonso King of Spain.
Monday, 28 December: Bank Holiday.
Tuesday, 29 December: Mrs Salmalin receives letters from Mr John Whitnell and Mrs Philip Whitnell, informing her of the engagement between Major Walter Haywood and Miss Betty Whitnell.
Wednesday, 30 December: Mrs Salmalin receives a letter from her sister, Betty, telling her version of the proposal.
Saturday, 2 January: The Daily News and Times report that King Alfonso XII has joined Marshal Serrano, travelling through several cities where he is greeted by enthusiastic crowds.
Sunday, 3 January: The first reading of the banns in Oxford for Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor and Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe.
Monday, 4 January: The Times and Daily Gazette both report that the Grand Duke of Oldenburg has announced the engagment of his cousin, Caroline Augusta of Oldenburg, to Hendrick van Guilder, grandson of the Duke of Guilder, and distant relative of King William of the Netherlands.
Tuesday, 5 January: Wilhelmina falls ill with scarlet fever.
Friday, 8 January: Octavia falls ill.
Saturday, 9 January: Mrs Frazer falls ill.
Sunday, 10 January: The Daily News publishes a special report about the history of Wonka's Fine Confections, ending with interviews of several of Mr Wonka's employees. Several employees are quoted as saying Mr Wonka made a statement when giving them notice: "The point isn't who makes the best candy. What matters is that the best candy is made." While in Oxford, the second reading of the banns for Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe and Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor.
Monday, 11 January: the New Years Honours list is published, and among those named is Mr Ichabod Balderstoke, who is to become a knight bachelor. Mrs Salmalin returns to London for another winter of research and teaching.
Tuesday, 12 January: Several London papers carry the news that Emperor Tongzhi of China has died. Mrs Salmalin falls ill.
Wednesday, 13 January: The Spectator reports from America that the fall elections are still in contention. Three separate delegations from Kansas and two from Nebraska are claiming to have been elected. It is clear that the President's party has lost seats, but not at all settled as to who will command a majority in the lower house when the new Congress convenes in March. The shake-up has prompted the so-called "lame duck" legislatures to move aggressively on several bills, including a Specie Resumption Act which calls for the coinage of both silver and gold, guarantees that paper money can be redeemed in coins, and increases the size and powers of the national banks.
Sunday, 17 January: The third reading of the banns in Oxford for Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe and Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor.
Saturday, 23 January: The Times and Morning Post report that Freidrich von Roeder, Prussian consul in Hong Kong, has purchased a territory known as the Kimanis River Colony, on the northeastern shore of Borneo, from the American Trading Company of Borneo. As the editorial in the post observes, "This places a Prussian colony within striking range of the home port of Britain's China Sea Fleet."
Sunday, 24 January: Wilhelmina's rash and fever end. While in Brackhampton, the first reading of the banns at Brackhampton parish church for Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe and Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor.
Monday, 25 January: Mrs Frazer's rash and fever end.
Tuesady, 26 January: Wilhelmina resumes work on her rocket kite.
Wednesday, 27 January: Otavia's rash and fever end.
Thursday, 28 January: Most of the London papers carry the news that four-year-old Kwang-su has ascended to the throne of China, while Empress Dowager Cixi, his great-aunt, has been named Regent.
Sunday, 31 January: The second reading of the banns at Brackhampton parish church for Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe and Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor.
Monday, 1 February: Wilhelmina asks Sir Cosmo if she can test fly the rocket kite. After discussing the last trial, he says, "Not yet."
Thursday, 4 February: Mrs Salmalin's rash and fever end.
Friday: 5 February: Wilhelmina asks Sir Cosmo again. "Not yet."
Saturday, 6 February: Wilhelmina asks Sir Cosmo again. "Not yet."
Sunday, 7 February: The third reading of the banns at Brackhampton parish church for Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe and Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor. Wilhelmina asks Sir Cosmo again. "Not yet."
Monday, 8 February: Wilhelmina asks Sir Cosmo again. "Not yet."
Tuesday, 9 February: Mrs Salmalin receives a letter from her old friend, Mrs Gotesoke. Wilhelmina asks Sir Cosmo again. "Not yet."
