I perceive John’s Swedish will not suit him _perfectly_ in Norway
– Travel journal 28. july 1839
John would be John Vanderholm, a Swedish man, Tanner of trade but at this point takes what jobs he can to support his English wife and 8 children.
John Vanderholm recommended by Mrs Tod came to offer as servant to go with us to Norway – a swede – tanner by trade which he learnt in London and married an English woman – she is here – his trade failed him – he does what he can to get a living – has 8 children – asks 3 dollars banco (…)
all this seems most likely to suit us, yet the man has never been in Norway But he can speak to be understood by the Norsemen – speaks English like an Englishman and perhaps our own traveling knowledge + handbook will suffice
– Diary 23. July 1839