From Thomas Waters Jr. to his parents, Elizabeth Waters and Thomas Waters Sr. (October 7, 1870)

[Thomas Waters to his parents]

[original: envelope missing]

      “Wealth of Nations” Off the ‘Ness

  October 7th 1870

Dear Father and Mother

We are now off off and away and I think I have got the best crew that I ever had, my Pilot says he never saw such a fine set and well behaved – nearly all are foreigners – Swedes, Danes, Russians, Fins, Norwegians.  I had the pick as my last crew, some of whom are still with me, gave the ship an extra good name.  I received a letter from Amy forwarded by Ben just in the nick of time, Amy wants some of you to write to her,  the baby is sick teething and cannot walk yet.  I shall have a good rest after we get clear of the English Channel.  The wind is ahead at present, we towed to the Girdler,  Sailed from the dock Thursday (Oct 6th) 11 A.M. anchored at Gravesend for me to join her as I was detained by business in London until 2 P.M. the same day anchored off Southend at dark and got underweigh early next morning steamer ahead.  I wish you to thank Ben for his kindness to me and with much love I remain

Your ever affect.ⁿ

Son Thomas Waters

all in the Downs our ship lay moored etc

  8 P.M. at anchor     Wind ahead