Robert Goodbody Journal

bring him home to Charlestown which always pleased him, it being my determination as I did not expect him to recover that I would bring his body home; and the night that he died as I sat by him at one side of the bed, I could not divert myself of idea that his dear mother was sitting at the other side of the bed leaning over him. I believe her guardian angel was there. We got a good coffin made for him on 2nd day, Marcus and I believe previously laid him out, and about 6 o'clock in the evening we put him into a shell, when I left. But after the shop was shut the shell with the body in it was brought downstairs, and in the hall put into the outer coffin, and fastened down, and at 6 o'clock in the morning a hearse was brought and the body put into it, Marcus and I in another carriage following it, and got home I think about ½ past 6 o'clock, put it into the drawing-room at Charlestown where it lay until 6th day when we set out at 9 o'clock, and in the course of the day laid him over my Aunt Goodbody in her grave.

I ought to mention that the Bewleys' tea shop was not shut as on 2nd day I saw Joseph Bewley (on 7th day), and as Edmond Haughton was to open a tea shop on 2nd day, I told Joseph Bewley that I thought they need not shut the shop if poor Richard died, that I was determined to bring his remains he made to Clara, and keep them a day or two, to which he made no objection, but approved of it. But on my first coming downstairs, and the shop door the hall being open, my seeing the boys, or lads all busy gave me such a pang that I cannot describe, and on the body being brought out and put I the hearse I had similar feelings, and never since although I have repeatedly passed the house which I did not for years, I have never looked at the shop

* Eldest son of Sarah Haughton of Carlow. 1st cousin of 13.H. Susan Gribb.

Copyright © 2004 Mr Tony Lynch All rights reserved.