From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (September 25, 1841)

[Thomas Waters, R.M., to his wife, Elizabeth]

H.M.S.Revenge Tunis 25 Sept.1841

My Dear Wife,

I received the July Woolwich Garrison Gazette on Lammas day.  Your letter of 31st July I received 13 Aug.  I am glad you had a comfortable week on Plumstead Common, I wish you had been a much longer time there, if you could have made it convenient to yourself, and shall be happy if you renew your visit before the fine weather season passes away for this year, I wish that you had had dry weather and more comfortable walks, but I hope the rain did not deprive the young folks of agreeable runs for their recreation.  My July letter I suppose you have received before this time. John’s Land lady has been very kind indeed, and liberal, to Benjamin, and so has Mrs.Watson, John’s conduct must be very good indeed to have such good friends for himself and his kindred, God bless him and them, and long may he live happy in himself and a blessing to his family.  My Wife and family must always be near and dear to my heart. I am very sorry my dear Mary’s Morning turned out an unkind day from almost incessant rain, consequently her jaunt afforded her but little, if any, enjoyment, but I hope Providence has many Blessings in store for her and that she will have the benefit of them in due time.  I hope Nancy is weaned before this time and that she will not be left-handed. I am sorry you suffer so much in your face, I am glad you are following Doctor Parkin’s Prescription, I hope it will benefit you, I have no doubt you are suffering under an ailment that is working itself outward to your complete restoration to health- You do well to have the nurse, and to take the nurses’s daughter if she will suit you.  I am glad my sweet little Jane is fond of her darling Nancy, Elizabeth I am sure is very good, and I hope Sarah will be also.  I am glad Mary and John are well, my love to my dear children all-  Your letters come regular and post paid, Benjamin is very trusty, you say he was to put the letter into the Office and to pay for it-  i7th August we sailed for Syracuse where we arrived the next day, took in water sailed the 21st and arrived in the Bay of Tunis the 28th. I received the August Woolwich Garrison Gazette the 3rd Sept. We are at anchor within three miles of the Site of Old Carthage, but nothing remains to denote its celebrity and antiquity excepting ruins level with the ground, and some cisterns and vaults-
With love to my good children I remain Yours most Affectionately

      Tho^s. Waters