From John Waters to his mother Elizabeth Waters (August 5, 1844)

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

Addressed to Mrs Capt Waters, King Street, Woolwich

Postdated AU 5 1844

5th 8 Mo/44

   Wapping

Dear Mamma.

I was pleased to read Tom’s Letter and am glad he has written home. I think there is again hope of seeing him soon. I have enquired about him on board the Fawn, the Capt. speaks well of him, he says he can never forget the attention Tom paid him during his illness, and the main cause of his leaving the vessel is his dislike to the trade. He has an inventory of the few things he left behind such as Quadrant, Dressing Case, Watch, Tablet etc. and if the owners do not dispose of them the Capt. will give them up to me. The Capt had to pay 20 Dollars to secure Thomas after his first leaving the vessel, he dare not send his men on the island to bring him back or they would have escaped, he therefore hired some and paid them. It appears that Thomas very nearly lost his life on his first attempt to escape, he and another lad tied a number of clothes round their body and swam in the nighttime towards the shore but before they reached it they had to dispense with their clothing, the one lad was caught directly he landed, the other Escaped.

I thought I might call at the Office and hear what they say of Tom. Thanking Ben for his trouble and kindness and hoping you are all well.

I Remain      Affectionately Yours

     John Waters