From Joseph Waters to his father Thomas Waters Sr. (March 21, 1838)

[Joseph Waters to his father Captain Thomas Waters R.M.]

Addressed to Capt Waters (R.M. heavily added in another ink)

King St, Woolwich, Kent

March 21st 1838 

Whampoa

Dear Father,

The letter I now send you is written on board of a small schooner in the river Tigris about 10 miles from Canton. I am employed in rather a dangerous trade – smuggling opium from Lintin [Nei Lingding] up to the Great City – I am I assure you obliged to keep a good look out for the Mandarines – as they have the strictest orders from their king to slay the barbarian smugglers and to burn the drug found in the boat.- I really cannot describe to you the grandeur of the scenery on this river – the tremendous and barren mountains – the paddy fields and pastures on the flats – the grotesque villages with their tall pagodas in the centre – peeping from between the hills – the groups of Tancar boats in the river – pulled & steered by neatly dressed young females – the immense forts – the huge junks & the European shipping at Whampoa, all unite to confuse a good description.  I have not yet visited Canton but I have been close under it in the night time. Europeans are daily dying here owing to their drinking spirit called “Samshew” [samshu]. Mr Christi is at present Captain of the brig and has taken her two voyages up the West coast of China, as far as Tienpack – when I saw him last he was quite well. I have paid him 50 rs twenty of which I gained upon my cheroots.  I am really very much alarmed at not having received a letter from either my mother or you – Although I take the greatest care of my clothes it is impossible to find them without borrowing – I am 80 rupees in debt now & could not avoid it, it really hurts my feelings when I let you know this, but I am in hopes that if ever you hear of my conduct since I left you it will satisfy you that I am not the same as I once was. I hope you – my mother – my sisters & brothers are all as well as I am at present. Capt Young is quite well – I remain my Dear father

Your dutiful son 

        Jos^h Waters

Mr Christi & the Capt are as kind as ever to me.