From Thomas Waters Jr. to his brother Benjamin Waters (July 15, 1851)

[Thomas Waters to his brother Benjamin]

[from a transcript]

Boston. 15 July 1851

Dear Brother Ben

I believe I promised to write to you but unavoidable circumstances have hindered me from doing so.  I have been very busy rigging the vessel of which I own a part and likewise helping to rig Captain Dakin’s vessel which is called the Scotia and is now on her passage to Liverpool and you will see Captain Dakin and W. Dakin, two of my wife’s uncles, they are fine industrious enterprising men, real Americans, their education has all been in practice.  I hope if you should see them you will give them all the information you can.  Americans like they are rather fond of showy dress.  I think they would like to be introduced to Mr Bake. 

The vessel of which I own a quarter is called the Antelope, built expressly for coasting to the United States and West Indies and is a remarkably fast sailor, all legs and wings.  My Father in Law, Mr J. Dakin built her.  Dear Ben, no soft soap, but if when you are home, if it is not too much trouble, you would much oblige me to pack up that mill, or see it packed up in a stout case and forward it to St John’s New Brunswick by the first ship, it would help me to save considerably and at present I am much in need of savings.  The direction is Mr E. Dakin, Digby to be forwarded by Digby Packet.  Of course it will have to be taken to pieces and marked before being packed.  I would not ask you to trouble yourself but I am not likely to see England for many years therefore cannot get it myself. Pay the freight and I will remit the amount to you the first opportunity.  Nova Scotia is very pleasant.  Round our house the squirrels and birds are very plentiful especially humming birds, I live in the middle of an orchard, I am as comfortable as I well can be, keep very healthy and I hope you are the same.  I am now on my passage to Boston, we receive papers regularly and they are very welcome, even in our quiet small town we have Exhibition bonnets, brooches, handkerchiefs etc [the Great Exhibition, or the Crystal Palace Exhibition, of 1851].  I am afraid Uncle is offended at me for not writing but I have been very busy indeed lately and could not.  I hope Mary is well, I suppose she will be at home this summer, I should like to hear from her.  I am much obliged to you for your recipes.  I suppose you have heard of the new style of dress the women here have adopted called the Bloomer costume, it consists of hat, short frock and Turkish trousers; it is not in fashion with us, only with the Yankees.  I am much obliged to you for papers and hope you will send as many as possible. Remember me to Mr and Mrs Bake and tell Uncle he is next on the list for a letter likewise Mary.  With kind remembrances

  I remain

 Your affectionate brother

     Thomas