From Thomas Waters to his brother Benjamin Waters (June 15, 1852)

[Thomas Waters to his brother Benjamin]

June 15th 1852/At sea

Dear Brother

I received your letter with the fifty pound note enclosed and now I know I have a Brother. I hope it may be in my power to help you some time but I hope against hope for I hope you may never be in need. I can truly say I am much obliged to you and will return it as soon as possible. I received the letter just as I was departing for Boston consequently I must put this in the Boston post office. I shall try to get a freight to St.John from Boston and then I can get it cash’d – freights have been very dull but I think they will soon improve. Perhaps I may go in the vessel to Australia if we can sell the vessel in shares to each passenger, and then sell the vessel out there and go to the diggings, stop there a few years and return to healthy Nova Scotia. Of course I shall leave my wife and child behind, Digby I think is as pretty a place as there is in the world at least as far as my knowledge goes. The sea seems to have a grudge against me but patience and perseverance may overcome it. I think you would do well to set up for yourself, for you must know the business well by this time. I hope you enjoy good health and spirits. It looks very pleasant ashore, the cherry trees are in full bloom with humming birds flying round and sucking the honey out of the blossoms. We have a great many different kinds of birds here in Summer but very few in Winter. You must excuse the badness of this writing for there is an ugly short sea running and moreover I have some cabin passengers who are all the time bothering me. I shall write again when I draw the money. You have seen Capt Dakin by this time but his wife is home

I remain

Your affectionate brother

        Thomas

Excuse the shortness of this letter.

I hope all are well home as we are.