From Joseph Waters to his mother Elizabeth Waters (December 18, 1836)

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

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

Dec.^r 18th/36 (1836)

My Dear Mother,

We left the lizard on the 26th of Aug.^t and arrived at Calcutta on the 9th of Dec.^r  The river is as crooked as the Serpentine and although it is only a hundred and odd miles to Calcutta, we were four days beating up. About 1/2 a mile from Calcutta, the prospect & irregularity of the river, suddenly ceases and presents a most magnificent & luscious sight to the beholder. It is perfectly strait from the last reach to Calcutta and on either side Palaces & houses of the most beautiful and fantastic sculpture meet your eye. We experienced such very bad weather coming out, and one night we were nearly on our beam ends. Hark what the log says !!! Nov.^r 4th/36. “3 A.M. A tremendous squall, which laid her on her beam ends” (Hark) “the rudder being thus rendered powerless, the ships head came up in the wind- when she gradually rightened. Every thing adrift on deck went overboard viz a new fore top mast studsail & sundry other articles of less consequence, much water went down the main hatchway over the lee coomings”  You can easily fancy what a way she must have been in, when I tell you that the Cook’s coppers, under the top gall^t forecastle were filled with the water & they stand about 4 1/2 ft off the decks. One night I & Mr Christie were standing on the weather side of the Companion, when suddenly a wave came over her weather quarter, washed Mr C. into the Lee scuppers & would have served me in the same manner, if I had not clung to the Companion. She is however a regular clipper & although there are a great number of fine vessels in the harbour, yet she universally takes the superiority, both in the point of beauty & sailing.  Mr C. is extremely kind to me and is one whom I may truly call my friend. I belong (as I told you before) to his watch, consequently he keeps me from getting into bad company viz making too free with the sailors. Harbour changes my situation greatly – We have got 20 Black gemmen on board (Lascars I mean) [Lascar – sailor from India or southeast Asia] and I have nothing to do but to keep myself clean, and look after them.  Mr C. lends me what money I want, which the Captain will return him out of the fifteen pounds. Remember me particularly to Mr Ritchie, Mr Laird & the Nichols — tell them I shall never forget their kindness towards me.  Also to Mr La fague. tell him I have often drunk his health over a glass of grog.  I like the sea and have enjoyed good health during the passage.  Mr Christi sends his compts. to you, Mr Ritchie & Mr Laird. The Sesostris is moored right abreast of us. Tell Papa that I am now beginning to throw off my boyish tricks and to think and act like a man. I have not (by the bye) forgotten those wise proverbs of his at the beginning of his old fashioned prayer book. Dear mother I now conclude hoping that every blessing may fall upon you- my father- my sisters & my brothers. Tell Mary that silks of every description are very cheap. I hope she is well. Tell her I will send her home some after I have made one trip to China. Tell Jack that if he was here he should have a good ride in a Palanquin. Tom that he should have fruits of all sorts & sizes Ben that he should have a wife & Liz a husband (for they marry here at 6 years old) and give dear little Sarah a kiss and a lump of candy for Joseph. I hope you will soon have Papa home. I hope he and you both enjoy your healths. Dear mother I must now clap a stopper on my pen never forgetting to act in a way against your principles (sic) but always

Remaining your obedient

       And affectionate Son

           Joseph Waters

P.S. I hope you will have spent a happy Christmas and a merry New Year. Remember me to all my acquaintance both great & small. Let me hear all the news.

P.S. There is no such person as Gibson in Calcutta. I am much troubled with sore throat. Address to Mr Livingston & Syers Calcutta.    J W

(On back of letter) Address to Mess^rs Livingston Syers & Co Calcutta

(Marked) received the 14th April 1837