[Thomas Waters to his parents]
[from a transcript] 24
Boston. 9 July 1848
Dear Father and Mother
Upon my arrival in Digby I was much pleased by receiving two letters, one from Home and one from Ben which were very welcome, the more so as I alone was left aboard, the Capt, all hands and the darky cook having gone ashore to their homes and friends who welcomed them to their homeward port, even the big dog notwithstanding my coaxing jump’d overboard and swam ashore leaving me alone, but still I am as comfortable as can be for when they are downhearted, bidding their friends good bye, I having no welcomes here have no farewells, so I am square with them after all. When you receive a letter from me do you have to pay much postage, I pay when I put them in but it is only a few cents and when I receive yours I only have to pay the same about three pence. Your money newspapers would come safe and would be very welcome. It would astonish you to see the quantity of wild strawberries in the fields of Nova Scotia, I can safely say that I have eaten more in one day here than ever I did altogether in my life before at any other place. Dear Mother in your letter you said you thought I had forgotten you, do not think so again for believe me were you in my place and to see all the others happy in the anticipation of home and talking of who they expect to see etc, you, no matter how estranged would think of those you loved at home. It does not always lay in my power to write home and when I might very often I have not the chance. I hope some day again to see you all but I have no news to write, the owners are very kind to me. I have not been to Halifax for my clothes yet but I have a chest well filled. I got your letters the 24th June. I am now in Boston but direct your letters to the same place. I am much obliged to Eliz for her news and some day will initiate her in the magic writing but c anno til by post. I am glad to hear that Mary and Uncle, Aunt, and cousins are quite well and hope they will be always so. Ben’s letter I am much obliged for. Hoping my Dear Father and Mother you are quite well and my Brother and Sisters and all friends
I remain
Your affectionate son
Thomas Waters
Do not be uneasy if I do not write to you for some time for it is no use writing without any news to send.