[Thomas Waters to his parents]
[from a transcript] 34
18 September 1850
Digby. Nova Scotia
Dear Father and Mother
We arrived here this day 18th Sept after a seven months absence in which time we have had very fine weather with the exception of one storm and that was of short duration but while it lasted it was terrific, more especially as we had a rocky bound lee shore not a mile distant. The Capt and myself in the first part of the day had been congratulating ourselves on the speedy termination which we were likely to have of our voyage (it was Sunday and with a fair wind we were running all sail set close to the Nova Scotia shore within a few hours sail of our destination), when the wind which had been fair suddenly shifted and brought that shore which we had previously regarded with joy to be our greatest dread, deeply laden, our sails split, almost on our beam ends and a rocky shore close to us under our lee now hidden by the intense darkness of the night, we had little expectation of ever seeing daylight again, however we set our storm sails and crowded good canvas until it was doubtful whether we would perish in a capsized vessel or be dashed on the rocks and those rocks already the tombstone of many wrecked mariners, when the wind favoured us a few points and under easy sail in a short time we were as safe as if in our beds ashore. The mail does not start from here for several days therefore I shall not finish this letter until a certain event has happened. Saturday 22nd Sept. This afternoon at 3 O’clock I was married to Miss Amaret Dakin, the eldest daughter of John Dakin Esq of Marshal Town Digby. I would have informed you as in duty bound but had not made up my mind before and asked your consent, although I believe if I have made a bad choice I shall be the chief sufferer, but still I think you would have no objection to the person of my choice, her father is the eldest brother of those in whose employ I have been, he is a farmer and occasionally builds ships and is likewise a magistrate, much respected though not rich, I have partly come to agreement for building a share of a vessel to be launched in the Spring. I am now going Master of the Brig in which I came to London and calculate to start off, though much against my wife’s inclination, in a week’s time (make hay while the sun shines) with perseverance and economy I hope to push my way through life.
We were married by License by the Rev. Thos. Maynard in the church at Marshal town. I have furnished a nice place and commenced housekeeping in Digby, of course I have still money left to pay my part of the vessel. I would wish to send a large piece of wedding cake but the distance is too far, although I shall save some for a month or so and if I have a chance shall send a piece.
Mrs Waters sends her best respects and love to her new Father and Mother and to Sisters and Brother likewise to Uncle and Aunt etc. A continuance of the newspapers now I have a home would be very acceptable. I received a letter from home the day we arrived here. I would write to Uncle but my time is so short that I must put it off, with kind remembrance to all
I remain
Your affectionate son
Thomas Waters
P.S. Direct the newspapers to Mrs Waters Digby but my letters direct to me as usual.