[Thomas Waters to his parents, Captain Thomas & Elizabeth Waters]
[from a transcript]
I
16th April 1840
Gravesend
Dear Mother
Hoping you are quite well and all the rest. We’ve arrived off Gravesend this evening at about 6’0’Clock having been tow’d down. As yet I like the Ship, crew and captain very well, the boatsteerer who Mr Street spoke to me about is extremely kind, my hammock’s on board and I’ve got a good berth in the half deck being the only apprentice that’s allowed to be there, there’s three more apprentices besides myself. Thanks to John and Harry for getting me the books and to Mary for the jest book, it was very acceptable. It is just about 1/2 past 12 P.M. that I’m writing this having just kept my watch. I hope Papa is quite well. You must excuse this writing and mistakes if there are any as I’m rather sleepy, we took on board the livestock at about 9’0’Clock
I remain
Yours ever affectionately
Thomas Waters
P.S. We expect to sail on Saturday.-