[Joseph Waters to his parents, Captain Thomas & Elizabeth Waters]
Addressed to Capt.T.Waters, King St , Woolwich, Kent
per Fitzherbert
Address to Mr Livingston & Syers Calcutta
March 27th/37 (1837)
Antonio Pereira
My Dear Parents,
Once more I write from Calcutta, not having received a letter from either of you. Pray send one quick. I want to hear some news. I’ll send you plenty. Our ship has beat every one of the clippers! She has beaten up the China Sea in 21 days. Lintin is an island but very highland [Nei Lingding Island]. it has a small village & is only famous for the shelter it gives from the S.W.Monsoons. I did not go ashore as we only stopped there 3 days. I went along with the Capt to Mecoa [sic] [Macao] one night – but could not leave the boat to go ashore. I do not like either China or its inhabitants. I sent all my light clothes ashore at Mecoa to get washed but sailed so quick that we were obliged to leave them behind. Perhaps I shall get them again Perhaps not. I am going to get a fit out at Calcutta which will make a regular hole in my rupees. The Capt is very kind to me. I am doing very well. I live aft this voyage. I serve the grog out – keep all the stores – eat aft with the Capt. keep the Ships log – & have got charge of the hold. For all these I have to thank Mr Christie whom my heart says I never can forget.
I shall soon learn the language. I hope that Miss Gibsons brother is not dead – her letter is all safe in my chest. The last time I was in Calcutta I lost my pea jacket, the loss of which I feel very much as they are very expensive in Calcutta, when we were coming from China we lost one of the Lascars overboard. There was a very heavy sea on at the time and it blew very fresh – we were going about ten knots – we hauled up our headsails – braced the main-yards up lowered away the gig, but did not succeed in picking him up. I hope all at home are well. I am very well. Remember me to my friends – every one of them. Particularly to Mr Laird – Mr Ritchie – Mr La Fague & the Nichols. I hope you have heard from the Molesworths – let me know. I hope Mr Barry is quite well. Do my brothers continue at his school. Papa I hope has returned from his recruiting station. Dont forget to give little Sarah a thousand kisses for me. My quadrant is a very bad one. I use Mr Christie’s. Murrey does not like the sea and is now on board the Mary Somerville Jackson, bound to London. I know the Captain very well if ever you see the ships name in the newspapers pay it a visit. How is Harry Stansfield, Mr Christi is quite well. He desires to he remembered to you, Mr Laird and Mr Ritchie. How is Mary? I should like to send her a painting of this craft, when we were laying to in a heavy gale of wind up the China Sea. I hope that Mary-John-Tom-Ben. Elizabeth & Sarah are as well as I am. You all have my best wishes, but avanst heaving. My sheet is filled & I must clap a stopper on my pen. Adieu
I remain my dear father & mother
Your ever affectionate son
Joseph Waters
I am writing this letter at a time that I ought to be lending a hand to unmoor ship, we have just got our anchors up & are now under weigh for China. Ask Mr La Eargue to write to me & to give me an introduction to Mr Rice. J W