From Thomas Waters Sr. to his wife Elizabeth Waters (November 16, 1841)

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

Addressed to Mrs Capt.Waters R.M., King Street, Woolwich, Kent

  H.M.S.Revenge  Malta  16 Nov.^r 1841
My dear Wife, 

I hope you have received my letter of the 27th Ult., the Garrison Oct.Gazette came to hand the 30^th Oct., your Letter of the 29th Ult. I received the 14th Inst., I am much gratified to find that you write in better spirits, you did quite right to assist Mrs.Lafargue, even that trifle may be a help to her, and do her more good than it will us hurt, and we are indebted to the family for kindness received, I cannot account for her husbands misconduct otherwise than, that I understand, that French Religion and morals are at a low ebb and he appears to be a Frenchman, in principle at least.  I am delighted to find that it is John’s intention to join the Society of Friends, my children, all, have my blessing, and I wish them to follow their own Religious Persuasions, let them be but good and they will have the Almighty’s Blessing, where my own minds eye is dim, at least, how can I pretend to tell others which is the way to Heaven, it is the Heavenly Power, only, that can do it, and it is to that Power they must address their Prayers, if they do so I am sure they will be heard, let us show them the example and instruct our children to the best of our judgment, and we need not fear the result, my dear John and Mary are treasures to their parents and if you can spare that dear girl, I wish you to do so and let my dear daughter go and spend as much time as she thinks proper with my sister, who very kindly takes to her namesake, and it is exceedingly kind of Miss Sillifant to send Mary 5£ for traveling expences, my dear good Elizabeth I am sure will do her best to make up for her sister’s absence and my good Benjimen will do what he can for his mother and sisters, make my best regards to my Sister and say I am exceedingly obliged to her for the interest she takes in my daughter, and that I feel very grateful to Miss Sillifant for her handsome present to my child for traveling expenses, Mary’s wish is perfectly reasonable.  You should apply to Mr.Pontefaxe’s agent to have the door repaired and the drain put to rights, and if he will not do it, have it done yourself, it is to be hoped what is reasonable will be allowed you from the rent, and should it not be allowed, I would rather be at the expense myself than that the family should suffer from such inconvenience and ill health, from its neglect.  Whenever you see a house that you think will suit you, I advise you by all means to take it, notwithstanding that the Rent may be 10£ a year or more than what we give at present, and do not wait for Quarter day to engage it, for it is better to make a sacrifise of a little rent, than the family’s health, for when you have suited yourself in a house, you can shift at leisure. The Woolwich register is very well, and I wish you to continue your subscription for it if you like it, but not on my account.  You must not be surprised if you find my letters differ in advice one with another, because, in your letters, circumstances may alter at least in my view of them, but I wish you to follow your own judgment, for it would be folly for me to dictate to you when I am not on the spot, for I cannot know, when I am writing, what may have occurred since last you wrote, therefore judge for yourself and I will do the best in my Power Please the Almighty on my return.

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[about 14 lines of the letter have here been cut off]

……….I have received Two pounds from Rich.^d Clifton for his wife, which sum of 2£ I shall be glad if you will pay to Clifton’s Wife, I send you a 10£ draft for that purpose and for any other that may be needed-  Love and Affection to all my family
I remain yours truly

        Tho^s. Waters

Clifton’s wife lives in Warwick street I believe. I believe we leave this station the… Mediterrenian, we sail tomorrow b… I cannot tell where, possibly you may learn at home before I can tell you and then you will direct accordingly.