[Thomas Waters to his parents]
Addressed to Mrs or Capt Waters R.M., Surbiton Hill, Kingston on Thames
Surrey, England
Baltimore. Dec llth/45
Dear Father and Mother
I arrived in New York late on Saturday night Nov 29th and on Monday morning following I signed articles on board of the Rochester and sailed on Wednesday for this port where we arrived at two 0 clock this morning, we had a rough passage crossing the Atlantic, about a week’s sail from London we passed a ship’s longboat bottom up, I suppose the last but unavailing refuge of some unfortunate castaways. I only stop’d Sunday ashore for I took the first chance good or bad that offered, I am right down sick of the shore for a little time at any rate, and I feel twice as well writing now this letter in a vessel’s cabin than I did in London with bricks and mortar over my head, I dont want for anything my chest is chock a block full but I could make room in it for a few letters especially if they had Waters or Butterworth at the end, you promised me one for this Xmas, if I get one from You and Uncle at that time I shall think that my salt beef and duff is roast beef and plum pudding of Old England. I shall spend this Xmas like I have all the rest lately – at sea- never mind, some of these times I will spend it ashore with all of you. I received three letters at Capt Gelstons two from home and one from H.Watson rather early dates somewhere about last Xmas. I wish you would be so kind as to send me a list of all the clothes and other things with their prices you gave me. I had a letter ready to send in New York but the Post office was shut on Sunday, and Monday I was busy aboard and the next day we started, a poor excuse is better than none I suppose you will say.– Two of the sailors onboard the Brooklin were put on board by the American Consul at London. they had been cast away in a whaler after being in her three years, they were then Homeward bound and expected to be home in two or three months with the price of their hard earned oil when they were driven ashore and lost all except their lives. that was about two years ago now. instead they are going home without money or clothes but still they are as merry as the rest when they have dry clothes on (Such is life) as one of Mary’s letter seal’s say’s. I am much obliged to John for his blankets etc. I hope you will all send me a letter a piece no excuse will be taken from the following: My Mother, sisters, brothers, Uncle, Aunt, cousins, and friends. Ben I suppose is at Liverpool by this time I hope he is well. Mary must give me a full account of the distant climes which she lately visited with her adventures etc, I shall not forget my promise to her the next time I get home indeed I won’t. I wish Eliz would make me a worsted watch pocket – begging as usual – the rolling of the vessel hurts my watch it could come in one of her letters. Uncle must excuse me writing this time hardly a wink of sleep hut plenty of work the last three nights and I shall have to turn out early in the morning, night is the only time I have and not much of that either.
Remember me to John Harris.
I wish you that which you wish me,- A very happy Christmas and a merry New Year. some of these day’s I will say it to your faces instead of writing it I dont forget Anne Hindel or Joseph.
I remain
Your affectionate son
Thomas Waters
Tell Uncle and Cousin Jane where to direct their letters to me
please to direct for Thomas Waters
320 Pearl Street
Roland Gelstons home for Seamen
New York
U.S.N.A.