From Joseph Waters to his mother Elizabeth Waters (August 12, 1836)

[Joseph Waters to his mother, Elizabeth Waters née Butterworth]

Addressed to Mrs Capt. Waters, King St., Woolwich, Kent

Aug.^t 12th/36 (1836)

My Dear Mother,

My chest is still in the rigging house and every thing is all right in it. If it is possible for you to send up the Morocco case of instruments – pray do it? The first mate asked me this morning whether I had brought them and when I said “No” he told me I was very foollish. You had best let John take them to Captain Attwater who, I have no doubt will bring them to me. We will sail to Morrow. There is another young gent. coming on board but he has been to sea before. Directly you receive this letter. send John up to Cap.^t A.  I arrived at Blackwall by 1/2.7 oclock. 

If Cap.^t Atwater cannot take it send a letter. I hope you my dear Papa and all my brothers and sisters are well. Tell them I shall never never forget them and I hope that when I come home they will see a mate of a vessel. I have not time to write to Papa.

I remain your

          most affectionate child

                           J Waters

P.S. I gave Mr Christie your letter.  J W

(Mother has pencilled in a copy of her answer or of an explanatory note to her husband) 

I have given John a shilling and told him Captain Atwater would tell him were [sic] the ship was, indeed Miss Atwater whent [sic] with him to the ship and it was 9 oclock at night before John left Grenwich [sic], he was not home till ten.

(and under the P.S. pencilled by mother) It was a note thanking that gentleman for the kindness he had shown to Joseph.