From Thomas Waters Jr. to his parents, Elizabeth Waters and Thomas Waters Sr. (July 1856)

[Thomas Waters to his parents]

[original: envelope missing]

Glasgow

July (1856)

Dear Father & Mother

This is my last letter to you till I get to Melbourne as I am now off.  I received your last letter and was glad to hear you are well.  I received 2 letters from Amy and I am happy to say all are well home.  Amy seems rather lowspirited about my long voyage and seems to dread much her coming confinement but I trust all will turn out for the best.  I had the pleasure of Mary’s company last Sunday, she came for Ed. who was sick (I guess of work and the sea) I do hope he will now give up the sea especially as Aunt so much desires it, for it is as Aunt says a low life tho’ there is lower even in a worldly sense.

Ben seems pleased with the idea of Nova Scotia – poor fellow he has struggled manfully against discouragement and has met with very very small reward and I am afraid is not likely to improve for I think he is breaking down thro’ hopelessness.  Like the fable of a bundle of sticks if we keep together we will strengthen one another.  I do not propose for Ben to go to Nova Scotia under the idea that I will help him but with the idea that we will help each other, for I really think we can do well there.  At any rate I will have a home ready for him which will save him some hard rubs and if he likes at any time he can return tho’ I do not think he will ever want to, for if his taste is like mine he will enjoy the country and the work will actually be half pleasure for when one sees a fair prospect ahead it enlivens the way to it. He writes to me much more cheerfully than he used and I think I see by his letters a liveliness that was wanting before, indeed he says he wishes the time to pass quick so that we can try our fortunes together.  I can almost fancy now seeing Mary with my little ones in her arms and them calling her Aunty and Ben walking with me thro’ the woods and over our own farm watching squirrils and hares run by.  I think we will realize peace and quietness with competance

with best love to Father & Mother and all at home

  I remain

Your affectionate

  son Thomas