Wednesday, 10 February: Mrs Bernard MacGregor, Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor, Miss Cordelia MacGregor, and Mrs Simon MacGregor arrive in Brackhampton to make final preparations for the wedding. Mr Salmalin and Sir Cosmo cut cards. Mr Salmalin test flies the rocket kite. After a crash-landing in the pond, Mrs Salmalin drags her scorched and smoldering husband (and the rocket mechanism) into their cottage for a discussion. Later, Mrs Salmalin has a stern conversation with Sir Cosmo.
Thursday, 11 February: Insp MacGregor takes a late train to Brackhampton.
Friday, 12 February: Mr Alfred Crackenthorpe and Miss Gwendolynne MacGregor are married.
Wednesday, 24 February: Sir Cosmo and the local doctor agree it's safe for members of the household to start going out in public.
Thursday, 25 February: The Daily News, Times, and Observer all report the defeat of Disraeli's bill authorizing the government to purchase a significantly larger interest in the Suez Canal Company (France is currently the majority holder, with Egypt and Britain owning most of the remaining shares).
Sunday, 28 February: Sir Cosmo, Wilhelmina, Mrs Frazer, and some other members of the household return to London.
Wednesday, 3 March: Edward and George attend a meeting of the Radicals. Howard Walsh is not present at the meeting. After the meeting, when the Radicals retire to the local tea shop, Edward sees that Howard Walsh is sharing tea with Maggie Timson.
Sunday, 7 March: The Spectator and Times both report from America that in the final days of the 43rd Congress, the Senate ratified he Twenty Nations Treaty (though several provisions will require action of both houses to enact), passed a Civil Rights Act (which President Grant signed into law), and an Inflation Bill to increase the money supply (which the President vetoed).
Wednesday, 10 March: Edward and George attend another meeting of the Radicals.
Thursday, 11 March: Jenny Quinn gossips with Edward about the Howard and Maggie situation.
Friday, 12 March: Edward and Mr O'Flaherty have a sparing session. Mrs Frazer helps Wilhelmina deal with another problem.
Saturday, 13 March: Sir Cosmo, Mrs Frazer, Wilhelmina (and possibly others) return to Edenfield Court.
Sunday, 14 March: During a discussion with Mrs Frazer, Mrs Salmalin makes a discovery.
Tuesday, 16 March: Sir Cosmo, Mrs Frazer, Wilhelmina, (and possibly others) return to London.
Wednesday, 17 March: Edward and George attend another Radical meeting.
Thursday, 18 March: Sir Cosmo receives some news. He has a talk with Wilhelmina. Telegrams are sent to Edenfield Court, messages are sent to Insp. MacGregor, Sir Spencer, Mr O'Flaherty. Lady Cowperthwaite sends a message to Mrs MacGregor. Packing ensues. In the evening, Lt. Wooster receives new orders. Sends message to Mrs Wooster.
Friday, 19 March: More packing and arrangements continue. Lt Wooster arrives in London, receives courier case. Wilhelmina makes some farewells.
Saturday, 20 March: Sir Cosmo, Lt. Wooster, Wilhelmina, Insp. MacGregor, and numerous others leave London for Edenfield.
Sunday, 21 March: The League makes final preparations and board Selene and Foxglove.
Monday, 22 March: The yachts Selene and Foxglove leave Liverpool with the tide, bound for the British port of Labuan in the South China Sea.
Tuesday, 30 March: The yachts Selene and Foxglove arrive in Port Said, Egypt and begin re-coaling.
Wednesday, 31 March: Selene and Foxglove enter the Suez Canal.
Saturday, 3 April: Galen Robert Cowperthwaite turns three years old.
Friday, 9 April: Selene and Foxglove dock at Colombo and begin resupplying and recoaling.
Sunday, 11 April: Selene and Foxglove leave Colombo.
Wednesday, 13 April: Mrs Salmalin learns about the card-cutting incident.
Sunday, 18 April: Selene and Foxglove sail into the harbour of Port Victoria, Labuan, off the northwestern shore of Borneo in the South China Sea. Wilhelmina unfolds a map. Mr O'Flaherty is nearly arrested. Insp. McGreggor makes some arrests. The Frazers are kidnapped. A fireworks factory explodes.
Monday, 19 April: Mrs Cuthbert
shares a troubling dream.
Proceed to Tales of Marvels and Trifles
Contents this page copyright 2005 by Gene Breshears. All Rights Reserved.