From Thomas Waters Jr. to his parents, Elizabeth Waters and Thomas Waters Sr. (March 10, 1853)

[Thomas Waters to his parents]

[from a transcript]

     10 march 1853

Brig Huron, St John’s, N.B.

Dear Father and Mother

I expect to sail from this port about the 12th of this month for Port Glasgow and hope to arrive there by the middle of April and to find a letter from you on my arrival.  I am in the employ of E.D.Jewett & Co who wrote over to me two months since asking if I would go Master of their vessel, at the same time I got an offer from another person to the same effect but as Messrs Jewett offered me the best chance I took up with them, I had never seen either of the parties before they wrote to me. Messrs Jewett & Co offered me either a part of their vessel to buy or ten pounds a month wages, or to sail the vessel on shares, the last of which offers I took; consequently I run the risk of not making anything and again of making extra good wages.  Of course I made as good calculations as I could as to the chances both ways.  Messrs Dakin think with ordinary luck I may make double wages and that I have a very good offer.  We are nearly loaded.  The Brig’s name is Huron of St John’s N.B. and the direction for me Thomas Waters, Master of Brig Huron of St John’s, N.B., Glasgow.  Taking the vessel on shares causes me to lay out a large sum of money but I have the freight insured, she is a dull sailor so I dont expect to make a quick trip, she is larger than Dakin’s Brig Scotia.  We are all well home considering circumstances as I expect an addition to my family before next winter.  Lizzie runs about and tries to talk. I feel leaving home more than I used before I had a daughter, though it is only for a short time.  Amy is all I could wish for in a wife and endeavours to help me to save.  I think Lizzie looks like her Grandfather Waters she is growing tall.      Dakins have sold their vessel which they were building at a profitable rate, ships are in demand and freights high.  It is a pity I am not bound to Liverpool or London as then I could see all home once more. I shall write when I arrive at Glasgow.  I hope Ben is doing well and in good health, I would like to see him much, in fact I would like to see all hands but I have no expectation to see any without it is Ben, but he has been to Scotland before.  I have not heard from Uncle for some time, I hope he is doing well and that he and all his family are in good health.  I hope you will write to Amy as often as possible to cheer her up as she is very downhearted about my leaving home.  Remember me to Aunt Totness and all enquiring friends.  I expect Jane and Nancy are big girls by this time.  Some day I will be home I hope to spin them another yarn of long ago, sometimes when I think of them and those that are gone it makes the water start from my upper daylights. 

I would like to show you my wife and daughter and they would like to see you for Amy knows though my body is in Nova Scotia, my heart is in Old England and I feel though I have a kind wife that I am still only a stranger.  With best love to Father and Mother, Sisters and Brother, Uncle and Aunts

  I remain

 Your affectionate son

T.Waters

I wish very much to have your daguerotypes if you will send them to me (I mean my Father and Mother)  I will send you Amy and Lizzie’s as I have them with me.