[Thomas Waters, R.M., to his wife, Elizabeth]
Addressed to Mrs Capt.Waters R.Marines, King Street, Woolwich
Bull Plain Hertford 12 Aug.1842
My Sweetest Angel,
I shall expect you on thursday next, but at the same time do not tie yourself to a day or two in coming should circumstances alter with you, do not fear to disappoint me, my own true love, but come as soon as you conveniently can and stay with me as long as you agreeably can, and your husband will be happy, only come before or after the time you have mentioned as it may best suit your convenience, if you think proper you may send me a line the day before, stating about what time in the morning you think you will leave Woolwich, but it is not necessary, the Coach from Broxbourne to Hertford stops at a very little distance from where I lodge, if you see “John Staples junior” written on the coach it belongs, I believe, to the people with whom I lodge, perhaps you know that the first steam boat leaves Woolwich at 1/2 past 8 oC. which gives you too hurried a time to get to Shoreditch Terminus by 1/2 past 9 when the steam coaches start, and if you are not in time, you would have to wait 2 hours, that is till 1/2 past 11 when the next train starts, therefore, if you leave Woolwich by 1/2 past 9 you will have full leasure to go by Blackwall or London bridge, indeed, if the tide should be in your favour 10 oC. would be soon enough to leave Woolwich, and you can easily ascertain from Ellen’s father how the tide suits. I think landing just above London bridge at Swan stairs will be the least complicated, you will then have about a mile and half in a straight line from London bridge up through Gracechurch street, Bishop-gate, etc until you see “North Eastern Railway” on your righthand, you can either call a coburgh for your-self, or agree with some one near for 6d or 8d or more, to carry your luggage, only let him walk before you, there is not much danger of his giving you the slip, indeed if he is a ticketed porter there is none, but perhaps there may be some one who may be able to tell you better than I, the best way to get to the rail road, as long as you get here safe I shall thank the Almighty for your safe arrival, and I am sure He will protect you. Direct your luggage simply “Mrs Waters passenger Bull Plain Hertford,” when the train arrives at Broxbourne which will be in about 3/4 of an hour, you will find a coach waiting to bring the Hertford passengers on, look out for your own trunk and all will be right, at Shoreditch you will be shown into a waiting room, where you can sit if you are too soon and wait until the train is ready to start, take care to see that your luggage is put on the luggage train, there is no extra charge if you bring 50 lb or more, bring something to wrap yourself warm for my sitting room is sometimes very cold considering summer time, there are, at times, sudden chills which I wish to guard you against- This is a beautiful day, I have been to Barnet this morning thirteen miles, I was back by 1/4 after 1 oC a very pleasant walk, we had a rough night of thunder and rain last wednesday . If you wish for any further information by all means write to me, it will be my delight to answer you- With respect to any pecuniary means, I shall be too happy to furnish you with what you may want when you get here
My sweetest Love Yours most Affectionately
Thos. Waters
My kindest love to my dear good children, I am so glad that they get up early in the morning, the Almighty will be good to them when they are so good to Mamma and to each other, and I shall ever love them, my little Nancy will love her papa when he comes home again as well as Jane and Sarah and the rest of his nice dear children